Best bird watching trails in Otago, New Zealand

Note: The area is closed from October 1st to November 10th every year for lambing season. There is a car park next to the beginning of the track. 2$ fee at the beginning of the track. Hiking along Roys Peak Track guarantees wonderful views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and surrounding peaks. It also features beautiful wild flowers and bird watching. Although the trail is wide with no steps/technical difficulties, it is very steep, giving it a hard rating. During winter season, it is recommened having a winter gear such as an ice axe and crampons. Show more

Views of the Queenstown. This is a dirt track through the woods that has a steep climb. NOTE: Land after the viewpoint is private property. Please respect the land owners.Show more

A beautiful hike that is on the shorter side but very steep. There is a nearby Gondola. Lots of shade along the way, very little sun exposure.Show more

It is highly recommendable to take the east track to Rocky Mountain on the way up and the west track on the way down. Wear waterproof hiking boots because in places it’s super muddy and wet. All in all, the hike is beautiful and not heavily traveled if you choose to go up to Rocky Mountain.Show more

First, this trail is definitely on the harder end of moderate. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and so worth the effort. There’s a lot of steep uphills, but it pays off with a beautiful view of the lakes. Spectacular scenery on the way up, and good amount of shade. The cabin is also awesome to see near the top. Walk behind the cabin and you’ll see the bridge. Would definitely do again! https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/queenstown-area/things-to-do/mt-crichton-loop-track/Show more

A short walk near Dunedin, featuring a natural sea arch and a hand-carved tunnel through the sandstone leading to Tunnel Beach. The small beach is surrounded by high cliffs and is not suitable for swimming.Show more

Good track with nice views and not too difficult. Even doing part of the trail is pretty enjoyable. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/routeburn-track/Show more

Can get busy over the weekend, share the track with bikes, dogs, and prams. Shaded in some parts, in the sun for others. The view the whole way is beautiful!Show more

Good, even surface, well defined trail. Quite exposed as you climb up to, and on, Key Summit but deep in a birch forest for the rest. Can be damp and misty day but certainty rewarding views along the way with a comfortable track. A popular trail this one with a huge carpark at the Divide. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/routeburn-track-lake-howden-track/Show more