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Queenstown, New Zealand

Destination Guide

Queenstown

New Zealand

Best things to do in Queenstown

31 curated attractions in Queenstown, New Zealand. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

December - February

Average temp

10°C/50°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand, is known as the adventure capital of the world, sitting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with towering mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. The town grew around the gold rush in the 19th century, and today it attracts thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, with activities ranging from bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bridge to hiking in the nearby Remarkables range. Queenstown's compact centre is filled with shops, restaurants, and tourist services, and the scenery continues just outside town in places like Glenorchy and along Milford Road. The primary reason people visit is for the wide range of adrenaline-fueled activities combined with the incredible landscapes that make it an Instagram-friendly destination.

Who it's for

Adventurous souls and outdoor enthusiasts will thrive here, whether they’re looking to ski Coronet Peak or take a scenic cruise on the lake. Those who prefer quiet, rural escapes or a urban environment may find themselves out of place, as the focus here is on action rather than relaxation.

Getting around

Public transport: Moderate

  • The town centre is small enough to explore on foot in about twenty minutes
  • Local buses serve key attractions but may not run frequently, so check the schedule
  • Queenstown Airport is just a short drive away, with flights connecting to major cities in New Zealand
  • Renting a car is common for exploring nearby spots like Arrowtown or Skippers Canyon
Shotover Bridge

Shotover Bridge

Historical Attractions
Arrowtown

Arrowtown

Traditional villages
Onsen Hot Pools & Day Spa

Onsen Hot Pools & Day Spa

Adventure
Glenorchy

Glenorchy

Traditional villages
Kawarau Bridge

Kawarau Bridge

Bridges
TSS Earnslaw Steamship

TSS Earnslaw Steamship

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Walter Peak High Country Farm

Walter Peak High Country Farm

Rice terraces & countryside
Skippers Canyon

Skippers Canyon

Rivers, canyons & gorges
The Kiwi Birdlife Park

The Kiwi Birdlife Park

Wildlife sanctuaries
Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak

Ski resorts
Milford Road

Milford Road

Scenic viewpoints
Gibbston Valley Winery

Gibbston Valley Winery

Wineries & vineyards
The Remarkables

The Remarkables

Mountains & volcanoes
Rose Gardens

Rose Gardens

Natural Wonders
Nevis Swing

Nevis Swing

Adventure
Bob's Cove

Bob's Cove

Natural Wonders
Shotover Canyon Swing

Shotover Canyon Swing

Outdoor Adventure
Peninsula Vista

Peninsula Vista

Natural Wonders
Milford Sound

Milford Sound

Glaciers & fjords
Moke Lake

Moke Lake

Natural Wonders
Shotover Jet

Shotover Jet

Kayaking, rafting & water sports
Queenstown Beach

Queenstown Beach

Beach
Lake Hayes

Lake Hayes

Nature
Shotover Room

Shotover Room

Arts and Entertainment Venues
AJ Hackett Bungy

AJ Hackett Bungy

Paragliding, ziplines & air adventures
Queenstown Gardens

Queenstown Gardens

City parks
Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu

Lakes
Queenstown Hill

Queenstown Hill

Mountains & volcanoes
Skyline Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown

Observation decks & city views
Ben Lomond Track

Ben Lomond Track

Hiking trails
Bob's Peak

Bob's Peak

Scenic viewpoints

Where to eat in Queenstown

The places worth planning a meal around.

Fergbaker

Fergbaker

Bakery, Fast Casual · $10–$20

★ 4.6 · 2,273 reviews

Ice Bar

Ice Bar

Cocktail Lounge · $$

★ 4.7 · 614 reviews

The Boat Shed Cafe

The Boat Shed Cafe

Modern New Zealand · $$

Patagonia Chocolates - Ice Creamery & Chocolaterie

Patagonia Chocolates - Ice Creamery & Chocolaterie

Desserts, Chocolates, Ice Cream · $10–$30

Fergburger

Fergburger

New Zealand Burger · $10–$20

Remarkable Sweet Shop - Queenstown Central

Remarkable Sweet Shop - Queenstown Central

Desserts and Confectionery · $5–$15

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