If you’re after the best lookouts in Queenstown, you’re in the right place.
I’ve been lucky enough to have spent some time exploring this corner of the South Island and discovered spots that consistently deliver those big, open views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and the surrounding mountains.
Some are easy roadside stops, some need a bit of effort, and a couple are proper hidden gems. Here’s my pick of the best lookouts in Queenstown (in no particular order) so you can decide which ones fit your best.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- This post covers 13 of the best lookouts in Queenstown with a mix of easy pull overs, short walks, hikes that require a couple hours, all with clear details on access, effort and what to expect.
- It’s helpful for those wanting incredible views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains with both free options and the more popular paid ones.
- You’ll learn which lookouts are worth the effort, how to avoid the biggest crowds, the best times for light and photos, practical parking and safety notes, plus honest comparisons so you can choose the spots that actually suit your trip.
QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu in the Otago region of New Zealand. Surrounded by mountains and with a network of hills and valleys wrapping around it, the scenery is pretty incredible.
The town itself is compact and easy to get around, which makes it a really practical base. Most of the lookouts in this guide are only a 20-30 minute drive away, so you can head out, take in the views, and be back in town without it turning into a full day mission (unless you want it to!). Having car definitely helps if you want to cover a few spots, but even without one there are still a few of these spots that you can get to via walking or bus.
1. QUEENSTOWN HILL
We’re starting off strong for with (in my opinion) one of the best lookouts in Queenstown, the great Queenstown Hill. It requires a bit of effort as it is a hike, but it’s well worth it and access is super easy if you’re staying in town.
It’s a 5.3km (3.2 mile) there-and-back trail with roughly 400 meters of elevation gain. The track climbs through pine forest, to the Basket of Dreams sculpture and a small tarn. There’s also the option to continue further where you’ll get 360 degree views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, Walter Peak, Coronet Peak as well as the other surrounding mountains.
We did this hike for sunset towards the end of winter and those views with snow covered mountains were ridiculously cool.
I loved it so much that I even wrote a full Queenstown Hill guide about it which you can check out here.
2. SKIPPERS ROAD LOOKOUT
I came across this lookout on the way to hiking Mount Dewar and it’s well worth a stop if you’re heading toward Cardrona or even Arthurs Point.
The road itself is historic (built in the 1880s for gold miners), but to get to the lookout you don’t need a 4WD. Any kind of car will do.
From where you park, you’ll get the most insane views across Speargrass Flat, Shotover River and Coronet Peak, Remarkables and Ben Lomond. There’s even a crack between the mountains to Lake Wakatipu. What I like about it is that it’s entirely different from the lake-focused lookouts closer to town.
Because I visited first thing in the morning I had the entire lookout to myself. I can highly recommend a coffee up here, it’s the perfect place to sit, sip and enjoy the landscape.
3. QUEENSTOWN GARDENS
The Queenstown Gardens sit right in the centre of town and have some of the easiest, most accessible views in the area. You can wander the paths, find quiet spots along the lake edge (there’s plenty of seating), and still get solid views across Lake Wakatipu without any going too far. It’s only about a 2 km loop (around 30 minutes) and completely flat, so it’s perfect if you want a relaxed morning or evening walk that goes a little further than the main waterfront.
There’s also a frisbee golf course through the middle of it, so if you’re up for something a little different you can rent the discs from the local Ice Arena.
4. JACKS POINT LOOKOUT
This is a great, mostly flat walk that’s only a couple of kilometres long return if you just want to see the views from the lookout point. The full track does continue further so up to you if you’d like to extend your adventure (although the views don’t change all that much. This lookout definitely highlights all the best bits).
Along the trail and from the lookout you’ll get lake and mountain views across open grassland and scattered scrub. In summer the water looks so clear I’d love to find a swimming spot nearby. It’s quite low effort but I like that it’s slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of central Queenstown.
5. SKYLINE QUEENSTOWN
Probably one of the most popular but still one of the best lookouts in Queenstown, with the added bonus of riding the gondola up the mountain to get there.
There are other activities you can do once there too, from eating at the restaurant or cafe to the luge (great for the kids). If you’re just here for the view though, the gondola takes you up to Bob’s Peak and the views over the town, lake and surrounding mountains are pretty great. You can walk around the top, or simply sit and take it all in. Your time isn’t limited here and there are also no time slots so you can arrive and leave whenever you feel.
However, it is on the pricier side. We paid $69 NZD for an adult ticket each and it’s busy, especially in peak season, but the convenience is hard to beat if you want the elevated view without the climb. That said, I’d still say the views from Queenstown Hill (if you don’t mind a hike) rival it and for me, is the better of the two.
6. REMARKABLES LOOKOUT
Even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding (or snow in general), taking a drive up the Remarkables Ski Access Road is well worth it just for the views. The higher you go, the more the landscape opens up, but there’s a particular lookout point that’s pretty stunning. From here you get views across Lake Wakatipu down toward Kingston, with The Remarkables behind you and Cecil Peak, Ben Lomond and the surrounding peaks all around.
The road is open throughout the year, though it can close for maintenance or severe weather so make sure you check before heading off. For the exact lookout location, you can find it on Google Maps here.
7. MOKE LAKE SECRET VIEWPOINT
Moke Lake was one of my favourite places, earning its place as one of the best lookouts in Queenstown. The views from the secret viewpoint just make it even better.
The lake itself is only about 20 minutes from town along the main Queenstown-Glenorchy Road before heading along gravel. It’s well worth the visit but know that the viewpoint is a short and steep climb from the Moke Lake Loop Track (around 3 km return with roughly 250m elevation gain). The track is unmarked and steep, so good shoes and conditions are a must.
Once at the top of Williamson Spur you get 360 degree views over the lake and the surrounding hills. It’s great for sunrise and sunset, and the campsite right by the lake makes overnighting an easy option if you want the early or late light.
If you’d like to know more about this lookout, I’ve written a whole guide about Moke Lake here.
8. QUEENSTOWN LOOKOUT (LAKE WAKATIPU VIEWPOINT)
Queenstown Lookout (also labelled Lake Wakatipu Viewpoint on Google Maps) is one of the easiest lookouts in Queenstown to access. Found on Hensman Road, it’s within town and can be walked to. It’s more of a popular parking spot for people to pull up into and see from their cars though.
There’s space for roughly 10 cars, but you do need to drive up onto the curb, so it’s better suited to vehicles with a bit of height.
It’s a quick stop that delivers a nice elevated view over the lake and is a great place to visit for sunset.
9. GLENORCHY WATERFRONT
This is definitely one of the more popular spots in this guide as the waterfront at Glenorchy is often visited by many tourists.
But I can’t blame them as from here you’ll get open views across the head of Lake Wakatipu with the mountains towering in front of you. It’s also popular due to the famous red Glenorchy shed that is located on its shores.
It’s an easy stop if you’re already heading out that way and there are plenty of places to park and wander along the shore. The start of the day has been my favourite time to visit so far, and is paired well with a longer drive or other stops along the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road.
10. BOB’S COVE
Bob’s Cove is the start to one of the best lookouts in Queenstown that sees across Lake Wakatipu and along its shoreline. The car park is small but free and only a 15 minute drive from town. It does require a short walk but with plenty to see along the way, starting with native bush that leads down to a beautiful little cove with striking green-turquoise water.
Here you’ll find the Instagram famous jetty that people like to jump off in summer, and it’s a lookout in itself. If you continue a bit further, a short but steep climb takes you up to Picnic Point. The views from the top are even more epic.
Along the way you’ll also pass the remains of an old lime kiln from the 1800s, when limestone was quarried here, so you have a bit of history scattered into your walk too.
11. FEEHLY HILL
Found in Arrowtown, Feehly Hill is a hidden gem that provides an incredible viewpoint across Arrowtown and the surrounding mountains. From the top you’ll have full 360 degree views.
It’s a short but steep climb (roughly a 2km loop with about 110m of elevation gain). It has quite an odd start at the old cemetery but the track is well-maintained. Just be careful if you’re attempting this after rainfall, it can be quite slippery.
I would say that hiking this in winter didn’t have a massive impact on wanting to do it again but I would put money down that it would be absolutely stunning in Autumn.
12. ONSEN HOT POOLS
Onsen Hot Pools is another popular spot in Arthurs Point with views across the Shotover River. It’s more of a relaxed soak-with-a-view experience than a pure lookout, but the setting is hard to beat if you want to combine scenery with downtime.
The pools overlook the river and surrounding hills, so you get the views while you relax. It’s a nice contrast to the more active lookouts and an easy add-on if you’re already in the Arthurs Point area. But well worth booking far in advance. Being quite popular means that it books out fairly quickly, especially during golden hour and sunset times.
13. DEVIL’S STAIRCASE
Devils Staircase is one of the many epic lookouts along State Highway 6. This section of road hugs the edge of Lake Wakatipu between Queenstown and Kingston.
To get to this particular spot seen in the image below, there is an easy roadside access with a couple of pull-off areas also available (if the first is full, keep an eye out for the second nearby). From here you’ll see that there is big, open views of the lake, the winding road, and the surrounding mountains. It truly is one of the best lookouts in Queenstown and a great stop if you’re driving that stretch. My favourite time was sunrise as the light was especially good first thing in the morning.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE BEST LOOKOUTS IN QUEENSTOWN
- Summer (December-February): These months you can expect long days and warmer temperatures. Some higher lookouts and the Remarkables road are most reliable in this window.
- Autumn (March-May): Often clearer skies and fewer crowds. Great light for photography.
- Winter (June-August): Snow can transform the views, especially around the Remarkables and higher points, but some tracks become icy or closed.
- Spring (September–November): This is when I spent most of my time exploring but the weather is still very temperamental. The further you get into Spring, the better, with the landscape starting to green up and crowds become increasingly quiet.
In terms of time of day, I will forever be an advocate of seeing all of these sights either first thing in the morning, during golden hour or sunset but, in fairness, all of these lookouts are spectacular so any time you have to see them, is ideal.
HOW CROWDED ARE THESE QUEENSTOWN LOOKOUTS
Being on a list of best lookouts in Queenstown, usually means that some of the well-known and popular ones like the Skyline, Glenorchy Waterfront, and Onsen Hot Pools can get very busy in peak summer and school holidays. The quieter options like Moke Lake secret viewpoint, Jacks Point, Bob’s Cove, Feehly Hill do stay much calmer though, especially during mid-week or outside the main holiday periods. An early start make a big difference almost everywhere.
IS IT SAFE TO VISIT THESE QUEENSTOWN LOOKOUTS SOLO
Absolutely. I visited most of these solo and felt completely safe. Standard common-sense applies: tell someone your plans, carry water and a layer, and check the weather (especially for the steeper or higher spots like Queenstown Hill and the Moke Lake viewpoint). The roadside and town-based lookouts are pretty straightforward.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR THESE LOOKOUTS
As most of these Queenstown lookouts are maximum an hour drive from town, staying here or close by is the most convenient option since you’ll have an array of hotels, motels, hostels and Airbnbs to pick from.
In terms of booking accommodation, Booking.com and AirBnB are usually my first to check. But, if you’re after something a bit more unique and outdoors-focused, consider Canopy Camping, Unyolked, Tiny Away or Riparide.
I’ve personally stayed at Canopy Camping, Riparide and Tiny Away and enjoyed them all. They’re great if you want a nature-leaning base but more than likely will be outside the major hubs.
CAN YOU CAMP AT THESE LOOKOUTS
For the majority of these Queenstown lookouts, they are more for day-use or are roadside so no campgrounds are available. However there are some like Moke Lake which has a campsite if you want to stay overnight and catch sunrise or sunset at the secret viewpoint. Glenorchy also has Mrs Woolly’s Campground and there are options in Arrowtown and Arthurs Point too.
PHOTOGRAPHING THESE QUEENSTOWN LOOKOUTS
Early morning, golden hour or sunset is best almost everywhere when exploring the best lookouts in Queenstown. Most spots reward a bit of effort with open 360 degree views that reach across varying landscapes, meaning that there is plenty to capture.
The lakeside spots (Queenstown Gardens, Glenorchy, Bob’s Cove) are excellent for reflections when the water is calm. Others like the Skyline and the Remarkables road give you those great elevated Queenstown perspectives.
Unless you’re shooting well into the night, most of these lookouts are exposed meaning you can bring down your ISO significantly. This is why visiting in soft light is important though, this way your images won’t be overexposed with harsh contrasts in both light and shadow.
WHAT'S NEXT
These are some of the best lookouts in Queenstown and they deliver everything from easy lakeside strolls to short climbs with incredible views. Whether you’re after a quiet sunrise at Moke Lake, a gondola experience, or a roadside stop with zero effort, there’s something here that fits whatever kind of day you’re after.
If you’re planning to explore any of these spots and would like some company, I offer personalised hiking experiences where I capture moments along the way, so you can head home with some incredible memories.
Also, if you plan to explore more of New Zealand, I create personalised 1:1 travel itineraries tailored to your interests, travel style, and how you like to explore. Whether you’re chasing epic hikes, photography spots, or a relaxed road trip, I’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time. You can get in touch with me through my contact form here.
Or, if you’re simply after more walks like this, check out my other New Zealand travel guides for other hiking trails, photography locations, and outdoor adventures across the country. If you’re planning beyond New Zealand, you’ll also find plenty of inspiration in my international destination guides.
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FAQs
Do I need a car to visit the best lookouts in Queenstown?
A car makes things much easier, especially for spots like Moke Lake, Bob’s Cove, the Remarkables Lookout, Skippers Road, Glenorchy and Devil’s Staircase. That said, Queenstown Hill, Queenstown Gardens, Skyline and the Lake Wakatipu Lookout are all reachable on foot or with a short walk or bus.
Is Queenstown Hill free?
Yes. The track and summit are free. Parking at the Belfast Terrace trailhead is very limited, so arrive early or be prepared to walk a little further from street parking.
Is the Skyline Gondola worth the money?
It depends. The views are excellent and the convenience is hard to beat, especially if you don’t feel like hiking. I find the views from Queenstown Hill better. The gondola also gives you access to the luge, restaurant and cafe, which adds to the experience.
How long does the Queenstown Hill hike take?
Most people take 2-3 hours return. It’s 5km with roughly 400 m of elevation gain. The track is well-formed but steadily uphill.
Is the Moke Lake secret viewpoint hard?
In short, yes. It’s punchy, steep and unmarked. Expect roughly 3km return and about 245 m of elevation gain. Good shoes and conditions are important as it can be slippery when wet. The payoff is great though.
Can you swim at Bob’s Cove?
Yes! The water is clear and a beautiful green-turquoise colour, though it’s cold year-round. The jetty is a popular (and Instagram-famous) jumping spot in summer.
Is parking difficult at these lookouts?
It varies. Queenstown Hill, Bob’s Cove and some of the smaller roadside pull-offs can fill up quickly in peak season. Skyline has its own car park, and the bigger spots (Glenorchy, Remarkables road) generally have more space. Early starts help almost everywhere.
Do any of the lookouts close in winter?
Most stay open year-round. The Remarkables Ski Access Road can close for maintenance or severe weather, and some of the steeper tracks can become icy. Always check conditions before you go.
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LATEST FROM THE BLOG
A SUMMARY OF BEST LOOKOUTS IN QUEENSTOWN
- Post Overview: Practical guide to 13 of the best lookouts in and around Queenstown, ranging from easy roadside and lakeside stops to short hikes and one gondola option. Mix of free and paid, popular and quieter spots.
- Key Locations Covered: Queenstown Hill, Queenstown Gardens, Skippers Road Lookout, Lake Wakatipu Lookout, Skyline Gondola, Moke Lake Secret Viewpoint, Remarkables Lookout, Jacks Point, Glenorchy Waterfront, Bob’s Cove, Onsen Hot Pools, Feehly Hill, Devil’s Staircase.
- Practical Focus: Access details, effort level, parking notes, best times of day/season, crowd levels, solo safety, photography tips, camping options and nearby accommodation.
- Best For: Visitors wanting a mix of low-effort and higher-reward viewpoints within a short drive of Queenstown. Ideal for photographers, solo travellers, couples and anyone short on time who still wants strong views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
- Unique Insights: Honest comparisons (e.g. Queenstown Hill vs Skyline), lesser-known options like the Moke Lake secret viewpoint and Feehly Hill, plus practical notes on free vs paid experiences and how to avoid the busiest times.
- Logistics Snapshot: Most lookouts are 15-45 minutes from central Queenstown. A car is helpful for the further spots but not essential for the central ones. Early starts recommended for parking and light.