Queenstown is one of the most extraordinary spots to start your South Island adventure; the lakeside town is home to snowy mountains, buzzing cafés, and adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you’re about to do a campervan road trip (like we did!) or visiting on a shorter stay, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand. We’re sharing our favorites, plus the best places to stay and eat.
Things to do in Queenstown
We instantly fell a little bit in love with Queenstown. As we flew in, we watched the dramatic mountains and bright blue lake emerge beneath the wings. Top Tip: Book a window seat on your flight; you won’t want to miss this!
Queenstown is not the prettiest town we’ve ever seen, but it’s easy to explore on foot, and close to some of the most beautiful spots in the country.
Note: We hired a campervan in New Zealand, but you can easily enjoy Queenstown without one. Parking can be tricky (it’s one of the few places on the South Island where you have to pay).
1. Stroll the Waterfront
Take a stroll (or cycle) along Lake Wakatipu, the sparkling blue heart of Queenstown. There’s a scenic trail running all the way from the center towards the airport, lined with willows and mountain reflections. Lots of locals bike this route, so we joined them for a peaceful morning ride, too! Follow directions for the famous Willow Tree Lookout on Google Maps.
Tip: For campervan travelers, we recommend Driftaway Campsite. It’s a great place to stay in Queenstown — close to the airport, but you can cycle along the lakeside to the city. Reserve your camping spot here (or book a cabin).
2. Queenstown Gardens
Just a few steps from the center, you’ll find the Queenstown Gardens situated on this peaceful peninsula that feels like a world away from town.
We loved exploring this beautiful garden with its winding paths, tall trees, flowers, and quaint stone bridges. You’ll also find incredible views back over the city, with snow-capped mountains towering around you.
3. Remarkables Market (Unique Thing to do in Queenstown!)
For the perfect slow morning in Queenstown, head to the Saturday ‘Remarkables Market’ (spring–fall). Located near the airport, the farmer’s market features many food stalls selling international favorites. We loved the chilled vibe: families sat on picnic blankets enjoying the live music and mountain views.
You’ll find local products like:
- Essential oils
- Handmade soaps
- Woven baskets
- Pastries & cheeses
- Little books and gifts
Did you know? Everything at the market is eco-friendly, even the ceramics! Cups and plates hang from hooks around the market; grab one, fill it at a stall, and return it. No disposable plastic here!
4. Bob’s Cove Walk
A 15-minute drive from Queenstown brings you to the famous Bob’s Cove Walk, which is one of the prettiest spots in the area. From the small car park, the trail winds through forest to a bright-blue lakeside beach, then past a little jetty (Bob’s Cove Boatramp). Stop here for a moment before climbing to a viewpoint with panoramic lake views.
5. Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a lovely day trip from Queenstown. It’s an old gold-mining village with wooden shopfronts, vintage signs, and the cutest nostalgic vibe. You can spend an hour wandering the streets, or there are some great mountain trails around town.
Note: If you’re here on a Sunday, there’s also this small farmer’s market with pastries and live music, which was a pleasant surprise for us!
Don’t miss these photo spots:
- NZ Post Center Arrowtown (old post office)
- Lake District Museum & Gallery (photogenic exterior)
- Pharmacy Arrowtown (classic vintage façade)
- St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (cherry blossoms in early November when we visited!)
Our favorite food spots
- Wolf Coffee Roasters: Amazing coffee!
- Dishery: We had a slow sunny lunch here (book your table). It’s located near the historic Chinese settlement.
Getting to Arrowtown: Just 35 minutes by car, and you can park close to Dishery at this location. Alternatively, take bus 4 from Queenstown (view the schedule).
6. Shotover Jet (Famous Queenstown Attraction)
Just 15 minutes outside Queenstown, you’ll find the Shotover Jet: the crazy jet boat ride you’ve probably seen on social media. In the bright red speedboat, you go through a narrow canyon at wild speeds.
We had to skip it because Nick was still recovering from a hernia (maybe next time!). But if you want a proper adrenaline blast, this is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Queenstown.
Book the Shotover Jet here (pickup included)
7. Onsen Hot Pools
Just by the Shotover Jet, you’ll find the famous Onsen Hot Pools, which offer a completely different experience. Here you soak in private tubs overlooking the mountains. It’s a popular thing to do in Queenstown, and books out fast in summer, so definitely reserve ahead!
Tip: Evening slots are always available, but that’s because the view is obscured after dark. The view is the whole experience, so book your visit at sunset.
At the top, you can also try the Luge: little bobsled-style carts racing down a winding track. If you want to do this, get the combo online in advance (gondola + luge rides); it’s cheaper than topping up later.
Tip: While the gondola is one of the most famous Queenstown attractions, we don’t think it’s worth the price, unless you do the luge. The views are nice, but you can get a better (and cheaper!) one at Deer Park Heights.
9. Deer Park Heights, Queenstown
Deer Park Heights is a private reserve just outside town that you can book online (book in advance); enter your car’s licence plate, and the gate opens automatically. You drive through big open hills spotting deer, Highland cows, goats, alpacas, llamas, and donkeys (don’t forget to bring 4 NZD coins for animal feed!).
The viewpoint at the top sits higher than the gondola, so the views over The Remarkables Mountains and Lake Wakatipu are incredible.
Best time to visit: We went around 6 PM in November and had almost the whole park to ourselves.
10. Take a Cruise on the Lake
For a slower moment in Queenstown, jump on the TSS Earnslaw: a 1912 coal-powered steamship that sails across Lake Wakatipu. We loved the vintage, scenic vibes. Plus, it’s the perfect spot for sunset!
On board, you can peek into the engine room and watch the coal fires being stoked, browse old photos in the tiny museum, and soak up alpine views from the deck. It’s a gentle 90-minute cruise, a perfect relaxing activity for your trip. (Book your cruise here)
11. Day Trips from Queenstown
The best things to do in Queenstown aren’t in the town itself; they’re just beyond it. We saw dramatic fiords and mirror-like lake valleys and enjoyed some of the best natural experiences on our New Zealand itinerary! These are the day trips you shouldn’t miss:
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is the classic South Island day trip, and for good reason. Most tours include a 3-hour scenic drive through Fiordland, followed by a cruise beneath waterfalls and vertical green cliffs. You may even be lucky enough to spot dolphins or seals.
If you’re short on time or don’t want to drive the long route yourself, book this tour directly from Queenstown.
Fly–Cruise–Fly
Want to see Milford Sound from a totally different angle? Choose the flight option. You fly in a small plane over snowy peaks, cruise across the fiord, and fly back again. It’s definitely pricey, but truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Book the fly–cruise–fly here)
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (Our Favourite)
If you want something quieter, more remote, and even more (!) magical, choose Doubtful Sound. We booked this overnight cruise, and it was the highlight of our entire New Zealand itinerary.
It’s longer, calmer, and far less touristy than Milford, so you really feel like you’re in a hidden oasis among nature. We swam in deep fiords, saw some extraordinary wildlife, and enjoyed total silence at night. Absolutely unforgettable. You can read everything about our Doubtful Sound experience here.
If you’re short on time, join this day tour to Doubtful Sound from Queenstown.
Other Great Attractions Near Queenstown, New Zealand
If you want more adventures around the area, try one of these:
- Glenorchy: A beautiful lakeside village that was the setting for The Lord of the Rings. This half-day tour looks great
- Skydiving: Jump from a plane over glaciers and lakes. Reserve this tandem experience
- Nevis Swing: The world’s most famous swing (which looks both terrifying and amazing!) See availability here
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy: A 43-metre bungy jump (book it if you dare!)
How to Visit Queenstown
Queenstown is the easiest gateway to the South Island; you can fly in from Auckland, Wellington, or major Australian cities. The airport is tiny, so you’re outside in minutes with mountains all around you. Tip: Grab a window seat for landing. The snowy-peak views are out of this world!
If you’re doing a South Island road trip or campervan loop (like we did), this is the perfect place to start: pick up your van from the airport, grab a coffee, and you’re already on some of New Zealand’s most scenic roads. We hired our van from JUCY (book yours here).
Getting Around
The town centre is super walkable, but many of the top things to do in Queenstown, like Bob’s Cove, Arrowtown, Glenorchy, and Deer Park Heights, are best reached by car.
We recommend to rent a car in New Zealand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Car/Camper
While the local buses are fine for getting around town and to Arrowtown (Bus 4), they don’t reach the rural spots, hikes, or day trips. For freedom and scenery, we recommend hiring a car/campervan in New Zealand. (Hire your camper here)
Note: Parking in Queenstown can be tricky and is one of the few places on the South Island where you do pay for parking, so plan ahead.
Tours
If you don’t want to drive long distances, a great way to tick off all the best things to do in Queenstown is by joining a tour. We booked this Doubtful Sound overnight cruise, which included pickup from the city. This is typical for most tours in Queenstown (browse all tours).
Places to Stay in Queenstown
Queenstown has a bit of everything, depending on your vibe. If you’re following a New Zealand itinerary by campervan, there are many free camping spots and holiday parks available. We recommend Driftview Campsite, located just by the airport and connected to the city via lakeshore bike paths.
Before we had our campervan, we also booked a room at the Holiday Inn Express for a few days, which is an excellent option if you want to be in the center of town. Note: Queenstown prices jump in summer, so book early if a lake view is on your wishlist.
How Many Days Do You Need in Queenstown?
For Queenstown itself, 2–3 days is ideal; it’s enough to wander the town, try a few cafés, and do a short walk. However, if you plan to visit one of the larger Queenstown attractions, such as Doubtful Sound, allow 4–5 days to avoid rushing.
Tip: If you’re doing a South Island campervan loop, Queenstown is the perfect start or finish: compact and surrounded by nature in every direction. We headed to Wānaka Lake shortly after, and loved it!
Best Cafes and Restaurants Queenstown
Queenstown is tiny, but the food scene is epic! Here are some of our favorites:
- Yonder: Our go-to for brunch, with great coffee. (Reserve a table)
- Bespoke Kitchen: Check out their lovely menu.
- Patagonia Chocolates: Do not miss this! The ice cream is delicious (more info).
- Himalaya: Great Nepalese Foodtruck.
There’s also a second food hub near the airport, about 15 minutes from town. It’s calmer, with lakeside views:
- Italian Way: Delicious pizza!
- Fino Restaurant & Wine Bar
- The Boatshed Bakery: We had a lovely coffee on the pier here.
- The Boatshed Café
The advantage of Queenstown is that everything is so close together that you can easily try a few places in one day. Please note: many cafés close around 3 PM, so if you’re a fan of a late lunch, plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Queenstown
We visited Queenstown in November and absolutely loved it. It was exactly how we imagined traveling New Zealand by campervan: warm days, cherry blossoms, and way fewer crowds than summer.
Otherwise, it’s watersports in summer, skiing in Winter, or enjoying cooler hikes in the fall. All seasons have their magic!
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