Queenstown is the ultimate travel destination to enjoy the outdoors and get a breath of fresh air. There is always something to do at every passing season, from taking a dip in the clear lakes in summer and walking along trails during spring, to witnessing the gorgeous valleys and mountain ranges in autumn and having fun in the snow during winter. Fall in love with nature with this list of Queenstown New Zealand attractions!
There’s no better way to start your adventure in New Zealand than one of the most breathtaking places on earth. Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is often called the eighth wonder of the world because of its magnificent cliffs, misty waterfalls, and alluring dark waters. Go on a scenic cruise or bus ride and get the chance to spot friendly dolphins and adorable penguins! Rain or shine, this fiord promises a view worth remembering!
Witness the beauty of nature on a trip to the longest lake in New Zealand. Situated in the southwest of the Otago region, discover ‘the lake that breathes’ surrounded by majestic mountains. A popular Maori legend explains the magical and steady rise and fall of the waters as the heartbeat of a sleeping giant at the bottom of the lake. Enjoy a relaxing cruise or dive into its crystal clear waters! You can even go kayaking, swimming, or boating during the summer.
For those looking for more adventurous Queenstown activities, grab your shoes, bottle of water, and backpack for a panoramic hike on Routeburn Track! This is one of the most popular tracks in New Zealand featuring towering peaks, mirror lakes, and cascading waterfalls that surround you. The 33-kilometer trail is one of the shortest of the Fiordland Great Walks, so you don’t have to worry about getting too tired - although the spectacular views might just take your breath away! This is not a loop track, so you can decide between starting your journey at The Divide or at Routeburn Shelter.
Enter a winter wonderland just 20 minutes away from central Queenstown! Coronet Peak Ski Area has over 40 kilometers of snowy slopes that are perfect for exciting winter sports. Welcome to first-timers and children, skiing and snowboarding lessons with the patient instructors are available, as well as other activities such as building a snowman or riding the lifts and snow sleds. Make sure to try the unique night skiing experience where you can glide down the slopes with an amazing view of the sunset and lively music.
Head out to the great outdoors and start your adventure at Lake Wakana. Nestled among the stunning mountains of the South Island of New Zealand, this peaceful town draws travelers looking for exciting and fun things to do in Queenstown! This includes taking a walk on the lakeside tracks, hiking or biking on the mountain trails, canoeing on the calm waters, and more! In the middle of the lake, you can see the beautiful Wakana Tree, an iconic lone willow tree standing against the glorious Southern Alps. This is the perfect destination for all kinds of outdoor activities with your family!
Can’t get enough of snow? Go beyond Queenstown and hop on a bus or car for a 40-minute drive to the Remarkables Ski Area! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert in skiing and snowboarding, the skiable area covers over 220 hectares where you can learn from the patient instructors or test out your skills on your own. If you are lucky, you can arrive during a powder day and enjoy fresh and soft snow on the slopes. Other activities include sledding, sightseeing, and climbing the summit of the Single Cone, the highest peak in this mountain range!
Carved over 130 years ago by hand on the sheer face of a mountain, Skippers Road leads to the historical and scenic Skippers Canyon, once a famous and rich gold mining site on the southwest of South Island. Not for the faint of heart, this is a narrow and winding road that stretches over 27 kilometers best viewed by mountain biking or riding a 4WD vehicle. Down below is the gushing Shotover River, where adventurers can go on a thrilling jet boat ride between the narrow canyons. With several twists and turns and panoramic views of the gorge, this is one of the most unique places to see in Queenstown that offers a terrifying yet exhilarating experience.
Located in Fiordland National Park, the Hollyford Track is a stunning and a hidden gem among the more popular trails in Queenstown. Clear lakes, native wildlife, lush rainforests, and thundering waterfalls await you as you journey from the towering mountains to the calming sea, starting at the Darran Mountain range and ending at the open-air at Martins Bay. This is the perfect place to escape from the city and have a moment of peace with almost no one else around. Hollyford Track is also one of the easier trails, making it a year-round destination for day walks and guided tours.
Soar above the city on the Skyline Gondola, the steepest cable car ride in the southern hemisphere! Panoramic views stretch out as far as the eye can see, including the vast Lake Wakatipu and surrounding majestic mountains like Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Skyline also offers plenty of other thrilling activities you can enjoy along with the views, such as luge rides, paragliding, bungee jumping, and mountain biking. At the exclusive hilltop location, enjoy a grand buffet serving delicious international and local dishes. Grab your ticket early to avoid the long queues to this memorable experience!
Adventurers up for a challenge should try going on a hike or walk on Ben Lomond, a mountain near central Queenstown. Follow the rocky path and climb up to the Ben Lomond Saddle to see sweeping views of the mystical lake, surrounding alps, and beautiful wildlife. The trail becomes steeper and rougher as you approach the summit, recommended for the more experienced hikers. With a 1,438-meter elevation gain, this rewards you with a grand scenery of beautiful peaks in every direction!
Queenstown is New Zealand's unofficial adventure capital. Thrill seekers can go bungee jumping off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, jet-boating along the Shotover and Dart Rivers, and skydiving with above Lake Wakatipu.
Head to Milford Sound to see the iconic glaciers New Zealand is synonymous with, or hop on a hot air balloon at sunrise to soak up breathtaking views of the region. Descend from the sky and cross waters aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw for a perfect view of Walter Peak, The Remarkables, and Queenstown's charming landscapes.
Queenstown is famous for its mystical landscapes, gorgeous peaks, and crystal clear waters that travelers of all ages can enjoy. Some of the best activities inside and outside the city include trekking up or skiing down the mountain and trying the exciting water activities.
Whatever season it may be, Queenstown offers an extensive array of fun and memorable activities. This is a hotspot for tourists during summer (December to February) because of the long warm days and during winter (June to October) for the perfect ski season.
Shotover is the ideal location for backpackers and travelers on a budget because of its young population and lively nightlife. Families can also enjoy this location in the countryside that is remote yet also just a short reach from the city center. First-timers who want to get the most out of the outdoor experience should stay at Queenstown Hill for gorgeous landscapes and thrilling activities right outside their doors.