The 17 Best Things to Do in Queenstown

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world and for good reason! Nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, some of the best things to do in Queenstown in summer involve bungy jumping, skydiving, hiking and water sports.

But there’s more to Queenstown than adventure sports! You can grab a bite to eat at the iconic Fergburger, go on one of the many scenic walks in the area or sail across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw.

In this guide, I’ll go through the 17 best things to do in Queenstown in summer, including where to stay and where to eat during your trip.

This is a guest post by  Charlie, the voice behind She Roams The Globe. Over the last 10 years, she’s visited over 40 countries and now shares her travel experiences from New Zealand, Iceland and everywhere in between so you can get the most out of your trip!

The Best Activities In Queenstown

Whether you’re up for an adrenaline rush or simply want to unwind in a hot pool with amazing views, Queenstown has something for everyone and many of these activities are in the heart of the town.

Its prime location also makes it the perfect starting point for day trips or a South Island road trip adventure.

1. Take The Gondola To Bob’s Peak

Hop on the gondola to reach what is arguably the most iconic view of Queenstown at Bob’s Peak. It’s here at Queenstown Skyline that you will get sweeping views of the town as well as Lake Wakatipu and the snowy Remarkables.

The base of the gondola is easy to reach and is located just a few minutes walk from the centre of town and Lake Wakatipu. If you buy your ticket in advance you can skip the often long queue on the day.

Once you’ve soaked in the views, there are lots of fun things to do at Queenstown Skyline during summer from zip-lining, paragliding and The Ledge Bungy. But it’s not just about activities that will get your heart pumping, the Market Kitchen Cafe and Stratosphere Restaurant and Bar offer delicious food you can enjoy with a view.

2. The Queenstown Luge

Also located at Queenstown Skyline, the luge is a family-friendly downhill ride that you have to try at least a couple of times!

You can control the speed of the carts making it a great activity for both thrill-seekers and those wanting a more relaxed ride. There are two tracks, The Arrow Track which has soft bends and a gentle gradient and The Dart Track which has steeper dips and sharper corners.

To save money, you can book a package deal that includes both the gondola and the luge.

3. Go Skydiving

What better way to get awesome views over Queenstown in summer than from directly above?

You can experience the ultimate adrenaline rush by skydiving over this picturesque paradise. With options to jump from three different heights – 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 feet – you’ll not only get your heart racing but also enjoy breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

4. Climb Queenstown Hill

Hiking the Queenstown Hill Track is one of the most popular free things to do in Queenstown in summer.

This 5km out-and-back trail is a moderate hike that takes you through thick forest before emerging into open fields with 360-degree views of Queenstown and the Southern Alps.

Along the way, you’ll encounter multiple viewpoints as well as the iconic Basket of Dreams sculpture. The last 15 minutes to the summit is a steep climb, but the views at the top of Te Tapu-nui are more than worth it.

You can start the track from Belfast Terrace but as parking is limited here you can also pick up the track from the centre of town.

5. Play Frisbee Golf

I’d never heard of frisbee golf, until I moved to Queenstown, that is!

Found in the stunning Queenstown Gardens, the 18-basket frisbee golf course is a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors.

It’s free to use the course and if you don’t have your own frisbee, you can rent one from the nearby Ice Arena for $6 and a scorecard is $3.50 making this a budget-friendly summer activity in Queenstown.

6. Go Bungy Jumping

Did you know that the world’s first-ever commercial bungy jump in 1987 was in Queenstown? So it only seems fitting this makes the list of Queenstown’s top summer activities!

Bungy jumping has come a long way since its beginning and there are now 3 to choose from in Queenstown;

Kawarau Bridge

This is where the first-ever bungy took place! The 43m high jump over the Kawarau River is an exhilarating experience, and you might even be able to touch the water as you plunge.

There’s the option to do this jump in tandem for those looking to share the thrill with someone else!

Nevis Bungy

This might not be the first bungy in New Zealand but it certainly is the highest! At a whopping 134m, you can expect to fall for about 8.5 seconds! You won’t be able to tandem on this one but if you want to share the ride with a friend, there is also the Nevis canyon swing!

The Ledge

Found at Queenstown Skyline, The Ledge bungy is a freestyle jump with a 47m drop and stunning views over Lake Wakatipu.

All bungy jumps can be booked directly with AJ Hackett Bungy.

7. Relax At Onsen Hot Pools

The Onsen Hot Pools in Arthur’s Point is perched on a cliffside, offering beautiful views of the Shotover River and canyon. Each private cedar hot tub is filled with pure water captured from the surrounding mountains and is the perfect place to unwind.

There is also a spa on-site with a range of massages and facials for you to choose from.

Onsen is just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Queenstown or you can arrange a pick-up and drop-off when you book your slot. The pools are a very popular winter and summer activity in Queenstown, so it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

I recommend booking a slot around the same time as sunset if you can, this is what we did and the views were pretty spectacular!

8. Sail On The TSS Earnslaw

Sailing across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw has to be one of the most iconic things to do while visiting Queenstown in summer!

Built in 1912, it is one of the oldest passenger steamships still operating in the Southern Hemisphere. During the 1.5-hour cruise, you can explore the engine room and history displays in the gallery or simply enjoy the stunning views of the mountains as you sail past them.

For an additional fee, you can indulge in a barbecue lunch or afternoon tea at Walter Peak High Country Station. The station also features a farm where you can meet highland cows, alpacas, and sheep.

9. Eat At Fergburger

Fergburger is probably the most popular place to eat in Queenstown and people will queue here for up to an hour to get their hands on one of their burgers.

The hype definitely lives up to expectations and they have a whole range of burgers to choose from with vegetarian and vegan options also. But Ferg’s offerings extend beyond burgers; Fergbaker has a selection of pastries and treats, while Mrs Ferg Gelateria offers an array of delicious gelato flavours to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Local Tip: To skip the queue at Fergburger, phone in your order to collect as a takeaway.

10. Hike Ben Lomond

It’s no secret that there are some amazing hikes on the North Island and the South Island and if you have a spare day, Ben Lomond is a fantastic hike and gives you some of the best views over the Southern Alps.

Multiple starting points exist for this trail, but the most popular is from Bob’s Peak, accessible either via the gondola or by hiking up the Tiki Trail. Rated as a moderate to difficult hike, the Ben Lomond trail typically takes around 6 to 8 hours to complete a round trip.

The out-and-back trail spans 14km and reaches an elevation of 1,480m if you opt to journey to the summit. Alternatively, you can choose to hike to the saddle and return which is a shorter but still rewarding trek.

11. Go On A Jet Boat

Going on a jet boat is one of the most popular things to do in Queenstown in summer and there are multiple tours for you to choose from.

Shotover Jet

These guys take you for an adrenaline-packed ride over the Shotover River and are the only company permitted to explore these particular canyons. The tour is about 25 minutes and is packed with twists and turns.

KJet

KJet was the first commercial jet boating company and has been around for over 60 years!

Reaching speeds up to 95 kmph, KJet takes you from Lake Wakatipu across the Kawarau and Shotover rivers in a 60-minute adventure.

Skippers Canyon Jet

This is probably the longest boat tour of them all lasting between 2.5 – 3 hours! This jet boating experience is also on the Shotover River but this time you’ll be whizzing through the narrowest canyons for a white-knuckle ride.

Real NZ

You can choose between either a 25-minute tour or a 60-minute tour with Real NZ which races from Lake Wakatipu and along the Kawarau River.

12. Hit The Slopes (In Winter!)

If you plan on hitting the slopes the best time for your New Zealand trip will be between June and September.

Queenstown is central to not one, not two, but three different ski fields! The closest of the three is Coronet Peak which is just a 30-minute drive away from town. This is also home to the Night Ski on allocated nights where the mountain lights up between 4 – 9 pm.

The Remarkables is the most popular place to ski in Queenstown and is a 45-minute drive up the mountain. This is a great place for all types of levels from those starting out on their skiing journey to seasoned snowboarders and skiers.

Cardrona, the furthest and largest of all three ski fields, can be reached in about an hour and is actually closer to Wanaka than Queenstown. Winter events are often held here and X Games and Olympic medallists often grace its slopes.

Of course, if you’re visiting Queenstown in summer, skiing isn’t an option but without the snow you can drive some, or all, of the way to the ski fields to get incredible views over the area. So I think even in summer hitting the slopes should be on your list of things to do in Queenstown!

13. Go Star Gazing

At Bob’s Peak in Queenstown, stargazing is a breathtaking experience with unbeatable views of the night sky across the snowy mountains. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will teach you all about constellations, planets, and distant galaxies.

14. Visit Arrowtown

Just a short 20-minute drive or bus journey from Queenstown lies the charming and historic Arrowtown.

Seemingly frozen in time since New Zealand’s gold rush era, Arrowtown is nestled between mountains and the Arrow River. Here, you can stroll through its quaint streets lined with shops and cafes, or explore the historic Chinese settlement perched on the river’s edge.

15. Explore Moke Lake

Another short 15-minute drive from Queenstown will take you to the secluded Moke Lake.

Surrounded by mountains, this picturesque lake is perfect for scenic walks, the most popular of which is the Moke Lake Loop. This 6.5km trail takes you around the whole lake and is a relatively easy walk.

Apart from hiking, kayaking, stargazing, and camping are also popular activities here, with basic amenities it is one of the most affordable camping spots near Queenstown.

16. Drive To Glenorchy

In my opinion, the drive to Glenorchy has got to be one of the most scenic roads in all of New Zealand!

The journey itself should only take about 45 minutes but it will almost certainly take you longer as there are lots of viewpoints along the way. The drive snakes along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, with views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and islands dotted on the lake.

Once you’re in the sweet town of Glenorchy, there are lots of things for you to explore from the little red shed, jet boating on the Dart River and a scenic Lord of the Rings tour.

17. A Day Trip To Milford Sound

One of the best things for you to do from Queenstown in summer, or winter, is visit a place that is nicknamed the Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound.

Milford Sound feels almost untouched by humans and this deep fjord is surrounded by lush green mountains and hundreds of waterfalls. There is plenty of wildlife to be seen here from seals, penguins and dolphins!

There are multiple ways for you to reach Milford Sound, self-driving is a popular option, but I recommend staying in Te Anau the night before as it’s a long drive each way. Alternatively, you can book a coach and boat tour from Queenstown, or for the most scenic journey, consider flying!

Where To Eat & Drink In Queenstown

Yonder is easily my favourite spot for food, drink and a night out in Queenstown. They have a great brunch and dinner menu and their coffee is next to none. In the evenings you can trade your hot drinks for one of their many cocktails and enjoy the entertainment planned for that night.

Bespoke Kitchen offers the best breakfast in Queenstown with some pretty awesome views. Their food is super fresh, and they offer a wide range of breakfast options, as well as cakes and sweet treats.

Caribe Latin Kitchen is a cosy Latin American eatery and is a great place to stop and have some lunch. They serve tacos, nachos, burritos and quesadillas, among others, and make one of the best margaritas in town.

Where To Stay In Queenstown

For a more luxurious stay, QT in Queenstown has modern rooms with stunning views across Lake Wakatipu. Onsite you’ll find a bar and restaurant or if you fancy eating out QT is just a 5-minute walk from town.

Set on the shore of Lake Wakatipu and right in the centre of town, Queenstown Novotel Lakeside is a great mid-range choice for your stay.

Adventure Q2 Hostel is where I first stayed in Queenstown and is an awesome budget option whether you’re looking for a private room or a dorm room. There’s also a great social vibe here which is great if you are travelling solo.

For those travelling in a campervan, I highly recommend Queenstown Top10 Holiday Park. They offer all the necessary facilities when road tripping, but also have cabins available if you want a budget friendly way to have a night out of the van.

Final Thoughts: The Best Things To Do In Queenstown

Queenstown isn’t just one of the best places to visit on New Zealand’s South Island, it’s packed with activities for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and families alike. From thrilling adventure sports to beautiful outdoor experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Plus, it’s the perfect launchpad for day trips to nearby gems like Milford Sound and Glenorchy, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding beauty of the region

This is a guest post by  Charlie, the voice behind She Roams The Globe. Over the last 10 years, she’s visited over 40 countries and now shares her travel experiences from New Zealand, Iceland and everywhere in between so you can get the most out of your trip!