74 km
from city center 1 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

Situated towards the southwest of the south island of New Zealand, Milford Sound is a fiord belonging to the Fiordland National Park. It is also shared between the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site and Milford Marine reserve and is one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand. Despite what the name suggests, it is not a sound but a fiord. The name was given concerning its geographical features.

11 km
from city center 2 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

Nestled amongst some of the most scenic vistas that New Zealand has to offer, Lake Wakatipu is one of the country’s most-visited tourist attractions. This lightning-shaped, inland lake carves through valleys made by glaciers from the surrounding mountains. Queenstown, dubbed ‘The Adventure Capital of the World’, sits on the bend of the lightning bolt. So jump on board the iconic T.S.S Earnslaw or take the Queenstown Scenic Tour and bask in the beauty of this region.

13 km
from city center 3 out of 49
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.

48 km
from city center 4 out of 49
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.

19 km
from city center 5 out of 49
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.

0 km
from city center 6 out of 49
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.

16 km
from city center 7 out of 49
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.

0 km
from city center 8 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

Queenstown is full of adventure activities, and skydiving is one of the most popular. NZONE provides this mind-boggling experience of jumping from a plane at 15000 ft. Then, after a freefall, you will witness the beauty of the Remarkables and the lake as you sail over Queenstown in your parachute. NZONE provides you with all the equipment you need to perform this activity, and of course, this life-changing experience will be captured on a roll.

0 km
from city center 9 out of 49
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.

8 km
from city center 10 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

Situated in the Otago region of the South Island in New Zealand, the Shotover River, as the name suggests, is a fast-flowing river with several rapids. Considered to be an ‘aquatic playground’ owing to its numerous rapids, which make the river a hotbed for water sports like rafting, kayaking etc., the spot is also incredibly scenic and attracts a significant tourist influx only for sightseeing.

4 km
from city center 11 out of 49
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.

12 out of 49
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.

13 km
from city center 13 out of 49
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.

6 km
from city center 14 out of 49
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.

0 km
from city center 15 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown continues to live up to its reputation by offering some of the best nerve-wracking adventure experiences. With skydiving, as the most popular adrenaline-filled adventure activity in Queenstown, the city offers some of the best operators in town. Skydiving in Queenstown is a once in a life-time experience, bracketed in the most scenic views up above, adding to the action-packed freefall. The freefall truly is a life-changing experience, as mentioned by many adventure junkies. Weather is the main factor in sky diving which calls for a smartly planned itinerary. It is advised that you book your tandem skydiving on the initial days of your visit to Queenstown, in case of weather issues, you could always reschedule your booking or ask for a full refund.

0 km
from city center 16 out of 49
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.

23 km
from city center 17 out of 49
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.

90 km
from city center 18 out of 49
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 19 out of 49
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 20 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

Skyline Gondola is an iconic way to explore the scenic surroundings of Queenstown, New Zealand. The Gondola Ride begins at Queenstown and goes over the picturesque natural landscapes and the cityscape before it ends at Bob’s Peak. The ride is also famous as the steepest cable car ride in the region.

1 km
from city center 21 out of 49
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.

21 km
from city center 22 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

Stretching out for over 23 kilometres and some more to the north of Queenstown, Skippers Canyon is considered a very central scenic location for vacationing around Queenstown. The famous canyon looks over the Shotover River, which is globally renowned for being a rich mining center and a hub for adventure tourism. Standing over the canyon's edge will give you goosebumps, given how steep it could get at some points.

0 km
from city center 23 out of 49
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 24 out of 49
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 25 out of 49
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 26 out of 49
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!

14 km
from city center 27 out of 49
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.

23 km
from city center 28 out of 49
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.

1 km
from city center 29 out of 49
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. 

22 km
from city center 30 out of 49
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 31 out of 49
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.

13 km
from city center 32 out of 49
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. 

0 km
from city center 33 out of 49
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.

0 km
from city center 34 out of 49
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 35 out of 49
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 36 out of 49
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.

14 km
from city center 37 out of 49
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.

6 km
from city center 38 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

Running over the Kawarau River is the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge in the Otago locale on the South Island of New Zealand. Primarily equipped for business purposes and bungee jumping by the 'AJ Hackett Bungy Company', the Kawarau Bridge was the world's first business bungee jumping site. Housed within a reserve of the 'Department of Conservation, the bridge consists of some portion of the Queenstown Trail, permitting walkers, sprinters, and bikers to go past the rive. Today's bridge is an adventurer's fascination, highlighting the famous zip-lining and bungee jumping.

1 km
from city center 39 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

With breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown, the Ben Lomond Track in New Zealand is a popular hiking trail in the city with an elevation of around 1500 metres. It is a one-day uphill climb beginning at the Douglas fir on Skyline Access Road or the Tiki Trail, where hikers later have to pass through the alpine tussocks and shrubs to reach the Ben Lomond Saddle, Ben Lomond Summit and Arthur’s point. The climb is steep, especially after the Lomond Saddle, but once you get to the top, the view is worth the exhausting climb.

13 km
from city center 40 out of 49
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.

0 km
from city center 41 out of 49
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.

6 km
from city center 42 out of 49
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 pioneers in commercializing bungee jumping as an adventure sport.

4 km
from city center 43 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

One of the most popular activities to do in Queenstown is to hike up Queenstown Hill, and this activity is completely free and requires only a little bit of effort and determination. The beginning of the hike up Queenstown Hill begins on Belfast Street, Queenstown Hill overlooks grasslands and offers up some of the best views of Queenstown. There’s a good reason why this is one of the most popular free things to do in Queenstown.

44 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

Visiting the Queenstown Gardens is one of the best activities one can do for free at Queenstown. Playing frisbee in the green expanses of the Queenstown gardens is a popular pastime amongst locals. Frisbees can be rented at many rental sites along the Gardens walkways, and are very inexpensive to rent for the day

28 km
from city center 45 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

Walking along Lake Wakatipu is one of the most satisfying things one can do for free in Queenstown. The emerald green waters of the lake is surely a sight to behold and a walk along its shores is always one of the best ways to truly appreciate its beauty.

0 km
from city center 46 out of 49
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.

47 out of 49
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.

48 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

The Ben Lomond Track is a popular hiking track that leads you to the summit of Ben Lomond Peak, the highest point in Queenstown. It is an activity that is completely free to undertake and is one of the most popular free things to do in Queenstown.

49 out of 49
Things To Do in Queenstown

As you can imagine by now, one of the most popular free things to do in Queenstown is hiking. Another peak you can choose to hike up for free is Bob’s Peak. The hike takes you along from the bottom of the gondola tower and up Tiki Trail, past the Queenstown Skyline Gondola, and serves up some picture-perfect views of the city.