What makes Queenstown so captivating that everyone wants to return, where to visit in Queenstown? Do you know all the most beautiful tourist destinations in Queenstown? Don’t miss any experiences with Living Nomads with the list of 15 top attractions, must see & best places to visit in Queenstown below!
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Queenstown impresses with its majestic yet peaceful scenery: a small town nestled beside the unique S-shaped Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps. Just a two-hour flight from Auckland or Wellington, visitors can reach New Zealand’s “adventure capital.” Here, you’ll find everything from skiing and bungee jumping to riding the TSS Earnslaw steam train and exploring the famous Central Otago wine regions.
Discover the most worthwhile Queenstown tourist destinations below with us!
Best places to visit in Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu – Boat Trip and Sunset Viewing
Cruise Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu with the Million Dollar Cruise
Lake Wakatipu, winding through the Southern Alps, captivates with its turquoise waters that change with the sunlight. If you have the chance, you must try a 90-minute boat trip from Queenstown’s central pier, taking in the panoramic views of The Remarkables, Kelvin Peninsula, and hidden bays.
Visitors can listen to the vivid Māori legend about the “heart of the lake.” Be prepared with water and a light jacket if you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the air is cooler and the light is ideal for watching the sunset over the tranquil lake.
Mount Cook – A Journey to Conquer New Zealand’s Peaks
Aoraki National Park/Mount Cook is notable for its ice-covered mountains and giant glaciers, with Aoraki Peak, New Zealand’s highest peak, standing majestically against the clear blue sky. The journey from Queenstown takes approximately 3.5–4 hours, passing the turquoise Lake Pukaki and secluded valleys.
The Hooker Valley Track is a popular hiking route, crossing a suspension bridge and offering direct views of the glacier and distant snow-capped peaks. Visitors should prepare hiking shoes, water, and start early for the best weather conditions. Visiting Mount Cook Village, Lake Pukaki, or taking a scenic flight over the glacier will also provide a multifaceted experience of the high mountain region.
Kawarau Bridge – The Origin of Bungee Jumping
The Kawarau Bridge, spanning the narrow Kawarau River, is a thrilling bungee jump experience. The freefall from the 43-meter-high, 120-meter-long bridge offers a unique sensation of touching the turquoise river. The surrounding scenery of towering cliffs and narrow valleys further enhances the thrill and awe.
Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jumping Experience by AJ Hackett
Visitors should book in advance to ensure their jump time and prepare light clothing. Don’t forget to check in at the impressive jumps and admire the panoramic views of the Kawarau Valley, combined with a short walk around the bridge to explore more of the pristine natural landscape.
Shotover River – High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure
The Shotover River is a familiar destination for adrenaline enthusiasts in Queenstown. Here, you can try a one-hour Shotover Jet boat ride, gliding through stunning canyons, towering cliffs, and turbulent whirlpools. The maximum speed of 90 km/h will make your heart race and relieve stress amidst the sparkling sunlight reflecting on the water.
KJet: 1hr Jet Boat Ride Shotover & Kawarau Rivers
The guide will perform many dramatic 360-degree spins close to the cliffs. The surrounding landscape changes constantly, from rugged granite rocks to lush green pine forests. Note: Cameras and phones are not allowed.
Central Otago – Southern Wine Paradise
Wine Tasting Experience in Central Otago
The Central Otago wine region, nestled among rolling hills, is renowned for its top-quality Pinot Noir. Most visitors choose to take a wine tasting tour from Queenstown, visiting vineyards in Gibbston, Cromwell, and Bannockburn. During the tour, guides explain the impact of schist soil, altitude, and the cool, dry climate on the wine’s flavor.
Tours typically include 4–5 tastings, a light lunch, and a chance to tour traditional wineries. Electric bikes or buses make it easy to get around the vineyards. Tours have limited capacity, so booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Must see places in Queenstown: Arrowtown – A Historic Town Ablaze with Autumn Gold
Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in Otago, retaining its 19th-century architecture and distinctive cultural atmosphere. From Arrowtown, you’ll cycle through the Gibbston Valley, past vineyards, enjoying the Arrow River scenery and the vibrant golden hues of autumn.
Valley of the Vines E-Bike Day Tour
The small town retains its old gold mining style, with boutique shops, traditional cafes, and a peaceful atmosphere along the Arrow River. Arrowtown also hosts fall festivals and boasts many historical landmarks. This itinerary is perfect for families, groups of friends, or couples wanting to experience autumn and Southern wines in a tranquil, historic setting.
Coronet Peak – An Ideal Winter Skiing Destination
Coronet Peak is considered by visitors to be the most accessible ski area near Queenstown, with wide slopes and modern chairlifts. Beginners can choose First Timer packages, which offer step-by-step instruction to get acquainted with the snow. There is also a snow play area for children.
Queenstown Paragliding Adventure with Skytrek
In particular, from 4-9 pm on Wednesday and Friday evenings from June 25th to September 5th, plus a few Saturdays during the July summer holidays, you’ll have the chance to participate in Coronet Peak Night Skiing under the lights, along with a vibrant music festival. Mountain biking opens in December, allowing visitors to admire panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Alps.
The Remarkables – Challenging Trekking and Off-Road Vehicles
The Remarkables boasts a variety of trekking routes and exciting off-road vehicle activities. In summer, visitors can hike through sun-drenched valleys or climb mountain peaks to admire Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. This area is also famous for its freerides, suitable for both beginners and professional skiers.
4×4 vehicles allow exploration of rocky, red sand trails, offering an adventurous yet safe experience with professional guidance. In winter, visitors rent equipment and sign up for guides to try the challenging slopes. For a smooth trekking and offroad trip, prepare good trekking shoes, water, snacks, and wear layers of clothing as the weather changes quite quickly.
Gibbston Valley – Experience Wine Cellar in the Rocky Mountains
Gibbston Valley is the famous wine-producing center of Central Otago. The valley boasts renowned Pinot Noir wines and many charming wineries. Here, visitors are free to participate in cycling tours to visit vineyards, stop at cellar doors to taste wine, and enjoy cheese pairing.
Gibbston One-Day Bike Wine Tour with Audio Guide
If you don’t want to cycle, shuttle buses will take you directly to the wineries. Some roadside restaurants serve outdoor lunches with their own wines. This region also offers many day trips such as jet boating, offroading, or canyoning. Go early to avoid crowds, and book a tasting tour in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on the specialty wines of Central Otago.
Lake Wanaka – Relaxing Kayaking and Super Chill Camping
At Lake Wanaka, visitors can kayak on the clear blue water, admiring the majestic mountain ranges reflected in the tranquil lake. This area is also a great stop for mountaineering or mountain biking enthusiasts on the trails around the lake such as Diamond Lake/Rocky Mountain Trail.
Queenstown to Wanaka Small Group Tour (One Way)
Don’t miss the chance to take a photo of “That Wanaka Tree,” the symbol of the lake. If you have more time, combine it with a lakeside camping trip, enjoying the fresh air, listening to birdsong, and stargazing. The town of Wanaka, with its cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and craft shops, is also very close, providing all the amenities for visitors to the lake.
Skippers Canyon – A Spectacular Adventure Trail
Skippers Canyon offers an unforgettable adventure experience with its remote landscape and challenging trails. The road, built during the Golden Age of gold mining (1883–1890), clings to the high cliffs above the Shotover River, creating an adventurous and incredibly impressive 4WD route.
Half-Day Skippers Canyon Private Photography Adventure
The highlight is the experience of crossing the Skippers Bridge, a 100-meter-long suspension bridge 90 meters above the river. You should dedicate at least half a day to exploring the pristine landscape, historical sites, and majestic mountains of Skippers Canyon. Tip for visitors: prepare your camera and take a tour during the dry season (October to April) to fully enjoy the beauty of the canyon.
Onsen Hot Pools – Hot Spring Baths Amidst the Mountains
Onsen Hot Pools Experience in Queenstown
Onsen Hot Pools are the ideal place to relax after a day of outdoor activities in Queenstown. Private cedar tubs are located on the hillside overlooking the Shotover River, allowing visitors to soak in hot water while admiring the stunning mountain and valley views.
Additionally, there is an Onsen spa with a team of professional therapists, offering various massage and body care packages. Visitors can book a daytime experience to soothe muscles after trekking or skiing, or choose an evening session to combine bathing in the hot springs and stargazing.
Queenstown Hill Walk – A Panoramic Trekking Route
The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a popular trekking route for visitors to admire the panoramic views of the Lake Wakatipu area and the majestic Remarkables mountain range. The 1.5 km path starts from Belfast Terrace, winds through pine forests, leads to the summit of Te Tapu-nui, stops at the “Basket of Dreams” statue, and enjoys the spectacular views.
Along the way, there are six information boards about the history of the Māori people, the gold mining period, and the development of Queenstown. The journey takes about 2–3 hours round trip and requires medium to high fitness. Tip: Wear shoes with good grip, prepare water, and check the weather before you leave, especially in winter when there may be snow.
Kiwi Park Queenstown – Meet New Zealand’s Symbolic Bird
Kiwi Park, spanning 5 acres, is located in the heart of Queenstown. It currently preserves over 20 animal species, most notably the Kiwi bird – New Zealand’s national symbol – and the Tuatara, a living fossil from the ancient era. Visitors can participate in Kiwi Encounters to observe Kiwi birds in their unique dark environment, or watch a 30-minute Conservation Show featuring endangered animals and a professional guide.
Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission Ticket
Additionally, the Honeybee Centre is a place to observe honeybees and sample various high-quality honeys. Tickets include a self-guided audio tour and the opportunity for private interaction with Kiwis. The park is open from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM year-round, making it easy to integrate into any Queenstown exploration itinerary.
Glenorchy – “Middle-Earth” in Real Life
Located a 45-minute drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy is a dreamy destination with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient beech forests. Many of its landscapes have appeared in films like The Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and The Hobbit, making you feel like you’ve stepped into “Middle-Earth.”
Some exciting outdoor activities include kayaking on the Dart River, jet boating, and horseback riding through meadows and primeval forests. It’s also a popular destination for trekking tours on Routeburn, Greenstone/Caples, Rees, and Dart Track. The small town offers a variety of accommodation options from upscale lodges to campsites, along with cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores.
Queenstown Travel Tips for Independent Travelers
Queenstown offers a true sense of freedom, and independent travelers only need to keep these tips in mind to make their trip much smoother:
- Book adventure activities in advance on Klook to secure your spot, especially bungee jumping, skydiving, or jet boating, as slots fill up quickly during peak season.
- Choose accommodation in the center of Queenstown for easy access to Lake Wakatipu, the pier, the 2 NZD bus station, or early morning tours.
- Choose the right season: winter (June–September) is suitable for skiing, while summer (December–February) is ideal for trekking, cycling, and water activities.
- Prioritize environmentally friendly transportation such as buses, walking, or renting a car to freely explore nearby areas like Arrowtown, Glenorchy, or Gibbston.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queenstown Travel
1. Is Queenstown suitable for families with children?
Yes. 1. Queenstown offers many gentle activities suitable for children, such as strolling through Queenstown Gardens, boating on Lake Wakatipu, and activities at ski resorts.
2. Are bungee jumping or jet boating activities expensive?
The fees are relatively high. However, visitors should check out combo packages or book in advance through platforms like Klook to save money.
3. What are the best seasons for nature photography?
Autumn (around April–May) and spring (September–October) are very beautiful times with good light, changing colors of nature, and fewer tourists.
4. Is it easy to get to Queenstown and around the city?
Very easy. Queenstown has a nearby international airport, many bus and car rental options, and many attractions within walking distance of the city center.
5. Are there any activities available when it rains or is crowded?
Yes. Visitors can enjoy indoor experiences like spa treatments, museum visits, wine tastings, or go shopping and explore cafes, so they aren’t dependent on the weather.
Queenstown always knows how to captivate with its natural beauty: crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped mountains, romantic wine valleys, and countless outdoor activities for both adventure seekers and those seeking relaxation. No matter the season, Queenstown offers a unique energy – both vibrant and peaceful – enough to make any trip a memorable experience.
Bookmark these Queenstown tourist attractions and get ready for your dream trip!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Queenstown you can refer to
- Queenstown Skyline Gondola and Luge Ride with Optional Buffet Lunch or Dinner
- NZONE Skydive Experience in Queenstown
- Queenstown Quad Bike Adventure
- Milford Sound Sunriser Day Tour from Queenstown
- Queenstown Green & Gold Tour
- Queenstown Off Road Quad Bike Explore Tour
- Mountain Biking Day Pass
- Go Orange-Jet Boat Experience in Queenstown
Are you looking for more top things to do in New Zealand: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And Auckland here.
