0 km
from city center 1 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

The Skyline Gondola in Queenstown, located at Brecon Street, transports visitors to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and the surrounding alpine scenery. Known as the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere, it offers access to activities such as luge rides, mountain biking, and stargazing. Opened in 1967, the gondola is a key attraction for adventure and scenic experiences in Queenstown.

6 km
from city center 2 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

The Kawarau Bridge, located 23 km from Queenstown on State Highway 6, is renowned as the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, established by AJ Hackett in 1988. Spanning the Kawarau River, the 43-meter-high bridge offers an iconic jump experience with the option to touch the water. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of the river and surrounding landscapes or watch jumpers from the viewing platforms.

8 km
from city center 3 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

The Shotover River Jet Boat Ride, located 7 km from Queenstown, offers a high-speed adventure through the narrow Shotover River canyons, featuring thrilling 360-degree spins and close passes to sheer rock walls. Operated exclusively by Shotover Jet since 1970, the rides depart from Arthurs Point and can be booked directly through their website or at booking centers in Queenstown.

11 km
from city center 4 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Lake Wakatipu, a glacier-carved lake in Queenstown, is New Zealand’s longest lake, stretching 80 km in a lightning-bolt shape. Surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, it’s renowned for its scenic beauty and the unique rhythmic rise and fall of its water level, known as the lake’s "heartbeat." Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, cruises on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamboat, and lakeside trails starting from Queenstown's waterfront.

1 km
from city center 5 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

The Ben Lomond Track is a challenging alpine hike starting near the Skyline Gondola in Queenstown, offering panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The 6-8 hour round trip ascends through native forests and tussock grasslands, leading to the summit at 1,748 meters. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and the climb requires a good level of fitness.

0 km
from city center 6 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Skydiving in Queenstown offers an exhilarating freefall experience over stunning landscapes, including Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and surrounding alpine scenery. Popular operators like NZONE Skydive and Skydive Southern Alps provide tandem jumps from heights of up to 15,000 feet. Jumps typically depart from drop zones near Queenstown Airport, with bookings available online or through local adventure centers. Known as the "Adventure Capital of the World," Queenstown’s skydiving scene attracts thrill-seekers year-round.

74 km
from city center 7 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning fjord located 287 km from Queenstown, accessible by a scenic drive or flight. Known for its towering Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, it offers boat cruises and kayaking to explore its dramatic landscapes. Day trips from Queenstown often include stops at Mirror Lakes and The Chasm, adding to the journey's appeal. Visitors can book tours through local operators or self-drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound.

6 km
from city center 8 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

The Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa is a quaint facility known for its luxurious services and breathtaking views from within the cedar-lined hot tubs. The facility is located on a cliffside that overlooks the Shotover River Canyon, offering visitors a clear picture of the alpine forests and the water sports on the waters below. The pools are filled with fresh water flowing from the nearby mountains and valleys, completing its quest towards an entirely natural experience for the visitors.

13 km
from city center 9 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Skiing, recreational activity and a winter sport, have now become an international venture recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Ski Federation (FIS) as a competitive sport along with regular skiing events. The types of skiing include Alpine Skiing which is practised in hills and mountains, regular skiing with free-heel bindings, nordic skiing, freestyle skiing, recreational skiing and backcountry. 

13 km
from city center 10 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Coronet Peak, located 16 km from Queenstown, is New Zealand's first commercial ski field, established in 1947. Known for its diverse terrain, excellent facilities, and breathtaking alpine views, it offers skiing, snowboarding, and night skiing during the winter season. In summer, the area transforms into a hub for mountain biking and hiking, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

14 km
from city center 11 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

There is nothing better than exploring the beautiful countryside of New Zealand on one of the world’s most beautiful and popular walking and cycling trails – the Queenstown Trail. This 130-kilometre-long trail goes around in loops and connects the popular destinations of Queenstown, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Arrow River, and Gibbston.

1 km
from city center 12 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Hiking, a leisure activity or exercise, has become a rapidly-growing industry. The art of taking long walks is no longer limited to short distances but has now developed into a prevalent recreational activity promoted on many hills and mountains. Hiking can be a great pass time and physical activity for those who want exercise and enjoyment. 

13 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

While Queenstown is known to be an adventure hub that is popular as a bungy jumping and mountaineering destination, there is also a beach in Queenstown. Main Town Beach is near the waterfront section of the town and is absolutely free to go to. You can also rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards for an extra fee and is a great, inexpensive way to spend the day in the beautiful environs of the beach.

1 km
from city center 14 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Queenstown Gardens is a famous attraction located in Queenstown, New Zealand. It is a Botanical Garden renowned for its wide variety of plant species. The garden facilities, events, celebrations, and many visitors annually. This is the place to be for tourists searching for a place where they can participate in several sports and rejuvenating activities and find an equal amount of serenity.

42 km
from city center 15 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Glenorchy, a scenic town located 45 km north of Queenstown at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, is the gateway to the Routeburn Track and Mount Aspiring National Park. Known for its dramatic landscapes, it has served as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings and other productions. Popular activities include hiking, jet boating, horseback riding, and exploring nearby Glenorchy Lagoon and Paradise Valley. Accessible via a picturesque drive along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

13 km
from city center 16 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Arrowtown, located 20 km from Queenstown, is a historic gold mining town established during the 1862 Otago Gold Rush. Nestled beside the Arrow River, it is known for its well-preserved heritage buildings, charming main street, and seasonal displays of vibrant autumn colors. Visitors can explore the Lakes District Museum, hike nearby trails, or pan for gold in the river.

17 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Wine tasting in Central Otago, the world’s southernmost wine region, is a must for Pinot Noir enthusiasts. Located near Queenstown, the region is home to renowned vineyards such as Amisfield and Gibbston Valley, offering cellar door experiences and guided tours. The cool climate and unique terroir produce award-winning wines, with many wineries set against dramatic alpine landscapes. Tastings can be booked directly at wineries or through local wine tours departing from Queenstown.

18 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Stargazing in Queenstown offers a unique experience under some of the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere. Popular locations include the Skyline Gondola on Bob’s Peak, where guided tours with telescopes provide close views of constellations and celestial bodies. The region’s minimal light pollution and alpine setting make it an ideal spot for observing the Milky Way and Southern Cross. Tours can be booked through various operators in Queenstown and often include expert commentary and warm refreshments.

0 km
from city center 19 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Queensland is a spectacular place to enjoy paragliding, located on the shores of the South Island's lake. Paragliding is the most amusing of all aerial pursuits, and the Queenstown skyline is a dramatic appeal to all paragliders. Many paragliding companies offer you various town packages at a very reasonable price. It is an exhilarating experience to jump off the cliff and witness the panoramic views of the town.

13 km
from city center 20 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Bob’s Peak in Queenstown, New Zealand, is a popular spot in the city which offers exciting and stunning views of the entire place and is accessible through two routes – the Tiki Trail and the Gondola ride from Queenstown to the summit. The Gondola ride is the most sought-after route here as it gives out a panoramic view of the city along with various activities like the Ledge Bungy and Swing and the stargazing tours, which attract a vast number of tourists.

23 km
from city center 21 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Queenstown's stunning landscapes and jaw-dropping scenery host one of the most epic movies of all time- Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's book got a life when Queenstown dedicated one of the most beautiful areas to suit the entire script. The Lord of the Rings tour will take you through numerous chapters from the trilogy, and the ones who haven't watched the movie will witness the spectacular scenery of the Wakatipu Basin.

48 km
from city center 22 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Starting at the Queenstown side of the Southern Alps and ending at the Divide on the Te Anau side, The Routeburn Track is a trekking/tramping track running through New Zealand’s South Island. It is a famous track among hikers and trekkers worldwide and is 32 kms long. Along with its popularity, the track is also recognized by National Geography, which featured it as one of the top 11 trails in the world in 2005.

16 km
from city center 23 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Skippers Canyon is a picturesque gorge carved by the Shotover River. Exciting tours take you through the history of the canyons and the region. The Skippers Canyon is the historic location where one of the largest gold rushes of Ortago took place. These led to the meteoric rise of the region around Skippers Canyon, and towns such as Charlestown and Skippers Point came up. But as soon as the gold rush died, so did these towns, and their ruins can still be seen in the region.

19 km
from city center 24 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

A famous mountain range for skiing, the Remarkables is 45 minutes away from central Queenstown and is open from June to October. The stats for the official trail are 30% black, 40% intermediate and 30% beginner. Well suited for beginners and easy terrain for the intermediates, it also has steep chutes and advanced slopes for expert skiers. It has a 357-meter vertical drop, and a landscape spread across 220 hectares. Its defining features are north-facing sunny slopes, high altitude and a friendly atmosphere.

4 km
from city center 25 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Also known as Te Tapu-Nui in the Maori (Eastern Polynesian language), Queenstown Hill is a small mountain near Queenstown in New Zealand. Standing at the height of 2976 ft. above ground level, the hill is a popular sightseeing spot and a tourist attraction in the region. The base of the mountain, usually the lower elevation, i.e. the areas in and around Frankton Road and Marina Heights, have residential households and setups, while the middle height has dense vegetation of douglas fir and birch trees.

0 km
from city center 26 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

AJ Hackett Bungy is an adventure sports organization that organizes bungee jumping and has set up several commercial bungee jumping sites across New Zealand. They have set the benchmark for adventure activities in New Zealand with over 30 years of experience. Although Bungy jumping is their primary activity offered, they specialize in 11 activities, with 7 of them set up in Queenstown. They are the pioneers in commercializing bungee jumping as an adventure sport and are one of the renowned groups in the adventure Bungy field as they have a 100% spotless safety record.

14 km
from city center 27 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Queenstown boasts of having the most diverse kinds of tracks, which accommodate levels from beginner to advanced and easy downhill rides to riskier, more adventurous rugged paths. Home to the world-famous Queenstown Trail, this town has multiple other bike parks and tracks for you to get that adrenaline going! You can easily hire a bike here and go on a wide range of tours, from relaxed half-day tours to multi-day exploration tours.

0 km
from city center 28 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Luge is a sport in which one or two people lie supine on a horizontal board-like structure called a luge. It is a part of the Winter Olympics, where the tracks are made of ice, and the athletes control the luge with the help of their calf and back muscles. Sleds have been widely used in many parts of the world, but Norway's first documented luge race is said to have been in the 15th century.

29 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Tucked away at the foothills of the Southern Alps, exactly halfway between Christchurch and the Mackenzie Basin on the Inland Scenic Route 72, Mount Somers is an idyllic countryside town in Canterbury, New Zealand. Boasting of absolute tranquility, open sub-alpine tussock lands, historic coalmines, impressive volcanic formations, deep canyons and gorges, the town is home to a scanty population of just around 3000 people. However, owing to the natural beauty and the gorgeous setting, a number of holiday homes have sprung up in the destination as Mount Somers is lately gaining a lot of popularity among vacationers, nature lovers and solitude seekers.

90 km
from city center 30 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

This place is a wonderful mixture of remote wilderness, high mountains and beautiful river valleys. Mt. Aspiring National Park is home to species of native birds, moths, butterflies, and other various species of wildlife. In addition, the extensive vegetation and expansive farmlands with mountains form an imposing backdrop to complete the picturesque view of the national park.

0 km
from city center 31 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Queenstown is an adventure hub that initiated rafting from the start, i.e. in the 1970s. Many operators provide amusing tour packages along with breathtaking rafting rides as well. White water rafting is a recreational sport on an inflatable boat, usually carried out on high water currents and tides. The town has some of the best locations to experience the thrilling white water rafting, which is also the best way to explore Queenstown's rivers.

0 km
from city center 32 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

The Skycity Wharf Casino is a famous and highly elaborate casino in Queenstown, complete with more than 70 machines and, of course, classic casino games like poker, blackjack roulette and so on. This casino's fabulous lakeside location makes it an even better experience. The Waterside Bar and Bistro also stand adjacent to the casino for a complete and fulfilling night. Skycity is the best way to relax after an adventurous day, have good food with drinks, and enjoy a good round of casino games.

0 km
from city center 33 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

A small, secluded island in New Zealand, Queenstown is famous for its annual winter carnival, the Queenstown Winter Festival, and has been a prime tourist spot for party lovers worldwide for several years. The carnivalesque event was first conducted in 1974, with subsequent editions only growing more extensive than its predecessor. The festival usually happens in June, when winter sets in and blankets New Zealand.

0 km
from city center 34 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Queenstown Underwater Observatory offers to showcase various fish and sea creatures of the lake. It is located on the Main Town Pier. Slinky eels, massive trout, and diving ducks usually swim around the shore of the lake, while one can spot Scaup Ducks swimming deep into the lake Wakatipu, searching for food. The lake is also a habitat for other types are marine species like Brown and Rainbow Trout and slithering New Zealand Long Finned Eels. The Underwater Observatory is a great tourist attraction for all ages.

8 km
from city center 35 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Jack’s Point is a lush 3000-acre luxury settlement located in one of the most beautiful landscapes in New Zealand - on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Snow-capped mountains form a stunning backdrop to this settlement committed to the sustainability and preservation of the landscape.

12 km
from city center 36 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Located at a mere 15-minute drive from the city of Queenstown and Arrowtown, Lake Hayes is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. The lake attracts a lot of runners, cyclists, and walkers who use the Lake Hayes Walkway to get some of the best views of the area – ideas which would not be accessible from a car. Of course, you could also spend some time here on a sunny afternoon, or have a picnic lunch here!

23 km
from city center 37 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

One of the founding and most famous wineries of the Central Otago region of New Zealand, the Gibbston Valley Winery produces the most flavourful handmade wines. Also known as the “Valley of Wines”, this place is nestled between the beautiful, lush mountains and is known for its outstanding Pinot Noir. It offers a variety of wine tours and tastings, which take you through the world’s largest wine cave and to the sprawling vineyards. You could also hire a bike from here and go around exploring the area or just take a bike tour of the winery.

22 km
from city center 38 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

A trip to New Zealand would be incomplete without viewing its national bird, the kiwi. The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a not-for-profit conservation park which hosts over 20 species of local birds and reptiles. It takes special care to provide the birds with the closest to a natural habitat possible by keeping the nocturnal kiwi in the dark space. The kiwi is also not visible in the open, and this is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can observe them from such a close distance.

6 km
from city center 39 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Located just a 20-minute drive from the city of Queenstown, Moke Lake is the perfect place to spend a day at. Though slightly off the beaten track, the lake offers the most beautiful views of the mountains. When the water is still, it functions as nature’s mirror, reflecting the snow-capped mountains onto its surface. You can spend a day here, indulging in various recreational activities, or just having a lakeside picnic.

0 km
from city center 40 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

The Queenstown Mall is located at the heart of the busy city of Queenstown. It is a quaint little open space, well-suited for pedestrians to stroll around and breathe fresh air, next to the waterfront. You could spend an evening looking through the Mall's various boutiques and speciality shops. It also hosts a variety of top-quality restaurants, cafes and pubs, with outdoor seating options, where you can watch as the world goes by.

23 km
from city center 41 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

The Crown Range Road is the highest main road in New Zealand at 1121 metres and offers the most breathtaking views of the city of Queenstown and its neighbouring areas. It is, beyond a doubt, the most memorable way to travel from the cities of Queenstown and Wanaka – with blind turns and steep roads that lead into the clouds and keas flying all around. During the winter, heavy snowfall on the route makes it even riskier, so make sure you carry tyre chains with you!

1 km
from city center 42 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Located at a comfortable 25-minute drive away from the city of Queenstown, Peregrine Wines are a great place to spend a quiet day with friends and family. It is known for its premium quality Pinots, both noir and gris. In addition, its range of handcrafted and aromatic white wines is worth trying and collecting! It is one of New Zealand’s most iconic wine brands and is worth visiting, as it is a perfect getaway from the city. It also hosts events from time to time, ranging from birthdays and weddings to corporate and formal occasions.

0 km
from city center 43 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Known for producing some of the most delicate Pinot Noir in the world, Queenstown and the surrounding Gibbston and Otago Valley are a wine connoisseur’s paradise. Replete with wineries and wine estates, the region is home to some of the world’s most sought-after wines. In addition, Queenstown’s alpine landscape, coupled with its temperate climate, makes it an incredibly conducive part of the world to produce wines.

0 km
from city center 44 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

One of Queenstown’s most iconic landmarks is Fergburger, a restaurant famous for the burger of the same name. While its burgers usually range around NZD 15 for a meal, which is quite expensive, it is well worth the money as the portion sizes are immense and will ensure you’re satisfied for some time. And it is one of Queenstown’s most popular places throughout the year, so if you are not a fan of waiting in line, it is best to call ahead and book your place in line so, by the time you go to pick it up, it will already be ready.

13 km
from city center 45 out of 45
Things To Do in Queenstown

Coronet Peak is the closest mountain to the town of Queenstown, New Zealand, being just a 20-minute drive away. The peak is ski-wonderland with stunning high points and excellent rolling trails luring skiers and riders to have the best ski experience. It is home to various terrains for skiing, from challenging ski tracks for experts and professionals to novice areas for beginners to learn. What sets Coronet Peak apart from all the other ski mountains is that it offers night skiing. This means that Coronet Peak provides some of the vastest numbers of hours open for skiing in New Zealand.