12 epic things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand: a complete travel guide
Discover the top 12 epic things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand with this comprehensive guide. From thrilling adventure activities to scenic tours and relaxing spa treatments, there's something for everyone in this stunning destination.
Queenstown, New Zealand is an adventure lover’s paradise. Mountains to climb, rivers to jet boat, and trails to hike— Mother Nature really showed off when it made Queenstown. Views are endless. Food is outstanding. Adventure is bountiful.
It had been quite a few years since I last made it down to the South Island. In fact, the last time {as I recall, anyway} that I was down in Queenstown, I was ringing in the New Year at the Rydges Hotel with my then-boyfriend whilst he worked the cricket tour. So, to take a week getting reacquainted with Queenstown with one of my favourite women, Viktoria, made me feel equal parts lucky, grateful, and nostalgic. The weather was beautiful down South and the scenery was even more remarkable than I remembered.
Like any of my big guides, the information in this post has been compiled over multiple visits and the photos are from various years. Keep reading for everything you need to know about Queenstown and planning an epic trip to this glorious part of New Zealand.
best time to visit Queenstown ↴
Queenstown is otherworldly no matter when you visit. Winter visits bring freezing temperatures and snowcapped mountains, but summer often brings blue skies and warm weather. Summertime, from late November to early March is the best time to visit Queenstown if you’re looking to maximize outdoor adventure opportunities that only operate when the weather is decent {think bungee jumping and sky diving}. Queenstown is a popular ski destination during the winter, so snow bunnies should check that out!
Remember when you plan your trip to Queenstown that New Zealand weather is always changing. You can easily experience multiple seasons throughout the day. Also, hot summer days typically translate into chilly summer nights— pack jumpers and jeans just to be prepared.
how to get around Queenstown ↴
One of my top tips for travelers in New Zealand is to rent a car. This is the only real way to get around that insures you an itinerary with more freedom and flexibility. There are plenty of rental companies to hire from, but I’ve had multiple good experiences with Omega Rentals and Jucy. Jucy is well-known for its campervan rentals, but I find they are a bit on the pricey side during high season. Omega is super affordable and their hire policies allow for flexibility. For instance, I rented a car from Omega from Auckland to Hutt Valley and they let me extend my hire for a single day for minimum charge despite me giving less than 48-hours notice.
Once you’re in Queenstown, you’ll have to sort out parking. Much of the parking is either parallel {street side parking} or spots are available in paid lots. Anywhere you want to go in town you can almost definitely walk to, so use your feet as much as you can to avoid the inevitable parking headaches.
where to stay in Queenstown ↴
As usual, I only recommend accommodation I’ve stayed in personally, so you can rest assured {see what I did there?!} that you’re getting accurate information and the real lowdown on slumber spots.
Sherwood Queenstown
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The Sherwood Queenstown is a rustic haven for the eco-conscious. The mission at Sherwood is to care for the wellbeing of their community and environment. Renewable energy, waste management, community programs, and locally sourced products {snacks, teas and coffee in room; food for restaurant; etc.} is all thoughtfully considered in the daily operation of the space.
The Sherwood is a slice of heaven. Everything is taken into consideration, and it’s well-documented that I love a detail. It is an eco haven, truly. The toilet paper isn’t even changed from the roll with room service, because throwing out a roll that’s only had a few sheets used is SUCH a waste. The curtains are made from upcycled wool, military blankets. The furniture is constructed using various upcycled industrial materials. All their products for sale at the reception desk are carefully procured from local vendors with attention to their business practices.
I’m not sure I’ve ever stayed somewhere with such a detailed eye for environmental practices. Tori and I wanted to stay forever.
Book your stay here | Sherwood Queenstown
Disclosure: We received a media rate during our stay with the Sherwood Queenstown, however, all my opinions are my own and my experience is expressed authentically.
Crowne Plaza
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The Crowne Plaza Queenstown welcomed us with open arms and easy check-in service. We were shown around the
The best thing about staying at the Crowne Plaza is, without question, the location. The Crowne offers balcony views of the Remarkables and Queenstown’s clear water. It’s only steps from a number of delicious restaurants, funky bars, and shopping. Many of the booking offices for jet boating and bungee jumping adventures are on the same street.
Book your stay here | Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Disclosure: We were guests of the Crowne Plaza Queenstown, however, all my opinions are my own and my experience is expressed authentically.
Jucy Snooze Queenstown
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Since our hotel media partnerships didn’t start until the evening after I arrived, I spent my own hard-earned pennies on a single night’s sleep at JUCY Snooze Queenstown. Jet-lagged me booked a pod in their female-only dorm with 8 beds {pods}. The pods were private, comfortable, and clean. The hostel is ideally located right off one of Queenstown’s main streets and the check-in and out process was all done by kiosk, meaning I didn’t actually have to speak with anyone…which is key for someone who’s just circumnavigated the world and is in dire need of caffeine before human interaction. The add-on breakfast is NZD $18 {approx. USD $10} is good value for money as you get to have a barista-made coffee {or tea} and a choice of anything from their breakfast offerings. I had the ‘Smashed Avocado’ toast during my first morning there during my most recent stay and it made getting to the airport on time a breeze thanks to breakfast opening at 7AM.
Book here | Jucy Snooze
where to eat + drink in Queenstown ↴
Bespoke Kitchen
Bespoke Kitchen is a little slice of heaven, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Just a few streets over from the main city road, this beautiful café and restaurant has a rustic-meets-industrial interior that is seriously swoon-worthy. But, it’s Bespoke’s food that really did it for me. Particularly their cabinet food, which can typically be ‘meh’ in cafés. Bespoke had everything from fresh lentil, pumpkin, and feta salad to delicious vegan chocolate raspberry cake. Their coffee was exactly how it should be— the right temperature and taste. Their kombucha on tap was superb. Seriously, they just get it all right.
Website | Bespoke Kitchen
Yonder
Yonder is a beautiful eatery in the heart of Queenstown. Despite being set right in the city center, it somehow manages to be the perfect place for a cool conversation and some yummy grub. Tori and I met up with Sophie and Evie for a lunch/late brunch date and could’ve stayed for hours chatting had work commitments not called us all to head our separate ways for the day. I had the jalapeño corn fritters with poached eggs, roasted mushrooms, and slaw. I washed it all down with kombucha and was happy as a clam. The interior of the place is beautiful, but we opted to enjoy the sunny Queenstown afternoon utilizing Yonder’s outdoor seating. Yonder quickly took the spot for my favourite café in Queenstown.
Website | Yonderqt
Fergburger
The first Fergburger I ever had was eaten on a park bench while I was waiting for my then-boyfriend to finish his work on the cricket tour. The line was down the street and, as someone who isn’t a fan of queueing, I’m still not sure why I did it?! Maybe because I’d been left to my own devices at the Rydges and decided a falafel burger would be better than eagerly waiting for my previous partner to finish work. Some things are worth the hype, and this is one of them. I inhaled my falafel burger in a matter of minutes, which was a task considering it was as big as my head. The burgers are good value for money too, running between NZD$13-15.
Ultimately, while definitely worth the time in the queue, but head there in off-peak hours to avoid an hour-or-more wait.
Website | Fergburger
Vudu Café + Larder
I’ve had more than one delicious breakfast at Vudu Café + Larder. The food is fantastic, but the atmosphere here really stands out. It’s a mix of retro decor and a hipster feel, which makes it pretty crowded no matter when you visit. There raspberry cheesecake french toast is actually as good as it sounds….maybe better. Oh! So is there walnut and lentil burger! Oh! And try there daily greens breakfast plate! You’ll thank me later.
Website | Vudu
Caribe Latin Kitchen
The best meal I had in Queenstown this time around was had while Tori and I sat on bar stools along a thin tabletop attached to the wall of a tiny Latin establishment. My vegetarian tacos were not only seriously spicy {ya girl likes her heat so ordered it that way}, they left me wishing I had ordered about 20 more {not an exaggeration}.
Website | Caribe Latin Kitchen
Miss Lucy’s
This rooftop pizzeria and bar is equal parts trendy atmosphere and delicious food. Jalapeño poppers, wood-fire calzones, and garlic pretzel knots are some of the most yum offerings {I would know, I scarfed them all}. Miss Lucy’s menu features vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. The views were decent, but the interior of Miss Lucy’s is what did it for me {in addition to the yum food and good restaurant soundtrack, obviously}. The furniture was funky and modern. There is an outdoor fireplace and an abundance of boardgames for visitors who want to bask in the soft lighting. This is a great place for young, budget travelers who want a hip meal setting.
Website | Miss Lucy’s
Nest Bar + Kitchen
Nest Bar + Kitchen offers modern takes on Mediterranean classic cuisine. The restaurant is beautifully designed in art deco style with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Queenstown. With low lighting and a relaxed, elegant ambience, Nest is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two. Go here for a fine-dining experience without the pretense or fuss.
Website | Kamana
what to see + do in Queenstown ↴
drive out to Glenorchy
Glenorchy is probably best known for the Insta-famous red shed near its wharf. The winding roads along Lake Wakatipu lead straight from to Glenorchy, and it’s considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world {for good reason}. The drive takes approximately 45-minutes, but I promise you’ll want to stop along the way for photos.
Insider tip: Bring your swimwear! If the weather is nice you’ll definitely want to go for a swim in the lake water here.
hike Ben Lomond
The 11km Ben Lomond hike is one not to be missed in Queenstown. The trailhead is only a 10-minute walk from the city center, so it’s super accessible. Despite easy access, it’s reasonably challenging and requires a bit of effort. All the sweat is worth it for views of Arthur’s Point, Queenstown city, and Lake Wakatipu. There is also mobile data coverage throughout the hike, so you don’t have to worry much about getting lost. If you’re pressed for time you can take the Skyline Gondola up to the start of the trail, which cuts 1-hour of hiking off your journey and roughly 400m of elevation.
hike Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill is a great spot for sunset. Most tourists skip this hike in lieu of taking the gondola up for views of Queenstown. The trail takes about 1.5 hours through forest terrain until you finally hit a clearing. The views are panoramic and, on a clear day, you get an outrageous view of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. For the optimum scenic lookout, go past the “Basket of Dream” sculpture and head to the very top. Don’t worry too much about fitness level, it’s manageable even with the 500m altitude. If you do go for sunset, don’t be an idiot— bring a headlamp or torch with you so you don’t hike blind in the dark.
Insider tip: Skip walking through Queenstown city center and start the hike from the car park on Belfast Terrace.
take a flight with Glenorchy Air
We were generously gifted a flight over Milford Sound with Glenorchy Air. Our flight was one of the highlights of my girls’ trip to Queenstown. The mountains and just general landscape of New Zealand is even more impressive from above {if you can believe it}. I’ve already got my eye on their super cool Mt. Cook flight that I’d love to sit in on next visit.
You can book your flight online through their website. You’ll need to check-in on the day of your flight to make sure it’s still a go, as New Zealand’s weather is notorious for changing quickly and safety is a top priority for the staff and pilots.
Book your flight here | Glenorchy Air
find serenity at Bob’s Cove
Tori and I drove our Omega rental car to Glenorchy for a shoot near golden hour. On our way back to Queenstown, we stopped off near Bob’s Cove and hiked up to the peak to watch the sun going down. On our way, we found a gorgeous pier that jetted out into the teal water. Naturally, we stopped for more photos, because when it’s this beautiful where you are, why wouldn’t you want to document that magic?
take the plunge and go for a bungee jump
I did my bungee jump on the North Island at the Auckland Harbour Brigde {after a failed attempt at the now closed Gravity Canyon with Simon and Keegan}. Queenstown being the “adventure capital” of New Zealand, however, makes it a prime location for visitors to take the plunge.
Honestly, my bungee experience was fun, but wasn’t something I’d do again. My body felt…funny?…for a while afterwards and it was kind of terrifying more than it was thrilling. Despite my feelings about it, I do think New Zealand is the place to give it a whirl, especially Queenstown, where the scenery is stunning to swing through.
skydive over the Remarkables
Reckless, young, naive Tara first came to New Zealand without a shred of a clue what she had gotten herself into. So, it comes as no surprise that she threw herself out of a plane without a second thought over one of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world. My inaugural trip to Queenstown was marked by all the usual firsts and topped off with a skydive over the Remarkable mountain range, named so due to it being one of only two ranges in the world that run true North-South. I did my dive with NZone, but did zero research prior, so can’t actually say if it’s the best or the most reputable. I had a great experience, wasn’t nervous, and never wanted my time falling from the sky to end. I highly recommend this for all my fellow adrenaline adventure seekers.
Book your skydive here | NZone
visit Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a historic gold mining community in the Otago region near the Arrow River. The little town is a fun stop no matter when you visit, but its famous for its autumn colours {think gold, orange, and deep yellow}. These colours show up best from April to May and there is actually an Arrowtown Autumn Festival that typically takes place in mid-April.
ride the gondola
Almost everyone who visits Queenstown takes a gondola ride to Bob’s Peak. The observation deck on a sunny day shows off the city and its surrounding landscapes, but beware of the crowds. This really is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Queenstown, so it’s on everyone’s list. Finding a time to visit during opening hours with few people is nearly impossible. My advice? Skip the gondola and hike up to a free viewpoint instead. The Skyline Gondola station is located in the middle of the town centre.
Book your gondola ticket in advance here | Skyline Queenstown Gondola
zen out at Onsen hot pools
The ONSEN Hot Pools are incredibly relaxing…and pretty spendy. However, what you are really paying for is a hot jet soak with stunning views of that renowned South Island landscape. Included in the somewhat steep admission price is a private hot pool, use of the changing facilities {which are top notch}, a drink, a {small} snack, and the aforementioned views.
You might be wondering…is ONSEN worth it? I’ve planned to write an entire post about the hot pools, because I think there is a lot of Instagram smoke-and-mirrors at play. Ultimately though, yes, I think they’re worth it once. This is a luxury spa experience that stands out amongst the fair few I’ve dropped money on.
Book your ONSEN experience here | ONSEN
Disclosure: We received a media rate for our hot pool experience with ONSEN, however, all my opinions are my own and my experience is expressed authentically.
go wine tasting with Appellation Wine Tours
Appellation Wine Tours is Queenstown’s leading wine tour operator. Their expert wine guides have been leading tourists around the vineyards of the Central Otago region for 20 years. Tori and I were picked up from the lobby of the Crowne Plaza in a comfortable van and taken out to the wineries where we and two other women would be tasting as many wines as we were poured.
Our guide, Debbie, showed us not only her expertise, but was an example of Kiwi hospitality. She made sure we were all cared for and that our tastes were accommodated. We visited 4 boutique vineyards on our tour and tried too many wines to count. On the short drive between vineyards, Debbie informed us about cool-climate wines and why the region excels at making them.
Appellation offer private, group, and combination {think wine and ziplining, etc.} tours.
Book a wine tour with Appellation Wine Tours here | Appellation Wine Tours
Disclosure: We were guests of Appellation Wine tours, courtesy of our stay with Crown Plaza Queenstown. However, as always, all my opinions are my own and my experience is expressed authentically.
jet boat with Skippers CanyonJjet
A jet boat experience in Queenstown was something I had always wanted to try but had never booked {no idea why upon reflection?!}. There are quite a few companies that run them, but Tori and I were the guests of Skippers Canyon Jet. Looking back, we were happy we had our experience with Skippers Canyon instead of the overly popular Shotover Jet. The place felt way more off-the-beaten-path and the canyons were so stunning {you can see Shotover Jet running from the road…so it’s a bit meh, in my opinion}. I found out actually that the path used by Skippers Canyon Jet feature the narrowest canyons on the Shotover River.
Book a jet boat with Skippers Canyon Jet here | Skippers Canyon Jet
Disclosure: We were guests of Appellation Wine tours, courtesy of our stay with Crown Plaza Queenstown. However, as always, all my opinions are my own and my experience is expressed authentically.
map ↴
Find all the best things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand on the map below.
