Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, and has built its reputation as the adventure capital of the world for good reason. This is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, home to jet boating through narrow gorges and the launch point for one of the most spectacular day trips in the country — Milford Sound.
Even without doing a single adventurous thing, Queenstown is one of the most beautiful towns in New Zealand. Here is everything worth doing.
For the full South Island route including Queenstown, read the South Island Road Trip guide. For a complete New Zealand itinerary, see the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide.
Views and Easy Adventures
1. Ride the Skyline Gondola
Touristy, but worth it. The gondola climbs steeply up to Bob's Peak for some of the best views in New Zealand. Stay until evening for stargazing if the weather is clear.
2. Hike the Queenstown Hill Time Walk
A manageable two-hour hike with breathtaking views and an intriguing art installation — the Basket of Dreams — representing reflection on the future.
3. Summit Ben Lomond
A more serious hike at around five hours round trip, somewhat steep in places but manageable for reasonably fit hikers. Reaches close to 1,800 metres with extraordinary views over Queenstown and the surrounding mountains.
Adventure Activities
4. Bungy Jump
Queenstown is the home of commercial bungy jumping. The Kawarau Bridge (43m) is the original AJ Hackett site and the classic first jump — you touch the water at full extension. For something more extreme, read about the Nevis Bungy — 134m, the highest in New Zealand.
5. Ski the Remarkables
Weather dependent, but if conditions are good, skiing the Remarkables is world-class. The lifts are about 45 minutes from town, an easy day trip with incredible views over Lake Wakatipu.
6. Try the Luge Track
Take the Skyline Gondola up and come back down on the luge — over 800 metres of winding track with lake and mountain views. A fun add-on to the gondola ride.
7. Go Jet Boating
Jet boating down the Dart River is unlike any other boat experience — high speed, tight turns, shallow water. Genuinely thrilling.
8. Go Canyoning
Head to Gibbston Valley for a guided canyoning experience — swimming, climbing through rocky gorges and rappelling down waterfalls. Not for the faint of heart but one of the best ways to get properly into the landscape.
9. Take a Helicopter Tour
Pricier than the other options but genuinely extraordinary. Various operators run tours over the Remarkables and the surrounding fiords.
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Relaxing and Local Culture
10. Have a Drink by the Lake
Public drinking is legal in most of New Zealand and a cold drink by Lake Wakatipu is a lovely change of pace from the adventure activities.
11. Explore the Queenstown Gardens
Right in town — nature, park space and views of Lake Wakatipu. Free disc golf if that is your thing.
12. Relax at Onsen Hot Pools
Private hot tubs on the edge of Queenstown with unrivalled views. Genuinely one of the best ways to end an adventurous day.
13. Take a Lake Cruise
A relaxed way to see Queenstown's setting from the water. Various operators run cruises on Lake Wakatipu, including vintage steamship options.
14. Swim in Lake Wakatipu
Cold, but there are safe spots to take a dip. Worth it just to say you swam in one of New Zealand's most beautiful lakes.
Day Trips
15. Day Trip to Arrowtown
About 20 minutes from Queenstown — a beautifully preserved gold rush town with a strong culinary scene alongside the historical charm.
16. Day Trip to Milford Sound
The full day trip through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound is one of the best things you can do from Queenstown, though it is a long day — around 5 hours each way plus the cruise. Book a coach and cruise combination rather than self-driving.
Food and Wine
17. Try Fergburger
Famous for a reason — expect a long queue at almost any hour. Widely considered among the best burgers anywhere.
18. Taste New Zealand Wine
New Zealand's wine reputation is well earned. Visit a winery outside Queenstown or stay in town at The Winery, a wine bar with over 80 local wines to try.
19. Excellent Japanese Food
Queenstown's Asian food scene is a genuine highlight — Tatsumi and Kappa are both worth seeking out for authentic Japanese dining.
20. Remarkables Market
A Saturday-only market with local food, crafts and occasionally live music. Time your visit for a Saturday if you can.
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Frequently Asked Questions
3-4 days is ideal. That gives you time for a Milford Sound day trip, one or two adventure activities (bungy, jet boat, canyoning), a hike and time to just enjoy the town and Lake Wakatipu. Two days works if you are tight on time but you will want more.
