So often we get asked by visitors what they can do in Queenstown and how long should the spend here? It’s a hard question to answer, because in our opinion Queenstown is one of the greatest parts of Aotearoa and you could spend months here, even years and still find new things to do and places to explore. But we understand that not everyone has that long so here are a few of our must do’s in the adventure capital of the world.
Our Queenstown must do’s
- Eat – Breakfast at Yonder, lunch at Mora and dinner at Blue Kanu
- Play – An hour of power with KJet
- Relax – Onsen Hot Pools
- See – The views from the lake on Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise
- Explore – Queenstown Hill Walking Track
- Sleep – The QT for epic views and great location
These are just a few of our favourite things and won’t keep you busy the whole time you here. So whether you’re here for the weekend or a week we have compiled a list of just some of the amazing things to add to your itinerary.
Short weekend stay
If you only have two or three days, you can still fit lots in and see plenty of this beautiful town. If your time is limited here are a couple of things not to miss:
- Breakfast at local favourite Bespoke Kitchen
- Check out the views from Skyline Gondola and race down the luge track with friends
- Queenstown is the home of jet boating so be sure take a spin on the original, KJet, located right on the lakefront
- Enjoy local wine, cheese, and stunning views on a scenic cruise on Spirit of Queenstown
- Be sure to book a table at White and Wongs one night for incredible Asian feast and Flame Bar & Grill another night for the best steak in Queenstown
- Take some time to wander around central Queenstown, enjoy some shopping and take a stroll around the Queenstown Gardens
Long weekend
If you can, we recommend taking a day or two off work so you have a bit more time to explore the area. You can fit all the above in and some extra epic day trips.
- With more time in the bag a trip to Milford must be on your list. If you want to make the most of it, choose a day trip from Queenstown. Coach in so you can explore the Milford Road, cruise the fiord and then return to Queenstown by scenic flight or helicopter
- Central Otago is famous for wine so a trip to Queenstown is not complete without some wine tasting. There are lots of options for wine tours and many have hop on hop off departures so you can choose how long you spend at each winery
- If you’re looking for some adrenaline thrills, then Queenstown is the place for you. Jump of a bridge with AJ Hackett Bungy or swing across a canyon with Canyon Swing
A week
By spending a week in Queenstown you will be able to fit in so many activities, explore the surrounding areas and have plenty of time to relax and recharge
- No matter how long you have in Queenstown we always recommend a trip to Milford Sound, but with some extra time up your sleeve how about spending a night in Milford. You can book the Ultimate Overnight Experience. Coach to Milford and cruise the ford with us, spend the night in luxury at the beautiful Milford Sound Lodge, the next day explore some of the short walks in Milford and then fly back to Queenstown that afternoon
- Queenstown is known for its many walks and hiking tracks, the longer you have in Queenstown the more tracks you can explore. Anything from a quick trip up Queenstown Hill or an all-day hike to the top of Ben Lomond over-looking Queenstown. There are so many incredible walks to choose from, you can get more information here
- Spend the day in Arrowtown wandering around the shops, enjoying lunch at one of the many delicious eateries and strolling along the Arrow River. You could always top off the day with a massage at Millbrook Resort
- A scenic drive to Glenorchy is a great way to spend a day in Queenstown, this road offers incredible views towards the Southern Alps. In Glenorchy, stroll around the lakefront walkway or take a drive out to Paradise, you’ll understand how it got its name when you get there.
It’s hard to say how long you’ll need in Queenstown, there is so much to see and do here. You could come multiple times a year and still eat in new places, try out new activities and see new things. We recommend just booking a visit so you can see for yourself!
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