Queenstown is dope. Plain and simple. Nicknamed the "adventure capital of the world," you could easily spend a whole summer in Queenstown and still find new things to fill each day with. Bungy jumping. Skydiving. A day trip to Milford & Doubtful Sounds. As far as the best things to do to see the city itself goes though, we recommend the following:
1. Hike the Queenstown Hill Walkway
This one's a bit of a misnomer - Queenstown Hill is more of a mountain than an actual hill, but the view at the top is one of the best nonetheless. The trailhead starts off of Belfast Terrace. To get a map, stop by Queenstown's i-SITE Visitor's Center near the clock tower (only a 20 min walk from the Walkway).
Also known as the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, this trail is about three miles out and back with an elevation gain of just over 1300 feet. The path starts off shaded by a pine forest with information plates about the city scattered along the trail. As you move farther up the hill the forest will begin to open up, and at the top you'll be greeted by the "Basket of Dreams" sculpture. The peak provides a beautiful view of the surrounding mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu. The best things to do in Queenstown New Zealand:
The Queenstown Hill Walkway is free for entry. The best free things to do in Queenstown.
2. Visit the Queenstown Gardens
When you're done with the more strenuous hiking up and down the Queenstown Hill, enjoy a calm stroll through the Queenstown Gardens. Only a few minutes outside of the city's center, the Queenstown Gardens host a rose garden, small pond, and numerous trees & flowers. It is also home to a fairly expansive disc golf course that runs along the lake's perimeter, as well as some nice tennis courts.
The Queenstown Gardens are free for entry. What to do in Queenstown NZ?
3. Bike the Queenstown Trail
Adjacent to the Queenstown Gardens is the start of the Queenstown Trail. Accommodating to bikers & walkers alike, the Queenstown Trail is a mostly flat 4.5 mile path that hugs the perimeter of Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown's center all the way to the town of Frankton, should you walk the whole trail. The path features many scenic lookouts of the lake as well as several spots to stop for rest if needed.
The Queenstown Trail is free for entry.
4. Dine at the Floating Bar
By now even the hikiest of hikers will have worked up an appetite, so next on our recommendation list is a break at Perky's Floating Bar on the other side of the lake. The Floating Bar is mostly BYO-food, so on your way over pick up some take-out from wherever suits your fancy. If you would like to try one of Queenstown's staples, pick up a sandwich from Fergburger on Shotover Street. If you'd rather not have to make two stops, the Floating Bar does offer select items off of Devil Burger's menu and will run to get your order for you. Other than that, you can choose from Perky's selection of house beers & wine while you dine on Lake Wakatipu.
Perky's Floating Bar is open from noon to 11pm everyday and has no cover charge.
5. Visit Queenstown Bay Beach
Next up grab an ice cream cone and a blanket and head over to Queenstown Bay Beach. Only a two minute walk from the bar, the shore of Lake Wakatipu is a popular spot to layout and enjoy some sun. From here you can also take off on a paddle-board, kayak, or aqua bike to explore the lake.
Entry to the beach itself is free, but each rental activity has associated charges:
45 minute paddle-board rental starts at $25 NZ dollars
45 minute kayak rental starts at $25 NZ dollars
20 minute aqua-bike rental starts at $30 NZ dollars
6. Ride the Skyline Gondola
A popular tourist stop, be sure to block out time for a ride up the scenic Queenstown Gondola. The gondola will take you up over 1500 feet to the top of Bob's Peak on Ben Lomond Mountain. From there you will be able to lookout over the city, the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter Peak, and Cecil Peak.
Atop the mountain you can also enjoy a meal at the Stratosfare Restaurant, hike around the loop trails, rent mountain bikes, or ride down the luge!
Queenstown Skyline prices:
One adult ticket up the gondola costs $44 NZ dollars
One adult single run mountain bike pass costs $45 NZ dollars
One adult combo ticket for the gondola + two rides down the luge is $61 NZ dollars
7. Explore Queenstown
When you step back off of the gondola, take a walk down the hill and back into the heart of Queenstown. The best way to get the feel of any city is to explore it by foot and see what you find. One of the most populated cities on the south island, Queenstown is full of places to stop, shop, and eat.
Queenstown New Zealand travel guide for one day in Queenstown.
8. Visit Minus 5° Ice Bar
If you've ever had the urge to try out an ice bar, stop in at Minus 5° Ice Bar while you're walking around Queenstown. What's an ice bar? Exactly like it sounds, an ice bar is a bar in which everything in the room is made of ice. The drinks are all themed and both alcoholic & non-alcoholic cocktails are offered on the menu.
When you check into the bar, they'll first fit you with branded coats and mittens to keep you warm while you're inside, so no need to worry about dressing for the occasion. Time-slots for Minus 5° last only an hour since the capacity for the ice room is limited. If you're hoping to attend at a specific time, be sure to book in advance so it doesn't fill up.
Adult entry to Minus 5° costs $35 NZ dollars and includes one free cocktail voucher.
9. Stop by the Roaring Meg Lookout
On your way out of Queenstown, make one last pit stop at the Roaring Meg lookout on State Highway 6 to stretch your legs before you start your next road trip. There's almost always heavy traffic coming into & out of the city, so it'll feel good to get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery before hopping back into the car. How to spend a day in Queenstown:
Roaring Meg's lookout is free for entry. The best things to do in Queenstown!
Check out our travel guide for Rotorua, the Catlins, and Milford Sound to complete your kiwi adventure in New Zealand!
All of the above places to visit are Queenstown family activities that are must do's!
Want to discover new places right in your inbox? Subscribe to our email list for a monthly newsletter of our favorite travel destinations!
What were your favorite Queenstown activities and tourist attractions? Let us know in the comments!