Queenstown New Zealand Activities Accommodation Restaurants and Live Information
Things to Do in Queenstown
Queenstown is one of those rare places that delivers regardless of when you visit or what you are looking for. Whether you are here for the snow, the lake, the trails, the food, or simply the scenery, the options are genuinely extensive and the setting makes everything feel more worthwhile.
Get Out on the Water
Lake Wakatipu is the centrepiece of Queenstown and worth more than just a passing look. The lake is one of the longest in New Zealand, strikingly clear, and surrounded by mountains on all sides. Queenstown Bay is the main town beach and a natural starting point - good for a swim in summer or a walk along the waterfront at any time of year.
TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruises
Discover one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Queenstown’s stunning scenery: a cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old TSS Earnslaw, a coal-fired steamship that’s been a part of the region’s history since 1912.
Lovingly preserved, the TSS Earnslaw offers more than just a journey. Wander through its decks, visit the engine room to see the heart of this working steamship in action, and explore fascinating historical displays that bring its storied past to life.
Your cruise takes you across the lake, with breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak, to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
To get the most from your experience, make sure to pre-book one of the exceptional activities available at Walter Peak, such as our famous Gourmet BBQ Dining experience, a guided Farm Tour, or the conservation-focused Eco Experience. Availability is limited, so secure your spot in advance to complete your unforgettable adventure.
Best Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown | Shotover Jet
For something more active, jet boating on the Shotover River is one of the most exhilarating things you can do in the region. The Shotover Jet operates from the canyon just outside town and runs daily. Kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake are also popular, with hire available from the waterfront.
Hike and Bike from the Door
The Ben Lomond Track starts just minutes from our Lomond Crescent properties and is one of the best walks in the South Island. The full summit takes around five to six hours return and rewards you with panoramic views across the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, and as far as Mount Aspiring on a clear day. For a shorter option, the saddle below the summit is around three hours return and still delivers exceptional views.
The trail network from Lomond Crescent also connects to some of Queenstown's best mountain biking terrain. The Tiki Trail and Skyline Bike Park above town suit all levels, with uplift available via the gondola for those who want to skip the climbing.
Ride the Skyline Gondola
The Skyline Gondola rises from the edge of town to Bob's Peak, 450 metres above Queenstown. The views from the top across Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables are among the finest in New Zealand. At the top you will find a restaurant, luge tracks, and the start of several walking trails including the beginning of the Ben Lomond Track. It is worth going up at least once, ideally at dusk.
Ski and Snowboard
Queenstown is the South Island's premier ski destination with access to four ski fields. Coronet Peak is the closest at around 30 minutes from town and is known for its consistent snow and night skiing. The Remarkables, around 40 minutes away, offers a more dramatic alpine setting with terrain suited to all levels. Both fields are accessible without a car using the Queenstown ski bus.
The ski season typically runs late June through October. Booking accommodation and lift passes in advance is strongly recommended during the peak July and August school holiday periods.
Adventure Activities
Queenstown's reputation for adventure is well earned. The original Bungy Jump Queenstown | Bungy Jumping | AJ Hackett Bungy NZ bungy at Kawarau Bridge, 45 minutes from town, is still running and remains the world's first commercial bungy site - worth seeing even if you are not jumping. Skydiving, canyon swinging, white-water rafting, and paragliding are all available and easily booked through operators in town.
For something at a slightly lower heart rate, the Shotover Canyon Swing and the Nevis Swing offer a different perspective on the gorge country east of Queenstown.
Day Trips Worth Taking
Arrowtown - 25 minutes by car. A beautifully preserved gold rush town with excellent cafes, boutique shops, and the best autumn colour in New Zealand. The Lakes District Museum is worth an hour of your time.
Glenorchy - 45 minutes along the western shore of Lake Wakatipu. The drive alone is one of the finest in the South Island. Glenorchy is the gateway to the Dart River and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in New Zealand, including locations used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings.
Wanaka - 70 minutes over the Crown Range, one of New Zealand's great scenic drives. A quieter alternative to Queenstown with its own lake, excellent restaurants, and access to Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields.
Milford Sound - A full day trip of around four to five hours each way. Best done on a guided tour or with an early start. The fiord is one of New Zealand's most visited natural landmarks and worth the effort on a clear day.
Queenstown Gardens
Set on a small peninsula beside Queenstown Bay, the Queenstown Gardens are an easy walk from the town centre and a genuinely pleasant way to spend an hour. Mature trees, walking paths, a disc golf course, and views back across the lake to the mountains. Free to enter and open year round.