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11 Best Things to Do in Queenstown [Complete Guide]
If you're planning your route through New Zealand's South Island and wondering... What to do in QueenstownYou've come to the right place. This small town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu Surrounded by mountains, it combines spectacular scenery and adventure sports year-round; we spent almost a week there during our 3-month adventure in New Zealand.
He has earned the title of adventure capitalAnd it's no wonder, because it offers activities for all tastes. In this guide we tell you what to do in Queenstown. the most recommended excursions, how to get around, where to sleep, and some practical tips based on our own experience.
- The 10 best things to do in Queenstown
- 1- Take a walk along the shore of Lake Wakatipu
- 2- Try the hamburgers at Fergburger
- 3- Enjoy the views from The Remarkables and go hiking
- 4- Climb Bob's Peak
- 5- Route to Queenstown Hill
- 6- Release adrenaline in the Shotover Jet
- 7- Arrive at Glenorchy
- 8- Relive the gold rush in Arrowtown
- 9- Excursion to Milford Sound
- 10- Steam Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
- 11- Bungee jumping (or watching others) at the Kawarau Bridge
- Best time to visit Queenstown
- How to get to Queenstown
- Where to stay in Queenstown
- Map with all the things to do in Queenstown
- Frequently asked questions about what to do in Queenstown
10 best things to do in Queenstown
If you were wondering What to do in QueenstownHere's a list of our favorite activities and places you shouldn't miss, whether you're looking for adrenaline or prefer quiet plans.
1- Take a walk along the shore of Lake Wakatipu
What we liked most about Queenstown was its scenery; from many points in the city you can see houses on the riverbanks. of the lake surrounded by mountainsEven with snow, depending on the time of year, it's a picture-postcard landscape. Plus, it's very easy to explore on foot. In short, it's absolutely charming.
Opposite the Queenstown pier, the lake forms a bay that is accessible. to explore by taking a stroll and enjoying the viewsIf you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in one of its pools. beachesWe recommend accompanying this walk (or swim) with an ice cream from the Patagonia chocolate shopwhich you'll find next to the pier. If it's a rainy day, they have a second floor with lake views where you can sit; we thought it was a great plan, and the ice cream is really, really good.
Another ideal spot For a meal with a view, try The Boat Shed CafeAt the end of the guide you have the map of what to see in Queensland where we also mark these recommendations.
There are not only small lake beaches in that area, but all around Queenstown, One of the most idyllic is Jack's Point Beach with clear waters and where you'll be practically alone.
2- Try the hamburgers at Fergburger
This burger joint It's quite an institution in Queenstown And you're sure to see plenty of people with one in their hand if you stroll along the lake. We couldn't resist trying them, and they were really good, and the price is more than reasonable. Although we still find their immense popularity quite surprising—no matter what time of day you go, there's always a queue—the good thing is they're very quick with orders.
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Undoubtedly, the landscapes surrounding Queenstown are what attract thousands of tourists, including us, and surely you too, even if you're not reading this. Well, to see it from above... with the best perspective You have several options, from walking, driving or taking the cable car, We'll tell you about them below. so you can choose the one you like best.
3- Enjoy the views from The Remarkables and go hiking
These ski slopes are one of the best things to do in Queenstown if you're traveling to New Zealand in winter, but they're also well worth a visit in summer—and then some! carThe winding road that leads to the ski slopes parking lot has some Breathtaking views of Queenstown and its surroundingsWe explored it at a leisurely pace, stopping at the various viewpoints along the way. carretera.
Once you're up there, I recommend taking a short hiking route. to Lake Alta, a high mountain lake located just 2km from the parking lot; between going there, returning, and spending a good time there, it took us about an hour and a half. Please note that access to the carThe retera is a paid service, it costs $15.
4- Climb Bob's Peak
Go up by cable car to Bob's Peak It's one of the most popular things to do in Queenstown: a very steep climb that offers breathtaking views. Once you reach the top, you can explore the area and have something to eat before heading back down.
As good Queenstown, the adventure sports capital The descent doesn't have to be by cable car or on foot; there are several other adrenaline-filled options:
- Go down on footThe route is 2,7km long and has an elevation gain of 400 meters.
- Mountain bike downhillYou can take a rental MTB bike (they are available at various points in the city) and descend on one of the routes that are available at different levels.
- SleddingThere are several circuits of varying difficulty with a kind of wheeled sled for descending the mountain. The basic package includes 3 descents and costs $89.
- Paragliding descentIf going down on wheels isn't your thing, perhaps you'd like to try paragliding.
- Go down on a zip lineIt uses a circuit of several zip lines that run through the forest to descend from the top to almost the city center.
5- Route to Queenstown Hill
If you want to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Queenstown, having earned it, the best spot is... Queenstown Hill, a viewpoint that can be reached via a 5-kilometer (total) trail with a 500-meter elevation gain that will take you about two and a half hours to complete.
The starting point is «Queenstown Hill Time Walk Trailhead«, located just a 10-minute walk from the main street. The road It's well signposted and starts in a pine forest, leading to a breathtaking view of Lake Wakatipu, the city, and the Remarkables mountain range. We missed it! We'll be back!
⭐Don't stop reading... 14 Best Hiking Trails in New Zealand.
As a final alternative for the best viewpoints to see in Queensland, you have Lake Wakatipu Viewpoint. Is located in the upper part of the city But without actually going up the mountain, so the views aren't as spectacular, but if you have limited time in the city it's a good option.carI'll go to this area.
6- Release adrenaline in the Shotover Jet
Un jet boat It is a high-speed boat that was invented in New Zealand capable of navigate through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River at almost 100km/hMaking sharp turns and passing very close to the rocks – perhaps even too close for some nerves! This activity combines moments of maximum adrenaline, beautiful scenery and lots of fun, making it one of New Zealand's most iconic tour experiences.
Also There is another very special way to explore the canyon, raftingAlthough it's not a cheap activity, we really wanted to do it. From the photos we saw, it has some incredible rapids, and we had a similar experience rafting on the North Island. Tutea Falls in Rotorua and we loved it.
7- Arrive at Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a small village located just 45 minutes from Queenstown and the only way to get there is via one of the best carqueres all over New Zealand, Exploring it is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Queenstown for us.You travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, enjoying scenic stretches, viewpoints, and snow-capped mountains in the background. Although the distance is short. We recommend you drive slowly. and stop many times.
Once in Glenorchy you can take a leisurely stroll along the pier, where you'll find an iconic red barn, or go on the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway, a very simple circular route of about 3 kilometers.
8- Relive the gold rush in Arrowtown
Another thing you can't miss in Queenstown is visit the neighboring town of ArrowtownLocated about 20 minutes away by car, this small town emerged and developed rapidly during the boom of the 19th century gold rush, when thousands of miners, many of them of Chinese origin, arrived in the Arrow River Valley in search of fortune.
Today it retains its original style with period facadesLocal shops, cafes with terraces, an old Chinatown, and small museums that tell the story of the place. I was very surprised to find there was even a shop where you could rent the necessary equipment for gold panning or even try it in an area they had designated for that purpose with sand from the Arrow River.
9- Excursion to Milford Sound
Personally, we prefer to do the route to Milford Sound on our own to dedicatecarSpend several days exploring the area at your own pace. However, taking a guided tour is one of the most popular things to do in Queenstown. Especially recommended if you have little timebecause going there and back in one day on your own can be quite tiring.
The tours depart from the city center and go several stops at the most popular viewpoints from the carback to reach the Milford Sound pier, where you take a cruise that takes you around for a couple of hours While enjoying the surroundings, the waterfalls and with luck you may also see dolphins, penguins and sea lions.
Whether you go on your own or on a tour, you can't miss it because it really is the landscapes of Fiordland (the National Park where Milford Sound is located) are incredible.
10- Steam Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
Another most iconic cruise routes One thing to do in Queenstown is to go aboard the steamboat TSS Earnslawa ship that is still used cargood and that It has been sailing since 1912, totally unmistakable with its large red chimney.
11- Bungee jumping (or watching others) at the Kawarau Bridge
If there's one activity that symbolizes the adventurous spirit of Queenstown, it's the Kawarau Bridge, place where bungee jumping was bornat least on a commercial level. It was in 1988 when the first commercial jump was made on this bridge, 43 meters above the river.
If the Kawarau Bridge Bungy isn't enough for you, you can try the Nevis Bungy Jump, the highest jump in New Zealand. With its Meters 134 It's not an experience for everyone; we certainly didn't dare...
Now that you know everything about What to do in Queenstown Let's go with the tips and practical information for your visit.
Best time to visit Queenstown
Queenstown is a destination Ideal to visit at any time of yearWe were there at the beginning of summer, in December: Depending on the time of year you travel, you will find the following:
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Sunny weather and pleasant temperatures, with highs around 20-25ºC. Ideal time for outdoor activities and any type of tour.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Maximum temperatures between 15 and 20ºC. The landscapes change to golden and reddish hues. Fewer tourists and still pleasant weather for activities.
- Winter (June-August): Peak ski season on The Remarkables and Coronet Peak slopes. Highs of only 4-8ºC.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Temperatures similar to autumn, with snow-capped mountains dominating the landscape. Shoulder season, prices are lower than in summer and winter.
🚗✅ Detailed itineraries
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Complete route 3 weeks
How to get to to Queenstown
El Queenstown Airport It has some international connections, although it's not one of the country's main entry points; many tourists fly directly there. It's also common arrive on a domestic flight from AucklandIt's the perfect connection, along with Christchurch, for an itinerary that covers both islands. Once at the airport, getting to the city center is very easy, either by bus, which departs frequently, or in your rental car.
If you travel by carparking with car or rental van the nearest tourist city is Wanaka, just over an hour's journey away. Both cities are connected by the carmain road 6 and by the carlandscape retera Cardrona Valley.
Once you're in Queenstown, Getting around the city is easy Because the city center is very compact and you can reach most places on foot. There are also activities that include transfers from certain areas of the city.
Where to stay in Queenstown
The most convenient option is to stay in the center of QueenstownFrom here you can easily get around on foot, which is perfect if you haven't rented a car. Plus, you'll have bars, restaurants, and tour companies right at your doorstep.
Accommodation with There is a good quality price relation es St James Apartments, a few steps from the main street and you have your own fully equipped kitchen.
If you prefer something Calmer or you travel with tighter budgetA good alternative is to stay in the Frankton area, next to the airport. It's about 10 minutes drive from the center, well connected by bus line 1 which runs frequently and costs only $2.
In this neighborhood you'll find free parking, something that isn't the case in the city center. The best hotel in the area is the Sudima Five Mile.
We traveled in camper vanIf you also have well-located paid campsites or free options on the outskirts, for buscar free-camps in New Zealand We always use Campermate.
Map with all the things to do in Queenstown
Below is a map where you can find all the Things to do in Queenstown which we discussed in the article. If you open this map in Google Maps on your mobile phone, the points will remain marked for a while.
FAQ about what to do in Queenstown
Ideally, you should spend at least 2 days in Queenstown To enjoy the lake at a leisurely pace, climb the Skyline, do some hiking, and enjoy other activities. If you also want to take the excursion to Milford Sound, you should add one day.
It's not essential, as the city is small and many activities include transportation. However, if you want to visit nearby areas like Arrowtown, Glenorchy, or Wanaka, you will need a car.
There are a couple of places where you can sleep for free on the outskirts of Queenstown. One is by the Kawarau Bridge, where bungee jumping is popular, and the other is on the lake shore at Kingston Campsite.
Yes, absolutely. In addition to adventure sports, Queenstown offers spectacular landscapes, hiking trails and other quieter activities that combine nature and relaxation.
We hope this guide to the best things to do in Queenstown helps you plan your visit to the adventure capitalIf you have any questions or recommendations, please leave them in the comments! To continue planning your trip, you can read our New Zealand itineraries and other guides with our favorite places in the country.
