Things to Do in Queenstown

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or like to take things a little slower, there’s an enjoyable activity to be found in every nook and cranny of Queenstown. What’s better, it’s no obstacle if you’re travelling on a budget: there are many cheap and cheerful activities that you can alternate with more costly outings to make your time in Queenstown truly memorable.
 
1. Put Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks at the top of your “to explore” list. With both of these reserves bordering Queenstown, you’re perfectly located to wander through some of New Zealand’s most pristine flora and fauna.
 
2. The famous Skyline Gondola has long been claimed as one of the top things to do in Queenstown, and it’s well worth the ticket price, offering stunning vistas of Queenstown and its surrounds. There’s even a restaurant at the top for if you get peckish, and you can ride to the Luge from there.

 
 Photo by: pxhere.com
 

3. If you’re working with clear blue skies, consider booking a helicopter ride over the Remarkables – you’ll be talking about it for years to come.
 
4. Hire out some bikes and make your way around the town at a leisurely pace – or, if you’re feeling more energetic, take your wheels to one of the region’s stunning biking trails (the Queenstown Trail is a great one to start with).
 
5. Wander a little out of the township itself to saunter through Arrowtown, a well-preserved and quaint gold mining town that speaks to NZ’s settler history.
 
6. Take the TSS Earnslaw across the lake, a boat which lays claim to being the only coal-fired passenger carrier still operating in this half of the world.
 
 

Photo by: pixabay.com
 

7. Central Otago is renowned for its award-winning vineyards, and there are numerous high-quality tours on offer that will allow you to take in some of the region’s stunning scenery at the same time.
 
8. Since every holiday needs a shopping day (or night), make your way down to Queenstown’s waterfront to peruse the wares on offer. With speciality food stores, souvenir shops, and chain-brand stores to choose from, you’ll be occupied for hours, even if you choose just to window shop.
 
9. For a no-fuss and cheap day out, put together a picnic basket and make your way out to one of Queenstown’s beautiful scenic spots. With so many near - Queenstown Hill, the Queenstown Gardens, and the side of Lake Wakatipu -  you’ll be spoilt for choice.
 
10. If you want to splash out a little more, pick a treatment of your choice from the menu at one of Queenstown’s luxury day spas. In particular, a speciality massage is a wonderfully indulgent thing to do in a Queenstown winter if you need to relax your muscles after a morning on the slopes.

For a convenient way to travel between all of Queenstown’s top attractions, rental cars are available at the Omega Queenstown Town Depot or Queenstown Airport  Depot.