From snow-capped peaks of mountain ranges in winter to vibrant blue lakes all year round, the breathtaking scenery of Queenstown, New Zealand, is simply unrivalled anywhere in the world.
Whether you want a quick photo stop at the Devil’s Staircase or a day hike up Ben Lomond, Queenstown’s spectacular landscape is accessible to everyone. Check out our list of some of the South Island’s most unmissable lookout spots here.
1. Take the Skyline Gondola ride up 480 m to Bob’s Peak 
With panoramic views of the Queenstown region and great entertainment at the top, the iconic Skyline Gondola is a must-do. Sit back and take in the spectacular scenery of Lake Wakatipu, Walter Peak, and the Remarkables mountain range, all while being carried 480 metres above Queenstown in the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere!
Enjoy fast-paced fun on the all-ages Skyline Luge, and enjoy delicious meals and beverages from the Skyline Cafe & Bar and Stratosfare Restaurant.
Address: 53 Brecon Street, Queenstown
Opening hours and prices: See the Skyline Queenstown Gondola Page here
Parking: Skyline Queenstown Car Park
2. Winding views from the Devil’s Staircase
Image credit: Barry Beavis
Although the Devil’s Staircase lookout point can be hard to spot, it’ll be worth it when you do. Situated along the winding road between Queenstown and Kingston, it boasts sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu to one side and the Remarkables mountain range to the other, making for an incredibly scenic drive on this stretch of lakeside road. As one of the top photography spots near Queenstown, the Devil’s Staircase is suitable for a standalone visit and is also a popular stop on road trips to Milford Sound.
Address: 2911 Kingston Road, Kingston, off the Southern Scenic Route
3. Try the Queenstown Hill Walk
Image credit: Tobias Kraus
A great vantage point for views of the surrounding mountains and the stunning Kawarau River, the Queenstown Hill walk is one of the region’s favourite walks. This accessible, moderate-level hike option is 2.5km from the popular Basket of Dreams sculpture viewing platform and a 1.5km climb through the pine forest to the Te Tapu-Nui summit.
Address: Car Park off Belfast Terrace, 4 minutes from central Queenstown.
Time: Around 2.5 hours
4. Hike Ben Lomond Summit and see the sun rise
Named after another renowned peak in Scotland, the Ben Lomond trail is an extremely popular hiking spot. Start from the Tiki Trail or take the Gondola and start walking from the Skyline complex at Bob’s Peak to cut off a significant portion of the 11km return trip.
Ben Lomond offers one of the best Queenstown sunrise viewpoints—hike through the night to arrive at the summit for incredible photo opportunities by dawn. The journey is a cold one, so make sure you’re well-equipped with suitable gear and provisions for hiking at least 6 hours at night.
Address: Start at the Tiki Trail or take the Skyline Gondola, 53 Brecon Street, Queenstown
Time: 6-8 hours return
5. Go skiing or biking in the mountains
Image credit: expedia.com
With unbeatable views over the Wakatipu basin, Queenstown’s ski mountains have something for everyone, whatever the season.
Experience Queenstown’s landscape in motion as you ski, snowboard, or toboggan down the slopes. In winter, go up Coronet Peak after 4 PM for one of the best sunset spots in Queenstown—then descend down floodlit trails under the stars in the Night Ski events, available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and select Saturdays.
In summer, go for exciting biking trails among the mountain peaks. Or take on rewarding hikes with incredible views all the way. One standout is The Remarkables’ Shadow Basin Lookout (also known as the Remarkables Ultimate View Point), which provides panoramic views of Queenstown and the surrounding area.
6. Helicopter to the very top of Cecil Peak
Image credit: elopementweddings.co.nz
A hidden gem amongst the mountains, Cecil Peak provides some of the best views in Queenstown. Take a scenic helicopter flight to a ledge near the top of the Peak—this is a popular photography location for wedding shoots!
7. Stroll the Queenstown Gardens
Image credit: Talila Menipaz
Head to the Queenstown Gardens in the late afternoon or at sunset for top-quality views of the Wakatipu Basin and Walter Peak. If you’re after some astro shots, the incredible Southern Lights are visible from the gardens on a clear night.
Follow the trail from Queenstown Bay Beach, which takes you across the tranquil gardens, before continuing along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. A 3km round trip, it’s one of the region’s easier walks, with wheelchair and pushchair accessibility. Finish your walk with a round of Frisbee Golf!
Address: Park Street, Queenstown Central
Time: 1.5 hours return
8. See furry friends and incredible views at Deer Park Heights
Image credit: southernpr.co.nz
Featured as a filming location in The Lord of the Rings, Deer Park Heights is one of the best photography spots in Queenstown. The 800 hectare farm offers unobstructed views of the Remarkables, Walter Peak, and Cecil Peak. Visitors can enter all-day at $75 per car, and drive off-road to catch the best shots from different perspectives and elevations.
While savouring this Lake Wakatipu viewpoint, you’ll meet red deer, wapiti, fallow deer, Himalayan tahr, goats, donkeys, sheep, kunekune, llama, alpaca, and highland cattle. Take some animal scenery shots, or get up close and feed them with $2 sheep nuts.
Address: 432 Peninsula Road, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Prices: $75 per vehicle
9. Climb the Lower Wye Creek Track
Image credit: tripideas.nz
Follow a hydro dam pipeline up and through a beech forest on the edge of the Remarkables. As you navigate the narrow walkway, you’ll encounter the dam, cascading waterfalls, and epic views across Lake Wakatipu and the town centre.
Address: Wye Creek Carpark, off State Highway 6
Time: 4 hours
10. Discover the hidden Bob’s Cove Track
Image credit: Samuel Earp
Explore the native bush, an 1800s lime kiln, and a clear lake beach tucked between the mountains in this short 20-minute trail. Bring your togs to go for a swim and dive off the picturesque jetty, or walk an extra 10 minutes to reach Picnic Point for an amazing photo spot in front of the Remarkables.
Address: 1246 Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Mount Creighton
Time: 20 minutes
FAQs about the best lookout spots in Queenstown
What are the easiest lookout spots for families?
Some easy lookouts in Queenstown for all ages include:
- Skyline Gondola: Take the Skyline Gondola 480 m up to Bob’s Peak, Queenstown. Once you’re there, try the Luge or enjoy lunch with views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu below.
- Deer Park Heights: Drive around a scenic farm with 11 different animals to encounter. Kids will love feeding the sheep or taking pics with the alpaca.
- Queenstown Hill Walk: Hike up Queenstown Hill for a gorgeous Lake Wakatipu lookout. The moderate 500 m elevation is suitable for most children aged above eight years old.
What are the best Queenstown sunset spots or sunrise spots?
There are many great places to catch the twilight in town, but we recommend the mountains for the best views:
- Ben Lomond summit: Walk the hour-long Tiki Trail or take the Gondola up to Bob’s Peak to begin your journey to the Ben Lomond summit. Start early in the day for panoramic views of Queenstown at dusk. With careful planning and dedicated gear, hiking through the night nets you an unforgettable sunrise.
- Coronet Peak: Head up the mountain for the winter Night Ski events on Wednesdays, Fridays, and select Saturdays to enjoy the sunset over the icy mountain ranges.
- Queenstown Hill Walk: Taking approximately 2.5 hours to complete, this is a great Queenstown sunrise spot if you want a stunning photography location without the time commitment.
Discover more amazing views and things to do in Queenstown
Queenstown is the South Island gem of New Zealand, and in such a busy place, there are plenty more things to do and places to visit. For more awe-inspiring views near Queenstown, drive along Glenorchy Road to Moke Lake or hike the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park.
Check out our full Queenstown multi-day itinerary for more tips on planning your journey, or explore other New Zealand holiday ideas on our blog!