Queenstown Lakes and Doubtful Sound in Depth

Steamship to Walter Peak Farm, the Glenorchy valley, the lone tree at Wanaka, and Doubtful Sound, with all nights spent in Queenstown.

Stay four nights in downtown Queenstown and explore from there. Take the TSS Earnslaw steamer to Walter Peak Farm, enjoy a short walk in Glenorchy and on the Routeburn Track, drive the Crown Range Road to Wanaka, and join a tour to the quieter Doubtful Sound. On the last day, wrap up in Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley. The pace is comfortable and suits travellers who want to avoid the crowds at Milford and prefer lake and mountain scenery.

The Glenorchy road and the Crown Range Road can ice over in winter, so carry snow chains.

Day by day

Day 1 · Steamship and Walter Peak Farm

Queenstown & Wanaka（TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak、Queenstown Gardens）

The airport is about 20 minutes from downtown. The TSS Earnslaw departs from the downtown wharf, about 45 minutes one way.

At the farm you can book a barbecue lunch or dinner and a sheep-shearing demonstration in advance.

Stay: Queenstown Centre

Day 2 · Short Walks in Glenorchy and Routeburn

Queenstown & Wanaka（Glenorchy、Routeburn Track、Moke Lake）

Drive about 45 minutes along the lake road to Glenorchy, then 25 minutes to the Routeburn Track trailhead. Allow a full day for the round trip.

From the Routeburn, you can walk as far as Routeburn Flats and turn back. That takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Stay: Queenstown Centre

Day 3 · Crown Range Road to Wanaka

Queenstown & Wanaka（Crown Range Road Summit Lookout、Cardrona Hotel、That Wanaka Tree、Wānaka Township & Lakefront、Puzzling World）

Take the Crown Range Road for about 1 hour to Wanaka. Return via the Kawarau Gorge through Cromwell, about 1 hour.

The lone tree is best lit at dawn or dusk. Without a car, you can take an InterCity bus.

Stay: Queenstown Centre

Day 4 · Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Te Anau & Fiordland（Lake Manapouri、Doubtful Sound / Patea）

Take a coach from downtown at 7:30 a.m. to Manapouri, cross the lake, go over Wilmot Pass, then take a cruise of about 3 hours. The full day lasts about 13 hours.

There is no mobile signal on the sound. Meals on the boat are at your own expense, so bring warm clothing.

Stay: Queenstown Centre

Day 5 · Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley Wine Country

Queenstown & Wanaka（Lake Hayes、Arrowtown、Gibbston Valley）

It is about 25 minutes from downtown to Arrowtown, then about 15 minutes to Gibbston, and about 20 minutes back to the airport.

Do not drive after wine tasting. Join a winery tour or a cycling tour instead.

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