Things to Do in Queenstown

1. Visit The Skippers Canyon: One of the best things to do in Queenstown is to pay a visit to the Skippers Canyon. This beautiful valley is not just a famous stopover spot for cruises passing by, but is also a great spot for indulging in adventure activities, from jet boating and bungee jumping to canyoning.

If you are not into adventures, you can also spend some time soaking in the marvellous landscape and vistas of nature here. Skippers Canyon is also a famous place to enjoy tranquil walks and picnics with your near and dear ones.

Location: 174 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Timings: 07:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.
Price: INR 7,840 onwards

2. Catch A Glimpse Of The Rare Bird Species At Kiwi Birdlife Park: One of the best things to see in Queenstown is the bird of the land, Kiwi. Situated in the heart of the city of Queenstown, the Kiwi Birdlife Park offers you the opportunity to watch this bird from up close and marvel at this feisty bird species.

In addition to the Kiwi bird, this birdlife park is also home to 20 other bird and reptile species, all of which are mostly native to New Zealand, and are rarely found anywhere else in the world. Some of these include the South Island Kaka, the Blue Duck, Kea, Brown Teal, Wood Pigeon, Tuatara and the Otago Skink, among others.

Location: Brecon St, Queenstown, New Zealand
Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Price: INR 2,200 onwards

3. Soak In The Nature At Milford Sound: Taking in the pristine nature at Milford Sound is definitely one of the top things to do in Queenstown New Zealand. Also known as Piopiotahi, this fjord lies towards the southwest of the South Island in New Zealand. Known for its towering Mitre peak, verdant rainforests, the stunning Stirling and Bowen waterfalls and home to fur seals, penguins and dolphins, this fjord is sure to leave you spellbound.

Enjoy a boat tour, or visit the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory here to catch views of the vibrant marine life and the rare black coral here at Milford Sound. As for us, we think Rudyard Kipling was right in calling this place the eighth wonder of the world.

Location: Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679, New Zealand
Price: INR 3,500 onwards (for a cruise)

4. Explore Paradise: Located a few kilometres from Glenorchy in the South Island in New Zealand is a quaint little town of Paradise. And it deserves the name it has been given! On your trip to this region, you must add a visit to Paradise on your list of things to do in Queenstown.

Surrounded with farmlands and mountain ranges, this town exudes a beauty that is sure to leave you mesmerised. You can explore the farmlands on foot, or have a taste of the local culture, or even just relax in the lap of nature. Paradise has also served as the backdrop for many famous movies, including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Location: Otago, New Zealand

5. Relax At Onset Hot Pools: Amongst the best things to do in Queenstown New Zealand is a trip to the Onset Hot Pools, where you can soak in the natural hot water and relax your muscles after a tiring day.

In addition to offering stunning vistas of nature, the hot pools also have healing properties that can reduce your tiredness, pain and stress.
The pools also have private rooms filled with aromatic oils, candles and more, if you are looking for something more private and romantic.

Location: 160 Arthurs Point Road, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Price: INR 5,127 for the daytime pool, INR 6,494 for evening pool

6. Gorge On Delicious Burgers At Fergburger: Looking for fun activities in Queenstown? Head down to Fergburger on Shotover Street and pig out on some of the best and most delicious burgers in the region! The wide array of burgers here not only fill your stomach, but also soothe your soul with every bite you take.

From breakfast burgers to delicious vegan, vegetarian and juicy meat burgers, this bakery also boasts of lip-smacking house sauces and sides, along with thick shakes and drinks to fill you on your trip.

Location: 42 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Price: INR 1,800 onwards (for two people)

7. Enjoy Jet Boating: Want to do something adventurous? Don’t you worry, because Queenstown has got you covered! When determining the adventurous things to do in Queenstown New Zealand, jet boating should be at the top of your list.

Go jet boarding across different rivers in the region, including the Shotover River, Dart River and Kawarau River, and enjoy breath-taking views of the natural landscapes in the region. Enjoy vistas of the Skippers Canyon or the filming location of the Lord of the Rings film during your ride in the sea.

Location: Shotover River, Kawarau River, Dart River
Price: INR 3,688 onwards

8. Go Skiing In The Snow Capped Mountains: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is only fair to enjoy skiing when visiting Queenstown. Go to the Coronet Peak and enjoy the thick white blanket of snow for as far as the eye can see as you ski down the peak.
Skiing is one of the most amazing and adventurous activities in this region of New Zealand, and you must do it at least once during your holiday, especially if you visit during the winters.

Location: Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
Price: INR 5,500 onwards

9. Enjoy Bungee Jumping: Thinking about things to do in Queenstown? Enjoy a bungee jumping experience off the Kawarau River in the city. Jump into the depths of the city as you feel your heartbeat like never before.

While bungee jumping, you can also get to see stunning views of the lake and other natural surroundings for a more thrilling experience.

Location: Kawarau River, Queenstown, New Zealand
Price: INR 9,455 onwards

1. Paragliding: This is amongst the top fun activities in Queenstown, where you can have an adventure while you soar high up above in the sky gliding like a bird.

2. Skydiving: Looking for something that gets your heart pumping? Go on a skydiving adventure in Queenstown, as you dive amidst the Southern Alps and feel the cool mountain air and winds in your face. Get to soak in the views of Queenstown as you have never before.

3. Rope Swinging: One of the most unique activities in Queenstown, you can enjoy swaying through the wind and feel it while you swing on a rope high up above the ground. Just visit the Nevis Swing in the Nevis Valley and feel the world way below your feet, quite literally.

4. Canyoning: Visit Lake Wakatipu and go canyoning as you enjoy views of the best things to see in Queenstown. Surrounded by the Southern Alps, a canyoning experience here is a must, especially if you want to see the natural wonders of this place from up close.

1. Soak In The Hot Pools: One of the most romantic things to do in Queenstown is to experience the Onset Hot Pools. Offering serene views of the Shotover River and the canyon, you and your partner can enjoy a private, romantic spa under the starry night sky here.

2. Enjoy A Dinner Cruise: Avail a cruise of Lake Wakatipu with your partner and enjoy a freshly made barbeque dinner as you sail through the lake soaking in the stunning and picturesque natural landscapes.

3. Sip On Cocktails At One Of The Many Cocktail Bars: Queenstown has numerous intimate, elegant and stylish bars that you and your significant others can go to for enjoying unique and delicious cocktails.

4. Enjoy A Gondola Buffet: Avail a gondola ride with your sweetheart, which is amongst the best things to do in Queenstown, and visit the Stratosphere Restaurant for a buffet meal, at a height of 450 metres above the city. While you do so, you can also take in the incredible views of Coronet Peak, Lake Wakatipu and other sceneries.

1. Gondola Ride And Dinner At Skyline: One of the best things to do in Queenstown at night is to enjoy a thrilling Luge ride and then indulge in some of the finest food in the city. Simply visit the Stratosphere Restaurant and Bar on a gondola ride and awaken your taste buds as you indulge in amazing food made using local, organic produce.

2. Enjoy Stargazing: Pay a visit to the Bob’s Peak and enjoy watching the sky full of glittering stars on a clear night, which are undoubtedly some of the best things to see in Queenstown. In addition to shooting stars, you can also view stunning constellations and distant planets that are usually invisible to the naked eye.

3. Go On An Evening Lake Cruise: Spend a leisure-filled evening on a lake cruise as you sail across Lake Wakatipu. On your trip, you can also enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner, freshly prepared just for you.

4. Enjoy A Wine And Craft Beer Tour: On this unique tour, you get to feast on locally made wine and craft beer, along with antipasto platters that are curated to complement the wine and beer. You can also learn about the history of this region from local winemakers.

You need anywhere between 2 to 5 days to enjoy Queenstown and get a taste of what this town has to offer. From sightseeing, gondola rides, and indulging in adventure activities, to feasting on local delicacies and experiences, five days is enough for a comfortable trip to Queenstown.

The cost of a gondola ride in Queenstown starts from 40 NZD, which is equal to around INR 2,000.

Yes, you can walk up to Skyline Queenstown. You need to take a short hike up to the Skyline, and can avail a luge or gondola ride on your way down. However, whilst walking, you can also enjoy views of the reservoir, surrounding pine forests, Bob’s Peak and other lakes and mountains.

The best time to visit Queenstown is from the month of December to February, when the region experiences the summer months. It is during this time that the days are long and sunny, making the weather perfect for outdoor excursions, sightseeing and indulging in adventure activities.