Get Outdoors Week (or GO Week) is a New Zealand wide initiative that aims to get people outdoors to safely explore this beautiful country. All over New Zealand, there will be events held to celebrate the great outdoors and the benefits it can bring to people’s lives. GO Week runs from 15 – 22 February this year and the entire week is based around doing human-powered outdoor activities.
GO Week is just another perfect excuse to get out and about and enjoy all the amazing activities Queenstown has to offer under the summer sun. Whether you’re a Queenstown local or visitor, there are a few different activities that you simply can’t miss this week!
Go Hiking
Queenstown is renowned for its stunning landscape and hundreds of hiking trails. So what better way to celebrate GO Week than with a hike in the surrounding mountains! Some of the most amazing hikes in the area include Queenstown Hill, Moke Lake Circuit, Bob’s Cove track, and Ben Lomond.
If you’re on your own that’s no problem, during GO Week this year in Queenstown there’s a public meetup to hike Ben Lomond Trail. The event starts at 8:30am on 21 February. The meeting point for this event is at the bottom of the gondola in Queenstown and it is entirely free with all ages welcomed. The hike takes around four hours return to the saddle and around seven hours return to the summit. This hike is a great way to get outdoors and meet some like-minded people while you’re there.
Kayaking
Kayaking is another awesome way to spend GO Week in Queenstown. Kayaking is an exciting activity and something the whole family can enjoy. In Queenstown, you can rent kayaks and enjoy a paddle out on Lake Wakatipu.
However, if you’re after a more exciting kayaking trip them why not jump on one of our kayaking tours in Milford Sound! Paddle through this ancient, glacier carved valley while your experienced guide tells you everything there is to know about Milford Sound. On the trip, you can also drink pure glacier water and maybe even spot some of Milford Sound’s unique wildlife!
For more information on kayaking in Milford Sound, click here!
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Cycling and Mountain Biking are almost as popular as hiking in Queenstown. Every year thousands of visitors come to Queenstown to hit one of the many backcountry trails. GO Week is the perfect excuse to give mountain biking a go or enjoy a scenic cycling trip.
If mountain biking sounds like fun, then getting a day pass on the gondola is a great idea. This way you can hitch a ride up to the start of many downhill trails suited to all levels.
However, downhill mountain biking isn’t for everyone. Instead, come spend the day cycling through some of the most stunning landscapes near Queenstown on our Station 2 Station Cycle Trail. On this trail you will take a leisurely ride through the beautiful landscape between Mt Nicholas and Walter Peak stations. This tour is self-guided and includes a scenic cruise to that start of the cycle trial on board Spirit of Queenstown and a return trip aboard the TSS Earnslaw.
For more information on the Station 2 Station Cycle Trail, click here!
Go Swimming
GO Week is during one of the hottest months in Queenstown so swimming is one of the best activities to do! The best place to swim in Queenstown is of course beautiful Lake Wakatipu. The surface water of Lake Wakatipu sits at a cool 12 degrees Celsius in summer so it’s the ideal place to cool off during the day.
Of course, if you’re after a new spot to swim you could always take a day trip to Wanaka. Wanaka is an hour drive from Queenstown and offers more stunning views of the Southern Alps.
GO Week is a truly special week and few places are as fitting to it as Queenstown. Regardless of the activities you choose to do, you’re sure to have an amazing time. Queenstown is the perfect place to celebrate the beautiful great outdoors of New Zealand and enjoy an active lifestyle.
The post The best ways to spend ‘Get Outdoors’ Week in Queenstown appeared first on Southern Discoveries.
