What to do in Devils Staircase

Activities, attractions and tours

A winding mountain road with a view of a lake and mountains.
A mountain range silhouetted against a twilight sky.
A lake with mountains in the background and a bush with red berries in the foreground.
A winding road beside a lake with mountains in the background.
A mountainous landscape with a clear blue sky, a road, and a body of water.

Places to Visit in Devils Staircase

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Devils Staircase, 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 Devils Staircase attractions from NZ$9, 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 Devils Staircase tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 257 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 Devils Staircase. 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.

Activities

Queenstown: Kiwi Park Admission Ticket

Kiwi Park Admission Ticket

NZ$64
per adult
Kiwi Park Admission Ticket
Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise

NZ$175
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

NZ$79
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

NZ$159
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

NZ$119
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

NZ$219
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Wānaka to Queenstown: A Self-Guided Drive via the Crown Range

Wānaka to Queenstown: A Self-Guided Drive via the Crown Range

NZ$14
per traveller
Wānaka to Queenstown: A Self-Guided Drive via the Crown Range
Queenstown: Clay Target Shooting Experience

Queenstown: Clay Target Shooting Experience

NZ$149
per adult
Queenstown: Clay Target Shooting Experience
Picture 6 for Activity Queenstown: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Ticket

Queenstown: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Ticket

NZ$49
per adult
Queenstown: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Ticket
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Top places to visit

1. 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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A stone bridge over a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and red flowers.

2. 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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A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

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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A ski lift with passengers against a snowy mountain backdrop.

4. 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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A skier in mid-air performing a jump on a snowy slope with a mountainous backdrop.

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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A lake surrounded by mountains with a winding road.

6. Queenstown Beach

Spend a day enjoying water sports and dining with unbeatable views at Queenstown Beach. This small beach is at the water’s edge of Queenstown’s town centre on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown Beach is a short strip of sand and shingle beach, framed by a lush green lawn that’s ideal for those that don’t want to get sand in their shoes.
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A clear lake with boats, a sandy beach, and dense trees.

7. Kiwi 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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A bird with a wing injury perched on a fence next to a sign reading "T.C. THE KEA".

What to do in Devils Staircase

 

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 Devils Staircase

A mountain range with a lake in the foreground.

Kingston

Frequently asked questions

Is Devils Staircase worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or try regional foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Devils Staircase.
How do I spend a day in Devils Staircase?
Begin your sightseeing adventures with a visit to the top attractions. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Devils Staircase while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Devils Staircase?
Scroll up to find a range of recommended things to do in Devils Staircase, including affordable tours, family-friendly ideas and other highlights you can't miss.
Is three days enough to stay in Devils Staircase?
Three days is plenty for a quick getaway to Devils Staircase — you'll hit the main sights and get a good feel for the place. But if you truly want to soak it all in, hang around for at least seven to ten days to explore some nearby hotspots too.
What are some activities to do in Devils Staircase with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all of your group, here are some terrific ideas for what to do in Devils Staircase with kids.

What to do in Devils Staircase for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural gems to thrilling excursions and unique experiences, there are loads of fascinating things to do in Devils Staircase for adults.
Are there free things to do in Devils Staircase?
You don't need to spend a small fortune to have a great holiday here. There are lots of free things to do in Devils Staircase for the budget-conscious traveller. Roam the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask for ideas from a local tour guide.