10 Best Things to Do in Queenstown

Looking for what to do in Queenstown? Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks, Queenstown is one of the most beautiful towns in New Zealand — and one of the world’s great adventure capitals. The landscape is cinematic: glacier-fed lakes, snowcapped mountains, steep canyons and river valleys that seem purpose-built for adrenaline sports, hiking and photography.

But Queenstown isn’t just about high-speed thrills. It’s also a place of wineries, scenic drives, lakeside trails, historic gold-mining towns and peaceful cruises where you can slow down and take in the region’s natural beauty. Whether you’re here for adventure, food and wine or landscapes that look straight out of a fantasy film, these are the 10 best things to do in Queenstown.

1. Ride the Skyline Gondola and Take in Panoramic Views

The Skyline Gondola whisks you up Bob’s Peak for one of Queenstown’s most iconic views — a sweeping panorama over Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables mountain range and the town below. The ride itself is scenic, but the real reward comes at the top: lookout decks, cafés and walking tracks that offer endless photography opportunities.

For extra excitement, try the luge track, where you can race downhill with unbeatable views in front of you. At sunset, the colours over the lake and mountains turn this viewpoint into one of the most romantic and unforgettable spots in Queenstown.

2. Explore Lake Wakatipu by Cruise, Kayak or Lakeside Walk

Lake Wakatipu is the heart of Queenstown — a deep, glacier-carved lake whose shifting colours range from emerald to deep blue depending on the light. One of the best ways to appreciate its scale is on a scenic cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a historic steamship that has been sailing the lake since 1912.

For something more active, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the shoreline at your own pace, or follow the Frankton Track and lakeside trails that curve gently around the water. Morning walks are especially atmospheric, with mist hanging low over the mountains and calm water reflecting the peaks.

3. Experience Queenstown’s Legendary Adventure Sports

Queenstown’s reputation as the adventure capital of New Zealand is well-earned. This is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, and you can still jump at the original Kawarau Bridge site — a thrilling plunge toward turquoise water with the rugged gorge below.

Other popular adrenaline activities include jet boating on the Shotover River, skydiving over mountain ranges, canyon swings, ziplining, paragliding from Bob’s Peak and whitewater rafting. Whether you choose one or several, the combination of scenery and adrenaline makes every activity unforgettable.

4. Visit Arrowtown: A Charming Gold-Rush Village

Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a beautifully preserved 19th-century gold-mining town with tree-lined streets, historic cottages and boutique shops. Arrowtown feels like stepping back in time, especially in autumn when the trees turn vivid shades of red and gold.

Explore Buckingham Street’s cafés and galleries, visit the Lakes District Museum and wander the restored Chinese Settlement to learn about the miners who came here during the gold rush. The Arrow River track is perfect for a gentle walk along calm water and forested banks.

5. Drive to Glenorchy and the Routeburn Track

The road from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, hugging the edge of Lake Wakatipu with dramatic viewpoints at every turn. Glenorchy itself is a peaceful village framed by snowcapped peaks and wide valleys.

From here, hikers can access the famous Routeburn Track — one of New Zealand’s Great Walks — as well as shorter trails like the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway. Even if you don’t hike, simply exploring Glenorchy’s jetty, lakeside wetlands and mountain views is worth the trip.

6. Taste Wine in the Gibbston Valley

Queenstown sits close to the Gibbston Valley, a cool-climate wine region known for world-class Pinot Noir. The valley’s vineyards are surrounded by rugged hills and river gorges, making wine tasting here both delicious and scenic.

Visit cellar doors for tastings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and rosé, pair them with cheese boards or long lunches, or cycle the Gibbston River Trail, which links several wineries along the Kawarau River. Wine tours make exploring easy without the need to drive.

7. Ride the Shotover Jet Through Narrow Canyons

Shotover Jet is one of Queenstown’s most iconic activities — a high-speed jet boat ride through narrow canyons where the boat skims across shallow water and performs dramatic 360-degree spins. The experience blends thrills with incredible scenery, as sheer rock walls rise on either side of the river.

Even if you’re not usually an adrenaline-seeker, the visual spectacle of slicing through these canyons makes it a uniquely Queenstown experience.

8. Discover Queenstown Gardens and Lakeside Paths

Queenstown Gardens sit on a peninsula jutting into Lake Wakatipu, offering peaceful walking trails, lakeside benches, rose gardens and towering pines. Locals come here for picnics, running loops, disc golf and quiet moments by the water.

The paths around the gardens offer beautiful views back to the town and across the lake to the mountains — especially at sunrise or on calm evenings when the water reflects the surrounding peaks.

9. Enjoy Queenstown’s Food, Bars and Waterfront Dining

Queenstown’s compact town centre is packed with restaurants, craft beer bars, wine lounges and cafés. You’ll find everything from gourmet burgers (including the famous Fergburger queue) to fine dining with lake views, cosy gastropubs and bars serving New Zealand wines and cocktails.

In the evenings, the waterfront lights up with live music, outdoor seating and a buzzing atmosphere. Whether you want local lamb, seafood, international flavours or artisan bakeries, Queenstown’s food scene is far richer than its small size suggests.

10. Take a Day Trip to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound

Queenstown is a popular launching point for trips to Milford Sound and the more remote Doubtful Sound — two of New Zealand’s most spectacular fjords.

Milford Sound, carved by glaciers and framed by sheer cliffs, waterfalls and Mitre Peak, is often called the “eighth wonder of the world.” Cruises let you experience its scale up close, with the chance to see seals, dolphins and, in wet weather, hundreds of temporary waterfalls.

Doubtful Sound offers a quieter, more wilderness-focused experience with fewer crowds and an even grander sense of remoteness. Whether by coach, plane or helicopter, visiting the fjords is one of the most unforgettable day trips from Queenstown.