9 HIDDEN GEMS IN QUEENSTOWN

Having lived here for a couple of years, there are times when it’s hard to believe there are any hidden gems in Queenstown left. Especially on a busy weekend, when people are seemingly everywhere.

But it only takes a little bit of effort to escape the crowds and find somewhere off the beaten path in Queenstown. If you know where to go.

So here are some of the best hidden gems in Queenstown based on spending a couple of years here. I’ve tried to cover a variety of experiences too.

1. TAKE THE EPIC RIDGELINE BACK FROM BEN LOMOND

Reaching the top of Ben Lomond is something I wish everyone would/should/could experience in Queenstown. It’s an awesome hike, better than Roys Peak and Isthmus Peak.

The main track is well-trodden, but there’s a little detour you can take on the return that’s awesome.

Rather than coming back exactly the same way as you came, you can go via what is called Jan’s Peak. In doing so, you’ll get to hike on one of, if not my favorite ridgelines near Queenstown.

In the screenshot below, you’d follow the green line…weirdly it’s not marked on the topomap. But there’s an obvious trail to follow.

The benefits?

• some unique views looking over Queenstown (better than from Skyline)
• don’t have to walk the exact same way back
• might get to see some paragliders take off
• doesn’t take much longer
• you often won’t see anyone on that section of the track

RELATED: THIS IS THE BEST TOPO MAP APP FOR OFF THE PATH HIKES

2. HEAD TO SEARCHLIGHT FOR A CRAFT BEER

I wasn’t sure whether to include Beech Tree or Searchlight in this post, but I’ll go with the latter given its location.

Located in an industrial area of Queenstown (it’s hardly industrial) it’s not located in a place where people will stumble across it, keeping this spot as one of Queenstown’s hidden gems. The industrial aspect adds to the brewery feel.

Searchlight isn’t big, but it’s cool being able to see a glimpse of the brewery from the seating, and they’ve always got some new brewing.

As I was writing this they launched a beer called Cones Town Lager. A nice jab at the roadworks in Queenstown that are seemingly neverending. They’re a fun brand with good beer.

It’s a fun spot for a craft beer in a Queenstown!

p.s. Beech Tree is pretty good too 😉

3. GO CANYONING

There are lots of adrenaline activities in Queenstown, but one you’ll rarely hear about is out in Gibbston where you can go canyoning with Canyoning New Zealand.

This is a great spot to go canyoning for first-timers as there’s nothing too crazy about the tasks involved (you’ll always be a little nervous) but you get to do a variety of things like abseiling and sliding off waterfalls.

And if you don’t want to make your own way to Gibbston they can pick you up from Queenstown. The only downfall is that they only run tours over the summer months.

4. START SATURDAY RIGHT WITH PARKRUN

I don’t get to attend that often (work etc), but if you’re looking for an awesome way to start your Saturdays, head to Parkrun Queenstown. And no, you don’t have to run it necessarily.

If you’re familiar with Parkrun, I won’t need to say much more than be at the gondola in the Queenstown Gardens at 9 am (8 am in the summer months), and they then head to Yonder for coffee/tea and chats afterward. Make sure to check the Facebook Page updates as there may be a costume theme from time to time 😀

If you’re new to Parkrun, it’s a global thing, where a 5km course is set up. There’s no competition aspect to it, you can go as fast or as slow as you like. Make sure to signup on the website beforehand so you can get a barcode that will be scanned to give you an official time.

Parkrun is a great way to meet locals, and see an area of Queenstown (or wherever you attend Parkrun) you might not otherwise see. They’re great fun!

5. EXPLORE BOBS COVE (IT LOOKS SO TROPICAL)

I would have thought this place would be a popular destination, and I’m sure on some days it is. But after working at Macpac for a year, I’ve found that most visitors to Queenstown planning to drive the beautiful road to Glenorchy haven’t considered stopping here.

It’s a stunning little cove, and when I flew over Bob’s Cove on a scenic flight from Milford Sound, it looked so tropical!

There’s a short walk to the cove where there’s a jetty you can hang out on and jump off, but you should really go and complete the full Bob’s Cove Track as the views from the lookout are awesome, and possible better than the new Bennett’s Bluff viewpoint.

6. GRAB A BITE FROM FERGBAKER AFTER MIDNIGHT

*Fergbaker sometimes reduces their hours making this hidden gem redundant.
Everyone has heard of Fergburger, but they’ve taken over that whole area seemingly with the additions of the Fergbaker, Fergbar, and Mrs. Ferg.

So while visiting Fergburger isn’t exactly off the beaten path, the bakery becomes a gem after midnight when a lot of the stock is reduced to half price. Now that’s a great way to soak up the booze before you hit the hay, or if you’re clever, to have some deliciousness the night after.

7. EXPLORE THE SPECTACULAR SKIPPERS CANYON

I LOVE SKIPPERS CANYON.

It’s an area that doesn’t get visited that often by locals, let alone out of towners (except over the Christmas Holidays). Part of that is the road has a dangerous reputation, and probably rightfully so.

But as long as you’ve got a 4WD car, and are a confident driver, make the effort to get down to Skippers (check with DOC beforehand to ask about the road). If you’re not confident about the drive all the way down, you can head to Skippers Saddle which is just off the Coronet Peak Road and consider doing one of the following hikes:

• Devils Creek Track
• Atleys Track

Both take you to the summit of Mount Dewar which is spectacular.

The drive has some amazing views and rock formations along the way. Once you get down to Skippers itself, you’ve got some historic sites like the school and cemetery (you can camp down here too).

And then you’ve got a host of walks. Some short ones, and some longer ones including a few huts which make for a great overnight hike close to Queenstown:

• Crystal Hut
• Dynamo Hut
• Bullendale Hut

8. WONDER THROUGH LITTLE PARADISE (WILD DREAM GARDEN)

This is another stop on the way to Glenorchy. You might notice the sign, but they don’t do much if any advertising so other than if you’re super curious or have received advice to stop here via word of mouth you’d probably just drive on past.

But this is another one of the Queenstown hidden gems I highly recommend. The majority of the place has come about by the hard work of one man. You’ll come across sculptures that’ll puzzle your brain, an amazing variety of flowers and plants, and a massive eel (eels make me nervous :p ).

Entry fee is $15 for the garden but they’ve got accommodation options too. Checkout more at Little Paradise.

9. ENJOY A GOLD COIN MEDITATION SESSION

For a relatively small destination, there’s so much to do in Queenstown. Sherwood is a popular Queenstown restaurant and hotel but what’s not so well known is there wellness space.

If you’re a fan of meditation, make an effort to pop into the weekly meditation sessions that start at 7.30 pm every Thursday.

It’s a gold coin donation with mats and cushions provided. The instructor, Claire, is great and you’ll be taken on a meditative journey that differs every week. I often find myself zoning out, but there’s zero judgment from Claire and it’s a great intro to meditation if you haven’t been before.

Afterward, head to the bar downstairs, or if you’re there on the last Thursday of the month there’s an awesome original open mic night hosted in the barn.

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Queenstown is a very touristy destination, but like always, you can find things that are left field and most people wouldn’t have considered doing.

I’d love to know if you get to visit any of these hidden gems in Queenstown. Leave a comment below or email jub@churnewzealand.com.