20 Best Things to Do in Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Alps, and it packs more activities per square kilometer than anywhere else in New Zealand. Whether you came for the bungy jumping, the wine, the hiking, or a Milford Sound day trip, this guide covers the 20 best things to do — organized by category so you can mix adrenaline days with slower ones.
Adventure Activities
1. Bungy Jump at Kawarau Bridge
The original commercial bungy site, opened by AJ Hackett in 1988. The 43-meter jump over the Kawarau River is the most accessible bungy in Queenstown — no prior experience needed, and there is a free viewing platform if your group has spectators. The Nevis Bungy (134m) is the bigger option for experienced jumpers.
2. Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Queenstown's most famous thrill ride sends you through the narrow Shotover Canyon at up to 85 km/h with 360-degree spins between rock walls. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Departures run every 15 minutes during peak season — book a morning slot to avoid afternoon queues.
3. Skyline Gondola and Luge
Ride the gondola 450 meters above Queenstown for panoramic views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Coronet Peak. At the top, the luge track offers three courses from scenic to advanced. The Stratosfare restaurant up top is worth booking for dinner — the sunset views over the lake are hard to beat.
4. Skydive Over the Remarkables
Tandem skydiving from 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet with views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, and — on clear days — Milford Sound in the distance. No experience required. Weather-dependent with free rescheduling. Book the highest altitude for maximum freefall time (60 seconds).
5. White Water Rafting on the Shotover River
The Shotover River offers grade 3-5 rapids through a dramatic canyon that was mined for gold in the 1860s. Trips run year-round with wetsuits provided. The Kawarau River is the calmer alternative (grade 2-3) if you want rafting without the intensity. Check our adventure activities guide for more options.
Scenic Experiences
6. Milford Sound Day Trip
The number-one day trip from Queenstown. The 3.5-hour drive through Fiordland National Park is spectacular on its own — mirror lakes, ancient beech forest, the Homer Tunnel — and the cruise through the fiord past Mitre Peak, waterfalls, and fur seal colonies is unforgettable. Coach tours, fly-cruise-fly combos, and self-drive are all available. Read our Milford Sound tours comparison for the full breakdown.
7. TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise
This 1912 vintage steamship crosses Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Watch the coal-fired engines from the viewing deck, then tour a working high-country farm with sheep shearing demonstrations and a Colonel's Homestead afternoon tea. Evening cruises add a gourmet barbecue dinner with lake views.
8. Drive to Glenorchy
The 45-minute drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy follows the shore of Lake Wakatipu with the mountains reflected in the water. Stop at Bennett's Bluff lookout (the most photographed viewpoint on the route), then explore Glenorchy's wharf and lagoon. This road was used as a filming location for Lord of the Rings — several guided tours cover the specific sites.
9. Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise
Beyond the TSS Earnslaw, several operators run smaller vessel cruises on the lake with different routes and durations. Some include stops at secluded bays only accessible by water. Morning cruises offer the calmest conditions and best mountain reflections.
10. Remarkables Lookout
Drive up the Remarkables ski field access road (even in summer) to the lookout points for views back over Queenstown and the lake. The road is sealed and accessible in a standard rental car. Go at golden hour for the best light on the mountain face.
Food, Wine, and Culture
11. Gibbston Valley Wine Tour
Gibbston Valley — known as the "Valley of the Vines" — is 25 minutes from Queenstown and home to Central Otago's best pinot noir producers. Several cellar doors offer tastings, and guided wine tours hit 3-5 wineries in a half day with transport included. Peregrine, Chard Farm, and Gibbston Valley Winery are the standouts. Browse our wine tours page for options.
12. Fergburger
Queenstown's most famous restaurant is a burger joint that draws a queue at almost every hour. The burgers are enormous and use local ingredients — the Ferg Deluxe (prime NZ beef) and the Codfather (blue cod) are the two most ordered. Open late, which makes it the default post-adventure meal. Arrive before 11 AM or after 9 PM to skip the line.
13. Queenstown Night Market
The lakefront night market runs on select evenings during summer with local food vendors, craft stalls, and live music. It's a solid alternative to restaurant dining and a good way to sample multiple cuisines in one evening. Check the Queenstown Events calendar for current schedules — frequency changes by season.
14. Rata Restaurant
Chef Josh Emett's restaurant in a heritage villa serves elevated New Zealand cuisine using Otago-sourced ingredients. The tasting menu changes seasonally and highlights Central Otago wines. Book at least a week ahead during peak season — it is one of Queenstown's hardest reservations.
Hiking and Outdoors
15. Ben Lomond Track
The signature Queenstown hike — a full-day climb to 1,748 meters with 360-degree views from the summit. The trail starts from the top of the Skyline Gondola (buying a one-way ticket saves an hour of forest switchbacks). Above the treeline, the track crosses an exposed saddle before the final steep push to the peak. Start early and carry layers — conditions change fast above the saddle.
16. Queenstown Hill Track (Tīeke)
The best short hike in Queenstown. A steady climb through pine forest to the "Basket of Dreams" sculpture at the summit, with views over the lake and surrounding mountains. The 900-meter round trip takes 90 minutes to two hours. Manageable for most fitness levels and a strong option for your arrival day.
17. Routeburn Track (Day Walk)
You do not need to complete the full 32-km Great Walk to experience the Routeburn. A day walk from the Routeburn Shelter trailhead to the Routeburn Flats (2-3 hours return) takes you through ancient beech forest along the Route Burn river — one of the most beautiful valley walks in the country. The trailhead is a 75-minute drive from Queenstown via Glenorchy.
18. Queenstown Gardens
A peaceful peninsula park on the lakefront with walking paths, a disc golf course (free, bring your own discs or rent from town), a skate park, and mature trees. The loop walk around the gardens takes about 30 minutes and connects to the main lakefront trail. Good for recovery days between adventure activities.
Winter and Seasonal
19. Skiing at The Remarkables or Coronet Peak
Two ski fields within 30 minutes of town. The Remarkables suits intermediates and families with wide bowls and a terrain park. Coronet Peak has more advanced terrain, night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays, and the earliest opening each season (usually mid-June). Multi-day passes cover both mountains. Shuttle buses run from central Queenstown.
20. Onsen Hot Pools
Private cedar-lined hot tubs overlooking the Shotover Canyon. Each pool is booked in 70-minute sessions for up to four people, with day and night sessions available. The night sessions are particularly popular — the pools are lit by candlelight with stars above and the canyon below. Book at least two weeks ahead for evening slots during winter.
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