Top Attractions in Queenstown, New Zealand

There’s nowhere quite like Queenstown, whether it’s extreme adventure you’re seeking, or pure relaxation in a perfect setting. Queenstown maybe a tiny place by world standards…but make no mistake, it is very, very big on charm!

Look at that lake!

Lake Wakatipu and its magical shoreline will be one of the first things on your agenda, and you can see them in style from the steamship, Earnslaw – it’s been part of the place since 1912! Launch, kayak and sailing trips are also available, and there are shoreline walkways.

Views, glorious views

Chances are you’ll have great views from your hotel in Queenstown, but for the best possible panoramas, head to the hills. Take the Time Walk on Queenstown Hill (2-3 hours) or visit one of the two big skifields. For an airborne perspective, there are helicopter flights, sky-diving and even an urban bungy.

Insider Advice: Feeling lazy? Reach the summit of Queenstown Hill by gondola – and if dizzy heights aren’t your thing, a try a gentle walk at sunrise or sunset by Lake Wakatipu: simply stunning.

Winter wizardry

Queenstown is magical in winter, when the mountains are snow-capped and the skifields are open for business (approximately June to October). Skiers and snowboarders pour in from around the world, heading for long days at Coronet Peak or the Remarkables. Further afield, but not too far for a day-trip, are Cardrona and Treble Cone. Then there’s the pure thrill of heli-skiing; check out the options. Other winter activities include ice-skating and ice hockey. The fabulous Winter Festival takes place yearly in late June-early July.

Insider Advice: Coronet Peak has night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays, early July to mid-September. Saturday nights are family-friendly.

Golden hills & history

Queenstown lies in the heart of the old Otago goldfields: go to nearby Arrowtown and be enchanted by its history and atmosphere (don’t miss the Chinese camp). Feeling intrepid? A trip on the Skipper’s Road will scare you silly and show you unforgettable scenery. Further afield but well worth the drive are the tracks, tunnels and ghost towns of the Goldfields Mining Centre conservation park – 25 fascinating hectares.

Adventure extremes!

Bungy began here, so Queenstown’s Shotover Bridge is the perfect place to take that first leap of faith. Been there, done that? Try the Ledge, and enjoy million-dollar views as you hurtle through space. And there’s plenty more to challenge you, including white-water rafting, jet boating, extreme eco-adventures, parapenting, canyoning, river-boarding, river-surfing, hang-gliding, the Nevis Arc, sky-diving, luge, canyon-swinging – the list goes on!

Not so scary?

Want an adventure of the less extreme kind? Options include hill country horse rides, hot-air ballooning, kayaking, Lord of the Rings tours, nature walks, 4WD safaris, mountain biking, segway and quad biking.

Sporting chances

Your Queenstown hotel is an ideal base for golf, fishing, riding, biking, walking, hiking, climbing, clay target shooting, abseiling and more.

Insider Advice: Serious golfers shouldn’t miss Millbrook Resort’s 27-hole championship course near Arrowtown.

Kiwis, kea and country life

Spot a kiwi and other New Zealand birds, including the world’s cleverest creature – the kea – at Kiwi Birdlife Park, or sample the workings of a high country sheep station at historic Walter Peak (sail there on the Earnslaw).

Insider Advice: See kea flying free at The Remarkables carpark, but hold on to your belongings!

Fine, fine vines

Central Otago produces some of the world’s finest wines at some of the world’s most scenic wineries! Vineyards handy to Queenstown include Chard Farm, Amisfield, Brennan, Gibbston Valley and Coal Pit. Tours are available.

Around town

Mingle with visitors from around the world as you explore Queenstown’s boutiques, cafes, galleries, nightlife, pubs and restaurants. The town isn’t big, but it’s big on style and atmosphere.

Insider Advice: Many shops are open late, and many will pack and post your purchases for you.

Take a walk

There are world-famous walking tracks near Queenstown, but they aren’t a stroll in the park. The Milford Track and Routeburn, for example, take several days and require very careful planning. For something less serious, there’s the 6-hour Moonlight Track or 5-hour Ben Lomond climb. And there are easy walks around the lake, close to town.

Relax, relax!

You’ll want to unwind after all those adventures, so take a cruise, book yourself into a day spa, linger over lunch on the lakeside, visit the Queenstown Gardens, the Underwater Observatory or a winery.

Insider Advice: for the ultimate in relaxation, check out the hot pools overlooking Skipper’s Canyon.

Sarah Fredrickson is a freelance travel writer based in Auckland, New Zealand. She spends much of her time travelling overseas, but is just as happy staying at home especially when she gets to visit the South Island and stay at her favorite Queenstown hotel.