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.
Primarily functioning as a botanical park, the Queenstown Gardens are home to a number of native and introduced species of trees, flowers and shrubs. The Queenstown area is well known for its Douglas firs, a species introduced to the area throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Walk through boulevards lined by some of the oldest examples of the Douglas fir in New Zealand, alongside other species of fir and oak. The English oaks were the first trees in the gardens, planted in 1866 by the first mayor of Queenstown.
Enjoy a game of tennis, or take the kids to the Queenstown skate park, both located within the gardens. Watch a game of ice hockey at the Queenstown Ice Arena, home to the Southern Stampede ice hockey team. Strap on some skates and glide across the ice yourself, as the rink is open to visitors when training and matches are not in progress.
The most unusual of the leisure activities in the Queenstown Gardens is also its most popular. Disc golf, or Frisbee golf, has been played in the gardens since the early 1980s and today you will find a complete 18-hole course. Bring along a disc and try it out for yourself. You can buy discs, maps and scorecards from a number of stores in town.
The Queenstown Gardens are located just outside the town center, on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. You can easily reach the gardens on foot from downtown, but there is free parking available if you come by car. The gardens are open every day and entry is free. Fees apply to use the facilities of the various sporting clubs within the gardens, although the disc golf course is free
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The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels
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Reviews of Queenstown Gardens
5/5 - Excellent
Be sure to rent a disc (only $5 NZD) at one of the local outdoor stores and play disc golf. Beautiful way to tour the park and one of the cheapest activities to do in Queenstown.
5/5 - Excellent
This is just a couple blocks from the hotel so super convenient. You can also walk from the gardens to town, along the lake which is more pleasant than on the main road.
4/5 - Good
Easy 5 minute walk from this property
Popular places to visit
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.
TSS Earnslaw Steamship
Cruise in style across Lake Wakatipu, on this century-old steamship, which once carried Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
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.
Church of St Peters
You can find out about the history of Queenstown with a trip to Church of St Peters. Amble around this romantic area's lakeside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Queenstown Cemetery
Enjoy a stop at Queenstown Cemetery, a landmark worth seeing in Queenstown. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the shops in this romantic area.
Queenstown Ice Arena
Enjoy a trip to Queenstown Ice Arena and popular activities like skiing in Queenstown. Stroll along the lakeside in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.
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