Queenstown

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Aerial view of Queenstown, New Zealand with Lake Wakatipu, mountains, and a rainbow.
Elizaveta Vinogradova, Pexels

Queenstown, New Zealand, is an alpine resort town set against the majestic Southern Alps and the tranquil Lake Wakatipu, offering a unique blend of high-octane adventure activities and serene natural beauty. It is a destination where visitors can seek thrilling experiences or unwind amidst stunning landscapes.

The compact town center, particularly around Beach Street and Church Street, serves as a lively hub for cafes, restaurants, and bars. Backpackers and other social travelers will find numerous hostels, many of which are known for their communal areas, organized events, and social atmosphere, making it easy to connect with other tourists.

Top 6 Things to do in Queenstown

Visitors can experience a diverse range of activities, including exhilarating adventure sports, breathtaking scenic tours, and enriching cultural experiences.

1. Skyline Gondola and Luge

Ascend Bob's Peak via the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. From the top, breathtaking panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables unfold. The luge offers an exhilarating gravity-fueled ride on purpose-built tracks, with options for a scenic or advanced experience, and you can repeat the fun by riding the chairlift back up.

Cost: A standalone Gondola ticket is approximately NZD $64. Bundled packages including the Gondola and Luge rides start around NZD $89 for an adult for 3 luge rides, and up to NZD $99 for 6 luge rides. Children (6-14 years) tickets are cheaper, and those under 6 can ride tandem with an adult for an additional NZD $5.

Transport: The Skyline Gondola base is conveniently located within walking distance of Queenstown's town centre. Free parking is also available at the gondola base.

2. Jet Boating on the Shotover River

Experience an adrenaline rush with a high-speed jet boat ride through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River. Skilled drivers perform exhilarating 360-degree spins and navigate close to rock faces, offering a thrilling way to see the stunning landscapes from a unique perspective. It is a fun activity for families, with most children over two years old able to participate.

Cost: Jet boating tours generally start under NZD $80 per person, with some operators like Shotover Jet offering experiences around NZD $299.

Transport: Most jet boat operators provide complimentary shuttle services from their booking centres in Queenstown.

3. Milford Sound Scenic Coach & Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dramatic fiords, towering peaks like Mitre Peak, gushing waterfalls, and unique wildlife such as seals and penguins. The journey there by glass-roof coach through Fiordland National Park offers stunning scenic stops, and the cruise provides an immersive experience on the dark, reflective waters.

Cost: Full-day coach and cruise tours from Queenstown typically start from around NZD $174, with many options available up to NZD $300+.

Transport: Day tours from Queenstown include return coach travel, which is highly recommended due to the challenging alpine driving conditions, especially in winter. The journey takes approximately 4 hours each way.

4. Hiking the Queenstown Hill Time Walk

Enjoy a moderate hike up Queenstown Hill, accessible directly from town. The trail, also known as the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, leads to the 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture and rewards walkers with expansive panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. It offers a peaceful escape and a fantastic vantage point for photography.

Cost: Free for self-guided hiking.

Transport: The trailhead for the Queenstown Hill Time Walk is easily accessible on foot from the centre of Queenstown.

5. Gibbston Valley Wine Tour

Discover the Central Otago wine region, particularly the Gibbston Valley, known for its world-class Pinot Noir. Enjoy a leisurely day visiting various wineries, tasting local wines, and experiencing the scenic vineyards nestled within the mountainous landscape. Many tours include options for a guided cellar door experience and sometimes food pairings.

Cost: A hop-on-hop-off wine tour bus pass costs approximately NZD $129.50 for a full day (excluding wine tastings, which are additional at each winery). Private guided tours are available but come at a significantly higher cost, starting from several hundred dollars per person depending on group size and inclusions.

Transport: Hop-on-hop-off wine tour buses offer pick-up points in Queenstown's town centre. Private tours typically include hotel pick-up and drop-off. Alternatively, self-driving allows for flexibility, though responsible drinking is essential.

6. Maori Cultural Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Take a unique and entertaining cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic vessel Ngaroto to explore the rich Maori history, culture, and legends of the Wakatipu region. Guided by Maori hosts in traditional attire, the experience includes a Mihi Whakatau (traditional welcome), Hongi (greeting), Karakia (blessing), Haka (war challenge), and Waiata (song), alongside engaging commentary and displays of authentic artifacts.

Cost: Approximately NZD $45 per person.

Transport: The cruise departs from Million Dollar Pier in Queenstown Bay, which is centrally located and easily reachable on foot from most downtown accommodations.

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