Things to Visit in Queenstown: Adventure Sports, Lakes, and Mountains
Experience the best of Queenstown from bungy jumping and skiing to stunning lake cruises and wine tasting. Covers adventure activities, scenic highlights, food, winter sports, and day trips.
The world's first commercial bungy jump site, with a 43-meter drop over the turquoise Kawarau River. The jump costs $205 NZD and includes photos and video. You can choose to touch or dip into the water at the bottom. Spectators can watch for free from the viewing platforms.
Skydive over Lake Wakatipu
Tandem skydives from 9,000 to 15,000 feet offer views of the Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding peaks. Jumps cost $299-449 NZD depending on altitude. The 60-second freefall from 15,000 feet is the most popular option. Book 1-2 days ahead in peak season.
Jet boat through the Shotover River canyon
High-speed jet boats navigate the narrow Shotover River canyon at 85 km/h, performing 360-degree spins within meters of the canyon walls. The 25-minute ride costs $159 NZD. The combination of speed, scenery, and proximity to the rock walls is uniquely Queenstown.
Zip-line across the Queenstown valley
Multiple zip-line courses string between mountainsides above the town. The longest lines reach speeds of 70 km/h over drops of 400 meters. Tours of 4-6 lines cost $159-219 NZD and include forest walks between platforms. The views from mid-line over the lake are spectacular.
Scenic Highlights
Ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak
The steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere rises 450 meters to a viewing platform overlooking the town, lake, and Remarkables. The gondola costs $49 NZD return. The Stratosfare restaurant at the summit serves dinner with panoramic views. Luge rides down the mountain cost $12-59 NZD for 1-5 rides.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw steamship
This 1912 vintage steamship is one of the oldest commercial coal-fired vessels still operating. The 90-minute cruise to Walter Peak farm includes optional farm tours with sheep shearing demonstrations. The cruise costs $79 NZD return. The farm experience with BBQ lunch adds another $55 NZD.
Drive the Glenorchy Road along Lake Wakatipu
This 45-km lakeside road from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. The route passes through beech forest with mountain reflections in the lake. Glenorchy was a filming location for a major fantasy trilogy. Allow 2-3 hours round trip with photo stops.
Hike the Ben Lomond Track for panoramic views
This challenging 12-km return hike climbs 1,438 meters to the summit with 360-degree views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and Cecil Peak. The full hike takes 6-8 hours. Start from the top of the Skyline Gondola to save time. Bring warm layers as conditions change rapidly at altitude.
Winter Sports
Ski or snowboard at The Remarkables
This ski field 30 minutes from town has terrain for all levels with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu from the slopes. Lift passes cost $135-169 NZD per day. The season runs from June through October. Rental equipment is available at the mountain or cheaper from shops in town.
Hit the slopes at Coronet Peak
The closest ski area to Queenstown at 20 minutes drive, Coronet Peak is known for night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays. The terrain suits intermediate to advanced riders with some beginner areas. Lift passes cost $135-169 NZD. Night skiing offers a unique experience under floodlights.
Try heli-skiing in the backcountry
Helicopter access to untouched powder fields in the surrounding mountains is a bucket-list experience. Full-day packages with 4-7 runs cost $1,095-1,895 NZD including helicopter, guide, and lunch. Prior off-piste skiing experience is required. Conditions are weather-dependent.
Food and Wine
Eat the famous Fergburger
This legendary burger joint on Shotover Street has had queues out the door since 2001. The burgers are massive and made with locally sourced beef, venison, and lamb. Burgers cost $14-20 NZD. The wait can reach 30-45 minutes at peak times. Order a Big Al for the full experience.
Taste pinot noir at a Central Otago winery
The Queenstown region produces some of the world's finest pinot noir from the world's southernmost wine region. Several wineries in Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn offer tastings and vineyard tours. Tasting flights cost $15-25 NZD for 4-5 wines. A half-day wine tour costs $100-180 NZD.
Try a gourmet pie from a local bakery
New Zealand's pie culture is legendary and Queenstown's bakeries make some of the best. Steak and cheese, lamb and mint, and venison pies cost $7-10 NZD and make for a perfect portable lunch. The bakeries in town and on the road to Glenorchy are local favorites.
Dine at a lakefront restaurant
The Queenstown waterfront has a strip of restaurants serving New Zealand lamb, local seafood, and venison with lake views. Main courses cost $30-50 NZD at most waterfront restaurants. Book ahead in peak season as the best lakefront tables fill up quickly.
Day Trips
Day trip to Milford Sound
This fjord in Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand's most photographed natural wonders. The drive from Queenstown takes 4 hours through dramatic mountain scenery. Cruise tours on the fjord last 90 minutes to 2 hours and cost $60-85 NZD. Full-day tours with transport from Queenstown cost $159-249 NZD.
Visit Arrowtown's gold mining heritage
This charming restored gold rush village 20 minutes from Queenstown has boutique shops, cafes, and the Lakes District Museum. Walk the Arrow River trail to the Chinese Settlement where 19th-century gold miners lived. The autumn colors in April-May make Arrowtown one of the most photogenic towns in New Zealand.
Hike the Routeburn Track day walk
While the full Routeburn Track is a multi-day Great Walk, the first section from the Routeburn Shelter to the Routeburn Falls Hut makes an excellent day hike. The 8-km return walk takes 4-5 hours through native beech forest along the Route Burn river. No booking required for day walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
Four to six days covers the main adventure activities, scenic highlights, food scene, and a Milford Sound day trip. Spend one day on adventure activities, one day on the gondola and lake cruise, one day at Milford Sound, and extra days for hiking, wine tasting, or skiing in winter. Three days is enough for the highlights.
What is the best time to visit Queenstown?
December through February is summer with the longest days, warmest temperatures around 20-25 degrees Celsius, and the widest range of outdoor activities. June through September is ski season with temperatures from -2 to 10 degrees Celsius. Autumn in April-May offers stunning golden colors and fewer crowds. Spring in October-November can be unpredictable but has good deals on accommodation.
Is Queenstown expensive?
Queenstown is one of New Zealand's most expensive destinations. Budget hostels start at $30-50 NZD per night and mid-range hotels at $150-300 NZD. Adventure activities are the biggest expense at $100-450 NZD each. Groceries from supermarkets and bakery pies help keep food costs down. A comfortable daily budget is $200-350 NZD including accommodation and one activity.
Do you need a car in Queenstown?
The town center is walkable and most adventure activity operators provide transport from central pick-up points. A rental car is useful for the Glenorchy Road, Milford Sound, and Arrowtown day trips, and costs $50-80 NZD per day. The Orbus public bus connects the town center, airport, and Frankton. Many visitors rent a car for day trips and walk in town.