Visiting Queenstown in summer means long, sunny days and fresh alpine air. The sun rises as early as 6 am, and dusk sets in around 9 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the town’s many outdoor attractions and activities.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun, discover 10 of our favourite summer activities in Queenstown below.
Best Things To Do in Queenstown in Summer
1. Get on the biking trails
Image credit: Miles Holden
Try one of the many cross-country trails the Otago region is famed for. The most well-known is the Queenstown Trail, which comprises over 130 km of tracks. Ride a small section if you only have a few hours, or, if you’re up for a challenge, dedicate four days to the full trail.
Prefer something short and sweet? Rent a bike and head to the Ben Lomond Trails to take on dozens of epic trails for intermediate and advanced riders alike. During summer, the Skyline Gondola Mountain Bike Uplift Service is open to take you to the top, so you have more time to enjoy the ride down.
2. Take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu
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Hop aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw for a gentle cruise across to Walter Peak Station. Once you land, wander the gardens, get up close with farm animals, catch a sheepdog and shearing demonstration, and enjoy a charming afternoon tea.
3. Cool off at one of Queenstown’s beaches
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Queenstown Bay beach features a pier offering paddleboards, jet boats, and other water sports equipment for hire. It’s just off Marine Parade, so you’ll have plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from after your dip.
5 minutes west of the town centre, Sunshine Bay is quiet, secluded, and offers amazing views of the TSS Earnslaw chugging back to the steamer wharf. Drive another 10 minutes to Bob’s Cove, which has a stunning viewpoint and a small beach beloved by locals.
4. Discover Central Otago by horse
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Saddle up for a horse trek through the South Island high country. Several Queenstown horse riding operators tour through landscapes used as Lord of the Rings filming locations, so keep an eye out for scenery you might recognise.
5. Try fly-fishing on the river
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Queenstown is an angler’s paradise with bountiful lakes and peaceful rivers. Charter a boat and spend a memorable day reeling in fish and chilling on the water. Or take a heli-fishing trip for the ultimate fishing adventure with amazing views of the mountainous landscape.
6. Hike up the mountain peaks for beautiful views
Image credit: Skyline
Strap on your hiking boots and head for the hills! The Tiki Trail is just a few minutes’ walk from central Queenstown and only takes 1 hour to complete, making it a great option if you’re short on time. Once you’ve reached the end, reward yourself with a bite at the Skyline Café & Bar.
The Tiki Trail is also the first section of the Ben Lomond hike. Check out our guide to learn more about how to prepare for this challenging 7-8-hour hike.
On the other side of town, the Queenstown Hill Walk is a solid intermediate hike that takes 2-3 hours to complete. At the top, you’ll see the famous Basket of Dreams sculpture and incredible views of the Remarkables and Cecil Peak. Read our guide to the best walks in Queenstown to find more epic hiking trails.
7. Adventure in a 4WD or off-road vehicle
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Off-road experiences are a wickedly popular form of adventure travel. Hire a quad or dirt bike and rip up rocky paths, shallow lakes and muddy trails. Fully guided 4WD tours, led by experienced operators, let everyone enjoy the ride.
8. Visit the ski mountains in the summer months
Image credit: cardrona-treblecone.com
When winter ends, Queenstown’s ski mountains transform into summer sport hotspots. Ride down the many mountain biking trails at Coronet Peak or head to Cardrona to try the only mountain carting experience in Australasia.
9. Turn up to a local Queenstown summer event
Image credit: millbrook.co.nz
Queenstown has plenty of annual summer events to keep your calendar packed in the sunnier months. Here are some of the biggest in town:
- Queenstown Bike Festival: A multi-day celebration of Queenstown’s mountain biking scene, with races, demos, and trail days for riders of all levels.
- Motatapu: Athletes compete across high-country terrain between Wanaka and Queenstown, on land that only opens to the public once a year for the event.
- New Zealand Open: The premier men’s golf tournament in New Zealand, held at Millbrook Resort with a long history dating back to 1907.
- Queenstown Marathon: Described as the “world’s most beautiful marathon”, this 42.2km race goes through some of the best local highlights, including Millbrook, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Lake Wakatipu, and the Queenstown Gardens.
10. Feel the adrenaline with Queenstown’s iconic adventure activities
Image credit: Skyline Queenstown
Queenstown is the birthplace of bungy jumping, and Kawarau Bridge is still the classic spot to take the leap. On the river below, join a jet boat ride and brace yourself as you twist and turn at exhilarating speeds. You could even give canyoning or skydiving a go!
For a ride with a view, head up the Gondola to challenge friends and family to the Skyline Luge — part go kart, part toboggan, and all fun! Kids will also love the new Vortex Slide, which lets you reach speeds up to 35 km/h on the way down.
Tips for enjoying summer in Queenstown
- Summer is one of Queenstown’s busiest seasons! Be sure to book any rental vehicles and ticketed activities early, especially if you’re travelling in a larger group.
- The sun in the southern hemisphere is intense, especially from midday to around 3, and can burn skin in as quickly as 12 minutes. Carry sunblock to reapply throughout the day and make sure you top up your water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Be careful in the water! Submerged rocks and fast-moving river currents can take swimmers by surprise, so stick to your limits, check the water and any safety signage, and swim with a partner if possible so you can look out for each other.
- Even in summer, mountain lakes will be cold. Lake Wakatipu is icy year-round, and smaller lakes such as Lake Hayes warm up, but the water can still give you a brain freeze. So bring some warm clothes for after your swim.
Frequently asked questions
Is Queenstown good to visit in summer?
Yes! Summer (December to February) is one of the best times to visit Queenstown, with warm days, long daylight hours, and clear skies for lake activities, hiking, and scenic Gondola rides. But it’s also one of the busiest seasons, so be sure to book your accommodation and activities in advance.
What is the hottest month in Queenstown?
January and February are typically the warmest months in Queenstown, with daytime temperatures regularly reaching the low-to-mid 20s°C (around 70-75°F).
What should I wear in Queenstown during summertime?
During the summer, mild mornings give way to long, hot days, and temperatures can drop quickly as night falls. So, pack loose clothing for the daytime and layers for night. Don’t forget to put on some sunscreen and a hat!
What are some family-friendly Queenstown activities for summer?
These are some of the best summer activities for families in Queenstown:
- Ride the Gondola up Bob’s Peak and experience the Luge at Skyline Queenstown
- Take the TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a family-friendly tour
- Play frisbee golf at the Queenstown Gardens
How long should I visit Queenstown for in summer?
5-7 days is enough time to explore Queenstown town centre and nearby towns like Arrowtown and Wanaka, plus take a road trip out to Milford Sound. Read our full Queenstown itinerary for a day-by-day plan!
See more Queenstown highlights on the Skyline blog
Want to explore even more Queenstown to-dos for your next trip? See our guides on Queenstown’s adventure activities and scenic drives in the surrounding mountains.
For epic outdoor activities with incredible views of downtown and beyond, visit Skyline Queenstown. Your next adventure awaits!
Featured image credit: Samuel Earp