What 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

Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

฿2,123
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet
Queenstown: Ice Bar Entry with Warm Winter Gear and Drink

QUEENSTOWN ICE BAR - Queenstown’s Premium Ice Bar Experience

฿1,266
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
QUEENSTOWN ICE BAR - Queenstown’s Premium Ice Bar Experience
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

฿2,318
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

฿1,539
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)
Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise

฿3,409
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise
Queenstown: Clay Target Shooting Experience

Queenstown: Clay Target Shooting Experience

฿2,897
per adult
Queenstown: Clay Target Shooting Experience
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

฿4,266
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Picture 6 for Activity Queenstown: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Ticket

Queenstown: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Ticket

฿954
per adult
Queenstown: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Ticket
Picture 1 for Activity Queenstown: Time Tripper Underwater Theatre

Queenstown: Hidden Underwater Theatre Experience

฿389
per adult
Queenstown: Hidden Underwater Theatre Experience
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Top places to visit

1. Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens occupy a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu, on the outskirts of Queenstown. Since 1867 the gardens have been a central feature of the town, and provide a tranquil break from the busy streets. Visit the gardens to see historic, heritage-listed trees, marvel at the views of The Remarkables mountain range, or enjoy sporting and leisure activities.
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A stone bridge over a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and red flowers.

2. Skyline Queenstown

Winding up the side of Bob’s Peak is the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 1967, the Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the summit of Bob’s Peak for views across the Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu area. Skyline also operates a number of adventure activities on the mountain. The gondola is the best way to access the mountain biking, hiking and paragliding that takes place on Bob’s Peak.
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A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

3. Kiwi Park

The national symbol of New Zealand, the kiwi, is a timid and elusive bird that few have the chance to see in the wild. The Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown offers visitors the opportunity to get up-close with this at-risk species, and to learn about the birds in the process. The Kiwi Birdlife Park’s grounds are leafy and expansive, and are a popular destination for visitors to Queenstown for the peaceful escape they provide.
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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

Located on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Steamer Wharf is Queenstown’s picturesque entertainment precinct. The area is popular with locals and tourists for its nightlife, casino and mix of restaurants, while the wharf is also home to TSS Earnslaw.
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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 stone bridge over a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and red flowers.

Queenstown Gardens

9.2/10 (2,795 reviews)
This historic botanical park offers a tranquil retreat with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and 800 varieties of roses. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or challenge friends to disc golf among the lush greenery.
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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 Queenstown Event Centre and Remarkables Park Town Centre 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.

Day trip destinations from Queenstown

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.