Hiking Lake Alta: A Quick Escape from Queenstown

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There are a ton of beautiful hikes around Queenstown, if you are looking for an easy one, Lake Alta makes for the perfect choice.

Here is what to expect if you are planning on hiking Lake Alta in Queenstown.

But first, a disclaimer.

Originally, we had planned an overnight hike to Liverpool Hut in Mount Aspiring. But those plans were derailed after I—ever the clumsy traveler—sprained my ankle a few days before. So, instead of a long trek, we opted for a few shorter hikes around Queenstown.

Lake Alta stood out as a solid choice. Classified as “Advanced” by the Department of Conservation, it’s a short but rewarding climb that offers stunning alpine views and a welcome sense of remoteness.

Table of Contents

Getting there

The trailhead for Lake Alta starts at the Remarkables ski area, about a 40-minute drive from Queenstown.

The drive itself is an experience: a narrow, winding road that climbs steadily into the mountains. Even the drive gives you a sense of the scale and beauty of the region.

The hike

From the car park, the hike initially follows the ski field’s access tracks. You might think a ski field would be dull outside the winter season, but that’s definitely not the case. In early March, the hills were blanketed in golden, burnt colors with small patches of green hanging on.

It takes about an hour to reach the lake, depending on how many times you stop for photos—and in my case, how gingerly you’re stepping on a recently sprained ankle. The trail is a mix of easy gravel paths and steeper rocky sections, with the last stretch climbing over boulders.

Driving Distance from Queenstown: Approximately 40 minutes (about 24 km) via the Remarkables Ski Field Access Road.
Trail Distance: Roughly 2 km one way (4 km return).
Estimated Hiking Time: 1–1.5 hours return, depending on conditions and stops.
Altitude at Lake Alta: Approximately 1,800 meters above sea level.
Difficulty: Rated “Advanced” by the Department of Conservation due to rocky sections and changeable weather conditions.

At the lake

Lake Alta itself is a hidden gem. Cold and crystal clear, it sits nestled in a bowl of rugged peaks. When I visited, there were only a handful of other hikers, and the sense of isolation was a welcome change from the busier trails near Queenstown. Small waterfalls trickled down from the surrounding cliffs into the lake, adding to the alpine feel.

Attempting Shadow Basin

Since there was no snow at the top, we decided to try to reach Shadow Basin for even better views. We asked around and followed what signs we could find, but the elusive peak remained out of reach. Instead, we found ourselves off the trail, hoping to intersect with the right path at some point.

If you’re thinking, “sprained ankle—shouldn’t you stay on the marked trail?” you’re exactly right. We figured that out quickly and took the long way back down.

Important tips for hikers

I’ve attempted and completed lots of multi-day hikes in New Zealand and safety is always number one concern when it comes to planning and preparation.

Thankfully, New Zealand makes it easy to be prepared, so there is no reason to skip this step.

Department of Conservation (DoC): Always check the DoC website or the local visitor center for track conditions, weather updates, and any notices. Lake Alta is classified as an advanced hike because conditions can change quickly—especially outside of summer.
Essential Gear: Even though it’s a short hike, bring sturdy shoes with good grip (the final section is rocky), warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and plenty of water. Sun protection is a must, too—New Zealand’s sun can be surprisingly harsh.
Weather: The Remarkables are known for sudden changes in weather. Check the forecast before you go and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.

👉 Read about: Travel Gear Recommendations and Resources (Apps, Resources)

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

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Car rental in Queenstown

A car is highly recommended if you want the flexibility to reach trailheads like Lake Alta, and anywhere else that’s a bit off the main bus routes.

I always recommend checking Discovercars for rental prices. I’ve used them multiple times, including my latest 2025 road trip around the South Island.

It’s a good way to compare different providers and get the best deal.

👉 Read about: Renting a Car in Christchurch New Zealand – 2025 Complete Guide

Where to stay in Queenstown

Queenstown has a huge range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. If you’re planning to hike Lake Alta, consider staying somewhere in town so you’re close to restaurants, shops, and the lakeside walk.

We found that being in Queenstown itself made it easy to stock up on supplies and enjoy a good meal after a day on the trails.

If you are looking for a mid-range hotel, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, offers great rooms, has a stellar breakfast and is centrally located. Would definitely recommend based on previous stays!

Other hikes in the area

Queenstown is a hiker’s paradise, with plenty of trails to suit all levels. Here are a few other hikes to consider:

Ben Lomond Track: A challenging full-day hike that starts in town and rewards you with panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks.
Queenstown Hill: A shorter, popular option that’s great for a quick climb with rewarding views. The “Basket of Dreams” sculpture at the top is a local landmark.
Isthmus Peak: A long but rewarding climb that offers incredible views over both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. It’s a solid alternative to the popular Roy’s Peak, and a bit quieter too.
Routeburn Track (Day Walks): Even if you’re not tackling the whole Great Walk, you can explore sections of the Routeburn from the Glenorchy side—a great way to get a taste of Fiordland scenery.
Bob’s Cove Track: A short, easy walk along the lake with turquoise water, picnic spots, and some old lime kilns.

👉 Read about: Hiking Isthmus Peak in Queenstown

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Must Know When Visiting New Zealand

Emergency: Dial 111 for all emergencies.

Language: Both English and Māori are official languages in New Zealand. Samoan, Northern Chinese and Hindi are also widely spoken. Common phrases to learn are “Kia ora” (Hi – informal greeting), “Aotearoa” (Māori name for New Zealand), “Mōrena”, (Good morning), “Whānau”, (Family).

Water: Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in New Zealand.

Driving: Left-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.

Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.

Geography: New Zealand has two main islands (North and South) and a number of smaller islands including Steward Island at the bottom of the South Island.

Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.

Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Air New Zealand (check out their safety videos) and Jetstar.

Taxi: You will be able to download apps like Uber, Ola and Cabify among others, to order taxi rides.

Culture: It is not uncommon for people to walk barefoot in certain settings in New Zealand. The summer season is popular for festivals, roadtrips and of course, a good opportunity to see a rugby game.