Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is considered the adventure capital of New Zealand, and the town and surrounding area is stunning! We spent 3 days in the Queenstown Area at the end of our New Zealand Adventure.

This post is the companion guide to the 10 Things to Do in Queenstown Video published on Youtube with more in-depth information if you are planning your trip to the area. We were there in early October, which is springtime in New Zealand. There is something for everyone in Queenstown, historical sites, many adventures, shopping, scenic views, hiking…etc. This town is very clean and safe and very walkable.

The Queenstown waterfront is the heart of town and one of the most beautiful places to spend time. With views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, this area is perfect for strolling, grabbing a meal, or just sitting and soaking in the scenery.

• Relax on the small beach or explore the park
• Get some ice cream at Patagonia Chocolates
• Enjoy the views
• Many great restaurants and shops to enjoy.

The views from Bob’s Peak are iconic and absolutely worth seeing. We rode the Gondola up and hiked back down on the Tiki Trail. Honestly, I wouldn’t do the hike again. The whole area is under major redevelopment, and the mountainside is being cleared of non-native trees and replanted with native vegetation, so it will take time to recover.

• You can buy a one-way ticket down if you hike up.
• You cannot buy a one-way ticket up if you want to hike down.
• There’s a fancy restaurant up there that needs advanced reservations (Stratosfare)
• There’s a casual snack bar if you want an easy bite to eat (Market Kitchen Cafe)
• No guide needed- just purchase tickets on arrival.
• Details on Skyline Gondola: https://queenstown.skyline.co.nz/

• Get your tickets as a joint purchase with your gondola ticket.
• More details on the luge: https://queenstown.skyline.co.nz/things-to-do/queenstown-luge/

This activity can be found on top of Bob’s Peak, but tickets are purchased separately from the Skyline. You can find more details at https://www.ziptrek.co.nz/

This restaurant must be a sensation, you can count on long lines here. There are actually four venues side by side, a bakery, the burger shop, a bar, and a gelato shop. You should be able to find something for everyone here.

Details on Fergburger: https://fergburger.com/

Surrounded by stunning trails, it’s hard to visit Queenstown without thinking about hiking. I recommend using AllTrails and searching for nearby hikes to the town.

• Waterfront Trails- walk down to the waterfront and you will find a trail along the waterfront, from just about everywhere in Queenstown!
• Bob’s Peak- You can access the Tiki Trail or hike along the peak towards the Ben Lomand Track.
• Queenstown Hill- This is a steady uphill climb with rewarding views at the summit. It’s quieter than the gondola area and feels more like a true hike.

We had an amazing experience with Dart River Adventures and were picked up in Downtown Queenstown. They drove us to Glenorchy with absolutely incredible views!- and the boat ride was so much fun!

• Plan on a half-day experience
• Advance booking recommending
• Choose the option to be picked up at Queenstown Station if you don’t have a car
• The views on the ride are AMAZING!
• Book your Dart River Adventure here: https://www.dartriver.co.nz/

The Queenstown Gardens are completely free and make for a beautiful lakeside walk. You can circle the entire peninsula with incredible views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. It’s flat, easy, and perfect if you want something scenic without spending money.

• Free!
• Allow 45-60 for the full experience
• This is a GREAT place to enjoy the sunset!

The TSS Earnslaw is a beautifully restored vintage steamship that cruises across Lake Wakatipu with incredible mountain views in every direction. Originally launched in 1912, this historic vessel gives you a glimpse into Queenstown’s past while offering one of the most relaxing ways to experience the lake. You can simply enjoy the scenic cruise or combine it with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a farm show or meal. It’s a great option if you want something slower-paced and scenic without hiking. The dinner here was amazing!

• Options include a scenic cruise or cruise + farm experience
• Departs from the Queenstown Waterfront
• There is a RealNZ office at the waterfront if you don’t want to book your tickets online.
• Book in advance at https://www.realnz.com/en/experiences/day-cruises/tss-earnslaw-lake-cruises/

Am I cheating? One of the top ten things to do in Queenstown is to leave Queenstown? The great thing, is this is a historic gold mining town in the greater Queenstown area, and you can ride the city bus there from Queenstown.

• About 20 minutes from Queenstown
• Plan for 1/2 day visit
• Great in Autumn for fall colors (April/May)
• Stroll the shops and restaurants
• Visit the Lakes District museum for gold-rush history
• Visit the Chinese Settlement area for a glimpse into early immigrant history

Out of all the things we did in the Queenstown area- listed below are my top three favorites things we did!

• Skyline Gondola
• Dart River Jet Boat
• Queenstown Gardens

🛏️ Where We Stayed

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We stayed at the Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown ($$$–$$$$). This was an awesome hotel, the grounds were just beautiful and they had an amazing breakfast buffet (breakfast is not free). It’s up the hill from the waterfront area, so plan on riding the bus line back to your room- there is a bus stop right outside! The hotel is a bit quieter since it is slightly removed from the activity at the waterfront.

Other Good Hotel Options

If you’d rather stay more centrally located, here are two others I recommend.

• Crown Plaza Queenstown ($$$)- Right in the center of it all, with a bus-stop right in front.
• Holiday Inn Express ($$)– with free breakfast- the best value

I was really impressed with the public transportation system here in Queenstown, the bus system was very clean, affordable, and convenient!

• Bring cash, small bills to ride – credit card not accepted
• If you plan to ride a lot, I recommend getting a pre-paid BEE card. You can easily swipe on and off per ride.
• Visit the tourism information center in downtown queenstown to purchase your BEE card
• More information on the ORBUS public transportation system can be found here: