Top 12 Things to Do in Queenstown
From rafting through scenes straight out of the Lord of the Rings to experiencing a truly special meal at one of the best restaurants in New Zealand, the South Island city of Queenstown is a destination unto itself.
If you plan to spend a few days in this adventure capital before setting off to explore the rest of South Island, here are the top 12 must-have experiences, according to WT’s New Zealand Trip Leaders.
After your time in Queenstown, join one of our guided trips to North Island, South Island, or both.
1. Take a Gondola to the Best Viewpoint
There will be plenty of opportunities to earn your views in New Zealand, so take a breather on Skyline Queenstown, a gondola that ascends nearly 1,500 feet. Once you reach the observation deck at the top of Bob’s Peak, expect panoramic views of Coronet Peak to the north, the Remarkables range to the east, and the city of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below. After taking in the scene, grab a bite at the restaurant, hike 1.3 miles down the Tiki Trail, or if you’re a mountain biker, enjoy one of 28 trails that wind down the peak’s southern flank.
2. Ride a Mountaintop Luge
From Bob’s Peak, a quick chairlift ride takes you up to luge tracks that are great fun for families. What can be described as part go-kart and part toboggan, the luges use gravity and a simple steering system to speed down close to a mile of winding tracks. There are two tracks—the gentler Blue and the steeper Green—that both feature breathtaking views.
3. Cruise Across a Mythical Lake
Carved into spectacular mountain ranges by ancient glaciers, Lake Wakatipu is an iconic part of Queenstown’s backdrop and an important Maori site. The best way to take in its grandeur is aboard an Edwardian-era steamship called the TSS Earnslaw. For 1.5 hours, cruise across the lake, past the Remarkables peaks, while stokers feed the ship’s coal fire.
4. Raft Through Scenes from Lord of the Rings
No trip to New Zealand is complete without experiencing its exhilarating rapids especially on the famed Shotover and Kawarau rivers. The Shotover, known as “the richest river in the world” with grade 3-5 rapids, cuts through scenic Skippers Canyon. The Kawarau, meanwhile, takes you through scenes from Lord of the Rings and beneath a famed bungy-jumping point.
5. Sample Contemporary Polynesian Cuisine
For a taste of contemporary local fare, head to one of WT Trip Leader Jon Imhoof’s favorite restaurants, Blue Kanu. The eatery serves shared plates of Asian-leaning Polynesian dishes, which they refer to as “Polynasia.” The entrées are familiar favorites with unique flavor profiles, like a coconut- and caramel-braised pork belly with ginger and chili oil, and a lamb curry with kumara, a New Zealand sweet potato.
6. Check Out a Gold Rush-Era Town
A historic gold-mining town that’s been lovingly preserved, Arrowtown is a must-stop for travelers looking to experience a different era of New Zealand’s history. The town was established in 1862 at the height of the Otago Gold Rush, and today is a quaint collection of restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. We spend a few fun hours at Arrowtown during a wine tour on our Ultimate South Island itinerary.
7. Hike a Historical Trail
Walk the five-mile Mount Crichton Loop Track, located between Queenstown and the village of Glenorchy. It’s a fascinating look at life in 19th-century New Zealand, when the Gold Rush brought many to these parts in search of riches. The trail passes rushing rivers, a gorgeous waterfall, and native beech forest, with views of Lake Dispute and Wakatipu, before reaching Sam Summers’ Hut, the former home of a gold prospector. The trail is a perfect introduction to hiking in the region, which is why we include the route on Day 2 of our Ultimate South Island journey.
8. Splurge at New Zealand’s Top Winery-Restaurant
Experiencing the tasting menu at Amisfield will likely rank as one of the most memorable meals of your visit. Set on a stunning estate just outside of Queenstown, the restaurant is the vision of chef Vaughan Mabee, a hunter, forager, and fisherman whose dishes reflect his deep connection to the landscapes of Central Otago. Expect inventive dishes, like smoked fallow deer with magnolia-flower pickles and bone marrow jus, paired perfectly with the estate’s award-winning wines.
9. Experience the World’s First Bungy
If you’ve ever wanted to take a leap of faith, here’s the place to do it. The site of the first bungy jump, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy continues to attract thousands of thrill-seekers a year. Set above scenic Kawarau River, the 140-foot jump can also include a dip in the river for those looking for an extra rush! WT travelers have the option of adding this experience onto our Ultimate South Island journey.
10. Soak in Spectacular Views from Thermal Pools
Take a break from the high-adrenaline draws of Queenstown with a rejuvenating break at one of the area’s beloved retreats. A ten-minute drive north of Queenstown brings you to a series of ryokan-style onsen pools overlooking stunning Shotover River. Each of the private cedar tubs is available for 60-minute sessions, and there is a day spa featuring an extensive menu of face and body treatments using local products.
11. Soar Over Queenstown on a Helicopter Tour
This adventure capital has no shortage of spectacular views and adventure-fueled ways to see them, but there’s nothing like seeing them from above. Embark on one of the area’s many heli-tours catering to any desired length, price, and interest. You can discover the waterfalls of Middle Earth on a heli-hike, go on a heli-wine tasting experience, or explore a nearby glacier.
12. Savor the World’s Best Burger
There’s a reason CNN once asked if Fergburger was home to the best burger in the world: Long lines of locals and visitors alike come for the menu of some 20 varieties of perfectly done stacked burgers. Whatever you pick, whether a prime NZ ribeye steak patty or one made from tempura tofu, it is sure to delight. The restaurant has become such an institution that its spin-offs have become just as popular, including Ferg’s Bar, with shareable plates and creative cocktails.
We kick off our incredible Ultimate South Island adventure in Queenstown, and many WT travelers choose to fly in a few days early to take full advantage of the dynamic city. Others pair Queenstown with one of our other New Zealand adventures: our Hiker’s Journey to New Zealand, which spans both islands, or the Hidden Treasures of the Far North, which takes you to the volcanic paradise and Maori stronghold of North Island.
