50 Best Things to Do in Queenstown

1. Take the Leap with a Bungy Jump

If you’re going to bungy jump in New Zealand, Queenstown is arguably the place to do it.

Choose from the world’s very first commercial bungy jumping site at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, New Zealand highest bungy jump at 134 m (450 ft) Nevis Bungy, and a bungy jump strapped around your waist for freestyling with a view of Queenstown on The Ledge Bungy.

For more information about bungy jumping, check out 5 Epic Places to Bungy Jump in New Zealand.

Location: Kawarau Bridge Bungy – State Highway 6, approximately 23 km (14 mi) from Queenstown town centre. Nevis Bungy – only available by shuttle from the AJ Hackett Queenstown Bungy Centre, Corner of Shotover and Camp Streets. The Ledge Bungy – Top of the Skyline Gondola, accessible from 53 Brecon Street on the Gondola or Tiki Trail.

© AJ Hackett

2. Do a Giant Swing Through a Canyon

Freefall then swing through a canyon; it’ll make you pee your pants! There are two swinging options in Queenstown: the Nevis Swing, which is great for tandem, or the Canyon Swing, which gives you heaps of ways to make the swing from sliding to having your head stuck in a barrel.

Plus, see more activities like this in the 10 Epic Adventure Activities in Queenstown.

Location: Nevis Swing – Shuttle available from the AJ Hackett Queenstown Bungy Centre, Corner of Shotover and Camp Street. Canyon Swing – Shuttle available from 34 Shotover Street.

© Tourism NZ

3. Experience the Thrills of a Jet Boat Ride

Riding a jet boat in Queenstown is like no other boat tour you have been on before (unless, well, you have already been on a jet boat). Only sitting mere centimetres under the water, the boat glides at high speed and is capable of doing 360° spins!

Throw narrow canyon walls in the mix and you have an adrenaline ride of near-misses and close calls. If fast-paced thrills are your thing then Queenstown is a must for jet boating.

There are five awesome options for jet boating in Queenstown, so head to our 5 Best Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown to make an informed choice!

Plus, for more thrills for the whole family, head to the 10 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids.

Location: See the links above for specific jet boat tour locations.

© Tourism New Zealand

4. Ski at The Remarkables

The adrenaline thrills are only maximised in the winter/spring in Queenstown when the ski fields open. The two closest ski fields to Queenstown are Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.

Although Coronet Peak offers unique night skiing in New Zealand, The Remarkables provides a true mountain experience with generally better conditions for skiing and snowboarding in the Queenstown area.

Plan your ski trip with The Ultimate Guide to the Queenstown Ski Season.

For more places to get your ski on in New Zealand check out The 25 Ski Fields in New Zealand.

Location: Remarkable Ski Field Access Road, approximately 23km (14 miles) from Queenstown town centre.

© Destination Queenstown

5. Hike Ben Lomond

The must-do hike in the immediate Queenstown area is the hike up one of Queenstown’s highest peaks, Ben Lomond (1,748 m/5,735 ft).

The all-day experience provides some of the best views in the area. Be prepared as it is quite a demanding hike taking about 4-6 hours return from the bottom of the Skyline Gondola.

We recommend hiking between November and April when there is less likely to be snow and ice above the treeline.

What’s more, it’s free, just like the 30 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown.

Check out more walks in the area in the 15 Best Walks in Queenstown.

Location: Either hike from the Tiki Trail starting at the top of Brecon Street or take the gondola and start the short loop track around Bob’s Peak where you will find the trail to Ben Lomond along the way. To spice it up on the way back to Queenstown, take the One Mile Creek Track found partway down the Tiki Trail.

© Destination Queenstown

6. Do White Water Rafting on the Shotover River

There are many awesome places to do white water rafting in New Zealand but on the Shotover River with Challenge Rafting is certainly a top choice. Even the journey there on the Skippers Road, considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous roads, is a thrill in itself.

Ride the rapids on this grade 3-5 river (grades depend on the water level and can be seasonal) and float through a 170 m (558 ft) long tunnel!

For more epic white water rafting experiences, check out 15 Places to Go White Water Rafting in New Zealand.

Location: Tours depart from 37 Camp Street.

© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Hike One of the Great Walks

For those who don’t have their own transport, Queenstown is an ideal base to tackle one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. Many transport operators are based in Queenstown taking you to hikes such as the Routeburn Track, Milford Track and the Kepler Track.

Take a look at 5 Incredible Multi-day Hikes in the Fiordland National Park for more inspiration.

If you’d rather not do a multi-day hike, guided day walk options are available with Nomad Safaris.

Location: Queenstown transport providers and guided tours offer accommodation pick-up.

© NZPocketGuide.com

8. Soak in the Scenery and Soothe Your Skin at Some Luxurious Hot Pools

For a bit of pampering between the adventures, indulge in one of the soothing hot pool experiences around Queenstown. The Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa offers a range of private timber hot tubs with views over the Shotover River valley.

For more relaxing things to do, check out our 10 Luxury Activities in Queenstown.

Location: 162 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, approximately 13 km (8 mi) from Queenstown town centre.

© Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa

9. Eat a Deep-Fried Kiwifruit

We can’t go without mentioning the deep-fried kiwifruit at Erik’s Fish & Chips – it’s a must-try! It’s an iconic New Zealand-grown fruit served in a New Zealand-favourite takeaway.

We list more cheap eats in The Top Cheap Eats in Queenstown, as well as restaurant and food tour recommendations in The Food Guide to Queenstown: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Location: 13 Earl Street.

© NZPocketGuide.com

10. Explore Queenstown Gardens

Let’s have a look at a fun and free way to spend downtime in Queenstown. Queenstown Gardens is a free park, which is easily accessible from the town centre. The beautifully landscaped gardens have walking tracks, memorials and magnificent views across Lake Wakatipu.

You might also want to 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.

Check out more romantic experiences like this in the 19 Most Romantic Things to Do in Queenstown for Couples.

Location: Part Street.

© Destination Queenstown

11. Tour the Queenstown Wineries

Did you know that Queenstown is part of a wine region? Foodies can enjoy exploring the surrounding wineries via scenic tours of the Gibbston Valley.

There are many tours to experience the wineries of the region, from riding to the wineries on a self-guided cycle tour with Around the Basin Bike Tours to joining a small-group experience with Queenstown Wine Trail. The latter also includes a traditional Kiwi-style lunch and cheese tastings.

Learn more about the wineries of the area in our 10 Wonderful Wineries in Queenstown.

Plus, for more foodie experiences, see 15 Things to Do in Queenstown for Foodies.

Location: Around the Basin Bike Tours – Station Building, Duke Street. Queenstown Wine Trail – Offers Queenstown pick-ups.

© Destination Queenstown

12. Take a Flight to Milford Sound…

Milford Sound is on the bucket list of most people travelling to Queenstown, so it needs no introduction here. However, while most tourists take large tour buses to get to the majestic fiord, a more intimate experience worth considering is taking a scenic flight.

Observe stunning vistas of glacier-carved valleys, mountains, alpine lakes and vast forests as you take a 35-minute flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

Once you arrive in Milford Sound, you can enjoy one of the cruises through the fiord and either fly or take the bus back to Queenstown.

Compare flight experiences in the 10 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown.

Location: Queenstown Airport, Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, approximately 7 km (4 mi) from Queenstown town centre. Most flight operators offer accommodation pick-ups.

© Megan Thomas - Destination Fiordland

13. … Or a Coach Trip to Milford Sound

Queenstown is the starting point of one of New Zealand’s most epic day trips: Milford Sound. If you don’t have the dough for a scenic flight or the time to stay in Te Anau (or Milford Sound itself) then make sure you still get this scenic experience by hopping on one of the coach tours to Milford Sound.

Trips typically include plenty of rest stops, scenic short walks and a cruise through the famous fiord.

Find out more about all of the tours and what are the best in the 20 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau.

Location: See the above link to see where tours depart from.

© Unsplash

14. Play Golf at Queenstown’s Array of Courses

If you enjoy the finer things in life, like teeing-off in an alpine paradise, then be sure to hit the golf courses of Queenstown.

Hit prestigious courses, like Jack’s Point with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, The Hills with an intriguing sculpture park, and Millbrook with the country’s only 27-hole course!

Find out more about each course and more in the Top 5 Golf Courses in Queenstown.

Location: Jack’s Point – McAdam Drive, approximately 16 km (10 mi) from Queenstown town centre.

© Jacks Point Golf

15. Do Heli-Skiing or Ski at a Private Resort

Escape the crowds in winter with an awesome backcountry skiing experience with Alpine Heli-Ski for fresh untracked powder and a gourmet lunch on the mountains.

Alternatively, Soho Basin is Queenstown’s private ski area where you get free rein of 264 hectares and 500+ vertical metres virtually to yourself.

Chairlifts are swapped for snowcat rides, while skiers also get to dine on a three-course lunch with local wines at the Alpine Hut.

See more activities like this in 15 Luxury Activities in Queenstown.

Location: Alpine Heli-Ski – tours depart from 37 Shotover Street. Soho Basin – Cardrona Valley Road, Cardrona, approximately 60 km (37 mi) from Queenstown town centre.

© Alpine Heli-Ski Queenstown

16. Learn About Native Birds at the Kiwi Birdlife Park

A great option for kids (and adults) is checking out the unique birdlife of New Zealand at the Kiwi Birdlife Park. Located at the bottom of the Skyline Gondola, the Kiwi Birdlife Park allows visitors to observe more than 20 different bird species, including kiwi birds in a nocturnal enclosure.

You may also get the opportunity to see critters like the green gecko and New Zealand’s “living dinosaur”, the tuatara. Catch one of the daily wildlife shows and keeper presentations to learn more about the conservation of New Zealand’s wildlife.

Location: 51 Upper Brecon Street.

© Kiwi Birdlife Park

17. Stay Out of the Rain at Thrill Zone

So the weather isn’t always great in Queenstown, but don’t worry! You can escape it all by delving into another reality, shooting at each other and enjoying a captivating 12D movie experience at Thrill Zone.

This indoor theme park offers a huge range of attractions, including a 12D cinema, drift-karting tracks, laser tag and Heroblast sessions, virtual reality experiences and more!

Plus, see more indoor activities in 20 Things to Do in Queenstown on a Rainy Day.

Location: 53 Shotover Street.

© Thrillzone Queenstown

18. Pan for Gold in Arrowtown

For a fun day out, head to the historic town of Arrowtown. Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a gold-mining town with beautifully preserved buildings from the Otago Gold Rush. Hire a gold pan from the Lakes District Museum and try your luck at panning for gold in the Arrow River.

Celebrate your success or make yourself feel better for being poor by trying some mouthwatering fudge from The Remarkable Sweet Shop or by getting an ice cream from Patagonia.

Get more inspiration for your visit from our 10 Amazing Things to Do in Arrowtown, as well as more road trip ideas from The Best Day Trips from Queenstown.

Location: Arrowtown, approximately 20 km (12 mi) from Queenstown town centre.

© Destination Queenstown

19. Get an Insight into the Kiwi Farming Life at Walter Peak

Combine great food, a scenic cruise, fascinating history and Kiwi farming on the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch tour with RealNZ. Depart from Queenstown on the historic steamship, the TSS Earnslaw complete with its own onboard museum and the opportunity to watch the operators stoke the coal fires.

After a scenic cruise, you’ll arrive at Walter Peak High Country Farm to indulge in a gourmet barbecue lunch, including Central Otago meats and all of the fixings.

Day-trippers also get treated to either a Kiwi sheep shearing show or a sheepdog demonstration!

Location: Tours depart from 88 Beach Street.

© RealNZ

20. Have a Night Out!

Not only is Queenstown the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, but it is also known as the party capital. From sophisticated sessions at a craft beer bar to dancing on the tables, you can find all sorts of vibes and night out experiences in Queenstown. If you’re only going to go out once in New Zealand, it has to be in Queenstown!

Check out the best party spots in our Guide to Queenstown Nightlife.

Location: See specific locations in the link above and the 5 Best Bars in Queenstown.

© Destination Queenstown

21. Tackle the Downhill Mountain Biking Trails

Queenstown has a sweet set-up for downhill mountain biking at the Skyline Gondola. Choose from multiple trails of varying difficulties to ride downtime and time again.

With plenty of mountain bike hire stores in town and the gondola to transport you and your bike up to Bob’s Peak, all that’s left is endless downhill fun!

If you really dig mountain biking, then check out The Best Mountain Biking Regions in New Zealand.

Location: Skyline Gondola, accessible from 53 Brecon Street.

© Fat Tyre Adventures - Tourism New Zealand

22. Join a Craft Brewery Tour

Another fantastic foodie experience and thing to do in Queenstown, visit some of the local craft breweries and microbreweries with beer tastings included with Altitude Tours.

The guided tour takes you through three wineries or breweries in the Gibbston region and includes shared antipasto platters at each location. Tour-goers also get a behind-the-scenes look at some breweries to learn how they make the good stuff.

Location: 43 Camp Street.

© Altitude Tours

23. Go White Water Sledging

If you thought white water rafting was gnarly, wait until you discover white water sledging. With Serious Fun Riverboarding our guide will teach you how to handle your river sledge so you can ride the rapids, whirlpools and surf standing waves of the Kawarau River!

Location: Tours depart from 37 Shotover Street.

© Serious Fun Riverboarding

24. Explore Awesome Terrain on a Quad Bike Tour

Explore the awesome landscapes of Queenstown in all weathers on a self-drive quad biking tour. Follow your guide over exciting off-roading terrain, from mud to mountains to vast farming stations with all of the wet-weather gear included.

Choose to ride with either Nomad Quad Safaris or Off Road Adventures.

Check out more quad biking options around the country with our list of 10 Places to Quad Bike in New Zealand for Adventure Junkies.

Location: Nomad Safaris – 37 Shotover Street. Off Road Adventures – 61A Shotover Street.

© Nomad Safaris

25. Cruise Around Lake Wakatipu

There are a couple of cruises to experience on Lake Wakatipu, from a historic steamship cruise to onboard a modern catamaran. The TSS Earnslaw with RealNZ is a popular option, offering multiple sailings throughout the day. Watch the stokers feed the coal fire, visit the onboard museum and lap up the surrounding lake scenery.

For a more affordable way to experience the beauty of Lake Wakatipu, hop aboard Million Dollar Cruise or RealNZ‘s 1 hr 30 mins boat cruise that showcases some of the best scenery around Queenstown.

Location: RealNZ – 88 Beach Street. Million Dollar Cruise – 50 Beach Street.

© Million Dollar Cruise

26. Experience Hydro Attack!

One of Queenstown’s more unique boat rides, Hydro Attack is a semisubmersible craft that can dive 5ft into Lake Wakatipu before shooting 18ft into the air!

The exciting 25-minute boat ride has you travelling up to 80 kph (50 mph) on the surface and up to 40 kph (25 mph) underwater. And, come on, those shark designs are pretty damn cool.

Location: Beach Street.

© Hydro Attack

27. Fly Through the Trees on a Zipline Tour

Ziptrek Ecotours offers a range of exciting ziplines throughout a forest overlooking Queenstown. From the Moa Tour, ideal for families and first-time zippers, to the full Kea Tour with six exciting ziplines, there’s a tour for everyone.

See if you’re brave enough to zipline upside down as you fly through the trees all while enjoying incredible views of Queenstown.

Plus, see how the tour compares with the 10 Best Places to Zipline in New Zealand.

Location: Office – 45 Camp Street. Tours start from the top of the Skyline Gondola, which departs from the end of Brecon Street.

© NZPocketGuide.com

28. Race to the Bottom of The Luge

Something hilariously fun for all ages, The Luge at Skyline Queenstown is a must for families, groups, couples or anyone travelling with other people!

Challenge each other to Queenstown’s two downhill Luge tracks in go-karts that are easy to use by simply running on gravity. There are plenty of twists, turns, tunnels and dips to keep the track exciting.

Location: The top of the Skyline Gondola, which departs from the end of Brecon Street.

© NZPocketGuide.com

29. Walk or Cycle the Frankton Arm Walkway

From the Queenstown Gardens, find a pleasant walkway along the lakefront called the Frankton Arm Walkway. The wide flat path is an easy stroll, suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and even bikes if you want to hire bikes from town.

There are jetties and swimming spots to make the most of along the way. The whole walk takes approximately 1 hr 30 mins each way, but we suggest just turning back when you’re ready.

See more walks listed in the 15 Best Walks in Queenstown.

Location: Start from the eastern end of Park Street.

© NZPocketGuide.com

30. Take a Day Trip to Glenorchy

Another popular day trip from Queenstown is along the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy. Once you’ve taken the scenic drive to the lakeside village there are several experiences to enjoy.

Lap up the scenery as you take an easy stroll on the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway, feed farm animals at Glenorchy Animal Experience, enjoy quaint cafes and more.

Discover more experiences and details about the ones we have just mentioned in the 15 Best Things to Do in Glenorchy.

Location: Queenstown Glenorchy Road, approximately 46 km (28.5 mi) from Queenstown town centre.

© NZPocketGuide.com

31. Immerse in Sensational Scenery on a Helicopter Flight

Take to the skies and be amazed by the UNESCO World Heritage Areas renowned for their natural beauty and even land on the snow in the remote mountains on a Queenstown helicopter excursion.

Choose the perfect flight for your tribe in the 5 Best Queenstown Helicopter Tours.

Plus, check out similar indulgent experiences in the 15 Best Luxury Activities in Queenstown.

Location: See the link above for specific company locations.

© Over the Top Helicopters - Tourism New Zealand

32. Ride Queenstown’s Picturesque Bike Trails

A way to explore Queenstown is by hitting the bike trails. From easy-going lakeside trails to downhill mountain biking, there’s a trail to suit most tastes in Queenstown.

An idyllic ride for couples, however, is the Arrowtown to Queenstown ride encompassing stunning riverside and lakeside trails.

Organise transport to Arrowtown and either standard bike or e-bike hire with Going Blue Queenstown, who make the whole trip easy for a reasonable price.

Location: Pick-up is offered by the tour operator.

© Going Blue Queenstown

33. Soar Over Lake Wakatipu on a Tandem Parasailing Flight

Now, this isn’t as extreme as some of the other adventure activities but is a fun thing to do in Queenstown for couples nonetheless.

Fly up to 600 ft (183 m) over Lake Wakatipu on a parasailing flight that you can enjoy together thanks to the tandem harness.

See how the flight with Queenstown Paraflights compares to others in the 5 Incredible Places to Do Parasailing in New Zealand.

Location: Main Town Pier, 1 Marine Parade.

© Unsplash

34. Test Your Nerve at Fear Factory

Get a different sort of adrenaline rush in Queenstown at Fear Factory. This haunted house activity challenges you to make it through the hallways of horror all the way to the end. Many have chickened out. Will you?

This experience is also one of the 15 Things to Do in Queenstown at Night.

Location: 54 Shotover Street.

© Fear Factory Queenstown

35. Delve into a Sensory Maze

Another indoor attraction in Queenstown, the Odyssey Sensory Maze is a labyrinth of rooms of whacky illusions, lights, sound effects, obstacles and strange sensations. Go give it a touch!

Location: 57 Shotover Street.

© Odyssey Sensory Maze

36. Get Chilly at an Ice Bar

Far from the usual bars in Queenstown, the Below Zero Ice Bar is a bar almost entirely made of ice, from the ice sculptures adorning the walls to the cups that you drink your cocktail or mocktail from. You’ll be geared up for the experience with a thick coat and gloves.

There’s also Minus 5° Ice Bar should you want another option.

Location: Below Zero – Searle Lane. Minus 5° – 88 Beach Street.

© NZPocketGuide.com

37. Spin Your Own Honey at Buzzstop

For all things honey, head to Buzzstop Bee and Honey Centre. Not only can you indulge in cafe treats and buy honey and bee-related crafts, but they offer some interactive tours.

Learn to spin your own honey to make a fresh pot to take home in the Spin Your Own Honey Experience.

Alternatively, try their Bee-A-Beekeeper Experience to don the beekeeper suit and see what goes on in the hive.

Location: 26 Hansen Road, Frankton, approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) from Queenstown town centre.

© Unsplash

38. Spend the Evening at a Fine Dining Restaurant

Treat yourself to the finest dining experiences scattered across Queenstown and the countryside.

For town centre fine dining, enjoy the rustic ambience and Kiwi-style cuisine of The Bunker. This back-alley restaurant offers an intimate dining experience besides a crackling log fire. The restaurant specialises in game meats, red meats and local produce.

For those wanting to escape the busy town, make a special trip to the Amisfield Winery & Bistro for its award-winning wines and their “Trust the Chef” degustation menu.

For more recommendations, see our 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Queenstown.

Location: The Bunker – 14 Cow Lane. Amisfield Winery & Bistro – 10 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Frankton, approximately 14 km (8.8 mi) from Queenstown town centre.

© QueenstownNZ.co.nz - Destination Queenstown

39. Browse the Local Farmers’ Market

Almost every town in New Zealand has one at least once a week, including Queenstown. Check out the Remarkables Market in the Frankton end of town every Saturday at 9 am-2 pm throughout summer.

Join in on the relaxed vibes and try an array of cuisine from food stalls and local artisans. There’s usually live music too.

Check out more experiences like this in the 10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Queenstown.

Location: 23 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, approximately 8.5 km (5 mi) from Queenstown town centre.

© Remarkables Market

40. Try a Famous Oversized Burger

If there’s only one food joint that you’ve heard about in Queenstown, it’s probably at Fergburger. The gourmet burger joint selling oversized burgers has become incredibly popular over the years, where it’s rare to not see a long queue down the street from its entrance! Well, see what all the fuss is about by joining the queue!

Alternatively, call ahead on 03 441 1232 and pick your burger up later. Between you and us, however, we prefer Devil Burger serving burgers that are arguably just as naughty.

Location: Fergburger – 42 Shotover Street. Devil Burger – 5/11 Church Street.

© NZPocketGuide.com

41. Do the Queenstown Hill Walk

Get some stellar views while working your legs on this steep but short walk in Queenstown. Starting from in town on Belfast Street, the Queenstown Hill Loop is a steady two-hour loop incorporating pine forest and open hills. You’ll also find the Basket of Dreams sculpture.

It’s also one of the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown.

Location: Belfast Street, Queenstown.

© Destination Queenstown

42. Hike the Lake Alta Track

Another excellent hike but a bit of a hidden gem, take the steep alpine climb of the Lake Alta Track to a stunning glacier lake.

You’ll ascend 200 m (656 ft) from the start of the track where the last part of the climb features information panels to learn more about the environment. The walk takes approximately 1 hr 30 mins return.

Plus, it’s also a Lord of the Rings filming location in Queenstown!

To avoid the snow, the walk is best done in summer – see the Queenstown Weather & Climate: What is the Weather Like in Queenstown?

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

© Unsplash

43. Do the Best Short Walk in Queenstown, Bob’s Cove Track

Enjoy an easy picturesque walk through native bush on the 20mins one-way Bob’s Cove Track. The track features good views over Lake Wakatipu, as well as opportunities for swimming.

For a longer walk, connect to the Twelve Mile Delta Track (2-4 hours return) for more lake views and another Lord of the Rings location or the Bob’s Cove Bridle Track (1-2 hours return).

Location: Start from either Twelve Mile Delta Road or Mt Crichton Track car park, approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) from Queenstown.

© NZPocketGuide.com

44. Visit Moke Lake

A picturesque lake in the mountains somewhere behind Queenstown, Moke Lake has both a campground and a walking trail.

Take the Moke Lake Loop Track to cross a boardwalk over a wetland then over undulating grassland as the trail circumvents the lake. The final part of the walk returns on the gravel road back to the start.

Location: Moke Lake Road, approximately 14.5 km (9 mi) from Queenstown.

© Destination Queenstown

45. Try Ice Skating at the Queenstown Ice Arena

A frozen experience waiting in Queenstown is the Queenstown Ice Arena. Public ice skating sessions happen most days from the 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 experience.

Location: 29 Park Street, Queenstown.

© Pexels

46. Ride Snowmobiles in the Backcountry

For a truly exclusive alpine adventure, Queenstown Snowmobiles delivers a one-of-a-kind heli-snowmobiling experience high above Queenstown.

You’ll begin with a scenic helicopter flight into remote backcountry terrain, with sweeping views of the Southern Alps and even Mt Cook on clear days.

Touch down in untouched wilderness, accessible only by air, before setting off on your snowmobile. With a maximum of six participants, this small-group experience ensures personalised guidance, while your expert guide adjusts the pace to suit all ability levels.

All equipment is provided, so you can focus on the ride and the scenery around you.

Location: Meeting point is at 35 Lucas Place, Frankton. Pickup by accommodation is also an option for an additional fee.

© Queenstown Snowmobiles

47. Fly Over Middle-Earth on a Lord of the Rings Helicopter Tour

Step into cinematic landscapes with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters on this unforgettable flight over Queenstown.

Perfect for fans of The Lord of the Rings, this air tour takes you above iconic filming locations used for Isengard, Amon Hen and Lothlórien.

The experience includes a glacier landing near the Misty Mountains, where you can step out and take in the dramatic alpine surroundings, much like crossing the Redhorn Pass.

With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and personalised journey, along with panoramic views throughout the 70-minute flight.

Location: Hotel transfers are included with the tour.

© Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters

48. Enjoy a Lake Tekapo Day Trip Through the Southern Alps

Travel in comfort with TravelnGo on a day trip from Queenstown to the stunning Lake Tekapo, designed entirely around your pace and interests.

This 12-hour journey takes you through the Mackenzie Basin, with scenic stops at Lindis Pass, Omarama, Twizel and Lake Pukaki. You’ll also visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, with optional detours like the Clay Cliffs.

With your own driver-guide and modern vehicle, you’re free to stop anytime for photos, short walks or local food experiences.

The flexibility is what sets this apart, allowing you to avoid crowds and explore at your own pace, something we’ve found makes the journey far more enjoyable.

Location: Pickups are available from your accommodation.

© TravelnGo

49. Do Some Stargazing

On a clear night, the stars seen from Queenstown are astonishing. Skyline Queenstown offers stargazing tours to make use of their high-powered telescope atop the Skyline Gondola.

Alternatively, hit the road away from the lights of the town and watch as the skies get clearer for stargazing. In winter, Queenstown is also often seeing displays of the Southern Lights, a.k.a. Aurora Australis.

Get tips for stargazing in What to Look for When Watching the Stars in New Zealand and The Best Time to See the Milky Way in New Zealand.

Location: Skyline Gondola or outside Queenstown.

© Skyline - Destination Queenstown

50. Catch Trout and Salmon on a Lake Wakatipu Fishing Charter

Location: Tours depart from Frankton Marina.

© Catch a Fish