Best things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand
A complete travel guide to New Zealand’s adventure capital – from epic hikes and cruises to the best food, views, and stays.
Queenstown is one of those places that grabs you the moment you arrive. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it’s the kind of town where adventure meets pure relaxation. You can spend one day hiking to panoramic viewpoints or cruising across the lake, and the next sipping wine in the Gibbston Valley or tucking into a world-famous Fergburger.
Whether you’re here for the thrill of bungy jumping, the serenity of the mountains, or just to soak up the lakeside vibes, Queenstown is a must on any New Zealand itinerary. In this blog, I’ll share the best things to do, where to eat, the top walks nearby, and a few of my personal favourites to make the most of your time in this stunning corner of the South Island.
Things to see and do when visiting Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is often called the adventure capital of the world and for good reason. Sitting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, it’s a place that perfectly combines breathtaking scenery with adrenaline-fuelled activities, cosy cafes, and plenty of opportunities to unwind. It’s one of the best places to run, bike, hike, swim, sky dive and tick off a range of other incredible activities.
I’ve spent a few months in Queenstown and have ticked off as many activities as I can and still have plenty more to do!
Things to do in Queenstown
Lake Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw – Hop aboard this historic steamship for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak. It’s a relaxing way to soak up mountain views and a great contrast to Queenstown’s high-energy vibe.
Skyline Gondola & Luge – Ride the gondola up Bob’s Peak for stunning views over Queenstown, then race down the luge track – fun for both kids and adults.
Wine Tasting in Gibbston Valley – Just a short drive from town, this area is famous for its pinot noir. Many vineyards offer tastings and vineyard tours.
Adventure Sports – Queenstown is known for bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and white-water rafting. If you want an adrenaline rush, this is the place.
Day Trip to Glenorchy – A 45-minute drive along one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand takes you to Glenorchy, a quiet town at the head of Lake Wakatipu with great hikes and LOTR filming locations.
Explore the shops and cafes – Queenstown has a thriving food scene, with everything from artisan coffee to lakeside dining. Perfect for a slower-paced day.
🗺️ Planning your South Island road trip from Queenstown?
Make the most of your time on the South Island with my detailed New Zealand South Island Guide — packed with a 10–14 day itinerary, hiking tips, and must-see stops built from real travel experience.
Where to eat in Queenstown
Fergburger – Probably the most famous burger joint in New Zealand. Expect a queue, but it’s worth it. Located on the main high street, Queenstown.
The Cow Pizza - Incredible Pizzas and Pastas all set in a hidden away old English pub. We had to book as it was fairly busy. Located Cow Lane Queenstown.
Botswana Butchery – Fine dining with stunning lake views, perfect for a special evening out.
Blue Kanu – A fusion of Pacific and Asian cuisine in a fun, relaxed setting.
Getting around Queenstown
The town itself is very walkable, with most cafes, restaurants, and attractions within easy reach.
Buses and shuttles run regularly to nearby areas like Arrowtown, Coronet Peak, and the airport. You can catch the number 1 bus from Stanley Street Bus hub to the Airport which takes about 25 minutes. For Arowtown, catch the number 4 bus which takes around 34 minutes.
Parking in the town centre can be tricky at peak times, so if you’re hiring a car, try to find accommodation with parking included.
🚐 Want help planning the rest of your South Island route?
From Queenstown to Milford Sound, Mount Cook, and beyond — my South Island Guide has you covered with a 10–14 day itinerary, map links, hikes, and the best places to stay and eat along the way.
Top three walks from Queenstown
Queenstown Hill – A short but steep climb with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range.
Ben Lomond Track – A full-day hike starting from the gondola, with one of the best summit views in the South Island.
Frankton Track – A flat lakeside walk (or cycle) from Queenstown to Frankton, perfect for a relaxing few hours by the water.
Where to stay in Queenstown
Whether you’re looking for a luxury retreat, a cosy lodge, or budget-friendly backpacker accommodation, Queenstown has something for every traveller.
Luxury Hotels & Boutique Stays
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown – Iconic and luxurious, right on the waterfront.
Azur Lodge – Private villas with incredible lake views, perfect for couples.
The Rees Hotel – A 5-star hotel with spacious apartments and a private jetty on Lake Wakatipu.
Mid-range Hotels & Guesthouses
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel – Modern and stylish, with great service and mountain views.
The Dairy Private Hotel – A charming boutique stay in the centre of town.
Kamana Lakehouse – Cosy yet modern, with some of the best views over the lake.
Budget & Backpacker Options
Nomads Queenstown – A lively hostel in the town centre, great for social travellers.
YHA Queenstown Central – Affordable and conveniently located.
Adventure Queenstown Hostel – Popular with solo travellers and backpackers.
🏕️ Loved Queenstown? Keep exploring the South Island!
Whether you’re planning your first South Island adventure or returning for more, my New Zealand South Island Guide and custom itinerary service make it easy to plan an unforgettable trip — without the stress of piecing everything together yourself.
- ✅ 7–14 day route with clear start and end points.
- ✅ Best places to visit, eat, and stay across the South Island.
- ✅ Mobile & desktop PDF — easy to use or print before you travel.
- 🗺️ Free interactive map with 150+ pinned locations.
- 🧭 Prefer something unique? I can build a personalised itinerary just for you — tailored to your route, pace, and interests.
Queenstown FAQs
How many days should I spend in Queenstown, New Zealand?
If you’re planning a trip to Queenstown, New Zealand, I’d recommend spending at least four to five days in town. That’s enough time to enjoy the main Queenstown things to do from cruising on Lake and riding the Skyline Gondola to hiking Queenstown Hill or exploring the nearby wine region of Gibbston Valley.
If you have five or six days, even better. You can add day trips to Glenorchy (1 hour away), Arrowtown (30 min away), or even Milford Sound (this is an entire day out with an early start and late finish), giving you a real taste of what makes Queenstown one of the most scenic destinations in New Zealand.
Where to eat – Best restaurants in Queenstown
There’s no shortage of great places to eat in Queenstown. For brunch and great coffee, try Vudu Café & Larder or Bespoke Kitchen. If you’re after something quick but iconic, Fergburger is world-famous and well worth the queue. For dinner, my favourite is The Cow Pizza, Botswana Butchery offers elegant lakeside dining, while Blue Kanu serves up creative Pacific-Asian fusion dishes. Queenstown’s food scene is packed with options for every traveller, whether you want fine dining, casual eats, or a scenic vineyard lunch in Gibbston Valley.
How cold does it get in Queenstown, New Zealand?
Queenstown has a cool alpine climate, so temperatures change a lot throughout the year. In summer (December to February), it’s usually 20–30°C, perfect for hikes, swimming, and outdoor adventures. Winter (June to August) brings snow and crisp mornings, with average temperatures around 5–10°C, making it ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
Spring and autumn are milder, with fewer tourists and stunning colours around Lake Wakatipu, a lovely time to enjoy the quieter side of Queenstown, New Zealand.
What are the best things to do in Queenstown?
There are endless things to do in Queenstown, whether you’re there for adventure or relaxation. Start with a Skyline Gondola ride for panoramic views, it costs around $66 per person and takes a few minutes to get to the top, or cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw. Hikers will love the Queenstown Hill (this is steep in parts and a real workout) and Ben Lomond Track (another big hike but great day out), while thrill-seekers can try bungy jumping, jet boating, or skydiving.
If you prefer a slower pace, sample local wines in Gibbston Valley, take a scenic drive to Glenorchy, or simply enjoy the lakeside views and cafes that make Queenstown, New Zealand so special.
Discover the best things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand — from lake cruises and epic hikes to where to eat and stay. Explore my free Queenstown travel guide, then grab the full New Zealand Guide and Interactive Map with 100+ pinned locations to plan your trip with ease.