The 21 Best Things to Do in Queenstown

Discover the best things to do in Queenstown, from adrenaline-fuelled activities and scenic hikes to tranquil spa experiences and wine tasting in this guide.

Surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and mountains, scenic Queenstown is New Zealand’s tourist mecca, serving as a gateway to many of the country’s natural wonders. While by no means an off-the-beaten-path destination, this small town is a must-visit on the South Island.

I was lucky to have spent eight years living in Auckland and have visited Queenstown and its surrounding areas many times. It has always been an expensive place to visit, but it truly is New Zealand at its best.

I hope this guide to Queenstown will help you start planning your own trip. As you will see, despite its relatively small size, the town boasts endless travel experiences.

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The Best Things to Do in Queenstown

Before we dive into everything that Queenstown has to offer, I just wanted to share a tip on making your money go further when it comes to activities.

It is possible to find deals online to get discounts on popular tours and attraction entries. Websites like Bookme are a good starting point for this.

Also, thankfully, nature is free. You don’t need all the bells and whistles of the tourism industry to simply enjoy the stunning landscapes around you.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the third-largest lake in New Zealand. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu have glacial origins, making them cold even in the summer months. You can still take a dip, but you might not be able to stay in the water for too long.

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of this iconic location is by taking a leisurely lake cruise. For a quaint experience, you can hop on board the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, which is a local icon in its own right. A 1.5-hour cruise can be booked online.

Exploring Lake Wakatipu by kayaking and paddleboarding are also excellent options.

Visit Skyline Queenstown

Visiting the Skyline complex is easily one of the most popular things to do in Queenstown. It features the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.

The cable car will take you 450 meters above Queenstown to the top of Bob’s Peak. There, you can enjoy spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu, the surrounding mountains, and the town itself.

Besides the epic views, you can also enjoy a drink at the bar or treat yourself to a buffet meal at the Stratosphere Restaurant. You can get your adrenaline fix by taking a ride (or two) on the Luge. The complex is also a starting point for a number of excellent walks, ranging from short strolls to full-day hikes.

The price of an adult ticket for the gondola is NZ $64 (US $28). You will need to pay more to access the Luge. Overall, it’s not the cheapest attraction. However, there is a way to get the same views for free…

Hike To Bob’s Peak

The Gondola offers an easy way of getting to the top of Bob’s Peak, but it comes with a The Gondola offers an easy way to get to the top of Bob’s Peak, but it comes at a price. Fortunately, there’s a cost-free alternative.

A free hiking route called the Tiki Trail leads to the top of the Skyline Gondola. It takes you through a forest to the same picturesque views.

The trail starts at the base of the Gondola, where you can also purchase tickets. Look for the sign indicating the Tiki Trail and follow the path.

The hike takes about an hour to complete and can be quite steep at times. However, the views are definitely worth the effort.

Try Bungee Jumping

Queenstown is the birthplace of the first commercial bungee jump in the world and today offers several epic options for thrill-seekers looking to test their limits.

If you’d like to experience the original bungee jump, head to the Kawarau Bungy Centre, which opened in 1988. Perched atop a cliff, the centre boasts excellent views over the Kawarau River. The best part is that you can enjoy these views whether you’re jumping or not.

Another popular option is the Nevis, New Zealand’s highest bungee jump. The jump pod is suspended 134 metres above the ground, making this experience definitely not for the faint-hearted.

You can book these experiences in advance on the operators’ websites: Kawarau Bungy Centre and the Nevis.

Enjoy Bar-Hopping

With 100 bars, restaurants, and clubs on offer, the town is buzzing every night of the week.

Whether you’re after a cosy wine bar or a lively pub, there’s something to suit every taste. Many venues offer happy hours and deals, so sticking to just one is rarely enough.

You can explore Queenstown’s nightlife independently, or you can join an established pub crawl. For instance, this particular pub crawl includes five free shots and free pizza to keep the fun going.

Take a Ride on the Shotover Jet

Taking a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River is also among the most popular activities in Queenstown. The ride whisks you through the rugged Shotover Canyons at high speed, complete with numerous spins.

The experience merges a unique landscape with an adrenaline rush, though it isn’t cheap, with adult tickets costing $139 NZ ($85 US) each.

While it’s definitely a fun activity, if you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry. Queenstown offers plenty of natural wonders that are free to enjoy.

You can book your Shotover Jet ride tickets in advance on the Get Your Guide website.

Visit Arrowtown

Arrowtown - a historic village near Queenstown

Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown lies the charming heritage village of Arrowtown. Established in 1862 during the Otago gold rush, it has preserved its historic buildings and character, now making it a popular destination for visitors.

In Arrowtown, you can glimpse what life was like in the late 19th century. Admire the quirky miners’ cottages along the main street, enjoy a meal at a quaint café, or explore the boutique shops and galleries.

You can also learn more about the region’s history by visiting The Lakes District Museum, considered one of the best small museums in New Zealand.

Arrowtown is renowned for its distinct four seasons. While it is a year-round destination, the town is particularly stunning in late autumn (April and May), when the surrounding landscape is ablaze with rich gold and orange hues—an absolute heaven for photographers!

Do a Lord of the Rings Locations Tour

Queenstown’s surrounding regions served as a stunning backdrop for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Although those films were released many years ago, the area still capitalises on its connection to this cinematic phenomenon.

You don’t have to pay for a tour to visit the locations. New Zealand’s Department of Conservation provides a list of the Lord of the Rings locations you can visit around the country, which should help you plan your trip.

However, if you would prefer to join a tour, there are various options available. They vary in duration, cost, and the locations they visit. Some focus on the immediate Queenstown area while others head to the town of Glenorchy.

This full-day tour visits multiple filming locations and even offers a dress-up option so you can create your own Middle Earth experience.

Go to Wanaka

Wanaka is a scenic lakeside town just an hour’s drive from Queenstown. It’s a popular day trip destination, but if your schedule allows, I’d recommend staying there for longer. This small but perfectly formed town has much to offer nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Although still quite touristy, Wanaka is much quieter than Queenstown. The town is nestled on the shores of a crystal-clear lake, also named Wanaka.

The impressive Mount Aspiring National Park, offering excellent hiking trails, is located nearby. Adventure activities available in Wanaka include kayaking, climbing, canyoning, skydiving, and mountain biking.

If you’re after a more relaxing experience, why not take a stroll around the beautiful lake, just taking in the alpine views? You can even complement the experience by stopping at Rippon Vineyard for some wine tastings with a view.

In winter, skiers and snowboarders descend on Wanaka to take advantage of the four skiing areas close by.

See Milford Sound

Among all the epic activities in Queenstown, a trip to Milford Sound is a definite must. Rudyard Kipling described it as the ‘eighth wonder of the world,’ and it’s easy to see why. It’s also part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular spots in New Zealand, featuring towering cliffs, mountain peaks, pristine rainforests, and epic waterfalls. The area is also teeming with unique wildlife, including penguins, seals, and dolphins.

You can experience Milford Sound on a boat cruise, by kayak, or even by flightseeing. If you’re up for a multi-day hike, consider tackling the famous Milford Track.

It starts from Te Anau and ends at the Milford Sound wharf, offering a true New Zealand wilderness experience. Note that the track should be traversed during the Great Walks season (October to April) and must be booked well in advance.

The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound takes about four hours and, while demanding, is absolutely worth it. Alternatively, you can join a coach tour, such as the Milford Sound Coach Tour & Cruise.

Be mindful that Milford Sound, despite its remoteness, is the most accessible fjord in the Fiordland National Park and, as a result, the most visited tourist attraction in New Zealand, so it may feel quite busy.

Visit Kiwi Birdlife Park

Experience New Zealand’s unique wildlife right in the heart of Queenstown. The 5-acre Kiwi Birdlife Park is home to 20 native bird and reptile species.

They are part of a national conservation programme and include kiwi, tuatara, South Island kākā, whio, and others. The park also features landscaped gardens and native trees and provides an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown.

Kiwi Wildlife Park offers guaranteed kiwi viewings in their specially constructed nocturnal houses. You can learn more about local wildlife through audio guides, conservation shows, and kiwi encounters.

Adult tickets cost NZ$60 (US$36) per person. They can be booked directly on the park’s website.

Go Skiing

With its four excellent ski fields, Queenstown is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, offering options for heli-skiing as well.

The skiing season runs from June to October—New Zealand’s winter. The ski areas easily accessible from Queenstown include The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona, and Treble Cone. These locations boast world-class facilities and incredible views.

Queenstown is as bustling in winter as it is in summer, ensuring a fantastic après-ski experience.

Tour Wineries

New Zealand is home to many world-class wineries, and you can visit some of them while exploring Queenstown. The Central Otago region, where Queenstown is located, is famous for its Pinot Noirs and aromatic whites.

Central Otago boasts around 200 wineries, offering a wealth of choices. There are several subregions within it, including Gibbston, Cromwell/Pisa/Lowburn, Bannockburn, Bendigo, Wanaka, and Alexandra. Each area has its own unique microclimate which subtly influences the flavours of the wines.

You can explore the local wine scene on a guided tour, by bike, or on a hop-on hop-off shuttle bus. There’s even a helicopter winery tour option if you’re looking for something extra special. One thing is for sure: there is something for every palate in this incredibly diverse wine region.

Some tours, like this Otago winery tour with a gourmet wine and food-paired lunch, offer visits to three wineries and a delectable lunch to complement the tastings.

Walk the Ben Lomond Track

If you want to challenge yourself, this full-day hike is for you. The hike, which starts easily accessible from Queenstown’s town centre, is quite steep with a 1,438m elevation gain and is more suitable for advanced hikers.

The first portion of the hike is the Tiki Trail to the top of Bob’s Peak. You can actually skip the first 400 meters of vertical climb by taking the Skyline Gondola instead.

From there, you can walk along the ridgeline towards the Ben Lomond saddle. It is a steady ascent, and you will be rewarded with incredible views.

From the saddle, you can climb to the Ben Lomond summit. The track to the top is very steep and challenging. Some hikers choose to finish their climb at the saddle and skip the summit altogether.

If you press ahead to the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Queenstown and the surrounding areas.

Visit Lake Hayes

If you’d like to get away from busy Queenstown, Lake Hayes offers a perfect escape. Just a 15-minute drive from the town centre, it is popular amongst hikers, runners, and cyclists. Rowers and kayakers can also be spotted making the most of the calm waters.

One of the best ways to enjoy the picturesque views is by taking a two to three-hour loop walk around the lake. There is also a picnic area that is perfect for a lunch with a view.

Explore Glenorchy

Take a scenic 45-minute drive to the northern end of lake Wakatipu to discover Glenorchy. It is a tiny town surrounded by mountains, pristine lakes and beautiful forests. Its stunning landscapes were made famous around the world by the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

Glenorchy enjoys a slower pace of life and is perfect for a day trip from Queenstown. There are some accommodation options there too if you prefer to stay for longer.

Glenorchy is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors. For hikers, there is a range of tracks on offer, from easy walks to the multi-day Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. You can also explore the area by horseback, jet boat or kayak.

You can discover the highlights of Glenorchy and Paradise (an aptly named nearby settlement) on a scenic half day tour from Queenstown. Besides visiting iconic beauty spots, you can also enjoy a Lord of the Rings dress up and an afternoon tea.

Do the Queenstown Hill Time Walk

Queenstown offers many walking tracks for all fitness levels. One of the most popular ones is the Queenstown Hill Time Walk.

Starting from the town centre, the track takes you to the summit of Queenstown Hill / Te Tapunui (‘mountain of intense sacredness’ in Māori).

The 1.5 km walk is demanding, but you will be rewarded with spectacular views over Queenstown and its surrounds. The walk will take you between two and three hours to complete.

Along the way, you can learn about the past and present of the area. There are several information plates about the different time periods in the history of Queenstown.

Relax at Onsen Hot Pools

The tranquil Onsen Hot Pools arguably offer the best way to recharge after all the adventuring.

Inspired by Japanese bathing traditions, this day spa complex has a selection of elegant cedar hot tubs with breathtaking views over the Shotover River. You can even take pampering to the next level by opting for a face or body treatment after a hot pool session.

Prices start from $97.50 NZ ($58 US) for one adult per pool (soak only). The experience may end up being pricey, but it’s worth it.

Find Zen at Queenstown Gardens

Take a break from all the adventurous activities in Queenstown at the tranquil botanical gardens. Just a short stroll from the town centre, Queenstown Gardens are the perfect option for an easy walk or a picnic with glorious views over Lake Wakatipu.

The gardens feature a variety of plants, a rose garden, and several memorials. You can even try your hand at disc (frisbee) golf while there.

The rules are similar to traditional golf, but instead of holes, there are 18 targets that you need to hit. The Queenstown Gardens course is the first permanently marked out disc golf course in New Zealand.

Do the Mount Crichton Loop Track

Stretch your legs and learn about the life of gold prospectors in the 19th century on this loop track. It is suitable for all levels of fitness and will take about three hours to complete.

The track can be accessed just outside of Queenstown on the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road. Starting from the carpark, it follows the Twelve Mile Creek to the top of a ridge overlooking Lake Dispute. Along the way, you will discover relics of the gold rush era such as a 24-metre-long tailrace tunnel where gold-bearing gravel used to be washed.

Another key spot on this track is Sam Summers Hut. Built in the 1930s when Sam mined in the area, the hut still provides accommodation for hikers and is managed by the Department of Conservation.

Walk the Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track will take you through the stunning landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park.

It features mountain peaks, expansive valleys, crystal-clear lakes, native forests, and waterfalls. Along the way, you will also be able to spot a few native birds.

This epic 32 km alpine hiking trail is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and attracts hikers from all over the world. The track takes two–four days to complete, with the best time to walk it being from November through to April.

Outside of this season, it should only be attempted by experienced hikers with alpine and river crossing skills.

The Best Time to Go to Queenstown

The best time to visit Queenstown to enjoy the many outdoor activities on offer is in the summer months (December to February). However, this is also the high season.

Queenstown is New Zealand’s ultimate tourist hotspot so it’s never quiet, but summer can feel especially crazy. Make sure to book your accommodation and activities as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.

Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November) are the shoulder seasons, but the weather can be quite unpredictable. If you’re heading to Queenstown to ski or snowboard, June to August are the best months to hit the slopes.

How Many Days Do You Need in Queenstown

Since Queenstown itself is quite small, you can see its main attractions located immediately in or just outside the town itself in a couple of days.

However, if you are planning to use Queenstown as a base for exploring the region, including Milford Sound, Wanaka, and nearby hiking trails, I would allow for at least five days.

How to Get to Queenstown

Queenstown has an international airport that receives flights from major New Zealand and Australian cities. Then, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to get into the town centre.

Another option of getting to Queenstown is by road. The most popular route is the scenic 6-hour drive from Christchurch past Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook.

If driving is not an option, there is an intercity coach network that connects many South Island towns and cities.

How to Get Around Queenstown

Queenstown’s town centre is quite compact, so you can easily get around on foot. The only public transport option is the local bus network.

You can find the most up-to-date information on timetables and fares on the official Queenstown Buses website.

However, to visit many of the attractions on this list, I highly recommend renting a car. This will give you the most freedom and flexibility.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Queenstown has accommodation options for every budget, from hostel dorms to high-end luxury. Generally, hotels located within the town itself are more expensive than those further out.

If you won’t have your own vehicle when visiting, I would advise booking a room somewhere central, so you don’t have to rely on transportation to get into town. Hotel St Moritz Queenstown is a great option if you are looking to combine an excellent location with luxury.

If you have your own car, then you could potentially choose to stay further out of Queenstown either to save money or to enjoy a sense of remoteness that you might not get in the town itself.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, despite its modest size, Queenstown offers a multitude of superb activities. It’s a haven for adventure seekers, but those who value finer things in life, such as spas and excellent wine, will find something to delight them.

If you’d like to find out about other incredible experiences beyond Queenstown, check out this guide to New Zealand’s South Island.

FAQs: Things to Do in Queenstown

What is Queenstown best known for?

Queenstown is known for its stunning alpine scenery, adventure activities, and nightlife. Despite its compact size, it boasts many lively bars, pubs, and clubs—perfect for a tipple after a day of hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or even bungee jumping.

Can you do Queenstown without a car?

Yes, you can explore the local area without a car. In fact, the first time I went to Queenstown, my friend and I relied on public transport, taxis, and private tours to get around. Not having a car requires more planning on your part, but you can still very much visit the highlights of the area.

Why is Queenstown so expensive?

New Zealand is generally an expensive destination, but Queenstown is on the higher end of the local price spectrum. This is due to its status as a small, highly sought-after town. This applies not only to tourists but also to locals, as Queenstown boasts some of the highest property values in the country.

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The 21 Best Things to Do in Queenstown