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The first time your eyes fall on the beauty that is the town of Queenstown you are utterly and hopelessly mesmerized. You remember it as equally as any of the other first time big moments of your life. Like your first kiss or the first time you got caught telling a lie.
My first time visiting Queenstown was part of a one month road trip around New Zealand and is one of my favourite places to return to.
The latest visit was in 2025, and no matter how many times I’ve visited (coming up to 6) there is always something new to discover and see.
With that in mind, here are my recommendations for things to do and how to make the most of your time here.
Queenstown is located in the South Island of New Zealand, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps.
It’s known for its stunning alpine scenery, adventure sports, and vibrant food scene—making it one of the most popular travel destinations in the country.
Getting to Queenstown
- By Air: Queenstown has its own international airport (ZQN), with direct flights from major cities in New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch) and seasonal flights from Australia. The airport is only a 15-minute drive from the town center.
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By Car: If you’re already on the South Island, Queenstown is a 6-hour drive from Christchurch, 3.5 hours from Dunedin, and 2 hours from Te Anau (gateway to Fiordland). The drive from Wanaka is about 1.5 hours, depending on the route you choose.
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By Bus: Several companies operate buses between Queenstown and other South Island destinations. This is a good option if you prefer not to drive or want to take in the views without worrying about navigation.
Do I need to rent a car in Queenstown?
Honestly, renting a car is the way I would do it—and have done it—because there’s just so much to explore in the surrounding region. While Queenstown itself is walkable, many of the best hikes and day trips (like Lake Alta, Isthmus Peak, or Glenorchy) are easier to reach with your own car.
It’s also quite affordable and easy to navigate. If you’re arriving from elsewhere in New Zealand, I recommend checking Discovercars to compare prices and find a rental that suits your trip. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
What to do in Queenstown
1. Hike around the area
No Queenstown trip is complete without at least one hike. Two standouts are Lake Alta and Isthmus Peak. Lake Alta is a shorter alpine hike, starting from the Remarkables ski field—expect a one-hour climb to a glacial lake framed by rugged peaks.
Isthmus Peak, about 1.5 hours from Queenstown (or 30 minutes from Wanaka), rewards you with epic views of both Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka, though the climb is a serious workout.
2. Visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park
This is a unique opportunity to get up close with New Zealand’s famous national bird. It is a conversation sanctuary with dark rooms for the Kiwi’s (since they are nocturnal) and lots of other birds like tuataras, keas and native species. Great for families and children as well!
3. Take the Gondola and Luge Experience
The Skyline Gondola is one of these fun places for friends, couples and families. You also can’t beat the views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
The ticket of the Gondola covers the ride up to the top, but you’ll have to pay extra for luge rides if you so wish (which I recommend, even if you do the 3-rides).
There is also a cafe, a souvenir shop and lockers (that usually don’t work) to store your belongings while there.
4. Walk along the waterfront
Queenstown’s lakefront is stunning in any season. Stroll along the wharf, grab a coffee, and watch the steamship TSS Earnslaw cruise across the water.
5. Ride the Steamship to Walter Park Farm
If you have extra time, or want a unique experience for your dinner plans, consider booking a ride and dinner experience at the TSS Earnslaw. In addition to being a floating museum, the farm tour is a great way to learn about the region and the buffet dinner is absolutely incredible.
6. Drive to Glenorchy
The scenic drive to Glenorchy is in itself, an attraction.
Once there, make sure to walk around the boardwalk and take your time enjoying the scenery.
7. Camp with a view of the Remarkables
Queenstown is a popular spot for campers with plenty of campsites to choose from. If you’re into camping, pitch your tent at Twelve Mile Delta for an unforgettable way to start or end the day.
8. Eat at Fergburger
Fergburger has a huge reputation, and an even longer line. The burgers are definitely worth the wait as a one time experience.
Trying a Fergburger and snapping a photo with that beautifully branded paper bag to have as proof was one of the first things I did when I visited Queenstown a few years ago. This time I wanted less of a wait with an equally tasty outcome. Enter Devil Burger.
You won’t get a line here, but you’ll get an equally great burger!
Both places offer GF and celiac friendly food as well.
9. Try the Doughnuts at Fergbaker
While I consider the burgers to be a nice-to-do if you have time, the doughnuts over at Fergbaker next do, are an absolute must. They also do excellent pies, sweet treats and coffee to power you through a big day, so make it your early morning stop before you head out.
10. Picnic and Fish & Chips on the Lakefront
Pick up a classic fish and chips from Erik’s and eat by the lake. This is another celiac friendly food spot (there are a few in Queenstown). You can also stock up at the supermarket and have a picnic by the wharf or in the Queenstown Gardens.
11. Have a drink at the ice bar
Touristy? Sure! But the experience is fun if you haven’t been to one before. You also have options, as there are 3 ice bars in Queenstown to choose from: Below Zero Ice Bar, Minus 5° ICE BAR, and Queenstown Ice Bar.
12. Visit Arrowtown
Just 20minutes from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a historic gold mining village with a charming main Street, incredible coffee and an interesting museum that is worth seeing.
13. Go shopping
Queenstown is a surprisingly good shopping destination. From outdoor gear to local designer boutiques and souvenir shops, there are tons of options if you are looking to get a gift for people back home, or a little something for you.
14. Walk around Queenstown Gardens
Last few times I was in Queenstown there was less time for careless exploring and more planned excursions. This time, I had a local with me to show me the best places to park and more free time. The Queenstown Gardens are centrally located only a close walk from Lake Wakatipu and offer a relaxing environment for a picnic or leisurely walk.
15. Hit the slopes
Winter in Queenstown is insanely popular and with good reason. The Remarkables and Coronet Peak Ski fields are both within a short drive from town and offer a good variety of runs for all levels. While I haven’t had the chance to ski there yet, I am looking forward to in my next visit.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting New Zealand
- Emergency: Dial 111 for all emergencies.
- Language: Both English and Māori are official languages in New Zealand. Samoan, Northern Chinese and Hindi are also widely spoken. Common phrases to learn are “Kia ora” (Hi – informal greeting), “Aotearoa” (Māori name for New Zealand), “Mōrena”, (Good morning), “Whānau”, (Family).
- Water: Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in New Zealand.
- Driving: Left-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Geography: New Zealand has two main islands (North and South) and a number of smaller islands including Stewart Island at the bottom of the South Island.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Air New Zealand (check out their safety videos) and Jetstar.
- Taxi: You will be able to download apps like Uber, Ola and Cabify among others, to order taxi rides.
- Culture: It is not uncommon for people to walk barefoot in certain settings in New Zealand. The summer season is popular for festivals, roadtrips and of course, a good opportunity to see a rugby game.
