What to do in Kingston

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo by Mel Fekto
Photo by Mel Fekto

Places to Visit in Kingston

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Kingston, Southland while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Kingston attractions from NZ$219, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Kingston tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Kingston. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Top places to visit

1. The Remarkables Ski Area

Enjoy 543 acres (220 hectares) of slopes less than an hour’s drive from central Queenstown at the Remarkables. Test yourself at the terrain parks or watch the action from the warmth of a café while sipping a hot chocolate.
Learn more
The Remarkables Ski Area showing a gondola and snow as well as a small group of people

2. Skyline Gondola

For nearly five decades, visitors have been ascending Bob’s Peak to enjoy the stunning views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. It's all thanks to the Skyline Gondola, which takes you across the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest cable car line. As well as its panoramic views, the car also connects you to the mountain biking and hiking trails as well as the paragliding spots on the mountain.
Learn more
Skyline Gondola which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town

3. Kiwi and Birdlife Park

In spite of the kiwi being a national symbol, being an endangered species, you’ll have to be very lucky to spot the shy and elusive kiwi out in the wild. The best way to get a glimpse of this are bird is by visiting Queenstown’s Kiwi Birdlife Park, where you will get the chance to see it up close and learn more about New Zealand’s national symbol, as well as more of the region’s avian life.
Learn more
Kiwi and Birdlife Park featuring zoo animals and bird life

4. Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is a lightning bolt-shaped lake set in the shadow of dramatic mountain peaks and alpine forests. The lake is the ideal setting for outdoor pursuits such as biking, fishing, kayaking and walking. Lake Wakatipu is 84 kilometres (52 miles) long and extends for 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) at its widest point. Māori legend states that the lake formed after a giant was burnt to death and thus scorched a huge hole by melting the ice of the nearby mountains.
Learn more
Lake Wakatipu featuring a lake or waterhole and mountains

5. Queenstown Gardens

Dating all the way back to 1867, the Queenstown Gardens are a peaceful haven away from the thriving city. They are home to heritage-listed trees and boast captivating views of The Remarkables mountain range. Situated out on the outskirts of Queenstown on a small peninsula on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, the area the place to head to for an idyllic respite.
Learn more
Queenstown Gardens showing forest scenes

6. TSS Earnslaw Steamship

First commissioned by New Zealand Railways in the early 20th century, this historic steamboat has been docked in Lake Wakatipu for over 100 years. The ship’s parts were built in Dunedin, then transported by train to the lake, where it was assembled. It has remained here ever since. Now you can join the passengers who use the boat to cross between Queenstown and Walter Peak High County Farm and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Learn more
TSS Earnslaw Steamship showing picnicking, a bay or harbour and a sandy beach

Recommended things to do in Kingston

Number of things to do
1
Things to do from
NZ$219
Cheapest thing to do
Private Self Drive Xtreme 30 and X Track Activity
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kingston

Image for Kingston Golf Club

Kingston Golf Club

5/5(4 reviews)

Enjoy a round of golf in Kingston at Kingston Golf Club. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

Kingston Golf Club

Day trip destinations from Kingston

Walter Peak High Country Farm

Walter Peak

Photo by Maddie Hayes

Halfway Bay