Things to do in Queenstown

Activities, attractions and tours

Queenstown
Queenstown
Queenstown which includes a sunset and mountains
Queenstown
The Remarkables Ski Area showing a river or creek, landscape views and mountains
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. 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.
Learn more
Queenstown Gardens which includes forest scenes

2. 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.
Learn more
Skyline Gondola featuring a bay or harbor and a coastal town

3. Kiwi and Birdlife 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.
Learn more
Kiwi and Birdlife Park showing bird life and zoo animals

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.
Learn more
Steamer Wharf featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and boating

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.
Learn more
Bob\'s Peak which includes general coastal views, mountains and an aircraft

What to do in Queenstown

Popular places to visit

Queenstown Gardens which includes forest scenes

Queenstown Gardens

4.5/5(32 reviews)

From flower beds to disc golf, this garden on the banks of Lake Wakatipu is full of pleasant surprises.

Queenstown Gardens
Skyline Gondola featuring a bay or harbor and a coastal town

Skyline Queenstown

4.5/5(51 reviews)

Experience one of the world's steepest cable-car journeys and enjoy stunning views from Bob's Peak across Queenstown and the beautiful Lake Wakatipu.

Skyline Queenstown
Queenstown Beach which includes a small town or village, a lake or waterhole and sailing

Queenstown Beach

4/5(9 reviews)

Surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery, this urban beach on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu is a destination for swimming, water sports and jet boating.

Queenstown Beach
TSS Earnslaw Steamship featuring a sandy beach, a bay or harbor and picnicing

TSS Earnslaw Steamship

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Follow in Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s regal footsteps and boat down Lake Wakatipu on board this century-old steamship.

TSS Earnslaw Steamship
Kiwi and Birdlife Park showing bird life and zoo animals

Kiwi and Birdlife Park

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Get up-close and personal with New Zealand's national bird at this fascinating wildlife sanctuary.

Kiwi and Birdlife Park
Steamer Wharf featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and boating

Steamer Wharf

4/5(32 reviews)

Chat with the locals over regional delicacies while admiring the impressive view across Lake Wakatipu here in Queenstown's vibrant entertainment district.

Steamer Wharf
Bob\'s Peak which includes general coastal views, mountains and an aircraft

Bob's Peak

5/5(8 reviews)

Take in one of New Zealand’s most sublime views and enjoy some high-adrenalin sports at the summit of this famous peak.

Bob's Peak
Skyline Luge

Skyline Luge

Enjoy an outing to Skyline Luge during your stay in Queenstown. Discover the mountain views in this romantic area or enjoy its local tours.

Skyline Luge
Church of St Peters

Church of St Peters

After visiting Church of St Peters, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Queenstown. Stroll along the lakeside in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Church of St Peters

Areas of Queenstown

Queenstown Beach featuring a small town or village, a pebble beach and skydiving

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.

Queenstown City Centre
Default Image

Frankton

4/5(11 area reviews)

Stay in this picturesque part of Queenstown where the airport is located to enjoy spectacular mountain views and relaxed lakeside walks.

Frankton
Default Image

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.

Goldfield Heights
Default Image

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.

Fernhill
Sunshine Bay showing mountains, forests and a small town or village

Sunshine Bay

Go for a scenic walk along the shores of Lake Wakatipu in this peaceful suburb in the foothills of Ben Lomond, one of Queenstown’s most iconic mountains.

Sunshine Bay
Default Image

Boydtown

When in Boydtown, you can plan a visit to Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Boydtown
Arthur's Point

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.