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Things to do in Queenstown


Here's all you need to know about things to do in Queenstown.

Often referred to as "New Zealand's Adventure Capital", Queenstown is so much more than that.

You don't need to bungy off a bridge to enjoy yourself here (although it sure is fun), and you can have just as much fun relaxing in our pristine alpine environment.

A stunning landscape, distinct seasons, and a visitor friendly environment make this a special place for visitors of all ages.

We've chosen a few of the best in a range of categories.

So just scroll down the page, or just use the links below.

If you want to view a more extensive range of things to do in Queenstown just click here.

Free and Low Cost Activities

For The Family

Adrenalin Charged

Time To Relax

In Touch With Nature

Food and Drink

A Little Romance



Free and Low Cost Things To Do In Queenstown

Take a walk up Queenstown Hill

Have a game of Disc Golf

Explore the markets every Weekend

If you want amazing views, a walk up Queenstown Hill is well worth the effort. Come and see the "mountain of intense sacredness" Te Tapu-nui.

Could this be the home of disc golf? Come and see what all the hype is about on our two wonderful courses, surrounded by stunning scenery.

Weekends in Queenstown are packed with activities. One of the most relaxing things to do is to visit the local markets.

Enjoy historic Arrowtown

Follow the lake to Glenorchy

Visit historic Arrowtown

Visit the museum, pan for gold, or enjoy a scenic walk. Explore the shops and enjoy a meal, or have a round of golf at the challenging Arrowtown Golf Club.

This stunning lakeside village is well worth a visit. Take a jetboat ride, relax with a coffee, or visit a World Heritage site. There's lots to do in this piece of paradise.

Arrowtown features a wonderful setting, a great museum, and lots of cafes, bars and restaurants. And you can even pan for gold.

Queenstown Arrowtown

Hike the Ben Lomond Track

Feed the fish at the underwater observatory

Have a picnic or BBQ by the lake

The Ben Lomond Track climbs to a      1,748 metre summit. It's not for the faint of heart but the effort is well rewarded.

Come and see what's under the surface of Lake Wakatipu. Feed the huge trout, eels, and diving ducks.

The shore of Lake Wakatipu is dotted with parks, BBQ's and public spaces. Pack a lunch, and some local wine and beer and just enjoy the view.




Awesome family things to do in Queenstown

The Skyline Gondola and Luge

See the Kiwis at the Kiwi Birdlife Park

Fun at Queenstown Gardens

The Skyline Complex sits perched on Bob's Peak high above Queenstown. In our opinion, this is a "must do" if you are in Queenstown. The views alone are worth the price of a ticket.

Close to the centre of town, the Kiwi Birdlife Park features dozens of varities of birds, including our iconic  and reclusive Kiwi, and the gregarious Kea.

There's lots to do here. Located in the middle of town, you can play disc golf, ice skate, play tennis or lawn bowls, or explore the beautiful gardens.

The Queenstown Kiwi Birdlife Park
Queenstown Gardens Courtesy queenstownnz.co.nz

Escape in a V.R. world

Have a splash at Alpine Aqualand

Visit the Queenstown Ice Arena

Lose yourself in a V.R. world. Run, shoot, jump, hide. With the latest in V.R technology, Queenstown is the V.R. place to be.

The perfect rainy day experience. Pools, water slides and a lazy river, all located in the Queenstown Events Centre at Frankton.

Fun for everyone. Go ice skating, play ice hockey, ride the ice bumper cars, and play frisbee golf. And all in the centre of town.

Queenstown Omni VR
Queenstown Alpine Aqualand courtesy QLDC
Ice bumper Car at Queenstown Ice Arena

Do a farm tour

Heard of indoor skydiving?

See the country on horseback

The kids love this one. Board the TSS Earnslaw for your trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Have you heard of iFly? What an amazing experience for the whole family. Book your flight now!

Cruise on the historic steamship the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a guided trek on horseback.

TSS Earnslaw And Walter Peak Farm Experience And Afternoon Tea
Walter Peak Half Day Horse Trek




Adrenalin charged things to do in Queenstown

Where do we start? Well here are our top Queenstown adrenalin charged picks.

You can see a full range of Queenstown activities and read customer reviews here.

Jump off something

Jump out of something

Rush down a river

Queenstown is regarded as the home of bungy. With several locations to choose from, why not set yourself the challenge of trying them all.

What better way to take in our amazing scenery than by jumping out of a plane!

The rivers around Queenstown provides some of New Zealand's most rewarding rafting conditions.

Race up a river

Get off road

Sharks in a freshwater lake?

Ever been in a jetboat? If not, you have to try it at least once. And if you already have, we know you want to do it again.

What better way to see our rugged landscape up close, than on your own off road ATV tour adventure.

Well almost. Hydro Attack is a motorized semi-submersible shark set to thrill on Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown ATV Tour
Queenstown Hydro Attack



Ahhh, it's time to relax

Go cruising

Catch a movie

Whack a ball

With over 290 square kilometres to explore, Lake Wakatipu is the perfect place to laze the day away on a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw.

Our local cinema is the ideal spot to catch the latest releases, and is a great alternative if the weather turns sour.

Queenstown is a golf tragic's paradise, with several world class courses, all within a short drive of town. Learn more on our dedicated page.

The TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu
Relax at Reading Cinemas Queenstown
Jacks Point Golf Queenstown

Our wineries are really good

Things look different from up there

Ever tried a Segway?

The region has a flourishing wine industry, with a wide range of cellar doors nestled into our gorgeous countryside.

Take to the sky to see our beautiful region at its very best.

Follow the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu on a guided Segway tour. Great fun.

Queenstown afternoon boutique winery tour
Tandem paraglide over Queenstown
Guided Segway Tour Queenstown



Nature is calling

Visit Fiordland National Park

The wilderness awaits

Have you ever walked on a glacier?

The twin sounds, Milford and Doubtful, are an essential part of any visit to Queenstown.

Visit the World Heritage listed Mt. Aspiring National Park, for a true back country experience.

Fly from Queenstown to the glaciers, where you have the opportunity to walk in the snow and ice. Unforgettable.

Doubtful Sound
Mountain Heli Hike from Queenstown



For the romantics

Soak away your cares

Land on The Remarkables

What could be more peaceful than soaking in a hot tub at the Onsen Retreat and Day Spa, overlooking our stunning alpine scenery.

Soar above Queenstown with someone special. Then land on the Remarkables for superb views of the region.

Relax at the Onsen Retreat and Day Spa Queenstown
Pilots Choice Scenic Flight from Queenstown



So many places to eat and drink

Queenstown is packed with bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants. Here's a few of our personal favourites.

Ever had a fergburger?

What's a Botswana Butchery?

Fergburger is a Queenstown icon. This world famous burger joint is a "must do" if you are visiting Queenstown.

It's a five star restaurant, located lakeside. Fine dining, an extensive wine cellar, and a focus on our best local produce make Botswana Butchery the place to dine.

Botswana Butchery Queenstown

Take a craft brewery tour

Our favourite Queenstown pub

The craft brewery scene is thriving here. Come and enjoy some of our best micro breweries.

The Pub on Wharf is a great place to spend a few hours gazing over the lake, having a meal, or listening to live music. Centrally located with excellent pub food.

Queenstown beer tours
Queenstown's Pub on Wharf

Thanks for visiting our Things to do in Queenstown page.

This is just a snapshot of what's available here in paradise. To search a wider range of Queenstown activities, just click here.


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