What to do in Queenstown

Activities, attractions and tours

Queenstown
Queenstown
Queenstown which includes mountains and a sunset
Queenstown
The Remarkables Ski Area showing snow, landscape views and a river or creek

Queenstown Tourist Attractions & Activities

Always up for an enlightening experience and innovative ways to get inspired, you’re prepared to check out new territory like a pro. You’re excited to set sail in a different direction. It’s not difficult to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Australia makes it simple to book tons of things to do. Book your activities now, and the only thing you'll have left to do is pack your suitcase and start daydreaming. Next stop: Queenstown!

  • The activities in Queenstown are not only perfect for you, but they won’t bust your budget. We have 196 things to do here, and you can get them starting at just AU$18. Get your favourite excursion on Expedia Australia for significant savings, and you'll still have money for a top hotel or luxurious meal while you’re travelling.
  • Queenstown is a favourite among adventurers similar to you. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next holiday to this cityto learn about local culture and explore the best things to do. The top activities can earn the interest of even experienced explorers, and that includes savvy visitors like you. Our collection includes an impressive array of culturally themed excursions and opportunities for adventure. From unequalled ways to see the best this area has to provide like a Lord of the Rings Glenorchy Safari Tour to Queenstown's most fun-filled spots to stay entertained like the Skyline Gondola Admission & Dining in Stratosfare, there is a huge selection of active options at your disposal when you review the inventory of activities here at Expedia Australia.

Our activities are the perfect way to organise your getaway. It takes some planning to really get the most out of Queenstown, especially when you wish to include a lot of exciting activities. And we realise you don't plan to sleep all day—you're ready to get out and take it all in. You're anxious to sign up for the most essential activities around, and an exploration of historic city neighbourhoods is what you love best. Book professional area tours on Expedia Australia, and you may find all that you are looking for and more.


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Top places to visit

1. Queenstown Gardens

If you go to the outskirts of Queenstown you will find a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu which is home to the splendid Queenstown Gardens. Since 1867, this tranquil retreat has been a peaceful counterweight to the town’s busy streets. Visit the gardens to see heritage-listed trees and a number of other native and foreign species of flower, shrubs and plants. The first trees in the garden – mighty English oaks – were planted by the mayor of Queenstown in 1866 and the area’s most prominent tree species, the Douglas fir, was introduced here during the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Queenstown Gardens which includes a bridge and a pond

2. Skyline Queenstown

The Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the crest of Bob's Peak since 1967. Jump on board the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere and find yourself whisked up the side of the mountain for the perfect view of Queenstown and the magnificent surrounding landscape. Bob's Peak is also a great place for hiking, mountain biking, and especially paragliding.
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Skyline Gondola which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town

3. Kiwi and Birdlife Park

Few people ever get to see the notoriously shy kiwi in the wild and the changes in the environment of this flightless bird mean that it is inching ever closer to extinction. However, New Zealand’s national bird, while elusive, is a wholly remarkable creature, which is why many tourists choose to pay the Kiwi Birdlife Park a visit while in Queenstown.
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Kiwi and Birdlife Park featuring signage, zoo animals and bird life

4. Steamer Wharf

Steamer Wharf takes its name from the TSS Earnslaw, the historic steamboat which has been docked here for more than a century. Numerous other boats and yachts use the wharf as well, making it a pleasant spot to sit and watch both impressive marine vessels and people come and go. Tourists and locals alike are also drawn to the buzzing district by its rich nightlife and numerous restaurants, not to mention the local casino.
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Steamer Wharf which includes a bay or harbour, outdoor eating and general coastal views

5. 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 showing mountains, general coastal views and an aircraft

What to do in Queenstown


Discover the most popular places to visit in Queenstown

Explore areas of Queenstown

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

Queenstown City Centre

5/5(1 area review)

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
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Frankton

4.5/5(218 area reviews)

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

Frankton
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Goldfield Heights

Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
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Fernhill

Fernhill is well-regarded for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and fantastic lake views, and you might also want to make a stop by Lake Wakatipu, a top sight in the neighbourhood.

Fernhill
Sunshine Bay showing forest scenes, mountains and a small town or village

Sunshine Bay

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Go for a scenic walk along the shores of Lake Wakatipu in this peaceful suburb in the foothills of Ben Lomond, one of Queenstown’s most iconic mountains.

Sunshine Bay
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Boydtown

When in Boydtown, you can plan a visit to Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Boydtown

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Queenstown

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Queenstown is Queenstown City Centre and Fernhill is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Queenstown with kids?
Whether you're holidaying 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 neighbourhoods, 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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