Best Things to Do in the Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown gardens are located just a short walk from town and offer wonderful views of Lake Whakatipu. They’re a lovely location for a trail walk or picnic on the grass while you admire the scenery. This beautiful place on the lake peninsula features exotic trees, a wide range of fun activities, and some of the prettiest gardens in the country. Best of all, it’s open year-round and free to visit! Read on for our guide to exploring this Queenstown staple.

The Gardens were established in 1866 when two English oaks were planted, marking the borough’s official incorporation. Soon they were joined by a variety of trees planted by local residents. The rose garden, which features over 800 rose bushes, was built in the 1960s. The gardens are maintained by the Queenstown Lakes district council.

The Queenstown Gardens are delightful in every season. Visit in the New Zealand Summer and swim at Queenstown Bay Beach, or bundle up for the Winter cold and enjoy crystal clear views of Lake Whakatipu through the trees. During Autumn, you can take in the colourful changing tree leaves along the lake shore. Visit in Spring to see the beautiful flowers blooming.

Located just a 5-minute walk or a 2-minute drive from the lakefront, the gardens form part of the peninsula that runs alongside Lake Whakatipu in a section of the lake locally known as the Frankton Arm. From the town centre, head toward Park Street, where you’ll find a car park near the Park Street Entrance. If you’re on foot, you can enter the gardens at the far end of Queenstown Bay Beach.

The Queenstown Gardens are free and open year-round. Stroll the walking trail or enjoy a coffee on one of the many benches in the botanical gardens. If you’re looking for some healthy competition, you can play the disc golf course with your friends. Check out the ice skating rink, segway tours, and view the two significant memorials (Rees Memorial and Scott Memorial) as well.

Just past the Queenstown Bay Beach along the lakeshore, you’ll find the Queenstown Gardens walking trail. Head down the wide track for a lovely walk, which winds through the middle of the garden, or explore the trail by cycling along the lakeside for spectacular views of Lake Whakatipu, the Kelvin Peninsula, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak.

Sports enthusiasts can try their hand at disc golf while visiting the Queenstown Gardens. Even if you’ve never played before, it’s easy to figure out how to toss your frisbee into the nets located around the gardens. Popular for families and adults alike, hire discs for $6 each from the Queenstown Ice Arena and play a round on the iconic frisbee golf course.

The many flower beds of the Queenstown Gardens are a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the scenery on a sunny day. Soak in the natural beauty of the well-manicured and abundantly colourful floral plantings from one of the many park benches, or bring some picnic food and laze on the grass nearby.

Although it’s not free, ice skating in the Queenstown Gardens is a popular activity for families. Kids and adults will have loads of fun racing around the indoor rink, which has skates to hire if you don’t have your own. This is the perfect activity for a rainy day or when you just want to do something outside the box.

Enjoy the great views of the Queenstown Gardens on two wheels with one of the garden’s segway tours. This is another great family activity that’s sure to create some amazing memories. Just make sure you check the tour times in advance, so you don’t miss out.

In the heart of the Queenstown Gardens, the Queenstown Bowling Club is a thriving community hub. The club, which was founded more than a century ago, has well-kept bowling greens that are accessible to both members and guests. The club’s facilities include a small bar and lounge area, where players and spectators can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat after a game. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or just looking for a fun and relaxed activity, the Queenstown Bowling Club is a great place to spend a day in this stunning part of the world.

Once you’ve explored New Zealand’s Queenstown Gardens, check out our recommendations for attractions, restaurants, shops, local events, hotels and local accommodation. Get your adrenaline fix from the Queenstown Luge or on a thrilling jet boating experience. Want to make your next event unforgettable? Check out Skyline’s conference and wedding venues. Heading to the North Island of NZ? Read about the best stops along the Hamilton to Rotorua drive to make the most of each location during your New Zealand holiday.