15 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Queenstown

Looking for the top activities in Queenstown? You’ve come to the expert!

Queenstown is easily one of the top places in New Zealand to visit, and once you get there, you’ll see why. There are tons of things to do in Queenstown, whether you’re looking to relax, hike, eat amazing food, or try a thrilling activity. If you have limited time, where do you even begin!?

Right here! As a Queenstown local, I’ve narrowed down the top 15 things to do here. These are all really easy to book and take care of logistics for you, so you can simply enjoy your time! Let’s go!

Things to do in Queenstown

1. Jet boating

Jet boating is likely one of the most popular adventure activities in town. Not only is it a ton of fun, but it is an affordable and exciting way to get out on the water to soak in unique vantage points.

From inside a speed boat, you’ll race around rivers and lakes, stopping only inches from the shoreline or rocks. Your driver will execute 360-degree spins with speeds up to 90 kph (56 mph)! You’ll scream and laugh the entire time, I guarantee it.

Best of all, the top-rated jet boat tour takes off right in Queenstown! This 25-minute jet boat ride is sure to be the most memorable minutes of your trip as you zoom down the Shotover River and explore the Shotover Canyon. Many claim this tour to be more thrilling than those that depart on Lake Wakatipu. Plus, the Shotover River is stunning!

If you need transport from your accommodation, they can arrange that. Or you can easily meet them in downtown Queenstown. There are over 1,500 5-star reviews, so you can expect good things from these guys- see the reviews for yourself here!

Another top-rated company is K-Jet, which is actually who I did my jet boat ride with! This jet boat ride departs from the wharf in Queenstown and the tour lasts for 1 hour. It was really fun and I can personally recommend this tour. It is good value for money and one of the cheapest options when it comes to jet boat tours in Queenstown. 

You can book this 1-hour jet boat ride for $139 NZD, which is more affordable than most. They aren’t quite as popular as the other guys, but this is still a great company to go with!

2. Visit Milford Sound

Visiting Milford Sound while you’re in New Zealand is a must! While I personally recommend staying a couple of nights in Te Anau or Fiordland National Park to give yourself time to explore the area, it’s very easy to visit Milford in one day from Queenstown. But there are a few options…

You can either drive yourself (which, in one day on your own, involves a ton of driving) or jump on one of the day tours from Queenstown to Milford. They still are a long day (12 to 13 hours), but at least someone does the driving for you!

If you were to ask for my top choice, it’s this small-group full-day tour to Milford Sound. Why? It’s not only a small group tour, but you also board the smallest boat in Milford Sound for a boutique experience that gets you as close as possible to the action. The best part is, it’s only about $30 NZD more than the big bus, big boat tours.

If you’re short on time, consider this Fly, Cruise, Fly Milford Sound scenic flight. Unlike the bus tours, you can fly to Milford Sound, enjoy a cruise, and fly back in less than 5 hours. The best part is you get the most amazing views from the air! It’s one of the best things I have ever done – the picture above proves it!

While this experience is a bit pricey, it’s totally worth it if you have the budget! Imagine seeing Milford from above – stunning.

If you want to combine the stops along the road to Milford Sound (a highlight) and a scenic flight, there is this option to take a bus to Milford Sound, do a cruise, and then fly back – the best of both worlds!

You can also drive yourself to Milford Sound from Queenstown. It is a long drive, at around 3.5 hours each way. The roads can also be icy in the winter, and you must carry snow chains. I also recommend leaving Queenstown at around 6 am to avoid getting stuck behind a bunch of slow tour buses that depart around 7 am.

If you do, consider doing this overnight cruise in Milford Sound. I did it last summer and loved it! Although expensive, you get way more time in Milford Sound, two meals, and get to soak in a hot tub! It’s honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in New Zealand, you won’t be disappointed (that is, as long as you can get a booking…it’s super popular!)

Related Read: Need some help planning your trip to Queenstown? Check out my detailed 3-day itinerary that goes over everything you need to know, from what to do to where to eat!

3. Explore Bob’s Peak

You simply can’t visit Queenstown without heading up to Bob’s Peak. It’s one of those unmissable experiences that shows off the town at its absolute best. Sitting 450 meters (1,476 feet) above Queenstown, this mountaintop lookout delivers jaw-dropping views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, along with plenty of fun things to do once you’re there.

Most people take the Skyline Gondola, a five-minute ride that starts at the end of Brecon Street and climbs sharply through the forest. If you’re up for more of a challenge, hike the Tiki Trail instead. This steep, 1.5-2.5-hour trek winds through native beech forest, offering sneak peeks of the lake before rewarding you with sweeping views from the top.

Once you’ve made it, there’s plenty to do. Wander the Skyline Loop, a ridgeline track offering endless alpine vistas. Or race down the hillside on the Queenstown Luge, a gravity-powered ride that’s equal parts thrilling and scenic. Combo tickets for the gondola and luge offer the best value—explore combo packages and grab tickets directly here.

After all that, stick around for a while and grab a bite to eat, browse the shops, or just relax and take in the view. Whether you come for the adventure or the scenery, Bob’s Peak captures everything that makes Queenstown unforgettable.

4. Take a wine tour of Gibbston Valley

Wine lovers, this one is for you! The Gibbston Valley wine region is exactly where you should go to check out local Queenstown wineries and drink as much wine as your heart desires!

Located only a short 20-30 minute drive from Queenstown, there are a ton of different wineries to visit in the Gibbston Valley. If you want to sample lots of wine and not drive, then the best thing to do is a Gibbston Valley wine tour!

My top choice for my readers is always this Central Otago Wine Tour from Queenstown, which includes a visit to 4 wineries, a light lunch, all your wine tastings, and transport. It’s a fantastic tour that’s not a half-day or full-day, but right in the middle at 5.5 hours!

I love taking wine tours so I don’t have to worry about driving. Plus, you get to learn a bit along the way and make some friends, too.

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

5. Explore the Queenstown Gardens

Easily one of the best things to do in Queenstown is to wander the botanical gardens. The Queenstown Gardens are located right in town, are free to visit, and are simply stunning – why not go check them out?

There is a 2-kilometer (1.2 mi) loop you can walk through the gardens that takes you along Lake Wakatipu’s shoreline, through a forest, and of course, among flowers and perfectly manicured garden beds. In the spring, the Queenstown Gardens are in full bloom, making them even more special to visit.

One of the other interesting features of the gardens is the disc golf course (frisbee golf). You can bring your own frisbee and test your skills on the free course. This is a favorite pastime of many Queenstown locals, but there’s no reason tourists can’t join in on the fun. You do need to bring your own Frisbee, which you can rent from the Ice Arena in Queenstown for only a few dollars.

You can also choose to see the same sights via Segway! That’s right, this small group tour will take you on the same loop by the lake and through the gardens and you can pick the 1-hour tour, which is more condensed, or the 2-hour version, which allows you to get off and walk around and have enough time for your guide to share information about the different viewpoints.

Plus, how fun is a Segway tour!? I’ve seen this tour roll through the gardens numerous times and it always looks like a great time.

6. Stop at the iconic Fergburger

No list of the best things to do in Queenstown would be complete without a visit to Fergburger, a true legend and home to the best gourmet-style burgers in town. This iconic spot has reached cult status among locals and travelers, and once you’ve had a bite, you’ll understand why. 

The menu has something for everyone, from juicy beef and crispy chicken favorites to tasty vegetarian and even gluten-free options, all made with top-notch local ingredients. The portions are generous, the buns are perfectly toasted, and every burger is stacked high with flavor. It’s comfort food taken to the next level!

You’ll almost always find a line stretching out the door, but don’t let that scare you off. The staff here have mastered the art of keeping things moving, and the queue moves quickly even during busy lunch hours. Honestly, watching the team flip, stack, and wrap each burger with lightning speed is part of the fun.

There aren’t many seats inside, so it’s best to grab your burger to go and stroll down to the lakefront. Find a sunny spot by Lake Wakatipu, unwrap your masterpiece, and enjoy it with one of the best views in town. Between the flavor, the fun vibe, and the unbeatable views, it’s easy to see why Fergburger is a Queenstown must-do!

7. Cruise Lake Wakatipu

A scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu is another great way to take in Queenstown’s beautiful scenery. Cruises depart from right in town and head along Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and back. It’s a stunning journey!

The most iconic scenic cruise is the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. It’s the last remaining vessel from the gold rush and somewhat of a historic experience. The TSS Earnslaw is a traditional coal-powered ship where you can actually observe workers shoveling coal into the burner as you cruise along Lake Wakatipu. You can enjoy the outside deck to take in the views, and inside you’ll find a beautiful bar and lots of seating.

If you’re on a time crunch, you can take a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise for a quick but scenic journey. You’ll see the best views and get to experience the historic ship – perfect for a busy Queenstown itinerary!

If you really want to spoil yourself, you can also do this TSS Earnslaw cruise with a gourmet BBQ lunch or (my favorite) this sunset cruise with a buffet dinner with both meals at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Both tours are great value for money because they include your cruise, a farm tour, and lunch/dinner. The food on both the lunch and dinner cruise is one of the best meals you can have in Queenstown – trust me on this!

I’ve done both the sightseeing cruise and the dinner options, and honestly, they are all great! But, the 900+ 5-star reviews for the lunch cruise speak for themself, and I am a sucker for a sunset, so I’d recommend either the lunch or dinner option!

8. Lord of the Rings Tour

It’s safe to say that the Lord of the Rings films helped put New Zealand on the tourist map. These movies are so well known that, for some, it’s the reason they come here to visit.

Around Queenstown, many of the scenes of The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. If you don’t know where they are for yourself, then joining a Lord of the Rings tour is the best way to visit them. This particular tour is the one I did and loved! The guide was super knowledgeable and besides telling us about LOTR, he also explained about Queenstown in general.

We stopped by iconic sights such as Isengard Lookout, Twelve Mile Delta, and Mount Aspiring, which were also the film locations of The Hobbit, X-Men, and The Chronicles of Narnia! You’ll also visit classic locations of the area such as the Glenorchy Wharf and the scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy.

LOTR tours are also scenic experiences because all of the movie film locations around Queenstown are absolutely breathtaking – Lord of the Rings fan or not, you won’t be able to deny this after visiting!

This half-day tour shows the best scenery of Queenstown and even gets you off the main tourist track.

9. Soak in the Onsen Hot Pools

Just a 10-minute drive from Queenstown, the Onsen Hot Pools are one of the most relaxing (and romantic) experiences you can have while visiting. Perched high above the Shotover River, these cedar-lined tubs offer stunning views of the mountains and valley below—the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure. Trust me, once you sink into the warm water, you’ll never want to get out!

What makes this place extra special is that you can book private hot pools to enjoy all to yourself. Each pool fits up to four adults, making it ideal for couples, families, or a few friends looking to soak in peace. The water is warm, the views are incredible, and the experience feels wonderfully secluded, like your own personal spa retreat in the mountains.

It’s worth noting that Onsen is very popular and often fully booked, so you’ll need to reserve your spot well in advance online here. For an unforgettable experience, aim for a late afternoon or early evening session when the air cools and the sun begins to dip behind the peaks. Watching the sky turn pink and gold while you soak in pure comfort? That’s Queenstown bliss at its finest.

10. Go skydiving!

Did you know that New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to go skydiving? It sure is! I’ve personally skydived twice in my life, once in Canada and once in Australia. Although I haven’t had the chance to skydive in New Zealand (yet) it’s definitely something I’ve heard awesome things about!

In Queenstown, you have the choice between a few different skydiving experiences. You can book right in town and choose between 9,000-foot, 12,000-foot, and 15,000-foot jumps. The difference between these jumps is the amount of free-fall time and the price. The 15,000-foot jump is the most expensive but offers the longest free-fall time. All the jumps come with amazing views, though, and you’ll literally get the thrill of your life.

This will ensure the best views of New Zealand! The price ranges from $345 NZD to $535 NZD, which is actually a good price for skydiving. You’ll be jumping with an instructor, so if this is your first time, no worries!

Book this tour with over 1,200 5-star reviews here to get flexible payment and cancellation options.

11. Ziplining

Of course, this blog of things to do in Queenstown couldn’t be complete without ziplining! As one of the top adventure activities, ziplining offers panoramic views from high in the air as you speed through the treetops. It’s fun, and Queenstown is one of the best places to zipline in New Zealand because the views are stunning!

Upon booking, there are a couple of different zipline experiences available in Queenstown, and choosing which one will depend on how many lines you want to do, how much time you have, and your budget. You can see the exact zipline options here, but I’ll highlight them below!

The Moa Tour has 4 different lines that start low and gradually increase in height, length, and speed. This is ideal if this is your first time ziplining.

The 1-hour Kereru Tour, while shorter than the Moa, is a bit more thrilling as it includes 2 lines and a 22-meter drop (72 feet) at the end.

If you choose the Kea Tour, you’ll get to do 6 lines along with the world’s steepest zipline, which descends 30 stories at 70 kilometers (44 miles) an hour!

The tours are guided, and you’ll take your time learning about the area along the way. In fact, the 6 zip line tour is almost 3 hours long! That’s plenty of time to feel comfortable at these striking heights and take in the views the whole way.

Please note: The ziplining tours mentioned above start at Bob’s Peak, so you’re either going to have to hike the Tiki Trail to get there or take the Skyline gondola.

12. Go hiking

No trip to Queenstown is complete without lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails! This region is packed with incredible walks that can be enjoyed year-round, from quick climbs to full-day treks with postcard-worthy views.

For a shorter, easier option, the Queenstown Hill Track is one of my favorites. This 2-3-hour return hike climbs steadily to the summit, rewarding you with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and Queenstown itself. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous Basket of Dreams sculpture—a perfect spot to catch your breath and soak it all in. The trail starts near Belfast Terrace, just a short distance from town, though walking there will add a little extra elevation to your workout!

If you’re up for more of a challenge, tackle the Ben Lomond Track. Starting from Bob’s Peak (accessible via the gondola or the Tiki Trail), this full-day adventure takes 6–8 hours round-trip and offers some of the most spectacular alpine views in New Zealand. On clear days, you can see as far as Mount Aspiring National Park. Even in poor weather, hiking to the saddle is still unforgettable and proof that Queenstown’s trails are as breathtaking as the scenery itself.

Whether you take on a short climb or an epic summit, hiking in Queenstown is the best way to slow down, connect with nature, and see this stunning region from a whole new perspective.

13. Take a scenic flight

Without a doubt, the best way to enjoy the views of Queenstown and the surrounding area is from the sky! Sure, this may not be the cheapest experience, but if you have a few hundred dollars to spare, let me tell you, a helicopter ride while you’re in NZ is totally worth it!

When it comes to scenic flights in Queenstown, you can choose between a helicopter or a small fixed-wing plane.

I recently did this 20-minute Remarkables helicopter tour in Queenstown. It was fantastic and included a landing in the mountains around Lake Wakatipu. I got the most amazing views and some pretty spectacular photos (pictured above). It’s only short at 20 minutes of actual flying, but it’s also the most affordable option.

For a longer flight, this epic 50-minute southern glacier helicopter tour is one of the most popular in Queenstown. It includes a landing on the Jura glacier in Mt Aspiring National Park, where you’ll get a rare view of the Southern Alps. This tour is more expensive, but if you have the budget for it, it’s well worth it!

You can also take this fixed-wing scenic flight to see views of Milford Sound and the five major glaciers of the area, including Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. I gotta say, as thrilling as a helicopter ride is, seeing Milford Sound from above is unmatched! This 1-hour fixed-wing plane flight is a fantastic mid-range budget option, that still gives stellar views.

If you are flying in or out of Queenstown via a passenger plane from the Queenstown International Airport, you’ll also be treated to some pretty special views. Just be sure to book a window seat and cross your fingers that your flight is on a clear day with little to no cloud cover!

14. Go quad biking

Quad bikes, also known as ATVs, are a fun way to drive yourself around rough terrain. Climb up mountains, cross rivers, and speed through the mud! You name it; the quad will (try) to tackle it!

This quad biking tour is one of the most popular adventure tours in Queenstown. Your guide will teach you everything you need to know before setting off to enjoy some of the most incredible views from up above Queenstown. With weather-proof gear provided, quad biking is one of the adventure tours you can do in Queenstown, even when it’s raining.

The quad biking tour is suitable for anyone 16 years or older and is suitable even for people who’ve never driven a quad before. The tour departs from central Queenstown and lasts for 1 hour, so it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule. With over 800+ 5-star reviews (see them here), it’s safe to say this is one of the best things to do in Queenstown!

15. Explore Arrowtown

Saving one of the best for last, Arrowtown is a little slice of history you won’t want to skip. Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, this former gold-mining town feels like stepping back in time with charming heritage buildings, tree-lined streets, and a cozy, small-town atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

Start your visit by wandering Buckingham Street, Arrowtown’s main hub, where boutique shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants sit inside beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. The architecture alone makes this stroll worthwhile, but don’t miss popping into The Remarkable Sweet Shop for old-fashioned treats and free fudge samples that are impossible to say no to.

For a dose of history, explore the Chinese Settlement, a restored riverside area where Chinese miners once lived, or stop by the Lakes District Museum & Gallery to learn about Arrowtown’s gold-rush days. You can even rent a pan from the museum and try your luck panning for gold in the Arrow River just nearby. It’s a fun, hands-on way to imagine what life was like for those early prospectors who once came here chasing fortune.

With its rich history, welcoming locals, and postcard-perfect streets, Arrowtown is the kind of place that makes you slow down, wander a little longer, and fall in love with the quieter side of 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 Hostelworld.com or 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!

Now you know the top things to do in Queenstown! This is my absolute favorite place in New Zealand for a reason – it’s beautiful, adventurous, and full of fun. What’s not to love!? I hope you found this guide helpful as you plan your travels!

Before you go, check out my website for all the most updated and detailed information about visiting Queenstown and nearby areas! I have compiled an epic bucket list for travelers full of the best things to do and see in New Zealand! You can also check out some of my other New Zealand guides below:

5 Best Whale Watching Tours Kaikoura

New Zealand Discount Code – Save Money on New Zealand’s Top Experiences

The BEST time to visit Queenstown – Comparing the Four Seasons