What to do in Queenstown

Activities, attractions and tours

Queenstown
Queenstown
Queenstown featuring a sunset and mountains
Queenstown
The Remarkables Ski Area featuring a river or creek, mountains and landscape views
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Top places to visit

1. Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens occupy a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu, on the outskirts of Queenstown. Since 1867 the gardens have been a central feature of the town, and provide a tranquil break from the busy streets. Visit the gardens to see historic, heritage-listed trees, marvel at the views of The Remarkables mountain range, or enjoy sporting and leisure activities.
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Queenstown Gardens which includes a bridge and a pond

2. Skyline Queenstown

Winding up the side of Bob’s Peak is the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 1967, the Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the summit of Bob’s Peak for views across the Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu area. Skyline also operates a number of adventure activities on the mountain. The gondola is the best way to access the mountain biking, hiking and paragliding that takes place on Bob’s Peak.
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Skyline Gondola which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town

3. Kiwi and Birdlife Park

The national symbol of New Zealand, the kiwi, is a timid and elusive bird that few have the chance to see in the wild. The Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown offers visitors the opportunity to get up-close with this at-risk species, and to learn about the birds in the process. The Kiwi Birdlife Park’s grounds are leafy and expansive, and are a popular destination for visitors to Queenstown for the peaceful escape they provide.
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Kiwi and Birdlife Park featuring signage, zoo animals and bird life

4. Steamer Wharf

Located on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Steamer Wharf is Queenstown’s picturesque entertainment precinct. The area is popular with locals and tourists for its nightlife, casino and mix of restaurants, while the wharf is also home to TSS Earnslaw.
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Steamer Wharf which includes outdoor eating, a bay or harbour and general coastal views

5. Bob's Peak

Ride in a cable car to the top of Bob’s Peak and enjoy sweeping views back across the lakes and mountains of Queenstown. Sip a hot drink at the mountaintop café, then choose from a range of exciting ways to enjoy the surroundings, including paragliding and luging.
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Bob\'s Peak showing an aircraft, general coastal views and mountains

What to do in Queenstown

Popular places to visit

Queenstown Gardens featuring forest scenes

Queenstown Gardens

Play a round of disc golf, or join a touch-rugby match at these historic botanic gardens on the banks of Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown Gardens
Skyline Gondola which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town

Skyline Queenstown

Take one of the world’s steepest cable-car rides to the top of picturesque Bob’s Peak for views across Lake Wakatipu and beyond.

Skyline Queenstown
Queenstown Beach featuring sailing, a lake or waterhole and a beach

Queenstown Beach

Surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery, this urban beach on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu is a destination for swimming, water sports and jet boating.

Queenstown Beach
TSS Earnslaw Steamship featuring picnicking, a bay or harbour and a beach

TSS Earnslaw Steamship

Cruise in style across Lake Wakatipu, on this century-old steamship, which once carried Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

TSS Earnslaw Steamship
Kiwi and Birdlife Park showing zoo animals and bird life

Kiwi and Birdlife Park

Your best chance to see New Zealand’s national bird is at this fascinating wildlife sanctuary.

Kiwi and Birdlife Park
Steamer Wharf showing boating, a bay or harbour and a marina

Steamer Wharf

Queenstown’s vibrant entertainment precinct is the perfect place to sample regional delicacies, mix with locals and enjoy the stunning views across Lake Wakatipu.

Steamer Wharf
Bob\'s Peak showing an aircraft, general coastal views and mountains

Bob's Peak

Take in one of New Zealand’s most sublime views and enjoy some high-adrenalin sports at the summit of this famous peak.

Bob's Peak
Skyline Luge

Skyline Luge

Enjoy an outing to Skyline Luge during your stay in Queenstown. Discover the mountain views in this romantic area or enjoy its local tours.

Skyline Luge
Church of St Peters

Church of St Peters

After visiting Church of St Peters, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Queenstown. Stroll along the lakeside in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Church of St Peters

Explore areas of Queenstown

Queenstown Beach showing a pebble beach, skydiving and a small town or village

Queenstown City Centre

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

Queenstown City Centre
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Frankton

4/5(11 area reviews)

Stay in this picturesque part of Queenstown where the airport is located to enjoy spectacular mountain views and relaxed lakeside walks.

Frankton
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Goldfield Heights

Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
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Fernhill

Fernhill is well-regarded for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and fantastic lake views, and you might also want to make a stop by Lake Wakatipu, a top sight in the neighbourhood.

Fernhill
Sunshine Bay featuring mountains, a small town or village and forest scenes

Sunshine Bay

Go for a scenic walk along the shores of Lake Wakatipu in this peaceful suburb in the foothills of Ben Lomond, one of Queenstown’s most iconic mountains.

Sunshine Bay
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Boydtown

When in Boydtown, you can plan a visit to Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Boydtown

Frequently asked questions

Is Queenstown worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Queenstown is explore Skyline Queenstown. Check this major sight off your list, then discover more of this area's skiing and adventure sports.
How do I spend a day in Queenstown?
Start your adventures with a visit to TSS Earnslaw Steamship and Kiwi and Birdlife Park. Then, explore other parts of Queenstown for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Queenstown?
The top tourist attraction in Queenstown is Skyline Queenstown, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Queenstown?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Skyline Queenstown, Kiwi and Birdlife Park and Skyline Queenstown with a three-day break in Queenstown. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and venture to Arrowtown.
Is Queenstown a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Queenstown, such as Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometers from the city centre of Queenstown is Queenstown City Centre and Fernhill is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Queenstown with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Queenstown with kids.

What to do in Queenstown for adults?
Amisfield Winery and Amisfield are just two of the things to do in Queenstown. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, Steamer Wharf is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Queenstown.