What to do in Closeburn

Activities, attractions and tours

The Aurora Australis put on quite a show in Queenstown, New Zealand last night! #aurora #astro #southernlights
The Aurora Australis put on quite a show in Queenstown, New Zealand last night! #aurora #astro #southernlights
An easy hike while in the Queenstown area of New Zealand is around Moke Lake. The views are stunning and the trail is easily completed in a few hours.
Queenstown featuring mountains, landscape views and a lake or waterhole
Moke Lake showing landscape views, tranquil scenes and mountains

Places to Visit in Closeburn

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Closeburn, Otago 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 Closeburn attractions from NZ$14, 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 Closeburn tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 196 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 Closeburn. 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.

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Top places to visit

1. Coronet Peak Ski Area

Traverse ski and snowboard runs for all skill levels at Coronet Peak, a 691-acre (280-hectare) ski field to the northeast of Queenstown. Take on moguls and off-piste areas, then recharge at one of the many cafés and restaurants that serve hot food and drinks throughout the day.
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Coronet Peak Ski Area which includes snow skiing as well as a small group of people

2. 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.
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Queenstown Gardens which includes a bridge and a pond

3. 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.
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The Remarkables Ski Area showing a gondola and snow as well as a small group of people

4. Skyline Queenstown

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.
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Skyline Gondola which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town

5. 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.
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Lake Wakatipu featuring a lake or waterhole and mountains

6. 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.
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Kiwi and Birdlife Park featuring signage, zoo animals and bird life

7. Moke Lake

Just six kilometres from Queenstown, you’ll find the pretty Moke Lake hamlet, surrounded by the region’s extraordinary mountain scenery. A secluded spot which lies in the wake of the rather more renowned Lake Wakatipu, it is a popular haven for anyone eager to go swimming, kayaking, horse riding or hiking.
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Queenstown which includes picnicking, a lake or waterhole and landscape views

Recommended things to do in Closeburn

Number of things to do
196
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour: NZ$14
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Closeburn

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Closeburn

The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is by far my most favourite drive I've ever done, and it's gonna be really hard to beat that. We were so lucky to visit Queenstown and Glenorchy in the middle of winter (June 2013, minus or 0 during the day, as crisp as you'd want your perfect winter to be) and have this absolute clear day with cracking blue skies. The windy roads lead you through stunning green valleys, contrasted by clear blue lakes, majestic mountains topped with a crisp blanket of snow.

Mount Creighton

Frequently asked questions

Is Closeburn worth visiting?
Closeburn offers a unique blend of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or traditional cuisine, there's a lot here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Closeburn?
Begin your day with a visit to TSS Earnslaw Steamship and Kiwi and Birdlife Park. Then, check out other areas of Closeburn for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Closeburn?
The top tourist attraction in Closeburn is Skyline Queenstown, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Closeburn?
Three days in Closeburn is plenty of time to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Skyline Queenstown, Kiwi and Birdlife Park and Skyline Queenstown are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Queenstown.
Is Closeburn a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Closeburn. Several key attractions, including Moke Lake, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through one of Closeburn's vibrant neighbourhoods, Sunshine Bay is 5 kilometres away from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Closeburn with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all the family, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Closeburn with kids.

What to do in Closeburn for adults?
Onsen Hot Pools and Cookie Time are just two of the things to do in Closeburn. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Closeburn?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Closeburn is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Steamer Wharf is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.