Top 10 Things to Do in Queenstown: Adventure & More
- Staircase Property Management
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is a gem between alpine landscapes that is famously known as the adventure capital of the world. With its towering mountains, glistening lakes, and exciting activities, the town is a thrill-driven escape. Queenstown is a perfect destination not only as an outdoor playground, but also as the peak of all-around scenery.
Here Are the Best Things to Do in Queenstown
Whether you’re planning a whirlwind weekend or an extended stay, these handpicked experiences offer something for everyone. Here’s a look at the best things to do in Queenstown, combining adventure, culture, and beautiful scenery for a complete experience.
1. Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jumping
Sitting 43 meters high from the historic Kawarau Bridge is the world’s first commercial bungy site. This heart-racing plunge offers a tandem jump option and allows tourists to touch the water below.
The bungy also includes complimentary transport to the site and photos throughout the experience. Steeped in history and daunting heights, it’s a bucket-list tick for both solo and tandem adrenaline junkies.
Price: From NZ$ 280
Duration: Around 1.5 hours (including potential travel time and safety briefings)
Best For: thrill-seekers, first-time jumpers
Season: Year-round
Booking Tip
Book in advance especially during peak seasons or when traveling with tour groups.
2. Skyline Gondola Ride and Luge
The Skyline Gondola Ride takes you 480 meters up over Lake Wakatipu with its steep cable car lift. Surrounded by 220-degree panoramic view, this ride brings tourists to the top of Bob’s Peak, opening even more spectacular sceneries of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak, and Queenstown. Once at the top, the Skyline operates its world-class dinner services, fun-filled luge rides, and guided walks.
With multiple tracks and unbeatable photo opportunities, it’s one of the most fun and cheap things to do in Queenstown.
Price: From NZ$46 (Gondola only); $62 with luge rides
Duration: 10 minutes (gondola ride only)
Best For: families, travel groups, couples, photographers
Season: year-round
Booking Tip
Check available gondola ticket packages that offer additional experiences like dinner service, 3-day passes, or additional luge rides to save on individual costs.
3. Lake Wakatipu Cruise
A Lake Wakatipu cruise takes you to a relaxing break from Queenstown’s bustling adventure vibe. With panoramic, open-deck experiences to choose from, enjoy uninterrupted views of Southern Alps and New Zealand’s third-largest lake.
You’ll witness majestic landscapes, enjoy on-board refreshments, or even a stop at Walter Peak or Bob’s Cave.
Price: From NZ$69
Duration: 1.5–3 hours
Best For: sightseeing, couples, families
Season: Year-round
Booking Tip
Opt for a sunset cruise for a more intimate experience.
4. Bob’s Cove Track & Nature Walk
One of Queenstown’s favorite hiking trails, Bob’s Cove Track & Nature Walk is an accessible hike delivering spectacular views of native bush, manuka groves, and emerald waters.
The trail is ideal for travelers in search of fitness-friendly and well-maintained tracks. Bob’s Cove is also a secluded area leading to the lakeshore, defining itself as a more relaxing alternative to other crowded hiking trails.
Price: Free
Duration: 1.5 hours
Best For: casual hikers, budget travelers, nature lovers
Season: Spring to autumn
Booking Tip
The track itself does not require bookings, but be sure to arrive early in the morning for convenient parking and consider bringing a swimsuit for a dip in the lake.
5. Walter Peak Farm Tour
Perfect for unwinding and family outings, the Walter Peak Farm Tour is a unique sneak peek to the rural life experience. Accessible via TSS Earnslaw Cruise, a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu, the tour highlights traditional sheep shearing, farmyard animal feeding, a documentary experience at the amphitheater, and an enjoyable baked afternoon tea.
Price: NZ$75 for children, NZ$149 for adults
Duration: at least 3.5 hours
Best For: Families, country life fans, nature lovers
Season: Year-round
Booking Tip
Book in advance to secure a spot on the way to the farm as there is limited travel space.
6. Queenstown Wine Tasting
The Central Otago region is dotted with the famously crafted pinot noir and exceptional wineries cutting across portions of Arrowtown, Queenstown, and Gibbston. Queenstown wine tasting encapsulates the perfect experience of local vineyards and world-class flavours. One of the highlights is visiting Gibbston Valley Winery, home to New Zealand’s largest wine cave.
Book a private tour or take a stroll along boutiques while enjoying breathtaking landscapes. Tours often include cheese platters and shuttles home. This intimate trip is highly recommended for couples hunting for refreshing activities around the corner.
Price: From NZ$80
Duration: Half-day to full-day
Best For: Couples, wine enthusiasts
Season: Autumn (March-May)
Booking Tip
Book small-group tours for a more intimate experience. Consider choosing a guided trip as well for a more informative and structured itinerary.
7. Kiwi Park Wildlife Sanctuary
Kiwi Park is a must-visit if you are looking for interactive Queenstown family attractions. This 5-acre oasis home to over 20 wildlife species, including New Zealand’s iconic kiwi, is a relaxing and educational adventure for all ages. The live conservation show is a crowd-favourite.
An admission ticket already offers access to the entire sanctuary, a live bird and conservation show, a honeybee centre, and a self-guided tour package.
Price: From NZ$60
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Best For: Families, animal and nature lovers
Season: Year-round
Booking Tip
Call the park before visiting especially during peak seasons. When booking a tour for groups of 8 and more, consider calling guest services for price arrangements or private itineraries.
8. Jet Boating on the Shotover River
To complete the ultimate Queenstown adventure quest, jet boating on the Shotover River is the way to go. Riding at breakneck speeds of up to 95 kilometers an hour and performing thrilled stunts highlight this kind of signature adventure found only in Queenstown.
Using V8 twin-engine boats built for the canyons, the Shotover Jet experience features its heart-racing 360-degree spins and onsite photography services to remember the adventure.
Price: NZ$89 for children, NZ$159 for adults
Duration: 1 hour
Best For: Adrenaline seekers, families with teens
Season: Year-round except during New Year holidays
Booking Tip
Book early during peak tourist seasons and always check seat availability on the appointment website.
9. Arrowtown Day Trip
Just a 15-minute drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a beautifully preserved mining town. Spend your day walking the cobbled streets lined with Arrowtown bakeries and cafes or a scenic stroll around Lake Hayes, the Mirror Lake, surrounded by stunning mountaintops.
While here, it is also worth wandering the Chinese Settlement, a historic gem from the 1860s Gold Rush, and a working honey farm boasting its world-famous Manuka Honey.
Price: Free if self-drive, NZ$75 for children and NZ$149 for adults for a guided half-day trip
Duration: Half-day to full day
Best For: Families, culture enthusiasts, casual strollers
Season: Autumn for peak colours; year-round
Booking Tip
Rent a car for a flexible, self-paced schedule, or book a guided half-day tour if you opt for a group experience or a more informative trip in limited time
10. Paragliding from Coronet Peak
If you are feeling adventurous, paragliding from Coronet Peak is an experience not to be missed. As it is one of the highest commercial take-off points 4000ft from natural terrain, this experience offers longer flight times and full panoramic views.
Paragliding from Coronet Peak is perfect for seasoned paragliders, but just as friendly to first-timers. Operators offer both solo flights and tandem gliding to suit all preferences. Either way, the combination of scenic wonder and brave-hearted aerobic spins creates a moment of a lifetime.
Price: From NZ$329
Duration: 2–3 hours (including transport, safety briefing, and flight times)
Best For: first-time paragliders, experienced adventurers, thrill seekers
Season: Late Spring and Early Autumn
Booking Tip
Read client feedback on operator safety and experience before booking a trip, and consider upgrading your tour packages for extras like complimentary transportation and professional photos.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Queenstown
Whether you’re ticking off adventures from your bucket list or simply looking for a city hustle break, this alpine town delivers to every age and budget. It is no wonder the area is everyone’s adventure capital.
If you want to get your heart racing, the thrilling bungy jumping sites and shotover jet boats are your best friends. Meanwhile, the emerald waters at Lake Wakatipu and relaxing scenery at Bob’s Cove are surely worth discovering.
No matter where you go, Queenstown is your avenue to start writing your story of adventure and discovery. Pack up your gear, book your tickets, check that website for that trip you’ve been waiting, and get ready to explore the best of South Island.
For more Queenstown travel tips, visit Staircase Queenstown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are free things to do in Queenstown?
Strolling along the Queenstown Gardens and enjoying lakeside views around Lake Wakatipu are some of the free things to do in Queenstown. Stunning hiking trails like the Ben Lomond Track or Bob’s Cove are also great spots for hiking, catching scenery, and touring the area.
Are there cheap things to do in Queenstown?
Yes, there are several cheap things to do in Queenstown. Take the Skyline Gondola ride 480m up over Lake Wakatipu or a scenic boat tour about the history of Queenstown on a budget-friendly day trip.
Local markets and one-stop shops are also great spots for people-watching and collecting souvenirs. You may relax in ice bars around town that are enjoyable, yet light on the purse as well.
What can families do in Queenstown?
Enjoy friendly recreational attractions like the Walter Peak farm tour or the Lake Wakatipu cruise. Families also love exploring the Kiwi Park and enjoying the mini-golf course across the Gondola entrance.
What are the best adventure activities in Queenstown?
From the Shotover Canyon jet boating and Ziptrek ecotours alone, Queenstown defines itself as a great area for adventure activities. Skiing at Coronet Peak and the Remarkables in Winter and paragliding are also top adrenaline choices. If you are looking for the same heart-pounding thrill indoors, the Fear Factory is open.
What’s the best time to visit Queenstown for activities?
Summer (December - February) is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cruising, and wine tasting, while winter (June - August) is best for booking skiing and snowboarding activities.
If you are looking for a more relaxed stay with fewer crowds and calm scenery, Autumn (March-May) and Spring (September-November) are the best times to plan a trip.
What to do in Queenstown on a rainy day?
Queenstown remains a perfect attraction on rainy days with their indoor skydiving, escape rooms, and ice skating activities. You may also take wine tours or ice bars and visit art galleries around the area.
What are the best day trips from Queenstown?
Popular options include exploring Arrowtown’s markets, joining a cruise to Walter Peak, and enjoying trails in Glenorchy.
