Things to do in Queenstown

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Queenstown which includes a sunset, mist or fog and a bay or harbor
Queenstown which includes a sunset, mist or fog and a bay or harbor
Fernhill showing a city, a sunset and night scenes
Queenstown showing mountains and a sunset
Queenstown showing a river or creek, a small town or village and landscape views
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Queenstown must see attractions

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 coastal town and a bay or harbor

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. 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 featuring an aircraft, mountains and general coastal views

5. 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 showing boating, a marina and mountains

What to do in Queenstown

Discover the most popular places to visit in Queenstown

Queenstown Gardens featuring forests

Queenstown Gardens

4.5/5(161 reviews)

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 coastal town and a bay or harbor

Skyline Queenstown

4.5/5(260 reviews)

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
Landscape of Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown Mall

4/5(120 reviews)

During your visit to Queenstown, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Queenstown Mall. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this romantic area.

Queenstown Mall
TSS Earnslaw Steamship which includes a bay or harbor, picnicing and a sandy beach

TSS Earnslaw Steamship

4.5/5(30 reviews)

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 which includes bird life and zoo animals

Kiwi and Birdlife Park

4.5/5(25 reviews)

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

Kiwi and Birdlife Park
Bob\'s Peak featuring an aircraft, mountains and general coastal views

Bob's Peak

5/5(32 reviews)

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
Queenstown Beach showing a lake or waterhole, a sandy beach and sailing

Queenstown Beach

4.5/5(90 reviews)

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
Steamer Wharf showing boating, a marina and mountains

Steamer Wharf

4.5/5(90 reviews)

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
Skyline Luge showing a lake or waterhole

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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Queenstown

Queenstown Beach featuring a small town or village, a pebble beach and a lake or waterhole

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
Frankton featuring a small town or village, forests and mountains

Frankton

4/5(42 area reviews)

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

Frankton
Queenstown featuring a sunset, a river or creek and mountains

Fernhill

Nestled on the lower slopes of Ben Lomond mountain, this suburb offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and Sunshine Bay. Explore walking and biking tracks, and access Queenstown via a single road.

Fernhill
Queenstown View on a Sunny Day in New Zealand

Goldfield Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Goldfield Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
Sunshine Bay featuring forests, mountains and a small town or village

Sunshine Bay

5/5(7 area reviews)

Nestled on the lower slopes of Ben Lomond mountain, this picturesque suburb offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. Accessible by a single road, it's a serene escape from bustling Queenstown.

Sunshine Bay
Queenstown Bay Panorama, New Zealand.

Boydtown

Though Boydtown might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park.

Boydtown

Popular day trips from Queenstown

Sunrise over Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand

Arthur's Point

Kelvin Heights showing mountains, a small town or village and a lake or waterhole

Kelvin Heights

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometers from the city center 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 vacationing 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 neighborhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Queenstown.

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