What to do in Queenstown

Activities, attractions and tours

A mountainous town with a lake, surrounded by forest and clouds.
A town by a lake with mountains in the background.
A mountain range with snow-capped peaks and rolling hills in the foreground.
A coastal town with a lake, mountains, and residential buildings.
A snow-covered mountain peak with a clear sky and a lake in the valley below.

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 282 things to do here, and you can get them starting at just AU$8. 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.

Activities

Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

AU$90
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

AU$130
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

AU$98
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

AU$180
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Landscape view of a boat touring the Milford Sound

Milford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown

AU$312
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Milford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

AU$65
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)
Queenstown: Ice Bar Entry with Warm Winter Gear and Drink

QUEENSTOWN ICE BAR - Queenstown’s Premium Ice Bar Experience

AU$53
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
QUEENSTOWN ICE BAR - Queenstown’s Premium Ice Bar Experience
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch

AU$180
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch
30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure

30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure

AU$90
per adult
30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure
See all activities in Queenstown
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. 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.
Learn more
A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

2. 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.
Learn more
A stone bridge over a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and red flowers.

3. Kiwi 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.
Learn more
A bird with a wing injury perched on a fence next to a sign reading "T.C. THE KEA".

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.
Learn more
A lakeside town with boats docked, surrounded by forested mountains.

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.
Learn more
A helicopter flying over a large lake with mountains in the background.

What to do in Queenstown

Stay near popular Queenstown attractions

A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

Skyline Queenstown

9.2/10 (3,768 reviews)
Soar above Queenstown on the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. Enhance your visit with thrilling luge rides or a meal at Stratosfare Restaurant.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Queenstown

Find the best Queenstown areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Queenstown
Learn more about Queenstown
A beach with clear turquoise water, a forested mountain in the background, and people relaxing on the sand.

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.

A coastal town with a lake, mountains, and houses.

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.

A small aircraft parked on a tarmac with a mountainous landscape in the background.
Photo by Where Adventures Be
Open Photo by Where Adventures Be

Frankton

Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Remarkables Park Town Centre and Lake Wakatipu while in the area.

A coastal town nestled between forested hills and a clear blue lake.

Sunshine Bay

Visitors to Sunshine Bay like its mountain views and restaurants, and Lake Wakatipu is a sight worth a stop.

A coastal town with a bay, mountains, and a clear sky.

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.

 

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

A coastal town with mountains in the background and a body of water in the foreground.

Arthur's Point

A coastal town with a bay, surrounded by mountains.

Kelvin Heights

A lake with a boat, houses on a hillside, and autumn trees.

Kawarau Falls

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia