What to do in Queenstown

Activities, attractions and tours

A mountainous town with a lake, surrounded by forest and clouds.
A town by a lake with mountains in the background.
A mountain range with snow-capped peaks and rolling hills in the foreground.
A coastal town with a lake, mountains, and residential buildings.
A snow-covered mountain peak with a clear sky and a lake in the valley below.

Places to Visit in Queenstown

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


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Top places to visit

1. 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.

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

3. 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".

4. Steamer Wharf

Right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and home of TSS Earnslaw, Steamer Wharf is a popular and picturesque spot. Visitors come here for its diverse restaurants as well as to try their luck at the casino and enjoy its rich and entertaining nightlife.
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A lakeside town with boats docked, surrounded by forested mountains.

5. Bob's Peak

Ride in a cable car to the top of Bob’s Peak and enjoy sweeping views back across the lakes and mountains of Queenstown. Sip a hot drink at the mountaintop café, then choose from a range of exciting ways to enjoy the surroundings, including paragliding and luging.
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A helicopter flying over a large lake with mountains in the background.

Recommended things to do in Queenstown

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What to do in Queenstown


Stay near popular Queenstown attractions

Our guide on where to stay in Queenstown

Find the best Queenstown areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Queenstown
Learn more about Queenstown

Queenstown City Centre

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

Fernhill

Fernhill is well-regarded for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and fantastic lake views, and you might also want to make a stop by Lake Wakatipu, a top sight in the neighbourhood.

Frankton

Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Remarkables Park Town Centre and Lake Wakatipu while in the area.

Sunshine Bay

Visitors to Sunshine Bay like its mountain views and restaurants, and Lake Wakatipu is a sight worth a stop.

Goldfield Heights

Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.


 

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 Queenstown

Frequently asked questions

Is Queenstown worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Queenstown is explore Skyline Queenstown. Check this major sight off your list, then discover more of this area's skiing and adventure sports.
How do I spend a day in Queenstown?
Start your adventures with a visit to TSS Earnslaw Steamship and Kiwi and Birdlife Park. Then, explore other parts of Queenstown for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Queenstown?
The top tourist attraction in Queenstown is Skyline Queenstown, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Queenstown?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Skyline Queenstown, Kiwi and Birdlife Park and Skyline Queenstown with a three-day break in Queenstown. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and venture to Arrowtown.
Is Queenstown a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Queenstown, such as Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Queenstown is Queenstown City Centre and Fernhill is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Queenstown with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Queenstown with kids.
What to do in Queenstown for adults?
Amisfield Winery and Amisfield are just two of the things to do in Queenstown. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, Steamer Wharf is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Queenstown.

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