16 Best Things to do in Queenstown – 2026 Guide

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and once you see all the epic things to do there, it’s pretty obvious why.

You’ve got all the adrenaline activities like bungy jumping, jet boating, and skydiving, but then there’s also more laid-back things like hikes, a trip out to Milford Sound, or even just getting out on the lake on the TSS Earnslaw.

The hard part is figuring out what’s actually worth your time. When you’ve got that many options, it’s not always easy to know what to prioritise and what you can probably skip.

I lived in Queenstown for a couple of years and worked in the tourism industry while I was there, so I ended up trying a lot of different things. I have also popped back down for a few weekend trips and ticked off some more activities on my bucket list.

This list is a mix of my personal favourites as well as what experiences I think are well worth doing. Not just the ones everyone recommends, but the ones I actually enjoyed and would do again.

Best things to do in Queenstown

1. Do a Bungy Jump

If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can’t go to Queenstown and not do a bungy jump. I used to work here, so I might be a little biased, but bungy jumping honestly has to be one of the most iconic things you can do.

It’s the birthplace of commercial bungy, so it’s one of those “you have to do it at least once” experiences if you’re here for any kind of thrill.

Queenstown has two main bungy jumps, both run by AJ Hackett Bungy. There is one at the Kawarau Bridge and the other out at the Nevis.

The Kawarau Bridge bungy is the original jump. It’s 43 metres high, and what makes it extra fun is the optional water touch. I got completely dunked on this jump one time and absolutely loved every minute of it. This one’s my personal favourite just for the vibe and the history behind it.

Then you’ve got the Nevis Bungy, which is a completely different level. This one is massive at 134 metres, with around an 8 to 8.5 second freefall. It’s the full “go big or go home” experience. It’s way higher and way more intense. If you want pure adrenaline, this is the one to go for.

Both are amazing, it just depends if you want the classic Queenstown bungy experience at the Kawarau, or the full send moment at the Nevis.

2. Go Hiking

We all know Queenstown is absolutely stunning. The mountains, the lake, everything just looks good from every angle. But if you actually want to make the most of those views, doing a few of the incredible hikes is a must.

There are some really easy ones, and then a few longer, more challenging hikes too, but you definitely don’t need to completely tire yourself out on a big hike to get incredible scenery.

Here are some of my favourites:

Bob’s Cove

My go to easy walk. It’s a really nice, relaxed track with just a little bit of elevation, so you still get a bit of height without it feeling like a workout. It leads you out to a wharf with views over the mountains and the bright blue water of Lake Wakatipu.

Ben Lomond Track

This is the big one for proper hikers. It’s around 6–8 hours return depending on your pace, and it’s a full-on climb the entire way. It’s definitely tough and not for everyone, but if you’re up for a challenge, the views from the top stretch right across Queenstown and the surrounding mountains.

Wye Creek Track

A bit more of a hidden gem. It’s a shorter hike but quite steep, so you still get that burn in your legs. At the top, you’ve got a helipad viewpoint looking out over the lake and mountains. It’s usually way quieter than the more popular tracks too, which makes it feel a bit more special. I love this hike and try to do it each time I go back to Queenstown.

Queenstown Hill

Probably one of the most popular walks because it’s so accessible. You can start it straight from town, and it takes about 2–3 hours return. It’s a steady climb, and the viewpoint at the top gives you a really nice look over the whole basin.

Lake Alta (The Remarkables)

A stunning alpine walk that feels completely different from anything in town. It’s amazing in summer when it’s accessible, but not really a winter option. Definitely one of the more unique hikes around Queenstown.

Looking for more epic hikes to do? Check out my guide to the Best Walks in Queenstown HERE!

3. Day Trip to Milford sound

A day trip to Milford Sound is probably the second most popular thing you can do from Queenstown. Pretty much everyone who comes to the South Island has it on their bucket list.

Milford Sound, also known as Piopiotahi doesn’t feel real when you’re there. You’re cruising through this massive fiord surrounded by steep cliffs that drop straight into the water, with waterfalls coming down everywhere (especially if it’s been raining). It’s one of the few places you actually want it to rain when you are there.

The boat cruise is the main part of the experience. You head out into the fiord and slowly make your way through it, getting right up close to the cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife along the way.

Getting there is a big part of the day too, since it’s a long drive from Queenstown. You can drive yourself, but I’d recommend doing a tour instead if you are only going for the day.

It takes all the pressure off the timing and the long road trip, and you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery on the way in.

I’ve done it both ways, self-drive and a guided tour. If you do have some extra days then driving yourself will allow you to see so much more of the Fiordland Region and stay over night. Just make sure to book the cruise.

There’s also the option of doing a bus in, cruise, and then flying back to Queenstown which I have done as well. That’s a really cool way to experience it because the flight back means you get to see everything from the air, and it saves you hours of driving on the return trip.

4. Enjoy Fergburger on the Lakefront

Grabbing a Fergburger and taking it down to the lake is one of those really simple things you have to do in Queenstown.

Fergburger is right in town, and it’s only a short walk down to the lakefront, which makes it the perfect grab and go option. There’s usually a massive line out the door, especially in peak season, but you can actually call ahead and order, then just go pick it up when it’s ready instead of waiting around.

The menu is huge too. There are so many different burgers to choose from, plus sides and extras, so it’s not hard to find something you’ll like.

Once you’ve got your food, head down to the lake and find a spot to sit. You can go right onto the beach, sit along the wall (which is what most people do), or even grab a spot on the steps off to the side. It’s such a good place to just sit, eat, and take in the views.

Another option, which I always love doing if I feel like a drink as well, is heading into Perky’s Floating Bar. You can actually bring your own food in, and just order a drink there, which is a pretty cool setup and a nice way to mix it up a bit.

5. Go Luging

Going luging in Queenstown is a fun, easy activity that pretty much everyone ends up loving.

The luge is a fun, fast-paced activity where you ride a three-wheeled cart down a winding track, controlling your speed and steering as you go. You can cruise and take in the views or pick up speed and race your way to the bottom.

It is located is up at the top of Bob’s Peak, and the most common way to get up there is on the Skyline Gondola.

But if you do want to save a bit of money (and don’t mind a bit of a workout), you can walk up via the Tiki Trail instead. It’s a bit of a climb, but it will only take around 45 minutes to an hour to get to the top.

Once you’re up there, Luge is a really fun activity to add into your day. It’s not super adrenaline-heavy, but still fast enough to make it exciting, especially when you start racing your friends down. You can do multiple runs too, which is definitely worth it because one is never enough.

The views from the top are unreal as well, looking out over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, so even if you’re not there just for the luge, it’s worth heading up.

6. Visit Arrowtown

A visit to Arrowtown is such a nice little break from Queenstown, especially if you feel like slowing things down for a bit.

It’s only a 20-minute drive away, so super easy to get to if you’ve got a car. If not, you can also catch the bus from town, which is great for a half day or full day trip.

It’s a really cute, historic little town that’s known for its gold mining past, and you can still wander through parts of the old settlement and see what it used to be like.

There are also a few nice walks you can do while you’re out there. Tobins Track is a good one if you want a bit of elevation and views, and there are a couple of easier options too like the Arrow River trails where you can just wander alongside the water.

I always like coming out here, grabbing a coffee, and just taking my time walking around.

If you’re there in autumn, the trees all turn those bright orange and yellow colours, and the whole place looks unreal.

It’s simple, but it’s definitely worth adding into your Queenstown trip.

7. Explore Deer Park Heights

Deer Park Heights is a really cool spot just outside of Queenstown that’s definitely worth adding to your list.

It’s about a 15-minute drive from town, and it’s a self-drive experience where you take your own car up through a large farm with views the whole way. The road winds up above the lake and mountains, and the higher you go, the better the views get.

One thing to know before you go is that you do need to pre book. You can’t just show up on the day. We tried to do that the first time and didn’t realise, and missed out, so definitely book in advance, especially during peak season.

Once you’re in, you can drive around at your own pace and stop wherever you like. There are a bunch of lookout points and places to pull over for photos.

There are also lots of animals around, deer, goats, alpacas and more. You can buy feed at the start for a couple of dollars and feed them along the way, which is a fun part of the experience.

Both adults and children love Deer Park Heights, and it’s a great activity to add into your day, if you want something a bit different from the usual Queenstown activities.

8. Relax at Watershed Sauna

If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, I’d definitely recommend booking a sauna session at Watershed Sauna.

We booked one of the private saunas, and it ended up being one of my favourite experiences in Queenstown.

The sauna sits right on the edge of the lake, so you’ve got amazing views while you relax, and there’s a cold plunge straight into the lake if you’re feeling brave. There’s also an overhead cold bucket that dumps icy water over you, which definitely wakes you up.

We booked one of the early morning sessions and were a little worried it might be too cold, especially in winter. But once you’ve been sitting in the sauna for a while, stepping outside into the cool air actually feels really nice.

The contrast between the hot sauna, the cold water, and the mountain views makes it feel a little bit different from your average sauna experience.

It’s a great option if you want to slow down for a few hours and take a break from all the more action-packed activities around Queenstown.

9. Go White Water Rafting

White water rafting is easily one of my favourite things to do in Queenstown. I’ve done it more times than I can count while I was living there.

There are a couple of different rivers you can raft on, and they’re all different levels depending on how intense you want it to be. The more beginner-friendly option is the Kawarau River, but if you want something a bit more full-on, the Shotover River is the one to go for.

This is the Grade 5 rafting experience, and it’s definitely my personal favourite. I’ve done this one a few times because I loved it so much. It’s fast, it’s intense, and it’s just a really fun experience from start to finish. The river runs through Skippers Canyon, so you’ve got these massive canyon walls around you the whole time, which makes it even better.

You’ll go through a bunch of rapids along the way, and right at the end you go through this long, dark tunnel before coming out into the final rapid, which is such a cool way to finish it.

It’s definitely one for people who want a bit more adrenaline and actually want to get involved, you’re paddling, working as a team, and getting fully into it the whole time.

If you’re choosing between the different options, this is the one I’d recommend if you want the most fun out of it.

10. Go Jet Boating

Jet boating is one of those classic Queenstown activities that pretty much everyone ends up doing at some point. It’s fast, a bit of adrenaline, but not too full-on. You get to skim across the water, doing spins, and getting a mix of speed and scenery at the same time.

It’s a good middle ground if you want something fun without committing to something like bungy or skydiving.

There are a few different options around Queenstown, and they all have a slightly different vibe:

Shotover Jet

This is the one everyone knows. It’s famous for getting super close to the canyon walls, which is what makes it feel a bit more intense. The ride is shorter, but it’s fast-paced the whole time and all about those tight canyon sections. Book Shotover Jet here.

KJet Queenstown

Leaves right from town, which makes it really easy. The rides are longer and take you out across Lake Wakatipu and the wider rivers. It’s a bit more open compared to Shotover, but still a really fun option. Book KJet here.

Skippers Canyon jet boat

A bit more rugged and remote. The drive out there is part of the experience, and it feels a lot less busy than the main options. Good if you want something a bit different. Book Skippers Canyon Jet here.

Dart River Adventures

Out towards Glenorchy, so it takes up more of your day, but the scenery is completely different, wide braided rivers and mountains. It’s a really scenic option and feels a bit more like an experience than just a quick ride.

It really just depends what kind of setting you want, but you can’t really go wrong with any of them. Book Dart River Jet here.

11. Day trip to Glenorchy

A day trip to Glenorchy is a really nice way to get out of Queenstown for a bit and see a completely different side of the area.

It’s about a 45-minute drive, and the drive itself is a big part of it. You follow the edge of Lake Wakatipu the whole way, and there are heaps of spots to pull over for photos, such as Bob’s Cove and Bennetts Bluff Viewpoint, so it’s worth taking your time with it.

Glenorchy itself is a small, quiet town, and it’s most well known for the red boat shed sitting right on the water with the mountains behind it. But there’s a bit more to do out there than just that.

One of the best things to do is the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway. It’s an easy walk that takes you out through wetlands and boardwalks with mountain views the whole way. Super simple, but a really good way to take it all in.

If you’ve got a car, I’d definitely recommend driving yourself so you can stop along the way and take it all in. But there are also plenty of day tours you can book from Queenstown if you’d rather not drive.

I always loved heading out to Glenorchy when I lived in Queenstown. It’s a lot quieter, a bit more relaxed, and just a really nice change of pace while still being just as scenic.

12. Check out the local wineries

If you’re anything like me and enjoy a good glass of wine, then checking out the local wineries is a must!

Queenstown (and the wider Central Otago region) is pretty well known for its wine, especially Pinot Noir, and there are a bunch of really nice wineries scattered around the area. Most of them are in Gibbston Valley, which is only about a 20–25 minute drive from Queenstown.

Some of the more popular ones you’ll probably come across are Gibbston Valley Winery, Amisfield Winery, and Kinross Winery, all really nice spots with great wine and views.

You can either head out and visit a couple yourself if you’ve got a car and a sober driver, or there are tours that leave from Queenstown.

I did this tour with Altitude Tours and absolutely loved it. They take you around to four different wineries for tasting plus you get a guided tour an underground wine cave.

There’s also a hop-on hop-off wine bus that runs through the valley, which is a good option if you want a bit of flexibility.

Another really fun way to do it (and one I’d definitely recommend) is hiring a bike, especially around Arrowtown, and making a day out of cycling between wineries. It’s a pretty easy ride, and it’s just a nice way to spend the day at your own pace.

The wineries themselves are all really well set up. Nice settings, good food, and a bit more of a relaxed, slower vibe compared to the main Queenstown activities.

13. Go sky diving

Skydiving in Queenstown is another one you really don’t want to miss, especially if you’re into adrenaline.

I’ve been skydiving in a few different places, the US, Switzerland, and a few spots around New Zealand, and Queenstown is right up there as my favourite. The views here are incredible, especially in winter when the mountains are covered in snow.

My recommendation would be to go with NZONE Skydive. They offer jumps from 9,000ft, 12,000ft, and 15,000ft, depending on how much of an adrenaline hit you’re after and what your budget looks like.

Personally, I’d go all in and do the 15,000ft jump. If you’re only going to skydive once in Queenstown, you may as well make the most of it. You get more time in freefall, more time taking in the views from the plane, and the whole experience just feels bigger.

That said, the 12,000ft and 9,000ft options are still awesome if you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly.

For me, what makes this skydive stand out is the scenery. Looking out over Lake Wakatipu with mountains in every direction is pretty hard to beat. If you get a clear day, especially in winter when the peaks are covered in snow, you’ll see exactly why it’s one of my favourite places to skydive.

14. Party on a pub crawl

A pub crawl is a really good option if you’re looking for something to do in the evenings in Queenstown.

If you haven’t really been out in town yet, it’s a great way to get a feel for the nightlife and figure out which bars you actually like. You’ll usually have a host taking you around to a few of the popular spots, so you’re not having to plan anything yourself, you just follow along and see where the night goes.

I actually did one within my first week of moving down here, and it was a really good way to figure out what places were my vibe and which ones I’d want to go back to later. It makes it way easier to get your bearings in town and understand where everything is.

It’s also a really easy way to meet people. A lot of people doing it are only in in town for a short time, so it has a pretty social, mix-and-mingle kind of vibe.

Most of the stops are a mix of bars and pubs right in the centre of town, so everything is close together and easy to walk between. And if you end up wanting a bigger night, there are a few late-night spots around Queenstown that keep things going.

15. Cruise Across the Lake on the TSS Earnslaw

A really nice way to slow things down in Queenstown is jumping on the TSS Earnslaw.

TSS Earnslaw is that old coal-fired steamship you’ll see (and hear) cruising across the lake from town. It’s been running for over 100 years, and it’s a cool experience getting on board and heading out across Lake Wakatipu.

The boat takes you over to Walter Peak High Country Farm, which sits right at the base of the mountains in a really scenic spot. You can just do the return boat trip if you want, but I’d definitely recommend adding on the farm experience for lunch or dinner.

The food there is really good, and it’s set up buffet-style in a beautiful old homestead with views out over the lake and mountains. After that, you can wander around the farm, see the animals, and just take in the scenery.

It’s very popular, and for good reason, so make sure to book this one in advance.

16. Go Funyaking

One of the more unique things you can do around Queenstown is go funyakking with Dart River Adventures.

A funyak is basically an inflatable two-person kayak that’s really stable and easy to paddle, so you’re not dealing with anything too technical or intense. You go out in pairs, usually with a friend or family member, and paddle your way down the river with a guide.

The water out here is this crazy bright blue, and the whole setting is just unreal. You’re going through these calm sections and then small canyon like areas where the river narrows and the scenery changes around you. It’s quiet, peaceful, and really different from a lot of the other activities in Queenstown.

It’s not an adrenaline heavy experience, but it still feels like you’re right in the middle of nature the whole time. The mix of mountains, clear water, and canyon walls makes it feel pretty special.

It’s a really good option if you want something a bit more relaxed but still active, and it’s definitely one of those experiences that sticks with you after.

Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand

Queenstown has a way of packing a lot into one place. You can spend your days chasing adrenaline, ticking off the big bucket list stuff, or slowing it right down and just taking in the views.

What I like most about it is how easy it is to mix everything together. One day you’re doing something like bungy jumping or rafting, and the next you’re out on a lake cruise, sitting in a winery, or wandering through a small town like Arrowtown or Glenorchy. It never really feels repetitive.

Living here for a while definitely changed how I see it too. Some of the most talked-about activities are popular for a reason, but there are also so many smaller things that end up being just as memorable once you’re actually there.

I know just doing one of these activities will ensure you have an amazing time on your trip to Queenstown.