Planning a trip to the adventure capital of the world? I’ve got you covered, here is the most comprehensive list of best things to do in Queenstown for the adventure traveler.
Arriving in Queenstown, New Zealand without any plans would leave anyone feeling just a little overwhelmed. From jet boats to bungee jumping to paragliding, it’s very easy to see why this small mountain town attracts over 3.3 million adventure-seekers yearly.
In this guide, I’ve aimed to compile the most extensive list of the best things to do in Queenstown. I’ve spent a fair amount of time adventuring in Queenstown and hence I’ve written many comprehensive guides for each Queenstown activity or attraction.
You’ll find links to these comprehensive guide beneath each item on the list to help you plan your trip to New Zealand’s best destination.
Enjoy!
Best Things to do in Queenstown New Zealand
Remember, there are just so many epic things to do and see in Queenstown that this long list barely scratches the surface.
Nevertheless, these travel tips and ideas will surely help you plan your New Zealand adventures. So, without further ado, let’s get into the list. This is my adventure guide to the 36 Best Things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand”!
1. Bungee Jumping with AJ Hacket
By far, the most iconic Queenstown adrenaline activity is a bungee jump with AJ Hacket.
In fact, many Queenstowners consider this a rite of passage!
Having been around since 1988, AJ Hacket is the world’s best, safest and biggest bungee jumping company. If you’ve always wanted to try bungee, then there’s no better place than the birthplace of bungee in New Zealand’s South Island.
You’ll have a few options; The Ledge (47 metres), Kawarau Bridge (43 metres), and the Nevis (137 metres). You can book directly with AJ Hacket in Queenstown or get the best rates and discounts below.
You can also book a Bungee “thrillogy” where you can save up to NZD$215 if you combine all jumps on this deal.
2. The Skyline Gondola
Did you know that Queenstown is home to the Southern hemisphere’s steepest cable car?
Taking the Skyline Gondola offers great views of Queenstown. At the top, you’ll have impressive views from Bob’s Peak overlooking the town, the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.
There are also plenty of Queenstown activities to choose from at the top, including the Luge and the Nevis bungy.
The cost per adult is $44, however, there is an online deal where you can purchase a Gondola + 2x Luge rides for only $57.
3. The Luge
Located right beside the gondola, the Skyline Luge is a popular adventure activity worth your time.
The luge track snakes and turns through banks, tunnels and forest with constant views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. When it comes to luge rides, I’d say this has to be the most scenic on earth!
4. Hike the Tiki Trail to the Skyline Gondola
For those of you who’d prefer to lace up the boots and hit the trails then Queenstown also has some of the most accessible hiking trails in New Zealand.
Just beside the Skyling Gondola is Queenstown’s Tiki Trail, which twists and turns steeply up the mountain to Bob’s Peak and the Skyline Gondola.
This is an enjoyable hike passing through dense birch and fir forest with sounds of native birds and wildlife. It’s certainly a peaceful hike until you unexpectedly cross the downhill mountain bike trails which is a great reminder that you are in the adventure capital of the world!
5. Hike to the Summit of Ben Lomond
Now for the best hike in Queenstown – the Ben Lomond summit track.
Continuing on from the Skyling Gondola, the track continues around the bend to a grassy, hilly plain that climbs gently to the Ben Lomond saddle.
The final summit push to Ben Lomond’s 1748M peak is accessible from the saddle and can be attempted by most fit hikers!
Not only is the Ben Lomond hike one of my favourite hikes in the area, but I also consider it one of the absolute best things to do in Queenstown! You can read the full hiking guide here.
RELATED: 8 Best Hikes in Queenstown, New Zealand
6. Mountain Biking
Queenstown is one of the best places on earth for downhill mountain biking. There is a huge international and local scene here and Queenstown is also the stage for several downhill competitions every year.
There are hundreds of maintained tracks ranging from beginners to professionals. If you don’t have your own bike, it’s possible to rent one from several bike shops in Queenstown.
You’ll also find the best resource on Queenstown bike trails on the Queenstwon Trail website.
7. Queenstown Helicopter Tour
By far the best way to see Queenstown is from the sky. There are loads of different helicopter tours departing from Queenstown including budget, 20-minute Lake and Remarkables flights, glacier trips and even half-day trips to Milford Sound!
You can find great deals for Queenstown helicopter flights by searching both on Klook and Viator.
8. Visit Skippers Canyon
Queenstown is the doorstep for a multitude of epic canyons, gorges, and rapid rivers. Visiting Skippers Canyon is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. Here, you can do a few short walks and even swim in the turquoise flowing waters of the Shotover River.
Near the car park, you will also find the Edith Cavell Bridge, which is undeniably one of the most scenic bridges I’ve ever come across!
9. Shotover Jet
The Shotover Jet is yet another of Queenstown’s iconic adrenaline activities! Located at Skippers Canyon, just next to the Edith Cavell Bridge, this jet-boating activity is one of the most iconic in the world.
Screaming around tight canyons bends and skimming across seemingly inches of water at over 85 kilometres an hour, this is definitely one for adrenaline junkies.
Surprisingly, the Shotover Jet is one of the most affordable activities on this lest of best things. todo in Queenstown. If you book online, you also get a bus transfer from Queenstown
10. Canyoning Trip
Yep, just 15 minutes from Queenstown and you can be walking through ancient beech forest towards steep-walled canyons.
Canyoneering trips in Queenstown are top-notch and most include ziplines, abseiling, waterfalls, cliff jumps and everything you’d expect from an epic canyoning adventure.
Queenstown canyoning guides are very skilled and no experience is typically required. You can read more about canyoning trips and book them here.
11. Take a Tour to The Sounds
A trip to New Zealand’s wild Fjordland sounds is one of the best things you can do in the country. Best of all, it’s very easy and relatively inexpensive to book a day-trip to both Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound directly from Queenstown.
A cruise down the famous fjords is one of the best ways to take in the very best of New Zealand’s wild landscapes. From the towering Mitre Peak to lush rainforest carved by numerous plummeting waterfalls down the sheer cliffs, it’s difficult to understand just how incredible the Fjordlands are without visiting them yourself.
Tip: For those with their own car or camper, you can take the scenic drive to Milford Sound by yourself and book a sound cruise directly from the National Park for under $60.
Full Guide: How to Visit Milford Sound from Queenstown
12. Zip Trekking
Looking for an epic zip-lining adventure in Queenstown? The Ziptrek Ecotours is an epic 2-hour ziplining activity that is ranked as the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline!
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting adrenaline hit that is easier on the wallet, then this Queenstown activity is a great bet.
13. Hike to Queenstown Hill for Sunset
Queenstown Hill is probably the most iconic sunset hike in town. This hike is much easier than the Tiki trail, yet just as rewarding – especially for sunset or sunrise.
The viewpoint at the top of Queenstown Hill offers arguably the best views of the town, as well as clear views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
FULL POST: Queenstown Hill Hiking Guide
14. Play Frisbee Golf in the Queenstown Gardens
After a long day of adrenaline-pumping adventure activities and hikes, what better way to unwind than to have a beer or two and play frisbee golf with your mates in the Queenstown gardens?
But, what’s frisbee golf you may ask? It’s exactly that. The game has similar rules and objectives as golf, yet is played with frisbees.
This is one of the best free things to do in Queenstown if you have your own frisbees. Otherwise, you can rent them from most sports and outdoor stores in Queenstown.
15. Swim in Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown’s resident lake is one of the most picturesque in New Zealand and also makes for a great place to cool off in the summer months!
However, this is a mountain lake, so prepared to get a little chilly!
16. Take in the Lakeside Sunset Views
Not looking to leave town and want a great sunset spot? Why not head down to the lakeside boardwalk to unwind with a stunning Queenstown sunset?
The boardwalk and lakeside area usually attracts dozens of groups, so it’s also a great place to meet other travelers.
17. Hike at Bob’s Cove
The Bob’s Cove track is one of the best bang-for-buck hikes in Queenstown in terms of views! What I mean by this is that after just a very short yet scenic walk around the edge of Bob’s Cove and a small hill-climb, you will be rewarded with one of the best coastal views near Queenstown!
Even if you’re not into hiking, I highly recommend visiting Bob’s Cove as one of the best things to do in Queenstown.
FULL POST: Bob’s Cove Track in Queenstown
18. Head to Moke Lake
Moke Lake is a more off-the-beaten-path mountain lake hiking and camping area just a stone-throw away from Queenstown.
Of course, you’ll need your own transport to drive the short, 20-minute road to Moke Lake. If you are exploring New Zealand in a non-self contained camper, then visiting Moke Lake is also one of the best and most affordable places to spend the night!
READ: Moke Lake New Zealand – Guide to Hiking and Camping Near Queenstown
19. Drive the Scenic Road to Glenorchy
The Glenorchy-Queenstown Road has to be one of the world’s most scenic drives! Following the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the road winds gently through the mountains with mind-blowing views of snow-capped peaks and distant glaciers along every turn.
There are also several pull-over areas on the side of the road where you can stop and snap some shots or simply admire the view!
20. Hike the Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. In my opinion, it’s also probably the best of all the Great Walks in New Zealand, and that’s saying something!
Although the Routeburn departs from nearby Glenorchy, many hikers depart early from their base in Queenstown to hike a section of it on a day trip or the whole thing!
FULL GUIDE: How to Hike the Routeburn on a Day Trip from Queenstown
21. The Earnslaw Burn Hike
Hobbit fans rejoice! The Earnslaw Burn hike follows the path of Bilbo and his companions as they march on their quest through Middle Earth.
Even if you’re not a Tolkien fan, the Earnslaw Burn hike is still one of the best hikes in New Zealand and certainly one of the best things to do near Queenstown. The track dips and climbs through dense beech forest before opening up into a spectacular glacial burn with a track that leads all the way to the Earnslaw glacier.
Similarly to the Routeburn, this hike departs from neighbouring Glenorchy, but can easily be reached from Queenstown following a quick drive on the scenic lakeside road.
HIKING GUIDE: Earnslaw Burn Overnight Hike
22. Lord of the Rings Tour
Did you know that both the North and South Island of New Zealand was the location of all Lord of the Rings filming sets? Of course you do!
There are hundreds of different locations that you can discover that were featured in the epic trilogy.
I’ve included a few of the best-reviewed LOTR tours below but there are also many self-drive tours that you can book or even plan yourself.
Klook.com23. Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking
Especially popular in summer, renting a kayak or SUP on Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu is one of the best things to do in Queenstown.
Make sure to pick a calm day, because strong winds are common in Queenstown, especially in the afternoons!
24. Drive to the Remarkables Ski Area
The Remarkables mountain range is one truly worthy of the name. The constant Queenstown backdrop also features a great ski area that is very popular during the winter months.
Even if you’re visiting outside of pow season, driving up the access road to the Remarkables Ski area is still a worthwhile trip. You will have to pay $10 during summer, but don’t worry the views are definitely worth it!
25. The Lake Alta Hike
Located right beside the Remarkables Ski Field is a short track to one of Queenstown’s most scenic alpine lakes.
To access this hike, you will need to take the ski field access road mentioned above. There is a sign once you arrive at the carpark which leads the way.
I also found a little-known track that climbs the saddle to a spectacular viewpoint of the Lake and of Shotover country below. If views are your goal, then the Lake Alta hike is one of the best things to do in Queenstown!
FULL GUIDE: Lake Alta – Hiking to the Saddle Viewpoint
26. Visit Coronet Peak
On the other side of Shotover country is another of Queenstown’s popular ski fields. Similarly to the Remarkables ski area, there is a well-maintained, yet steep access road to the top.
27. Skydiving
Having adrenaline withdrawals? Skydiving in Queenstown is arguably the most beautiful place to do so in the entire world!
With a huge skydiving scene, there is also loads of competition, meaning that prices are actually pretty reasonable.
Klook.com28. Paragliding
For those not ready to jump out of a plane, how about launching off a mountain?
If you’ve already arrived in Queenstown, then you probably would have already noticed the hundreds of paragliders and hang-gliders that dot the skies above Queenstown. That’s because paragliding is one of Queenstown’s most popular adventure activities.
Though you don’t need to be a pro to partake in the fun. There are many sports and adventure stores in Queenstown that can hook you up with a tandem, or you could compare prices and book online.
29. Drive to Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a small, historic mining town that is located only a short distance from Queenstown.
The town itself is very small, consisting only of a main road and a few tourist shops. Still, if you’re interested in the mining history of New Zealand, or you want to see its quaint and picturesque buildings and mountain backdrops, then add Arrowtown to your Queenstown itinerary!
30. Hike or Unwind by the Arrow River
Arrowtown is also a mini-hub of short hikes and river walks. Located just near the main Arrowtown visitor’s carpark is a hiking area that is very popular with day-trippers from Queenstown.
For those visiting Arrowtown, make sure to stop by the Arrow river for lunch or for a quick swim!
31. Stick a Thumb Out
I know, this is a little bit of a random one. However, Queenstown is known as one of the easiest places in the world to hitchhike!
The combination of a large backpacking community and the warm, welcoming Kiwi spirit has created a scene where hitchhiking has become a regular form of transport for many travelers and locals.
So, if hitchhiking is on the bucket list, or if you’re looking to save money on transport to any of the Queenstown attractions on this list of best things to do in Queenstown, then go ahead and give it a go!
32.Visit the Kawarau Gorge
While most people visit the Kawarau Gorge from Queenstown for the famous Bungy bridge, I think that it’s a worthwhile destination in itself!
With pristine aqua waters and jagged canyons, the Kawarau River is begging to be explored. I’d recommend stopping by Roaring Meg for some of the best photo opportunities of the gorge.
RELATED: Discover the 8 Best Hikes in Queenstown
33. Eat a Fergburger
No, this isn’t a food blog, but eating at Fergburger is so iconic that this burger joint seems to make its way onto every list of Queenstown attractions!
Yes, the burgers really are that good, especially after a long day of hiking and exploring. Now that I’ve mentioned it, you’ll likely see those paper-bag wrapped wonders in the hands of every second person on the Queenstown boardwalk!
Fergburger even caters for vegans and vegetarians, so nobody has to miss out.
34. Devil’s Staircase Lookout
While the Glenorchy to Queenstown road certainly gets more attention, on the other side of the elbow is yet another incredible lakeside drive.
The Devil’s Staircase lookout is located on the road between Queenstown and Kingston and is a popular stop for those driving south to the Fjordlands.
35. Hit the Road!
Put simply, with so many epic things to do in Queenstown, you just won’t run out of things to do or see.
However, Queenstown is just the start! The South Island of New Zealand is one of the most adventure-packed and wild places on earth, so it’d be a shame to miss it.
Some of the best adventures and memories are made on spontaneous trips! If you haven’t yet, get your set of wheels and just drive, the roads surrounding Queenstown are so picturesque that they deserve a spot on the list!
36. Visit Wanaka
The adventures certainly don’t end at Queenstown! Known colloquially as Queenstown’s tamer little brother, Wanaka is another hotspot for great hikes and activities.
Located only an hour from Queenstown, many travelers only stop by for a day trip. However, if you want to check out some of the must do’s, including climbing Roy’s Peak or the majestic Blue Pools, then it’s worth stopping for at least a few days.
Queenstown Travel Guide
Now that you. have a fair idea about things. todo in Queenstown, here is a quick and useful section dedicated to helping you plan your Queenstown itinerary.
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Where I stayed: Spaceship Car
During my recent visit to New Zealand, I cruised around in style in a Spaceship rental car. These are great for budget adventure travelers since you’ll get your accommodation and transport ticked off in one neat package.
Cheapest Hostel in Queenstown: Base Backpackers
Queenstown is known for a lot of things; adrenaline sports, epic day hikes, and awesome nightlife. What it’s not known for is anything to do with the word cheap. In saying that, if you book ahead, you’ll still be able to get a dorm bed for under $25NZD at Base Backpackers.
Lakefront Hostel with a Vibe: YHA Queenstown Lakefront
YHA opposite the incredible Lake Wakatipu is one of the best and highest-rated hostels in Queenstown. If you’re looking to meet other adventure travelers, be close to the action and prefer a comfortable dorm bed, don’t look past YHA Lakefront
Best Time to Visit Queenstown
The thing about Queenstown is that there are so many things to do and see all year round. As a result, many people are drawn back to Queenstown many times over.
While it certainly is a destination worth visiting any time of the year, the best time to visit will depend on what Queenstown attractions and activities you’d like to do.
Best Time For Hiking
For hikers, the best time to visit Queenstown is in the summer months of December through to February. During this time, the weather is great, most tracks are open and there is less ice on the alpine routes.
Visiting Queenstown in Winter
For skiiers and snowboarding, winter is the best time to visit Queenstown! In fact, hundreds of thousands of people visit Queenstown in winter to hit the slopes!
Queenstown is Expensive – Tips for Saving Money
Okay, Queenstown clearly isn’t the cheapest place in New Zealand. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a budget-friendly travel destination.
In fact, I still managed to spend less than $80 average per day on my recent trip to Queenstown. Below I’ve listed some useful tips to help you stretch the travel funds further.
More New Zealand Travel Inspiration
That concludes this Queenstown mega-guide for the best attractions and things to do! If you’re still looking for more New Zealand road trip and travel inspiration, make sure to check out some more free guides and articles below.
If you’re into hiking, why not check out this guide to the 31 Best Hikes in South Island New Zealand.
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2 comments
Thanks sharing your blog, I had pan to visit but i didn’t have any idea what exact I will do. But from your blog I got quite a number of things I will be doing.
I’m glad to hear Panjene, enjoy Queenstown!