Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand‘s South Island, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and array of adventure activities. Surrounded by the majestic Remarkables mountain range, this picturesque destination offers visitors a multitude of outdoor pursuits year-round.
In winter, Queenstown transforms into a ski haven, with four world-class ski fields catering to all skill levels. During warmer months, visitors can partake in adrenaline-fueled activities such as bungee jumping, jet boating, and white-water rafting. For a more leisurely experience, explore the nearby vineyards, showcasing the region’s acclaimed wines.
With a vibrant town center, Queenstown offers a variety of dining, shopping, and accommodation options to suit all travelers’ tastes and budgets.
Official tourism website: https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz
The Best Places to Visit in Queenstown New Zealand
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is a stunning glacial lake situated in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, stretching 80 kilometers in length. The lake is bordered by the picturesque resort town of Queenstown and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic surrounding mountains, including The Remarkables range. Visitors to Lake Wakatipu can enjoy various water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking, as well as lakeside cycling and walking trails.
Google map 4.8/5
Skyline Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown is a popular attraction located atop Bob’s Peak, overlooking the town and offering panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. Accessible via the Skyline Gondola, the complex features a range of activities including the thrilling Luge, mountain biking trails, stargazing, and hiking paths. Visitors can also dine at the Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar while enjoying the breathtaking views, making Skyline Queenstown an essential experience for travelers.
Official website: https://queenstown.skyline.co.nz/
Google map 4.6/5
The Remarkables
The Remarkables is a striking mountain range that forms part of the Southern Alps, situated on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu. Known for its jagged peaks and dramatic slopes, the range is home to a popular ski resort, offering a variety of winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In the summer months, The Remarkables becomes a destination for hiking and mountaineering, with several trails and climbing routes available for outdoor enthusiasts.
Official website: https://www.theremarkables.co.nz
Google map 4.5/5 The Remarkables Ski Area
Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown Gardens is a picturesque public park located on a small peninsula extending into Lake Wakatipu, just a short walk from Queenstown’s town center. Covering an area of 14 hectares, the gardens boast a variety of native and exotic plants, including beautiful rose gardens and mature trees. The park offers a range of recreational facilities, such as a frisbee golf course, tennis courts, and lawn bowls, as well as walking paths and picnic spots with views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Official website: https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/
Google map 4.8/5
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is an accessible ski resort located approximately 18 kilometers from Queenstown, offering a range of winter sports on the slopes of the namesake mountain. With modern facilities, including high-speed chairlifts and extensive snow-making systems, the resort caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. During the summer months, Coronet Peak transforms into a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding, providing outdoor enthusiasts with stunning alpine vistas.
Official website: https://www.coronetpeak.co.nz
Google map 4.6/5
Shotover River
Shotover River is a swift-flowing watercourse originating in the Southern Alps and winding through the Skippers Canyon before joining the Kawarau River. Known for its gold-mining history and thrilling water-based activities, the river attracts adventure seekers eager to experience jet boating, white-water rafting, and gold-panning tours. The river’s dramatic canyon walls and turquoise waters also offer picturesque views, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Google map 4.8/5 Skippers Canyon
Google map 4.7/5 Shotover Jet Queenstown
Google map 4.9/5 Shotover Canyon Swing
Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond Track is a challenging day hike located near Queenstown, starting from the gondola base station or the One Mile Creek Walkway. The track ascends through dense native forest and alpine tussocks to the 1,748-meter summit of Ben Lomond, offering panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and the surrounding mountain ranges. The round-trip hike typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete, providing a rewarding outdoor experience for fit and well-prepared hikers.
Official website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Google map 5/5
Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a historic gold-mining village situated on the banks of the Arrow River, approximately 20 kilometers from Queenstown. Known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, the town offers a glimpse into its gold-rush past through attractions such as the Lakes District Museum and the Chinese Settlement. Arrowtown’s charming streets are also lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants, making it an enjoyable destination for tourists seeking a quaint and picturesque atmosphere.
Kawarau Suspension Bridge (Bungy Jumping)
Kawarau Suspension Bridge is a historic structure spanning the Kawarau River, located 23 kilometers from Queenstown. Constructed in 1880, the 43-meter-high bridge is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, with the world-famous AJ Hackett Bungy offering adrenaline-pumping jumps for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can take the plunge from the bridge or simply enjoy watching others from the viewing platform, while the nearby Kawarau Bungy Centre provides refreshments and souvenirs to commemorate the experience.
Google map 4.8/5
Skippers Canyon
Skippers Canyon is a rugged gorge carved by the Shotover River, situated approximately 20 kilometers from Queenstown. Steeped in gold-mining history, the canyon is home to the Skippers Road, a narrow, winding track offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the area through guided 4WD tours, which provide insight into the region’s fascinating past, as well as access to the historic Skippers Suspension Bridge and opportunities for gold panning and jet boating.
Google map 4.8/5 Skippers Canyon
Google map 4.8/5 Skippers Bridge
Kiwi Birdlife Park
Kiwi Birdlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in central Queenstown, dedicated to the conservation of native New Zealand species. Covering five acres of forest, the park offers visitors the chance to observe kiwi birds in their nocturnal habitat, as well as other native species, such as tuatara, kea, and weka. Daily wildlife shows and conservation talks provide educational opportunities, while the park’s focus on sustainability and species recovery programs highlights the importance of preserving New Zealand’s unique fauna.
Official website: https://kiwibird.co.nz
Google map 4.5/5
Glenorchy (day trip)
Glenorchy, a scenic village nestled at the head of Lake Wakatipu, is approximately 45 kilometers from Queenstown and offers a picturesque day trip option for visitors. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine wilderness, Glenorchy serves as a gateway to various hiking tracks, including the Routeburn Track, and is a popular filming location for movies such as The Lord of the Rings. Activities in the area include horse riding, jet boating, and guided nature walks, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes.
Milford Sound (day trip)
Milford Sound, a world-renowned fjord located within Fiordland National Park, is accessible from Queenstown via a day trip by road or air. Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Milford Sound offers visitors breathtaking views of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Day trips typically include a scenic cruise through the fjord, with opportunities to spot native wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and penguins, while optional extras may include kayaking or exploring the underwater observatory.
Google map 4.8/5
Gibbston Valley Wineries
Gibbston Valley Wineries is a renowned wine-producing region located approximately 25 kilometers from Queenstown, in the Central Otago area. Known for its award-winning Pinot Noir, the region features a number of boutique wineries and cellar doors, where visitors can sample a diverse range of wines and enjoy picturesque vineyard settings. Guided wine tours are available, offering insights into the winemaking process, as well as opportunities to taste local cheeses and artisanal products, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts.
Google map Gibbston
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Walter Peak High Country Farm is a traditional working farm situated on the southwestern shores of Lake Wakatipu, accessible via a scenic cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship from Queenstown. The farm offers visitors an authentic New Zealand farming experience, with demonstrations of sheep shearing, sheepdog handling, and feeding of various farm animals. Guests can also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lakeside gardens or indulge in a delicious farm-style meal at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, providing a unique and memorable excursion.
Google map 4.7/5 Walter Peak Farm
Google map 4.8/5 Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant