When you think of Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand, skiing mountain ranges, exploring world-famous filming locations, enjoying a biking wine tour, or experiencing one of the many tourism activities on offer probably springs to mind first. While these Queenstown activities are all popular for good reason, there’s a special kind of joy in finding unique and underrated things to do when travelling.
Uncover the hidden gems of New Zealand’s most sought-after town.
What makes Queenstown a must-visit destination?
Queenstown tops the list of must-visit New Zealand destinations for many domestic and international travellers alike. Find out why millions choose to travel here each year!
Why is Queenstown so popular?
Image credit: newzealand.com
From exciting adventure activities to stunning alpine views, Queenstown is a visitor hotspot for good reason:
- Unlimited adventure: Established as the adventure capital of the world, there’s no shortage of entertainment in Queenstown! Adrenaline junkies from all around the globe flock to the bottom of the South Island to get amongst some of the best thrill-seeking activities in the world, from downhill mountain biking to jet boating and bungy jumping.
- Stunning scenery: Enveloped by the Southern Alps and beautiful Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown is defined by its beautiful natural scenery. The lovely town offers incredible landscapes, from snowy surrounding mountains to rolling hills and shiny blue lakes.
- Easy to access: Queenstown’s connectivity makes it smooth for travellers from across New Zealand and around the world to visit. Just minutes from the town centre, Queenstown Airport links directly to Australian hubs and connects seamlessly via larger airports to global destinations, while scenic highways offer easy access from the South Island.
How many people visit Queenstown each year?
Each year, around 2-3 million people flock to Queenstown on holiday. That makes it the most visited destination by domestic and international visitors after Auckland!
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
Thanks to its position at the very bottom of the globe, New Zealand’s temperature greatly differs from season to season. That means a summer in Queenstown is a totally different experience from the chilly winter months—but weather is just one part of the equation when you’re choosing the best time to visit Queenstown.
What is the busiest month in Queenstown? What is the least busy?
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In winter, Queenstown is a snow lover’s paradise, drawing skiers and snowboarders to its alpine slopes. Come summer, the town welcomes visitors to ditch the woollen coats, bask in the sunshine with a drink in hand, and take on exciting adventure activities mountain biking, bungy jumping, and jet boating. March to May and September to November are Queenstown’s quieter months, with summer and winter being peak seasons (especially during the Australian and New Zealand school holidays).
What’s the best time to visit for your travel style?
Image credit: @huafires (Instagram)
If you want to skip the crowds and explore at your own pace, consider visiting during autumn or spring, when the summer holidaymakers and snow sports enthusiasts thin out. Visiting off-season can even mean more affordable flights, accommodation, and experiences! But if you’re keen to get amongst the action with local festivals and seasonal activities, summer and winter may be better suited to your style.
Check out our blog on the best time to visit Queenstown for more help on deciding when to visit.
How to explore Queenstown like a local
It’s safe to say that Queenstown gets packed with tourists during its peak months. The best way to avoid some of the holiday rush? Follow these tips to travel like a local:
Plan smartly
From hotels and rental car services to dining and activities, getting set up to make the most of your New Zealand trip starts with booking in advance. Build your own flexible itinerary and check what requires a reservation or pre-payment. Even quieter attractions can fill up fast, with popular times often booking out months in advance, so being organised pays off.
Get tips from the source
People who are lucky enough to call Queenstown home know exactly how to navigate the vibrant town. Reach out to friends or family who live there, chat to residents when you arrive, or read online forums and articles by locals for firsthand tips. Check out online reviews to help you build your itinerary as well. Hearing from real people can help solidify your plans and make them all the more exciting.
Explore the side streets
Instead of mapping every detail out, spare enough time to let yourself wander around. Whether you’re strolling down side streets to find boutiques or letting yourself be drawn to whatever neighbourhood eatery calls your name, exploring Queenstown like a local means pleasant surprises and going with the flow.
Hidden gems in Queenstown: Our favourite picks
Craft brews and local eats
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It’s no secret that Queenstown is packed with esteemed eateries and wineries, but did you know it’s also home to some of New Zealand’s best breweries? And instead of picking just one or two to visit, you can get right in the heart of this fun culture with a craft beer tour.
There are several tour operators to choose from, depending on where you’re staying; most offer a full day brimming with brews, paired with delicious local plates and stunning scenery across Queenstown and Arrowtown. Private tour options are also available, allowing you to customise your day as you like.
Skyline Queenstown experiences with a twist
You’ve undoubtedly heard of the Gondola and Luge in Queenstown, but did you know the Luge takes on a whole new form during winter? As night settles, zoom through the night Luge under a blanket of stars, chasing glowing neon lights that illuminate every twist, turn, and tunnel. Bursts of laughter, joyful screams, and the rush of cool wind singing in your ears set the soundtrack to your evening. One go is never enough, so go on, line up for just one more!
Our recommendation: jump on a Gondola ride just in time for sunset. Be uplifted to panoramic, postcard views of Lake Whakatipu and the Remarkables on a clear evening. When you’re at the top, experience the night Luge, then dine at the Stratosfare Restaurant and watch the sky’s pinks and purples slowly melt away into twilight and then star-studded darkness.
Scenic trails & forest walks
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With so much natural beauty in Queenstown and several spectacular walks to take it all in, picking the best spots takes some insight. Visit the Skyline Loop Track, a relaxed 30-minute stroll that puts you above Queenstown’s centre and immerses you in alpine flora and fauna with incredible views as the backdrop. Or, head out to stunning Lake Hayes and embark on the scenic lakeside’s 2-3-hour track, perfect for all experience levels. Another top pick is the picturesque and secluded Moke Lake, just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown CBD, where you can enjoy a peaceful loop track around the lake’s edge, take in mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains, and even pack a picnic to make a day of it.
Looking to up the ante? Make a day of it with the world-renowned Ben Lomond Hiking Trail, which offers 6-8 hours of unbelievable views of the Whakatipu Basin and the Southern Alps. Taking the Skyline Gondola shaves up to an hour off walking up the Tiki Trail.
Night-time experiences
If you’ve never witnessed the magic of stargazing, Queenstown is the perfect place to try it out. From March to September, you can ride 480 metres up on the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak, where you’ll be greeted by dark skies and radiant celestial objects made possible by low light pollution and Queenstown’s unique positioning in the Southern Hemisphere. With state-of-the-art telescopes and education led by our astronomy guides, you’ll be truly amazed at what you see!
Further up the lake, Glenorchy has recently been named an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, one of the best places in New Zealand to see the Milky Way. Even along the Queenstown–Glenorchy road, you’ll find quiet bays perfect for pulling over and stargazing in peace.
Romantic retreats
Image credit: onsen.co.nz
Celebrating an anniversary, milestone birthday, or just want to spend some memorable quality time with a partner? Queenstown provides a beautiful backdrop for romance.
Unwind at Onsen Hot Pools, and soak up the views—a must-do in Queenstown. Add on some of their highly rated massages or facials for a touch of luxury and finish off your experience with a soak in their hotpools overlooking the winding canyons of the Shotover River.
Offbeat adventures
Image credit: skipperscanyonjet.co.nz
If you’ve come to Queenstown for some heart-pounding adventure, we get it. Make your way to Skippers Canyon and hop on a jet boat blasting through the Shotover River. For 25 unforgettable minutes, you’ll tear across rapids and skim past sheer canyon walls while your expert driver pulls off jaw-dropping spins and precision manoeuvres. Be prepared to scream, laugh, and get a little wet!
Nature escapes
Image credit: queenstownnz.co.nz
You don’t have to spend big, or at all, to make the most of Queenstown. There are countless free and cheap activities you can do, and most of them involve getting amongst the region’s natural, world-renowned beauty. Head to Queenstown Gardens via Park Street and stroll through the botanical gardens filled with blooming flowers, lush trees, and pretty ponds. Here, you can relax with a picnic or play frisbee golf at the course inside the gardens.
Places to go near Queenstown for a quieter escape
Arrowtown
Image credit: arrowtown.com
20 minutes from central Queenstown, you’ll find Arrowtown, a place full of charm and character, dotted with well-preserved historic buildings, picturesque scenery, and plenty to do. Explore the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement from the 1880s, browse bike hire options and ride the Arrow River Bridges Trail, or check out hiking trails like Big Hill.
Prefer to take things slower? Visit The Blue Door, a secret bar with live music and fantastic cocktails, potter along the Arrow River, or take a scenic drive up Crown Range Road.
Glenorchy
Image credit: @highcountryhorsesNZ (Facebook)
Take a scenic drive 45 minutes from Queenstown and step into Glenorchy, a tiny town that blends peace with epic beauty. Nestled at the head of Lake Wakatipu and framed by towering mountains, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Whether you’re wandering along scenic trails, horseback riding through untouched landscapes, or exploring filming locations from famous movies, Glenorchy is the kind of place that sticks with you long after you leave.
Wānaka
Image credit: paddlewanaka.co.nz
Wānaka is a playground for nature and adventure lovers alike, located an hour out of Queenstown. Hike up Roy’s Peak for panoramic lake and mountain views, explore hidden waterfalls and serene alpine trails, or try paddleboarding on the crystal-clear lake.
With its mix of breathtaking scenery and off-the-beaten-path activities, Wānaka offers a calmer experience to Queenstown’s busy pace—making it a locals’ favourite.
Frequently asked questions
How many days should I spend in Queenstown?
With so much to see and do, we recommend spending a minimum of three days in Queenstown. Five to seven days is an ideal amount of time to explore must-do things in Queenstown, as well as relax without feeling too rushed.
Is Queenstown a good place to visit year-round?
You’ll find plenty to do, no matter what time of year you visit Queenstown. If skiing is your main focus, come in winter. If you want to enjoy long, sunny days, summer is ideal. To experience Queenstown at a slower pace, spring and autumn are great times to make the trip.
What are some fun things to do in Queenstown at night?
Dining at the Stratosfare Restaurant, stargazing, and riding the night Luge are all fun activities you can do at Skyline at night. Explore other things to do in Queenstown at night in our blog.
What’s the best way to get around Queenstown?
If you’re staying in central Queenstown, walking and taking the public bus are easy and affordable ways to get around. If you’re planning some day trips and want to head a little further beyond the city centre, we recommend hiring a car to experience the best of Queenstown at your own pace. There are also plenty of shuttle options that can take you to the ski fields, and many of the tourist activities around town offer transport options to ensure you don’t miss out.
Make the most of your Queenstown adventure
Whether you’re here for Queenstown must-dos or eager to uncover something unexpected, you’ll find more than just postcard views and adrenaline hits. From scenic lakeside walks, starry skies, and jet boat rides, the best experiences in Queenstown often lie beyond the obvious.
With a little planning, the right timing, and a curious mindset, you can enjoy the very best of Queenstown your way. Find more things to do in Queenstown with guides on the town’s best horse riding and solo travel activities!