Thinking about what to do in Queenstown? New Zealand’s incredibly picturesque and famous adventure hub Queenstown isn’t just for adrenalin seekers. Of course, when you’re there, surrounded by adventure addicts and plenty of adventure tours, you can’t help but feel a tad more dare-devilish than you usually would. Rightly, Queenstown activities are centered around adventure but there’s a lot to do if you love nature minus the thrills. I should know- I’ve spent a lifetime being afraid of heights and I jumped off a cliff to paraglide in Queenstown.

There’s just something cool and laidback about Queenstown, it’s one of those towns where it doesn’t matter whether you want to spend your time chasing a new adventure like jet boating or bungee jumping every day or simply enjoy the trails around and evenings at the cozy cafés and pubs, you’ll enjoy Queenstown anyway. If you’ve got a couple of days to spend in the town and like a healthy mix of adventure and relaxation, here are my favorite top things to do in Queenstown New Zealand.

Things To Do in Queenstown New Zealand

Enjoy the View at Lake Wakatipu

Walk, run, cycle, Segway, or simply grab a spot on one of the benches by Lake Wakatipu, the gorgeous Queenstown attraction, that looks even better if you’re lucky to have it as your window view. Whether or not you choose to get your perfect postcard shot from the shore, one thing’s for sure- you’ll want to come back here more than once.

Get on a Luge at Skyline Gondola

For fantastic views and one of the coolest activities in Queenstown, take a Gondola ride all the way to the top of Bob’s Peak in the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. At Skyline Gondola, the adventurous can choose from a range of activities such as bungee jumping, paragliding, zip lining, mountain biking, and for those who prefer carefree fun over gut wrenching thrills, the luge is a great activity to unleash your inner child and enjoy the scenery from the slopes. Market Kitchen is a great restaurant to grab some lunch during your visit.

Paraglide over an Incredible View

If you were to ask me how I managed to paraglide in Queenstown despite my paralyzing fear of heights, I’d have to admit that it was the thought of overcoming the fear and having my mind blown by the spectacular landscape below. While visiting Skyline Gondola, I walked up to the tiny G-Force Paragliding store and signed up. Then, I stopped thinking for fear of chickening out. 30 minutes later, I was soaring over Lake Wakatipu with not the slightest trace of fear but a deep sense of amazement. I highly recommend that if you’re visiting Queenstown and even if you do fear heights, don’t think twice before signing up.

But if that’s still not your thing, you can also take a scenic heli-flight to enjoy unbeatable views over Queenstown.

Wine Tasting

The Central Otago region is favorable for production of wines such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and there are many scenic wineries (such as Gibbston Valley) around Queenstown that you can visit for tastings. If you like the idea of a wine and lunch tour in gorgeous vineyards, this half-day wine tour is a fun thing to do in Queenstown.

Alternatively, you can also enjoy wine tasting at The Winery, a wine lounge right in the center of town, where you get to taste over 80 local wines from all over New Zealand with a seriously indulgent platter of cheeses, salamis, breads and olive oils. The best part is that you can even choose to buy any wines that you particularly like to be shipped home when you’re back from your trip.

Step into William’s Cottage

Now home to Vesta Design Store, William’s Cottage is Queenstown’s oldest house, built in 1864 by boatman and shipbuilder John Williams. Many of the original elements of the house remain such as the wallpaper. Even if you don’t plan on buying the cool, quirky and kitschy merchandise on sale, it’s worth taking a stroll inside and afterwards stopping for a coffee in the garden café outside.

Take a Day Trip to Milford Sound

You can’t come to Queenstown and not take a day-trip to Milford Sound, yet another spectacular landscape (no exaggeration) in the heart of Fiordland National Park. If you don’t want to drive the four-five hour long journey, take a Milford Sound Coach, Cruise and Walk from Te Anau group tour (like we did) where you’ll spend time on a bus, hike through a short trail and cruise around Milford Sound watching dolphins, if you’re lucky. If you like the idea of kayaking in Milford Sound and are lucky to have good weather, this Cruise and Kayak tour is a good choice. Alternatively, if you have enough time, go on a guided half-day hike on Milford Track.

If you want some help with making up your mind about the tour, check out my Milford Sound photos.

Hike around Queenstown

Just like everywhere else in New Zealand, a scenic tramping trail is never too far away in Queenstown and whether you prefer a hardcore trek or an easy hike, there are plenty of options to suit your preference such as the Routeburn Valley, Milford Track, Ben Lomond Track, Atley Track and the Invincible Gold Mine Trail. Detailed info on trails is available on the DOC website.

Watch a movie at Reading Cinemas

On one of those days when you don’t want to do anything touristy or adventurous, settle down to some quality chill time at the movies at Reading Cinemas, right in the center of town.

More Adventure Activities

Other than the few activities I’ve mentioned above, there are tons of other adventure activities you can do in Queenstown such as bungy jumping, white water rafting, jet boating, skydiving, horse-riding, hot air ballooning, skiing and snowboarding (winter). .

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Book your hotel or B&B in Queenstown or consider one of these options:

Luxury Stays
Chalet Queenstown
Pounamu Apartments Queenstown
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Scenic Suites Queenstown

Mid-range Stays
Aspen Hotel Queenstown
Bella Vista Queenstown
Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown

Budget Stays
Mercure Queenstown Resort
Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road

Hostels
Haka Lodge Queenstown – Hostel
Nomads Queenstown Backpackers
YHA Queenstown Lakefront – Hostel

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