Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in New Zealand during the winter, Queenstown is brimmed with exhilarating adventures you definitely shouldn’t miss. Famous for its snow-capped alpine terrain, the list of things to do in New Zealand South Island’s adventure capital runs for miles.
Let us guess—skiing and snowboarding are the first two of the many Queenstown activities that pop into your head, right? Home to the best ski fields, Queenstown is a haven for those who enjoy these extreme sports. But if you aren’t into such activities, don’t fret! There are other equally enjoyable things to do in Queenstown as well.
Here are the top Queenstown activities and the best places to visit in New Zealand’s adventure capital for those who don’t ski:
- Queenstown Skyline Gondola and Luge Ride
- Skydive Queenstown Experience
- Onsen Hot Pools Experience
- Jet Boat Ride
- Spectacular Flight Experience in Omarama
- Queenstown wine tours
- The Lord of the Rings Day Trip
- Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour
- Moke Lake Kayak Paddle Experience
- Below Zero Ice Bar
- Gibbston Valley Wineries Bike Trip
- Gibbston Valley half-day canyoning tour
- Ben Lomond Walkway
- Fergburger
- Visit Arrowtown
1. Queenstown Skyline Gondola and Luge Ride
Let the view of Queenstown take your breath away when you reach the peak via the Skyline Gondola. Image credits: @skylinequeenstown
Let the fantastic view of the majestic Queenstown scenery take your breath away when you board the iconic Skyline Gondola—one of the must-do things to do in Queenstown!
Climb 450 metres above the ground to Bob’s Peak on the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere and glimpse upon landmarks such as Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. Make sure to pack your camera to snap photos along the way! Afterwards, enjoy a thrilling luge ride experience as you zoom downhill past banked corners and tunnels.
Add in a tasty buffet lunch or dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, and get unmatched panoramic views of The Remarkables to complete your experience of one of the best Queenstown activities.
2. Skydive Queenstown Experience
Take the plunge and watch Queenstown the best way possible - way up above! Image credits: @nzoneskydive
Feel the thrill when you plunge from 15,000 feet above the ground in Queenstown, one of the best places to visit in New Zealand if you’re up for the adrenaline rush! Go skydiving above the Wakatipu basin and catch breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and neighbouring mountains.
To start the journey, head onto the dropzone, where you’ll be geared with all necessary safety equipment, then board a 15-minute flight to get to your desired altitude. All that’s left to do is to take that heart racing jump! Get to experience up to 25 seconds of freefall and a 5-minute canopy ride before landing safely.
Keep your memories forever when you order a photo and video pack of your skydiving experience!
3. Onsen Hot Pools Experience
Be one with nature as you soak in a relaxing hot tub. Image credits: @onsenhotpools
Soak all your troubles away at Onsen Hot Pools, one of the best things to do in Queenstown if you’re long overdue for a rejuvenating spa day.
Ease your mind as you bask in the spa’s tranquillity, and take a dip on a classic cedar-lined hot pool spa heated to the optimal temperature. Depending on your chosen hot pool package, you may go for either an original Onsen indoor soak or the garden outdoor soak experience—all matched with the best overlooking alpine view of Shotover River, as well as complimentary drinks and snacks.
You can also arrange for a shuttle bus service so you don’t have to worry about going to and from your hotel!
4. Jet Boat Ride
Feel the thrill as you zoom past Lake Wakatipu in this high-speed boat ride! Image credits: @kjetqueenstown
Searching for the most riveting things to do in Queenstown? You better book this jet boat ride experience! Embark on an epic 60-minute high-speed boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, one of the best places to visit in New Zealand.
Experience full 360-degree twists and turns as you zoom past the Remarkables Mountain Range, as well as Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, in one of our highly recommended things to do in New Zealand South Island! Plus, you get free digital photos for every ticket booked to make this unique experience unforgettable. We recommend that you wear warm layers and casual footwear!
5. Spectacular Flight Experience in Omarama
Glide over the spectacular views of New Zealand’s natural wonders!
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to glide over New Zealand’s natural wonders! Grab this chance to try your hand at flying the incredible Duo Discus glider 7,000 metres above the air with an experienced gliding instructor by your side. Soar through some of the best places to see in New Zealand: Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring, and the Glaciers. You might even get to visit Milford Sound!
This all-inclusive flight experience is complete with comprehensive safety and instructional briefings as well as a light lunch before heading up to the sky.
6. Queenstown wine tours
Complete your Queenstown experience with the finest glass of Pinot Noir. Image credits: @queenstownwinerytours
Discover Queenstown one sip at a time in one of our highly recommended Queenstown activities for wine connoisseurs—wine tours! Visit premium vineyards set against the stunning backdrop of must-see Queenstown landmarks such as The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.
Take your pick from 4 wine tours available, all departing from Queenstown, and get round-trip transfers, plus up to 20 wine tastings! Sip on the finest Pinot Noir and learn more about the grape-growing conditions of the remarkable vineyards in this wine country. Depending on your tour package, indulge yourself on delectable lunch platters and exquisite cheese boards paired with local artisan chocolates.
7. The Lord of the Rings Day Trip
Recreate your favourite LOTR scenes, complete with costumes and replica props!
Whether you love The Lord of the Rings or not, the magical Middle Earth calls for you! Travel around different filming locations in this spectacular tour that starts in Glenorchy.
Recreate iconic Lord of the Rings scenes with the provided props and costumes as you wander around Middle Earth. Pause to appreciate the magnificent natural scenery of the best places to visit in New Zealand such as the mystical Paradise Forest, 12 Mile Delta, the quaint village of Arrowtown, and Lighthouse Rock. Try your hand out at gold panning by Arrow River and enjoy thrilling off-road rides as you cross rivers and canyons. All this with a lovely tour guide by your side to tell you more about the places.
8. Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour
Cast your eyes upon the magical spectacle of glow worms in Te Anau!
If you’re travelling with kids, one of the best things to do in Queenstown is touring around Te Anau Glowworm Cave. Ride on a cruise vessel on this spectacular half-day tour that lets you explore the cave’s limestone passages by foot and by boat. Stand in awe as you watch the majestic underground waterfall that cascades through the cave, as well as the hidden grottos filled with glow worms!
For a hassle-free service, you can upgrade your package with roundtrip transfers to and from your hotel in Queenstown and enjoy Te Anau’s lovely views as you savour the selection of hot drinks available on board.
9. Moke Lake Kayak Paddle Experience
Kayak at your own pace along Moke Lake and watch the stunning landscape unfold. Image credits: @paddlequeenstown
Paddle along picturesque Moke Lake in a kayak—one of the calmest and most relaxing Queenstown activities on this list. Immerse yourself in the rural New Zealand scenery as you kayak at your own pace, and freshen up with the kiwi refreshments available once you get back.
First-time kayakers don’t need to worry: friendly local guides will run through safety features. Safety equipment such as life vests and waterproof splash jackets are provided as well! With this experience, you can also try out SUPs and get free return transport from Queenstown.
10. Below Zero Ice Bar
Enjoy your favourite cocktail in this winter wonderland. Image credits: @juleeeww
When the sun’s down, don’t worry about running out of things to do in Queenstown! Cap off the night at Below Zero Ice Bar, and enjoy cocktails below zero temperature! Prepare to zip up your jackets because everything is made entirely from ice, from the furniture up to the drinkware!
Pick your poison from their menu of vodka shots, vodka cocktails, or yummy mocktails, and savour them on an ice cup hand-sculpted by the best ice carvers. Plus, you’ll get one free photo download so you can remember your Queenstown trip.
11. Gibbston Valley Wineries Bike Trip
Create your own adventure in this self-guided tour, and visit wineries along the way.
Take off on an adventure outside Queenstown and visit Gibbston Valley, one of the best places to visit in New Zealand, especially for those who love wine. From Queenstown, embark on a scenic shuttle ride that will take you to Gibbston Valley.
Pedal on your chosen bicycle and pass through charming trails such as the Arrow River Trail, Miners Trail, and Gibbston River Trail in the area. If you want, you can take quick breaks to admire the panoramic views of the vineyard-filled Gibbston Valley or to visit taverns, cafes, and eight wineries along your route. There’s no need to worry about getting lost—a custom map with landmarks will be handed out before you go on your bike tour.
12. Gibbston Valley half-day canyoning tour
Beginners are recommended to try out this canyoning tour in Gibbston Valley!
While you’re in Gibbston Valley, make the most out of your trip by trying one of the most extreme things to do in New Zealand’s South Island: a canyoning tour!
Spend a fun-filled half-day abseiling down canyons and waterfalls. By the end of the day, you’ll consider yourself one with nature! This guided tour is perfect for those who are looking into trying canyoning and abseiling. Professional guides and protective gears are provided during the trip, so abseil away to your heart’s ease.
13. Ben Lomond Track
Climbing Ben Lomond Track may be a challenge, but the summit view is worth the climb! Image credits: @adriennedebock.nl
Looking for exhilarating mountain activities that do not involve skiing? We dare you to try this mountain hike on the Ben Lomond Track, one of the most extreme Queenstown activities!
Experience a demanding climb hike with 1,438-metre elevation gain. The walk will reward you with a spectacular view over the whole of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and surrounding mountain ranges when you reach the summit. The trail has three access points: the Tiki Trail from the Skyline Gondola, the One Mile Creek Track from Fern Hill, and Skyline Access Road. Expect to see a bunch of local flora and fauna along the way, so don’t forget to pack your cameras!
14. Fergburger
You could never go wrong with a good burger (or two!) at Fergburger! Image credits: @fergburgerqueenstown
Eating at Fergburger, one of the must-do Queenstown activities, is a local favourite. Order the classic Fergburger for yourself, and don’t miss this chance to bite down what might be the juiciest burger in the world. Made from prime NZ beef and the tasty combo of crisp lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli and tomato relish, there is no doubt that munching on a Fergburger is one of our highly-recommended things to do in Queenstown.
Head on over to 42 Shotover Street to visit what CNN calls “the best burger joint on the planet”! Fergburger is open every day from 8 am to 4:30 am.
15. Visit Arrowtown
Have a fun winter holiday with the family at Arrowtown! Image credits: @arrowtownnz
Continue the food journey when you visit Arrowtown Bakery in this historic town. Feast your eyes on the mouthwatering display of freshly-baked pies and delectable sausage rolls, as well as artisan sweets and chocolates.
Arrowtown during the winter is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand for families who want to spend a quiet holiday in the snow, especially with its great accommodation options and cozy restaurants. International ski teams also head to Arrowtown for its high-class ski bases which are a little less hectic than Queenstown’s.
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