Summer in Queenstown and the Lakes District will move you. Look at the landscapes that inspired New Zealand’s greatest artists, including Rita Angus and Grahame Sydney, and you, too, will feel this place is picture-perfect. You’ll literally be moved in other ways: guided journeys from winery to winery, scenic walks and hikes, relaxed bike rides or mountain biking adventures, and day trips to must-visit destinations. Then, it’s back to Stoneridge Estate at Lake Hayes to reflect on your day and recharge for the next one. There’s always somewhere special to go in and around Queenstown in summer.
Summer Bliss in Queenstown
Queenstown is an all-season destination. While the snow-capped Remarkables and prospects of world-class skiing and snowboarding greet our winter visitors, our summer guests can choose from an abundance of outdoor activities, festivals, and events. From the Queenstown Marathon to the Gibbston Valley Summer Concert, the sun shines on a choice of things to do, no matter how active you want to be.
Wine Tours and Tastings
Central Otago wines are world-class. Pinot Noir, in particular, is the grape variety we’re globally famous for, and no visit to this area is complete without exploring the local wine scene. Guided tours and tastings will showcase the unique vineyards and wineries that make Queenstown a haven for wine enthusiasts. The settings are spectacular, the cellar doors are welcoming, and the wine is worth travelling for. Stoneridge Estate offers you a one-of-a-kind wine-tasting experience in our cellar door, where art and wine come together.
Scenic Walks and Hikes
From a short stroll to something more strenuous, summer in and around Queenstown provides perfect conditions for scenic walks and hikes. Explore stunning landscapes from picturesque walking and hiking trails, with easy day walks or longer hikes. Shorter walks include the summer-only Lower Wye Creek Track, highlighted by native beech forest and a lovely waterfall. Kelvin Heights Peninsula Trail is another easy walk, a loop around Queenstown Golf Course with fantastic views towards Walter Peak and Queenstown.
Are you keen on a longer on-foot excursion? Queenstown is close to the starting point of three of New Zealand’s great walks: the Milford, the Routeburn, and the Kepler Track. These are multi-day adventures, giving you time to catch your breath in one of the countless “photo opportunity” spots you’ll invariably come across.
Cycling Adventures
Is Central Otago the biking capital of the world? Thanks to the sheer number of cycling trails around Queenstown, it has a solid claim to that title. They range from hair-raising mountain biking tracks that attract courageous riders worldwide to more leisurely rides for cyclists of all levels. For mountain biking, we recommend Skyline, Coronet Peak and Cardona. For easier riding on trails, there’s the Queenstown Trail, the aptly named Countryside Trail and, close to Stoneridge Estate, the Lake Hayes Trail (Wai Whaka Ata). This is a short loop within the Queenstown Trail ‘Great Ride’ network, with the highlight being the stunning reflections of the mountain ranges in the often-calm lake.
Day Trips to Must-Visit Destinations
Stoneridge Estate at Lake Hayes is a central starting point for a tempting range of day trips to iconic locations such as Milford Sound, Glenorchy, Cardrona, and Wanaka. While the destinations are breathtaking, the journeys to reach them are unforgettable, too. Take your time, enjoy the ride, and take every opportunity to stop and take in yet another incredible vista. Again and again, you’ll be moved by what you see and reminded why these landscapes just demanded to be painted.
Ready to Experience Summer Bliss? Book Your Stay at Stoneridge Estate Today!
Whether you’re drawn to the world-class wines of Central Otago, the breathtaking trails that beckon to be explored, or the allure of day trips to iconic destinations, Stoneridge Estate serves as your central haven in the heart of it all. Don’t miss the opportunity to make your summer in Queenstown truly exceptional. Book your stay at Stoneridge Estate and let the magic of this season unfold in ways that will leave you moved and inspired. Your unforgettable summer adventure awaits in the unparalleled beauty of Queenstown and the Lakes District.
