How to Spend THREE DAYS in Queenstown: Best 3-Day Itinerary

Dreaming of an epic 3 days in Queenstown? Let’s make it happen!

Queenstown is a lively alpine town that packs a punch, from its mountain views and lakeside charm to adrenaline-pumping adventures and world-class food. With so much to see and do, planning the perfect three-day trip can feel overwhelming. That’s where this insider itinerary comes in!

After living here and exploring Queenstown inside and out, I’ve crafted a balanced itinerary that covers all the highlights, without feeling rushed. From scenic gondola rides and iconic burgers to thrilling adventures and the region’s best sunset walks, this guide ensures you make the most of every moment. Ready to dive in and see why Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand? Let’s get started!

Day 1

Breakfast – Vudu Café

Vudu Café is the kind of place you’ll want to linger over your morning coffee. Right in the heart of downtown Queenstown, this trendy lakeside café opens at 7:30 am daily, making it the ideal spot for an early breakfast before heading out for the day.

As soon as I walked in, we were greeted by the scent of freshly baked goodies and the gentle buzz of conversations over expertly brewed coffee. Their hearty breakfast options set the tone for an energetic day ahead. Plus, its location couldn’t be more convenient. It’s steps away from Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of many of Queenstown’s top activities.

Morning – Ride the Skyline Gondola up Bob’s Peak

This morning, you’ll get a fresh perspective on Queenstown’s spectacular landscape by riding the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak. Opening at 9:30 am, it’s smart to head up early to soak in those panoramic views before the crowds arrive.

The gondola glides smoothly above the treetops, offering an epic vantage point over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. It’s a quick trip up—just long enough to snap a few photos of the town stretching out below.

Want to earn your views instead? The Tiki Trail is a rewarding hike straight up to Bob’s Peak, cutting through a forest of pines with glimpses of the lake along the way. It’s a bit of a workout, but trust us, the view from the top is worth every step.

Once you’re at the summit, the adventure doesn’t stop at the lookout. There’s plenty to keep you busy at the top of Bob’s Peak, including:

Zipline through the forest

Flying through the treetops on this zipline tour is one of those experiences that will have you grinning from ear to ear. It’s a perfect way to switch up the scenery after soaking in the views from the lookout deck.

The course takes you zipping through a series of cables high above the forest floor. With each platform offering a fresh perspective of Lake Wakatipu below, it’s a fun mix of adrenaline and natural beauty. Plus, the guides share interesting insights about the forest and conservation work along the way, making it more than just a thrill ride.

Booking ahead is a smart move, especially in peak season, as slots fill up fast. Whether you’re a first-timer or a zipline pro, the forest canopy and lake views from above are sure to leave you buzzing.

Try out the Luge

The Skyline Luge is one of Queenstown’s signature experiences and for good reason. Once you’ve taken in the sweeping vistas from Bob’s Peak, jump on a luge cart for a fast-paced ride down the winding track.

You can buy a combo ticket with your gondola pass, which makes everything super convenient. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll be off, steering your cart around hairpin turns and down gentle slopes, all while taking in those epic alpine views.

It’s the kind of ride you’ll want to do more than once, so consider getting a multi-ride pass if you’re feeling competitive (or just want an excuse to ride down again!). Trust me: it’s just as fun for adults as it is for kids.

Go paragliding!

For the ultimate Queenstown adrenaline rush, there’s nothing quite like this paragliding adventure from the top of Bob’s Peak. Strapped in with an experienced tandem pilot, you’ll soar above the lake and the town below, catching thermals and drifting lazily in the sky.

The feeling of floating through the air, without an engine or noise, makes it feel even more surreal. It’s equal parts peaceful and exhilarating, and the bird’s-eye view of Queenstown is something you won’t soon forget.

Book ahead if possible, as flights depend on the weather, but that just adds to the sense of anticipation. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a morning of alpine fun before heading back down for lunch.

Hike the Skyline Loop

If you’ve still got some energy left after those gondola thrills, the Skyline Loop is a great short hike to get even more of those lake views. This loop trail starts from the gondola top station and weaves through a mix of forest and open alpine meadows.

It’s a gentle climb and an easy trail to follow, with benches and viewpoints along the way if you want to linger over the scenery. On a clear day, you’ll spot the peaks of the Remarkables and even the launch spot for paragliders taking off above you.

This loop is perfect for a casual leg-stretch after your gondola ride—no need to rush, just breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy the peaceful trails.

Have a bite to eat

Before heading back down the gondola, refuel at the Market Kitchen Cafe. This cozy spot is perched on the summit’s edge, with a panoramic deck perfect for watching the luge riders zipping by or soaking in the Remarkables from above.

Grab a coffee or a sandwich—just enough to hold you over until your afternoon lunch tour. The pastries here are especially good, and there’s nothing quite like biting into a flaky croissant with views of the mountains all around you.

It’s a casual, unfussy spot that’s perfect for a quick energy boost before your next Queenstown adventure.

Afternoon/lunch – Cruise Lake Wakatipu and enjoy a gourmet lunch

After an exhilarating morning at Bob’s Peak, it’s time to slow down and soak in the beauty of Lake Wakatipu on this relaxing cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw. This vintage steamship, affectionately known as the “Lady of the Lake,” is a Queenstown icon, and stepping aboard feels like a step back in time. The sight of stokers shoveling coal to power the engine is a highlight in itself!

The journey across the lake is stunning, with snow-dusted peaks reflected in the shimmering water. Once you arrive at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’ll be greeted by the warm aroma of the gourmet BBQ lunch being prepared at the Colonel’s Homestead. 

Whether you’re digging into sizzling rotisserie meats or enjoying fresh seasonal salads, it’s a feast that will satisfy every appetite. Vegetarians are well looked after too, with delicious options that don’t skimp on flavor.

After lunch, join the farm show and watch the sheepdogs at work or take a leisurely stroll around the gardens. The mix of hearty food, lake views, and authentic Kiwi farm life makes this an unforgettable Queenstown experience.

The 1 pm departure option fits perfectly into this itinerary, wrapping up around 4:30 pm and leaving you plenty of time to explore Queenstown further in the evening. Book ahead to secure your spot—it’s a popular afternoon treat and a chance to see Queenstown’s natural beauty from a whole new angle.

Evening – Explore downtown

Downtown Queenstown is undeniably charming, and it’s best experienced by wandering around and seeing the sights for yourself! With its lively atmosphere and scenic lakefront, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your evening. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make the most of your night:

Go shopping

Queenstown’s downtown streets are lined with a great mix of international brand-name stores and charming boutiques. Wander through the brightly lit lanes, popping into shops that range from trendy outdoor gear to handmade jewelry and art. 

There’s a souvenir shop on nearly every corner, making it easy to bring a piece of Queenstown home with you. Take your time to window-shop and chat with friendly locals—sometimes the best finds are in those hidden gem stores you stumble upon by chance.

Enjoy a treat at Patagonia Chocolates

For a sweet treat, head to Patagonia Chocolates, a local favorite that’s as beloved for its creamy ice cream as it is for its decadent hot chocolate. Step inside and take in the aroma of freshly made chocolates—trust me, it’s impossible to resist! 

Choose from classic flavors like dark chocolate and hazelnut or try a creative seasonal scoop. It’s the perfect way to end a busy day, and if you’re feeling chilly, their silky hot chocolate will warm you right up!

Test your bravery at Fear Factory

For those who crave a little thrill, Queenstown’s Fear Factory is a must. This haunted house is all about spine-tingling fun, with narrow hallways, creepy characters, and pitch-black rooms that will test your nerves. Expect unexpected scares, twisted illusions, and the kind of jump scares that leave you laughing (and maybe screaming) by the end!

It’s a unique way to add a bit of adventure to your evening—perfect for friends who love a good scare. The whole experience takes about 15 minutes, so it’s the ideal length to get your adrenaline pumping without eating up your entire evening.

Grab pre-dinner drinks

There are tons of great restaurants and bars to pop into downtown. For some fancy cocktails, we recommend Ferg’s Bar (conveniently located right next to your dinner stop, Fergberg). My favorite drink is the Bee Nut Butter Cherry Time!

After a big day of exploring, there’s no better way to wind down than with a drink in one of downtown Queenstown’s cozy bars or lively pubs. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back pint or something a bit more creative, you’ll find no shortage of spots to pull up a stool and toast to your Queenstown adventures.

Dinner – Fergburg

No trip to Queenstown is complete without a stop at Fergburger! It’s a local icon and home to the best burgers in town. With a menu that covers everything from juicy beef classics to mouthwatering vegetarian and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone.

You’ll likely see a line snaking out the door when you arrive, but don’t be intimidated. The staff here have perfected the art of fast, friendly service, so the queue moves quickly, even at peak hours. Watching the burger assembly line in action is even part of the fun!

Inside, there aren’t many seats—it’s more of a “grab and go” type of place. That’s actually part of its charm. I recommend grabbing your burger and heading down to the lakefront to find a spot with a view of Lake Wakatipu. Nothing beats biting into a perfectly cooked burger with the mountains in the distance and the water lapping at your feet.

Alternatively, take your Fergburger to Perky’s Floating Bar—a docked boat that doubles as a bar. They’re happy for you to bring your own food as long as you order a drink, making it a fun and unique way to wind down in Queenstown.

Day 2

Today offers two fantastic options: a relaxing wine tour to explore Central Otago’s vineyards, or a Lord of the Rings tour to visit iconic filming locations. Take your pick based on your mood—either way, you’re in for a memorable Queenstown experience!

Option 1: Go wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley

For a relaxed and delicious day, we can’t recommend this wine tour enough. Starting at 11 am (or 10 am if you add the jet boat option—highly recommended!), you’ll have time to grab a bite to eat and stroll the lakefront before pickup at your hotel.

This small-group tour is limited to just 12 people and takes us through the heart of Central Otago, a region famous for its cool-climate wines. Led by our enthusiastic guide, Donna, we explored the rich history of this area and sampled some of New Zealand’s finest varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and silky Pinot Noir.

The tour includes tastings at four boutique vineyards in the Gibbston and Bannockburn/Cromwell regions, each with a unique story and stunning scenery. A highlight is the platter-style lunch at one of the wineries—perfect for relaxing and soaking up the alpine views.

You can also add an optional jet boat ride to kick off your adventure with an extra dose of adrenaline. It’s a great way to get your heart pumping before a day of wine tasting! The best part is this tour wraps up around 4:30 pm, leaving your evening free to explore more of Queenstown’s charms.

This experience stood out thanks to the perfect mix of world-class wine, breathtaking scenery, and Donna’s passionate storytelling. I loved every minute of it, and it’s clear I’m not alone! Check out the five-star reviews here to see why so many travelers say this was the highlight of their trip.

Related Read: For even more great wine tour options from Queenstown, have a look at my 5 favorite ones here!

Option 2: Visit Lord of the Rings film locations and go jet boating

For a day packed with thrills and cinematic magic, this option is a dream come true. You’ll start with this Lord of the Rings filming locations tour, available at 8 am or 1 pm. In the morning, you’ll be back in Queenstown around 12:30 pm, with time to grab lunch and then head out for an afternoon of high-speed fun on the water. 

Prefer to sleep in? Flip the schedule and go jet boating in the morning before hopping on the 1 pm tour, returning to town by 5:30 pm—just in time for dinner.

The Lord of the Rings tour takes you to some of the most jaw-dropping locations around Queenstown and Glenorchy, including Isengard Lookout, the Twelve Mile Delta, and the Glenorchy Wharf. 

You’ll even have exclusive access to the private Arcadia Station and the stunning Mt. Aspiring National Park. Along the way, enjoy a light picnic with tea, coffee, and snacks, plus the chance to dress up in LOTR costumes with swords and all!

Afterward, cap off your day with a jet boat ride—a classic Queenstown adventure!

This Shotover Jet ride is world-famous for good reason. Picture yourself racing at breakneck speeds down the Shotover River, weaving through narrow canyons and spinning in dramatic 360-degree turns. With every twist and turn, the dramatic rock walls of Skippers Canyon loom around you, making it feel like an action movie come to life.

This specific tour includes pick up from Queenstown, or you can choose to meet at the launch point in Arthur’s Point, just a 10-minute drive north of Queenstown. If you select the transport option, you can book this tour for 2 or 3 pm. If you drive yourself, there are multiple afternoon time slots, and be sure to get there 30 minutes prior to your tour time.

I love that you can get an adrenaline rush and experience Queenstown’s natural beauty in one quick afternoon activity. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a super fun day!

Evening – Go for a sunset stroll 

After dinner, take advantage of Queenstown’s magical evening light with a leisurely sunset stroll. There are plenty of lovely lakeside walks right in town, but our top pick is to head for the Queenstown Gardens. 

This beautiful green space is just a stone’s throw from downtown and offers the perfect setting for an evening wander. You can meander through the tranquil gardens or take the loop track that winds along the perimeter—a gentle 1.9 kilometers (1.1 miles) stroll with stunning lake and mountain views at every turn.

If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, consider hiking up Queenstown Hill for sunset. While it’s a bit of a climb (about 5 kilometers/3 miles round trip with 600 meters/1,970 feet of elevation gain), the payoff at the top is well worth the effort. The hike usually takes 2 to 3 hours, so plan accordingly. The panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains glow with the last light of the day, making it a truly special way to end your evening.

Whether you’re after a peaceful lakeside walk or a heart-pumping hike, Queenstown’s sunset trails never disappoint!

Dinner – FINZ Seafood & Grill

To wrap up your day, head to FINZ Seafood & Grill—a beloved Queenstown restaurant perched right on the lakefront at Steamer’s Wharf. With unbeatable views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables in the distance, this spot is all about fresh, locally sourced seafood and laid-back vibes.

The menu is a celebration of New Zealand’s ocean bounty, from succulent oysters and green-lipped mussels to expertly grilled fish and seafood platters perfect for sharing. Even if you’re not in the mood for seafood, there are delicious options for everyone.

Pro tip – make a reservation ahead of time here. FINZ is popular for good reason, and it’s the kind of place you’ll want to settle in and enjoy the view as the sun sets over the lake. It’s the perfect way to toast to an unforgettable day in Queenstown!

Related Read: Find yourself with extra time? Check out my 10 favorite things to do in Queenstown – you’ll never be bored here!

Day 3

Day trip to Milford Sound

For an unforgettable day in Fiordland National Park, head out on this full-day tour to Milford Sound—my top choice for experiencing this dramatic landscape. Start the morning early with a coffee and a bagel or pastry to go from nearby Fergbaker, which opens at 6 am.

The tour departs from Queenstown at either 6:30 or 7:30 am, depending on the option you choose, and lasts about 13 hours. But don’t worry—this isn’t just a long bus ride! Since it’s a small group tour, you’ll get a more personalized experience and make plenty of scenic stops along the way. 

When you arrive in Milford, you’ll board one of the smallest boats in the sound. This means you’ll be able to get right up close to the mighty Mitre Falls. So close that you’ll feel the ice-cold spray on your face! The cruise itself is about 2 hours long and includes tea and coffee on board, plus commentary from a knowledgeable local guide.

It’s also very reasonably priced, with options to add a packed lunch or even upgrade to a glass-roof bus for better views along the journey.

Tip: If a 13-hour day sounds too long, consider doing this fly and cruise tour instead. It only takes 4.5 hours, leaving you time to explore more of Queenstown in the afternoon.

If you did take the fly, cruise, fly option above, that means you now have time to see New Zealand’s most iconic animal at the Kiwi Birdlife Park! This 5-acre wildlife sanctuary is home to more than 20 native bird species, including the flightless kiwi. With your all-day admission ticket, you can take a complimentary audio tour and catch daily keeper presentations. 

Step inside a special nocturnal enclosure to see the elusive kiwi, stroll through forest paths past trout-filled streams, and get up close to tuataras—a prehistoric lizard that’s a living relic from New Zealand’s ancient past. I was blown away by animals and all the information I learned, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind Queeenstown experience.

Dinner – Blue Kanu

Wrap up your day with a vibrant meal at Blue Kanu, one of Queenstown’s most creative dining spots. Open until 11 pm, it’s a great option even if you’re arriving back from your Milford Sound adventure a bit later in the evening.

Blue Kanu blends Asian and Polynesian flavors in what they call “Polynasia” cuisine—think fresh seafood, zesty sauces, and inventive takes on classic dishes. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with colorful décor and an inviting open kitchen that sets the mood for a memorable meal.

It’s definitely recommended to make reservations here, especially during the busy summer months, as it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Treat yourself to one of their signature dishes and toast to an unforgettable trip to Queenstown!

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Finding the right place to stay in Queenstown can be hard. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of awesome choices, but things book up fast! For that reason, I highly suggest booking your accommodation well in advance.

Honestly, during peak times, any of the best hotels in Queenstown will be fully booked several weeks in advance… you have been warned! To help you plan ahead, here are a few places I personally love and that would make an awesome place to stay in Queenstown.

Kamana Lakehouse – $$$

For a luxurious stay, I highly recommend Kamana Lakehouse. This hotel is located just on the outskirts of town. Although it’s super peaceful, it’s just a 5-minute drive into the center of town. The place overlooks both the lake and the mountains, and the onsite restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients to create the freshest meals. To top it off, many of the rooms boast lake views, and some even have outdoor baths!

The trick will be snagging this for your dates (it’s a popular place!). Rooms start around the $400 NZD mark, and you can check availability and book online here.

mi-pad Queenstown – $$

If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel, then you should seriously consider mi-pad Queenstown. It’s a modern and eco-friendly stay right in the heart of town that features compact yet stylish rooms with app-controlled lighting and temperature. Plus it also boasts a rooftop terrace with stunning lake and mountain views!

Prices vary depending on the season but usually start around $200 NZD per night. You can check availability and book online here.

Absoloot Hostel Queenstown – $

My top choice for budget travelers is the Absoloot Hostel Queenstown. This small hostel has dorm rooms and budget private rooms, and it’s really clean and comfortable. The location is in the heart of Queenstown – the window from the kitchen looks out over Lake Wakatipu!

Dorms are around $55 NZD, and private rooms begin around $210 NZD. The Absoloot Hostel is easily one of the top cheap hostels in Queenstown and can be booked on Booking.com.

Related Read: For even more options, see our Where to Stay in Queenstown guide for the top areas and recommended hotels!

Thanks for reading!

Three days in Queenstown is just the right amount of time to see the highlights! While I hope you can find more time to spend in my favorite city, you’ll be able to experience its outdoor beauty, fun downtown vibe, and all of the unique corners and hidden gems that make this place so special.

Before you go, check out my other South Island blogs! As a local, I have put together tons of resources to take you around Queenstown and beyond. Here are a few related blogs to help you plan your next great adventure – cheers!

15 Best Stops on the Drive from Queenstown to Christchurch

10 Best Queenstown Tours and Day Trips

8 Absolute BEST Day Trips from Queenstown

Two Weeks on the South Island of New Zealand – 3 Tried and Tested 14-Day Itineraries!