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Top 7 Romantic Things to do in Queenstown

7 October 2023

Gondola

Queenstown

Stratosfare restaurant

Queenstown’s stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for romance. Share a romantic meal, celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a weekend getaway.

Here in Central Queenstown and beyond, you have an incredible selection of romantic activities to share with your loved one.

Couples can enjoy a private picnic lunch at the best scenic spots or rejuvenate with a relaxing spa. Thrill-seekers can explore the best vantage points to get their adventure on.

Come and get loved up on New Zealand’s South Island, where the sparks are sure to fly.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu

Image credit: @celinegranel

Forget the stress of hiring a modern catamaran to get your water adventure on. Instead, hop aboard the TSS Earnslaw for a relaxing 90-minute scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery of the Southern Alps on this iconic, century-old coal-fired steamship.

You’ll reach Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you can take a tour or stay for a gourmet lunch or dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant. If you’d prefer, you can return to Queenstown Bay and share a warm drink while the ships’ pianist plays in the background. Or, just breathe in the fresh alpine air whilst sitting outdoor and watching towering mountains pass by.

Soar Above the Mountains on a Scenic Flight

Image credit: @annasnydr

Create lifelong memories as you soar high above the magnificent scenery of the Fiordland region on a scenic air tour. Popular bucket-list destinations include Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and the Fiordland National Park.

You could also choose a private flight to the West Coast to pick up some fresh crayfish. Or land at a secluded alpine location and enjoy a champagne picnic packed with fresh, local produce.

Enjoy a Delicious Dinner at Skyline

Image credit: @thetravelprojectco

Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola and travel up to the Stratosfare Restaurant to reward your taste buds with fine dining and unbeatable views.

Enjoy a buffet lunch or dinner 480 metres above the adventure capital. Tiered seating and floor-to-ceiling windows provide unparalleled views of Lake Wakatipu, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and of course Queenstown.

Try Tandem Bungy Jumping

Image credit: @ajhackettbungynz

Live more and fear less with a tandem Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump. Hold your partners hand tightly as fear turns to adrenaline, accomplishment, and laughter.

You may like to push yourselves to the limit with a small step beyond what you thought was possible. Take a 43-metre freefall plunge on the Kawarau Bridge Bungy—the world’s first commercial Bungy site.

Perhaps you’d like to try the world-famous Nevis Swing. Reach speeds of up to 120kph with your partner as you swing forwards, backwards, and upside down, hollering at the top of your lungs.

Go on a Wine Tour or have Lunch at a Winery

Image credit: @stoneridgeestate

Queenstown has some of the best wineries in New Zealand, and wine tours are an incredibly romantic way to spend the day. So why not treat yourself and your loved one to wine tasting, followed by an intimate lunch on a Queenstown wine tour.

Take a short drive from Queenstown to discover cellar doors hidden amongst vine-clad hills rich in gold mining history. For example, enjoy wine tasting and lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery, Kinross Cellar Door, Mt Rosa, and Akurua Wines. Or head to Amisfield Winery and Restaurant, nestled amongst the magnificent landscapes of Lake Hayes and Coronet Peak.

Queenstown is also home to a vibrant craft beer scene. Come and savour the unique alpine flavour profiles of must-taste brews from one (or more) of the six craft breweries.

Soak and Relax at the Onsen Hot Pools

Image credit: @onsenhotpools

Escape the crowds and indulge in spectacular views with a couples spa treatment. Enjoy your very own private hot pool at Onsen Hot Pools retreat.

Nestled into the hillside of Arthur’s Point, slip into a private cedar spa pool overlooking the Shotover River and Canyon. Bookings are essential!

Watch The Sunset

Image credit: @queenstownnz

If you’re up for a hike, climb Queenstown Hill to watch the sun set over another glorious day in Queenstown. From the Basket of Dreams viewpoint, you can see Queenstown at its most spellbinding hour.

If you’d rather stay close to the town centre, head to Queenstown Beach to watch the sun disappear. Or, take a leisurely ride in the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak, or amble along Lake Esplanade to watch the sun’s reflection off Lake Wakatipu.

More Inspiration

Image credit: @from_cabins_with_love
  • Go stargazing at Moke Lake.
  • Play frisbee golf at the Queenstown Gardens.
  • Take an overnight cruise and dive or kayak in a majestic fiord.
  • Take a scenic drive to Paradise, Glenorchy.
  • Indulge in a ‘trust the chef’ degustation meal with wine pairings at the award-winning Amisfield Winery.

Explore More of the Beauty of Queenstown with Skyline

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our ideas for romantic activities in Queenstown for couples. Make sure you check out the Skyline blog for more exciting things to do in New Zealand. We look forward to your visit!

 


Queenstown Adventure Activities

Queenstown is the world’s adventure capital. Find the best Queenstown adventure activities, from tandem paragliding to the world’s biggest human catapult.

 

Discover Queenstown’s Top Scenic Drives

Escape the city and experience the most unique, scenic drives that Queenstown has to offer.

 

 


Best Restaurants in Queenstown

Known around the world for its beautiful mountains, lakes and nature walks, Queenstown also leads the way in its restaurant offerings to satisfy every palette.

 

 


Best Walks in Queenstown

Need to stretch the legs? Whether it’s a multi-day hike, a full day hike, or just a walk to fill in a couple of hours, Queenstown has got you covered!

 

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