Explore wineries, epic film locations, adventure activities or spoil yourself with a trip to a spa. Here are the top 10 things to do in Queenstown.
Enjoy an iconic Queenstown experience and take the Queenstown Gondola(opens in new window) up 450 metres up to Bob's Peak. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the aptly named The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. Try your hand at the Queenstown Luge(opens in new window) and zoom down the course of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. If you’re feeling hungry, grab something to eat at the Market Kitchen Café or at Stratosfare Restaurant. Visit the Jelly Belly Store and take home some sweets and check out the art gallery – yes, art pieces made out of Jelly Beans!
Take a picturesque cruise across Lake Wakatipu on board the TSS Earnslaw(opens in new window), a century-old coal-fired steamship. Or if you’d like to stay a little closer to land, have a drink at New Zealand’s only floating bar, Perky’s Floating Bar, where you can even bring takeaway food on the boat! For a faster-paced experience on the lake, go jet boating or try the Hydro Attack Queenstown(opens in new window) and get a feel of what it’s like to be a shark, speeding up to 80km per hour.
Queenstown isn't all about heart-pumping adrenalin - wind down and indulge at Onsen Hot Pools(opens in new window), a boutique retreat and day spa that offers ultimate relaxation. Looking over the Shotover River, the spa has 14 world-renowned cedar-lined hot pools that are open during both the afternoons and evenings. Whether you book an hour-long soak in the Original Onsen, or treat yourself to the Ultimate Relaxation Experience, you’ll surely feel fully rested at the end of your visit.
Scenic flights(opens in new window) are an excellent way to enjoy the natural splendour of Queenstown. A light plane or helicopter is the perfect way to take your holiday to the next level as you admire lush grasslands, tussocks, vast lakes, and snow-capped mountains from your vantage seat. Book a helicopter ride that also offer alpine landings to give you more time to take in the views. For those who are feeling a little more daring, try out paragliding or book a hot air balloon ride as the sun rises to a new day.
Situated on the banks of Arrow River is historic Arrowtown, established during the gold rush of the 1860s and is still a vibrant town centre today. Only a 20 minutes’ drive east of Queenstown, this picturesque destination is home to the Lakes District Museum and Gallery(opens in new window) – showcasing the area’s history and relics. Hire a Gold Pan and try your luck at gold mining down at the river!
Set against a background of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, and only a 45-minute drive from Queenstown, you can find the beautiful Glenorchy. An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Glenorchy has plenty of things to do, from walking tracks, horse riding, fishing, to finding those perfect photography spots. It is also home to filming locations from The Lord of the Rings, including Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains and Ithilien.
Whether you're looking to push your adventure limits or to soak in the picturesque views, Queenstown has a lot to offer. Find a range of things to do in Queenstown.
Queenstown has accommodation to suit every budget, find your favourite place from our top operators.