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Things to do in Queenstown



Here's all you need to know about things to do in Queenstown.

Often referred to as "New Zealand's Adventure Capital", Queenstown is so much more than that.

You don't need to bungy off a bridge to enjoy yourself here (although it sure is fun), and you can have just as much fun relaxing in our pristine alpine environment.

Queenstown offers a stunning landscape, four very distinct seasons, and a visitor friendly environment, making it an ideal holiday spot for visitors of all ages.

We've been enjoying all things Queenstown for over 30 years, and have chosen a few of our top things to do in a range of popular categories.

So just scroll down the page, or just use the links below.

If you want to view a more extensive range of things to do in Queenstown you can use the search box at the top of this page.

And if you have any questions, please ask us. We would love to hear from you.


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Free and Low Cost Things To Do In Queenstown

Take a walk up Queenstown Hill

If you want amazing views, a walk up Queenstown Hill is well worth the effort. Come and see the "mountain of intense sacredness" Te Tapu-nui.

Queenstown Hill

Have a game of Disc Golf

Could this be the home of disc golf? Come and see what all the hype is about on our two wonderful courses, surrounded by stunning scenery.

Queenstown Disc Golf map

Explore the markets every Weekend

Weekends in Queenstown are packed with activities. One of the most relaxing things to do is to visit the local markets.


Queenstown markets

Enjoy historic Arrowtown

Visit the museum, pan for gold, or enjoy a scenic walk. Explore the shops and enjoy a meal, or have a round of golf at the challenging Arrowtown Golf Club.

Queenstown Arrowtown

Follow the lake to Glenorchy

This stunning lakeside village is well worth a visit. Take a jetboat ride, relax with a coffee, or visit a World Heritage site. There's lots to do in this piece of paradise.

Dart River Safaris

Head over the hill to Wanaka

Wanaka is around an hours drive via the scenic Crown Range, and is a stunning lakeside town, sitting on the shores of pristine Lake Wanaka.

2016 Wanaka Lake And Jetty

Hike the Ben Lomond Track

The Ben Lomond Track climbs to a      1,748 metre summit. It's not for the faint of heart but the effort is well rewarded.


Yoga on the Ben Lomond Track

Feed the fish at the underwater observatory

Come and see what's under the surface of Lake Wakatipu. Feed the huge trout, eels, and diving ducks.

Diving Teal in Lake Wakatipu

Have a picnic or BBQ by the lake

The shore of Lake Wakatipu is dotted with parks, BBQ's and public spaces. Pack a lunch, and some local wine and beer and just enjoy the view.

Sculpture on the shores of Lake Wakatipu

More Information

For more information on some great short walks in Queenstown click here.

For more information about low cost Queenstown activities click here.


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Awesome family things to do in Queenstown

The Skyline Gondola and Luge on Bob's Peak

The Skyline Complex sits perched on Bob's Peak. In our opinion, this is a "must do" if you are in Queenstown. The views alone are worth the price of a ticket.

Kim and Tim at the Skyline Gondola
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See the Kiwis at the Kiwi Birdlife Park Queenstown

Close to the centre of town, the Kiwi Birdlife Park features dozens of varities of birds, including our iconic  and reclusive Kiwi, and the gregarious Kea.

The Queenstown Kiwi Birdlife Park
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Fun for all ages at our beautiful Queenstown Gardens

There's lots to do here. Located in the middle of town, you can play disc golf, ice skate, play tennis or lawn bowls, or explore the beautiful gardens.

Queenstown Gardens Courtesy queenstownnz.co.nz
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Escape in a V.R. world

Lose yourself in a V.R. world. Run, shoot, jump, hide. With the latest in V.R technology, Queenstown is the V.R. place to be.

Queenstown Omni VR
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Have a splash at Alpine Aqualand

The perfect rainy day experience. Pools, water slides and a lazy river, all located in the Queenstown Events Centre at Frankton.

Queenstown Alpine Aqualand courtesy QLDC
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Visit the Queenstown Ice Arena

Fun for everyone. Go ice skating, play ice hockey, ride the ice bumper cars, and play frisbee golf. And all in the centre of town.

Ice bumper Car at Queenstown Ice Arena
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Do a farm tour

The kids love this one. Board the TSS Earnslaw for your trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

TSS Earnslaw And Walter Peak Farm Experience And Afternoon Tea
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Heard of indoor skydiving?

Have you heard of iFly? What an amazing experience for the whole family. Book your flight now!

iFly Queenstown
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See the country on horseback

Cruise on the historic steamship the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a guided trek on horseback.

Walter Peak Half Day Horse Trek
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More Information

Head over to our "Best Family Activities" page for more information.


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Adrenalin charged things to do in Queenstown

Where do we start? Well here are our top Queenstown adrenalin charged picks.

Jump off something

Welcome to the home of bungy. With several locations to choose from, why not set yourself the challenge of trying them all.

Bungy at Kawarau Bridge
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Jump out of something

What better way to take in our amazing scenery than by jumping out of a plane! Are you up for the challenge?

tandem skydiving Queenstown
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Rush down a river

The rivers around Queenstown provides some of New Zealand's most rewarding rafting conditions.

Rafting Queenstown
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Race up a river

Ever been in a jetboat? If not, you have to try it at least once. And if you already have, we know you want to do it again.

The Shotover Jet

Get off road

What better way to see our rugged landscape up close, than on your own off road ATV tour adventure.

Queenstown ATV Tour

Sharks in a freshwater lake?

Well almost. Hydro Attack is a motorized semi-submersible shark set to thrill on Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown Hydro Attack

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Ahhh, it's time to relax

Go cruising

With over 290 square kilometres to explore, Lake Wakatipu is the perfect place to laze the day away on a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw.

The TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu

Catch a movie

Our local cinema is the ideal spot to catch the latest releases, and is a great alternative if the weather turns sour.

Relax at Reading Cinemas Queenstown

Whack a ball

Queenstown is a golf tragic's paradise, with several world class courses within a short drive. Learn more on our dedicated page.

Jacks Point Golf Queenstown

Our wineries are really good

Come and relax at a local cellar door, nestled into our gorgeous countryside.

Queenstown afternoon boutique winery tour

Things look different from up there

Take to the sky to see our beautiful region at its very best.

Tandem paraglide over Queenstown

Ever tried a Segway?

Meet new friends on a guided Segway tour. Great fun.

Guided Segway Tour Queenstown

More Information

For more great ideas head over to our "Most Relaxing Things To Do In Queenstown" page.


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Nature is calling

Visit Fiordland National Park

A trip to Fiordland and the twin sounds, Milford and Doubtful, is an essential part of any visit to Queenstown.

Doubtful Sound

The wilderness awaits

Visit the World Heritage listed Mt. Aspiring National Park, for a true back country experience.

Dart River Safari near Glenorchy

Have you ever walked on a glacier?

Fly from Queenstown to the glaciers, and be amazed by the colours, waterfalls and unforgettable scenery.

Mountain Heli Hike from Queenstown

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For the romantics

Soak away your cares

What could be more peaceful than soaking in a hot tub at the Onsen Retreat and Day Spa, overlooking our stunning alpine scenery.

Relax at the Onsen Retreat and Day Spa Queenstown

Land on The Remarkables

Soar above Queenstown with someone special. Then land on the Remarkables for superb views of the region.

Pilots Choice Scenic Flight from Queenstown

More Information

Head over to our "Queenstown pools and hot tubs" page for more information on some great places to soak away your cares.


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So many places to eat and drink

Queenstown is packed with bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants. Here's a few of our personal favourites.

Ever had a fergburger?

Fergburger is a Queenstown icon. Don't be discouraged by the long queues.This world famous burger joint is a "must do" if you are visiting Queenstown.

Famous Fergburger Queenstown

What's a Botswana Butchery?

It's a five star restaurant, located lakeside. Fine dining, an extensive wine cellar, and a focus on our best local produce make Botswana Butchery the place to dine.

Botswana Butchery Queenstown

Take a craft brewery tour

The craft brewery scene is thriving here. Come and enjoy some of our best micro breweries.

Queenstown beer tours

Our favourite Queenstown pub

The Pub on Wharf is a great place to spend a few hours gazing over the lake, having a meal, or listening to live music. 

Queenstown's Pub on Wharf

Thanks for visiting our Things to do in Queenstown page.

This is just a snapshot of what's available here in paradise. To search a wider range of Queenstown activities, just click here.

Share your Queenstown stories here.

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