10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Queenstown

1. Hike to Lake Alta

There are many popular walks that tourists like to do, which we list in the 30 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown. Lake Alta, however, is one that only a few (and mostly locals) know about.

Take the steady alpine climb of the Lake Alta Track to a stunning glacial lake nestled in a cirque. The track begins behind the Remarkables ski field buildings, following a ski field road up to the top of the Alta Chairlift, before cairns and flagstones guide you through alpine wetlands to the lake.

Keep to the marked path to protect the rare alpine plants thriving in this fragile environment. Information boards along the final section explain the unique ecosystem you’re walking through.

The track sits high (starting at 1,600 m and ending at 1,800 m), meaning it’s cold year-round with the possibility of snow at any time. Check the weather forecast before heading out and pack warm, waterproof layers. See our guide to the Queenstown Weather & Climate to check out the local seasons.

Plus, check out the 15 Best Walks in Queenstown for more hiking ideas.

Location: End of the Remarkables Ski Field Access Road, approximately 23 km (14 mi) from Queenstown.

© Unsplash

2. Play Golf

In a country where every town has a golf course, it’s no surprise that a non-touristy thing to do in Queenstown is playing golf.

The local club is the Queenstown Golf Club, located on the Kelvin Heights peninsula with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu. The course sits alongside public walkways and cycleways, lakefront sculptures, local historic sites and a popular sheltered beach and boating area.

More prestigious courses, however, can be found at The Hills with an incorporated sculpture park featuring large-scale artworks throughout the 18-hole course, or Millbrook with New Zealand’s only 27-hole course.

See more experiences like these in the 15 Luxury Activities in Queenstown.

Location: See locations in the Top 5 Golf Courses in Queenstown.

© Destination Queenstown

3. Play Disc Golf or Stroll Around Queenstown Gardens

A fun affordable way to spend some downtime in Queenstown is by taking a walk around Queenstown Gardens.

Established in 1866, this tranquil lakeside features beautifully landscaped grounds with shady lawns, mature trees and a stunning rose garden.

You can wander the peninsula along the Te Araroa Trail, enjoying benches dotted throughout where you can soak up views across Lake Wakatipu to the Kelvin Peninsula and Cecil and Walter Peak.

While you’re there, have a go at the 18-hole disc golf course, where discs or “frisbees” are available to hire from most of the outdoor shops in town. The gardens also feature a children’s playground and facilities for bowls and tennis, making it ideal for families.

If you’re keen to stretch your legs further, continue along the wide lakeside track towards Frankton Marina, an easy 6 km (4 mi) extension perfect for walking or cycling.

See more like this in the 20 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids.

Location: Park Street, Queenstown town centre.

© NZPocketGuide.com

4. Have a Night Out

Join the locals and the more party-hungry tourists on one of Queenstown’s famous nights out! It might be a small town but Queenstown has a vibrant nightlife that rivals some of New Zealand larger cities.

Check out some recommendations in 5 Best Bars in Queenstown and 5 Best Bars for a Quiet Pint in Queenstown.

Location: See The Guide to Queenstown Nightlife for more recommendations and street addresses.

© JUCY Group

5. Do Some Ice Skating or Watch Ice Hockey

Queenstown’s local recreation area is the Queenstown Ice Arena, offering public ice skating sessions most days from morning until the early evening unless an event is on.

Speaking of events, you can catch the adult league night on most Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights for free! There’s a bar and cafe on-site to complete the evening.

Location: 29 Park Street, Queenstown.

© Pexels

6. Try Some of the Town’s Street Eats

While many tourists head to Queenstown’s most expensive restaurants, those in the know tend to gravitate toward the more affordable eateries and street eats.

Head to the food trucks, such as Erik’s Fish & Chips for classic Kiwi fish and chips. The grill restaurant, Flame Bar & Grill, also has an unmissable South African barbecue recipe wrapped around ribs and steaks, while New Zealand-style savoury pies at Fergbaker are also a must!

Location: Get street addresses and more recommendations in our Cheap Eats in Queenstown.

© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Shop at the Remarkables Market

Another non-touristy event in Queenstown is the local farmers’ market. Check out the Remarkables Market in the Frankton end of town every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm throughout summer.

Join in on the relaxed vibes, try an array of cuisine from food stalls, and browse artisan gifts. There’s usually live music too. See more activities like this in the 15 Things to Do in Queenstown for Foodies.

Location: 23 Hawthorn Avenue, Frankton, Queenstown.

© Remarkables Market - Destination Queenstown

8. Hit a Few Hiking Trails from Glenorchy

Instead of going to Glenorchy to just to get a photo with the red boat shed, tackle some of the nearby hiking trails that only the locals know about.

Highlights include the Mt Judah trails, the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway and Lake Sylvan Track.

Check out more reasons to go to Glenorchy in our 15 Best Things to Do in Glenorchy.

Location: Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, approximately 46 km (28.6 mi) from Queenstown.

© Destination Queenstown

9. Hike or Mountain Bike at Welcome Rock

Ok, so we know that this is a bit of a mission from Queenstown but nowhere like as far as Milford Sound, which tourists from Queenstown do every day!

Welcome Rock offers a series of 27 km (17 mi) walking and biking trails in the glorious high country away from the crowds of Queenstown.

The loop of single track was lovingly hand-restored by Tom, a fourth-generation farmer, alongside a dedicated crew of volunteers using nothing but hand tools, a labour of love that took two years to complete.

It’s the perfect spot for those seeking quieter trails with stunning high country views and a genuine connection to the land.

Location: Nevis Road, Garston, approximately 70 km (43.5 mi) from Queenstown.

© NZPocketGuide.com

10. Go Out for Dessert

And when you’ve done everything on this list of unusual things to do in Queenstown, wrap up your day with a dessert. Try the artistic doughnut balls at Balls and Bangles, with syringes stuck in the centre and all sorts of Instagrammable creations.

Patagonia Chocolates has a wide array of mouthwatering ice creams and gelatos for those hot summer days.

Finally, pick up a bag of melt-in-your-mouth fudge at The Remarkable Sweet Shop that offers free tastings.

Location: Balls and Bangles – 62 Shotover Street. Patagonia Chocolates – 2 Rees Street. The Remarkable Sweet Shop – 39 Beach Street, Queenstown.

© NZPocketGuide.com