17 Things To Do In Queenstown
Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand and a place with activities to suit everybody’s interests! Having grown up and lived in Queenstown for 6 years as a kid looong before it became the go to destination it is today, it’s been interesting to come back and see how much it’s changed and how busy it is now. Although I only remember small details, the amount it’s grown in such a quick time is crazy but not surprising! This place is the epitome of the most perfect little alpine city and is definitely one of the most desirable places to visit in New Zealand. No matter the season you’ll find plenty to occupy your days.
We’ve got to be honest, being the introverted people we are we tend to avoid the crowds and have steered clear of Queenstown for quite some time. With no tourists coming into New Zealand over the last year we thought it was time for us to head back down and we are so glad we did. We re-fell in love with the place and some of the locations surrounding the city. It really is no surprise it’s become what it is today. The place is just stunning and definitely one of the best spots to visit in the South Island.
We’re definitely no experts when it comes to this place but we’ve gone and put together a list with 17 things we love to do when we come to Queenstown. Hopefully it gives you some ideas for your own trip.
In no particular order here goes…
Sunset Up Coronet Peak
The perfect viewpoint to watch the sun go down and marvel at the beauty of the Remarkables. If you have the time and don’t mind a cliff side drive then pop into Skippers Canyon for even more epic views!
2. Bobs Cove
Bobs Cove has to be top on your list! This place is just the best. Our favourite swimming spot near Queenstown and probably one of our favourite short walks in the area too! The water colour is an incredible blue and so crystal clear. The walk to the jetty and then up to the viewpoint will only take around 30 - 45 minutes so allow yourself a good couple hours to spend here to soak it all in. Alternatively pack up a day pack and spend the whole day here with the family.
3. Drive the Queenstown - Glenorchy Road
Hands down one of the most beautiful roads in New Zealand, the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy has incredible sights around every corner. Bennett's Bluff is the perfect spot to pull over and take in views of the stunning Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy and Mt Earnslaw. For some other amazing NZ roads to drive visit our Best Roads to Drive in New Zealand blog.
4. Moke Lake
Moke Lake, located only 20 minutes out of Queenstown is a seriously stunning spot and a must see (especially on a calm day). This lake is any photographers dream, especially if you get a good sunrise or sunset and flat waters. Reflection heaven! Moke Lake is accessible for all vehicles although it says you will need 4wd in winter. Just be careful and take it slow. There is a DOC run campground here for $15 per person and is such a nice place to have a camp out. If you do decide to stay a night we highly recommend walking up to the secret lookout for a sunrise or sunset. Truly magnificent!
5. Devil Burger
Not Fergburger whaaaaaat?!? Don’t get us wrong, we love Fergburger, we just don’t think the burgers are worth the 30-40minute queue. Pop round the corner to Devil Burger where the burgers are just as good (our favourite is the Blue Devil) and you’ll get em while it’s still lunch time LOL. Alternatively if your a pie man, or pie woman then Fergbaker has the cabinet full of goods.
6. Queenstown Hill
A nice hike for anyone with some level of fitness that weaves up through pine forest to a viewpoint overlooking the city. The views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and Cecil Peak from up there are quite breath taking. Allow yourself a couple of hours return to complete the walk.
7. Lake Hayes
Lake Hayes is a beautiful lake only 15 minutes out of Queenstown. On a clear day the lake offers perfect panoramic reflections of the surrounding mountains. Pop in here on your way to Gibbston Valley or Arrowtown. Alternatively take a nice scenic walk around the outside of the lake - this will take you a few hours.
8. Sunrise Up Crown Range
The Crown Range is between Queenstown and Wanaka and is the highest main road in New Zealand. An absolutely stunning spot to watch the sun come up! Just be careful if you’re driving the road in winter. The road can get super icy so make sure you’re carrying chains.
9. Visit the ShotOver Gorge
The Shotover Gorge is stunning (especially in Autumn) as well as the bridge that is built across it! We can definitely imagine this being a photographers hot spot as the colour of the river and bridge combination makes for some beautiful images. We haven’t been on it for a loooooooooong time but this is also where the Shotover Jet takes off from and is pretty epic if you like an adrenaline rush.
10. Take A cruise on the Earnslaw
Take a scenic cruise of Lake Wakatipu on the historic Queenstown Earnslaw. The Earnslaw makes several daily trips across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy the beauty all from the comforts and warmth of a boat. Food and drinks are available on board! A little side fact: my mother was the OG rope securer of the Earnslaw back in the 1990’s!
11. Drive Up The Remarkables
For another view point of the city and the mountains, head up to the Remarkable Ski Field for some epic views. Just be careful, this road is kind of scary for those not so keen on heights. The views from up there are so worth it though!
12. Sunrise at Sunshine Bay
When driving along the Queenstown - Glenorchy road there a plenty of little bays and places to pull off. A couple of our favourites are Sunshine Bay and Wilsons Bay. Perfect quiet spots along the road to enjoy a sunrise or sunset. If you enjoy long exposure photography then you’ll love these little pull overs. So many different compositions to play around with. We love the rock piles and derelict jetties along this road.
13. Go For A Trip To Arrowtown
No Queenstown trip is complete without a day trip to Arrowtown. Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town is seriously the most charming little place to visit. The buildings are beautiful and quirky and the scenery, especially during the autumn season will have you picking your jaw up off the floor. Make sure to visit the old police house and the Chinese Settlement at the edge of the river. AND visit the Arrowtown bakery for some nom noms.
14. Visit One Of The Many Breweries
If you love wine or beer then look no further than the Gibbston Valley. Full of amazing wineries and one of our favourite breweries in New Zealand, Cargo Brewery.
A few others to check out - Altitude Brewing, Canyon Brewing, Cargo Brewery in Arthurs Point.
15. Camp Out Next To Lake Wakatipu
Further along Lake Wakatipu towards Kingston there is a beautiful lake side camp spot for free (if you’re in a self contained vehicle). If you’re travelling Queenstown in a campervan then you know that it’s not the most “camping friendly” city, so this spot is perfect as it’s only 30 minutes from the main drag! To see some other amazing lake side camp spots check out our blog here.
16. EAT
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Queenstown. There are so many incredible places to eat and drink. We love this little container up in Arthurs Point that makes the most beautiful wood fired pizzas.
17. Go For A Drive To Paradise And Beyond!
Well firstly stop off and explore the beautiful little town of Glenorchy. But don’t stop there. The road continues on to a place called Paradise and the name is certainly a reflection of the place. It’s a beauty! Continue on (especially if you’re in a capable vehicle) and explore Diamond Lake as well as the river systems (Rees & Dart) down that way. The whole area is just stunning and was once a location for many of the Lord Of The Rings sets.
18. Day Trip To Milford Sound
We’ve added this as number 18 for one reason….to try and discourage you doing a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. In any other Queenstown blog, we’ve read people recommending Milford Sound as the best day trip from Queenstown. It’s about a 3 and a half hour drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound. If you take away the 7 hours driving time in that one day, then that leaves you very little day light to spend the much needed time you would want really getting to enjoy Milford Sound. This place is one of the most beautiful places in the world and deserves much longer than only a couple hours of your time. I’d be soooo disappointed if I only had one day to spend in there. Check out our guide to travelling Milford Sound for more advice on how to travel this magical place.
We’re definitely not Queenstown experts and we have plenty more to do in the area but we hope this gives you a couple extra ideas for your next trip down south!!
If you have any must sees that we’re missing pop it into the comments below! We’d love to do more exploring. Enjoy your time down in Queenstown and always remember..
