This one's a bit of a hidden gem around Queenstown, and I really liked it. The Wye Creek Helipad track is a 4 km return hike with about 400 meters of elevation, so it's a steady uphill climb but nothing too wild.

First, heads-up parking can be a bit tricky. There are only a few spots (like three) down the bottom of the entrance road that are 2WD accessible. If you’ve got a 4WD, you can cruise up the gravel road no problem, and there’s plenty of space at the top. If not, I’d definitely recommend starting early or going later in the day to snag a park.

The track starts on an old dirt road and winds through the bush before things get more interesting. You’ll come to a mini waterfall and a junction,  head right and cross the little bridge. Then comes the sketchy-but-fun part: you’ll be walking on a wooden plank laid over an old pipe. It looks a bit dodgy, but it’s safe enough if you take your time.

At the top, you’ll reach the helipad with awesome views and a peaceful spot to chill. There’s a waterfall up there too, and it’d be a pretty stunning place to catch the sunset with the mountains all around you. Definitely one of those low-key hikes that’s worth the effort.