Things to do in Queenstown

Activities, attractions and tours

A mountainous town with a lake, surrounded by forest and clouds.
A town by a lake with mountains in the background.
A mountain range with snow-capped peaks and rolling hills in the foreground.
A coastal town with a lake, mountains, and residential buildings.
A snow-covered mountain peak with a clear sky and a lake in the valley below.

Things to do

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise

RM412
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

RM278
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

RM371
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

RM511
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

RM846
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

RM186
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch

RM511
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch
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Top places to visit

1. Skyline Queenstown

The Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the crest of Bob's Peak since 1967. Jump on board the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere and find yourself whisked up the side of the mountain for the perfect view of Queenstown and the magnificent surrounding landscape. Bob's Peak is also a great place for hiking, mountain biking, and especially paragliding.
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A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

2. Queenstown Gardens

If you go to the outskirts of Queenstown you will find a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu which is home to the splendid Queenstown Gardens. Since 1867, this tranquil retreat has been a peaceful counterweight to the town’s busy streets. Visit the gardens to see heritage-listed trees and a number of other native and foreign species of flower, shrubs and plants. The first trees in the garden – mighty English oaks – were planted by the mayor of Queenstown in 1866 and the area’s most prominent tree species, the Douglas fir, was introduced here during the 19th and 20th centuries.
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A stone bridge over a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and red flowers.

3. Kiwi Park

Few people ever get to see the notoriously shy kiwi in the wild and the changes in the environment of this flightless bird mean that it is inching ever closer to extinction. However, New Zealand’s national bird, while elusive, is a wholly remarkable creature, which is why many tourists choose to pay the Kiwi Birdlife Park a visit while in Queenstown.
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A bird with a wing injury perched on a fence next to a sign reading "T.C. THE KEA".

4. Steamer Wharf

Steamer Wharf takes its name from the TSS Earnslaw, the historic steamboat which has been docked here for more than a century. Numerous other boats and yachts use the wharf as well, making it a pleasant spot to sit and watch both impressive marine vessels and people come and go. Tourists and locals alike are also drawn to the buzzing district by its rich nightlife and numerous restaurants, not to mention the local casino.
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A lakeside town with boats docked, surrounded by forested mountains.

5. Bob's Peak

Ride in a cable car to the top of Bob’s Peak and enjoy sweeping views back across the lakes and mountains of Queenstown. Sip a hot drink at the mountaintop café, then choose from a range of exciting ways to enjoy the surroundings, including paragliding and luging.
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A helicopter flying over a large lake with mountains in the background.

What to do in Queenstown

Stay near popular Queenstown attractions

A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

Skyline Queenstown

9.2/10 (3,768 reviews)
Soar above Queenstown on the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. Enhance your visit with thrilling luge rides or a meal at Stratosfare Restaurant.
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Where to stay in Queenstown

Find the best Queenstown areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Queenstown
Learn more about Queenstown
A beach with clear turquoise water, a forested mountain in the background, and people relaxing on the sand.

Queenstown City Centre

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

A coastal town with a lake, mountains, and houses.

Fernhill

Fernhill is well-regarded for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and fantastic lake views, and you might also want to make a stop by Lake Wakatipu, a top sight in the neighbourhood.

A small aircraft parked on a tarmac with a mountainous landscape in the background.
Photo by Where Adventures Be
Open Photo by Where Adventures Be

Frankton

Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Remarkables Park Town Centre and Lake Wakatipu while in the area.

A coastal town nestled between forested hills and a clear blue lake.

Sunshine Bay

Visitors to Sunshine Bay like its mountain views and restaurants, and Lake Wakatipu is a sight worth a stop.

A coastal town with a bay, mountains, and a clear sky.

Goldfield Heights

Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

A coastal town with mountains in the background and a body of water in the foreground.

Arthur's Point

Frequently asked questions

Is Queenstown worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Queenstown is explore Skyline Queenstown. Check this major sight off your list, then discover more of this area's skiing and adventure sports.
How do I spend a day in Queenstown?
Start your adventures with a visit to TSS Earnslaw Steamship and Kiwi and Birdlife Park. Then, explore other parts of Queenstown for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Queenstown?
The top tourist attraction in Queenstown is Skyline Queenstown, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Queenstown?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Skyline Queenstown, Kiwi and Birdlife Park and Skyline Queenstown with a three-day break in Queenstown. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and venture to Arrowtown.
Is Queenstown a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Queenstown, such as Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Queenstown is Queenstown City Centre and Fernhill is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Queenstown with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Queenstown with kids.
What to do in Queenstown for adults?
Amisfield Winery and Amisfield are just two of the things to do in Queenstown. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, Steamer Wharf is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Queenstown.

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