What to do in Walter Peak

Traverse ski and snowboard runs for all skill levels at Coronet Peak, a 691-acre (280-hectare) ski field to the northeast of Queenstown. Take on moguls and off-piste areas, then recharge at one of the many cafés and restaurants that serve hot food and drinks throughout the day.

The Queenstown Gardens occupy a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu, on the outskirts of Queenstown. Since 1867 the gardens have been a central feature of the town, and provide a tranquil break from the busy streets. Visit the gardens to see historic, heritage-listed trees, marvel at the views of The Remarkables mountain range, or enjoy sporting and leisure activities.

Winding up the side of Bob’s Peak is the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 1967, the Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the summit of Bob’s Peak for views across the Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu area. Skyline also operates a number of adventure activities on the mountain. The gondola is the best way to access the mountain biking, hiking and paragliding that takes place on Bob’s Peak.

Enjoy 543 acres (220 hectares) of slopes less than an hour’s drive from central Queenstown at the Remarkables. Test yourself at the terrain parks or watch the action from the warmth of a café while sipping a hot chocolate.

Lake Wakatipu is a lightning bolt-shaped lake set in the shadow of dramatic mountain peaks and alpine forests. The lake is the ideal setting for outdoor pursuits such as biking, fishing, kayaking and walking. Lake Wakatipu is 84 kilometres (52 miles) long and extends for 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) at its widest point. Māori legend states that the lake formed after a giant was burnt to death and thus scorched a huge hole by melting the ice of the nearby mountains.

Across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown lies Walter Peak High Country Farm, a traditional New Zealand station that has been converted into accommodation for tourists. Access to the station and the mountain itself is difficult by car, making it a relatively untouched part of the region. Instead, visitors journey to Walter Peak by historic steamboat.

This historic steamboat has been servicing the people of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu for more than 100 years. Commissioned by New Zealand Railways at the beginning of the 20th century, the ship’s parts were built in Dunedin before being transported by train to the lake, where it was assembled and has remained ever since. Today the ship operates 11 months of the year ferrying passengers between Queenstown and Walter Peak High Country Farm, as well as giving scenic cruises on Lake Wakatipu.