What to do in Kawarau Falls

Activities, attractions and tours

Early morning view of Kawarau Heights, looking across from Frankton, Queenstown.
Early morning view of Kawarau Heights, looking across from Frankton, Queenstown.
Beautiful aerial view of kawarau River in between of rocky mountain.Kawarau river located along Lindsi pass rout to Queenstown.Amazing.
Beautiful aerial view of kawarau River in between of rocky mountain.Kawarau river located along Lindsi pass rout to Queenstown.Amazing.
This isn't quite the Remarkables Ski Area but it's not that far away. It was November and the biggest snow fall that Queenstown had ever had in that month fortuitously dumped some lovely white stuff all over the mountain tops. We went out the next day and could only get so far before the road was closed due to snow clearing activities. Still, it was a lovely drive!

Places to Visit in Kawarau Falls

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Kawarau Falls, 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 Kawarau Falls 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 Kawarau Falls tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 228 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 Kawarau Falls. 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.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

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

5. Cardrona Alpine Resort

When the air is crisp and the snow fresh, Cardona Alpine Resort is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream. On-mountain accommodation will put you close to the action, letting you ski or snowboard right out onto its 850 acres (3.5 square kilometers) of skiable terrain. Test out the nursery slopes, practice flips, spins and slides in the four terrain parks, or tackle the challenging backcountry runs.
Learn more
Cardrona Alpine Resort

6. 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

Recommended things to do in Kawarau Falls

Number of things to do
228
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 Kawarau Falls

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kawarau Falls

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

The Remarkables Ski Area

4.5/5(202 reviews)

Skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of inviting slopes at this ski mountain, known for being one of New Zealand’s best venues for freestyle snow riding.

The Remarkables Ski Area

Shadow Basin Chair

Enjoy a trip to Shadow Basin Chair and popular activities such as skiing in Kawarau Falls. Discover the mountain views in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Shadow Basin Chair

 

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 Kawarau Falls

Queenstown which includes a sunset, mist or fog and a bay or harbor

Queenstown

A moody sky blankets The Remakables. This mountain range is only one of a few in the world that run North to South and they take on an incredible appearance when cloud fills the valley as far as the eye can see. #Queenstown #NewZealand

Lower Shotover

On our way to Te Anau on Kingston Road, the clear blue sky provide a refreshing "true blue" to the rugged Remarkables Mountain Range on the left.

Jacks Point

Kelvin Heights which includes mountains, a small town or village and a lake or waterhole

Kelvin Heights

Gibbston Highway Bridge over Kawarau River near Arrowtown, New Zealand

Gibbston

Frequently asked questions

Is Kawarau Falls worth visiting?
Whether you want to experience the cultural highlights and local charm or try regional foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are many things to do in Kawarau Falls.
How do I spend a day in Kawarau Falls?
After you've checked off the key attractions, spend some time enjoying the retail and dining scene in Kawarau Falls.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kawarau Falls?
Scroll up to see a range of recommended things to do in Kawarau Falls, including cheap activities, family-friendly options and other highlights you can't miss.
Is three days enough to stay in Kawarau Falls?
If you only want to check out the leading sights, three days will be a good amount of time for a getaway in Kawarau Falls. Stay for a week or longer for the chance to really experience the local vibe, tour nearby hotspots and discover some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Kawarau Falls with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all of your group, check out these fabulous ideas for what to do in Kawarau Falls with kids.

What to do in Kawarau Falls for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Kawarau Falls. Whether you're into traditional cuisine, outdoor activities or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Kawarau Falls?
With loads of cheap things to do in Kawarau Falls, you can discover the area without getting your wallet out. Catch free shows and events or stroll through the local markets.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia