Best Activities in Queenstown: How to Make the Most of Your Adventure
Queenstown is a place where adventure is not just an option - it is a way of life. Set against a backdrop of jagged mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, this iconic New Zealand destination offers endless ways to explore, thrill, and unwind. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping adventures, soul-stirring landscapes, or moments of pure relaxation, Queenstown delivers it all with effortless charm. With easy ways to Book Flights to Queenstown and a fantastic range of Hotels in Queenstown, planning your journey to the adventure capital of the world is simple. Here’s your guide to the very best activities Queenstown has to offer.
Skyline Gondola and Luge
Start your Queenstown experience with a ride on the Skyline Gondola, rising high above the town to the summit of Bob’s Peak.
At the top, you are rewarded with sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range, and the sprawling landscapes beyond.
After soaking in the views, hop on the luge track for some family-friendly thrills. Choose between the scenic track for a gentle ride or the advanced track for hairpin turns and speedy descents, all while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Jet Boating on the Shotover River
Few activities capture Queenstown’s spirit quite like a jet boat ride through the dramatic Shotover Canyons.
Hold tight as skilled drivers race through narrow river gorges, perform 360-degree spins, and skim impossibly close to rocky cliffs.
The thrill of the speed, the spray of cold river water, and the jaw-dropping canyon scenery make this an unforgettable experience for adventure lovers.
Milford Sound Day Trip
Milford Sound is one of the most magical places on earth, and it is easily accessible from Queenstown via scenic flights or day tours.
Cruise through towering fjords surrounded by waterfalls, misty cliffs, and rainforest-covered peaks. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and the occasional penguin.
Whether by air or by road, a trip to Milford Sound is a must-do, offering a chance to witness nature’s grandeur at its finest.
Bungy Jumping
Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, and there is no better place to take the leap.
Test your courage at the historic Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world's first permanent commercial bungy site, or push your limits with a high-adrenaline jump at the Nevis Bungy, New Zealand’s highest.
Even if you choose not to jump, watching others take the plunge is an experience in itself, filled with cheering crowds and contagious excitement.
Wine Tasting in Gibbston Valley
After the high energy of Queenstown’s adventures, a relaxing afternoon in Gibbston Valley offers a perfect change of pace.
This renowned wine region, known as the "Valley of the Vines," is just a short drive from town.
Taste award-winning Pinot Noir, enjoy vineyard lunches, and tour historic wine cellars carved into hillsides. The stunning scenery makes every glass taste even better.
Hiking Queenstown Hill
For a rewarding hike close to town, tackle the Queenstown Hill Time Walk.
The trail winds through pine forests and open fields before reaching a summit with sweeping views over the lake and mountains.
It is moderately challenging but very achievable for most visitors, and the panoramic vistas from the top are well worth the effort, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Paragliding Over the Lake
For a truly unforgettable perspective on Queenstown, take to the skies with a tandem paragliding flight.
Launching from Bob’s Peak, you will soar over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, floating silently with the wind and gaining a new appreciation for the vast, stunning landscapes.
It is an exhilarating yet peaceful experience, perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a unique view of the region.
Explore Arrowtown
Step back in time with a visit to the charming historic village of Arrowtown.
Stroll along tree-lined streets, visit gold rush-era buildings, and try your hand at gold panning in the Arrow River.
Boutique shops, cozy cafés, and scenic trails make Arrowtown a delightful day trip that blends history, culture, and natural beauty.
Relax at Onsen Hot Pools
After days filled with adventure, there is no better way to unwind than a visit to the Onsen Hot Pools.
Soak in a private cedar-lined tub overlooking the Shotover River, with the mountains providing a stunning natural backdrop.
Booking a sunset or evening session adds a little extra magic, as the pools are lit by candles and the stars begin to appear overhead.
Lake Cruises and Water Adventures
Lake Wakatipu offers plenty of ways to get out on the water.
Take a scenic steamship cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, kayak along the shore, or try stand-up paddleboarding in the calm, clear waters.
Whether relaxing with a drink in hand or exploring the hidden corners of the lake, time spent on Lake Wakatipu is time well spent.
Conclusion
Queenstown is a place that feeds the soul, awakens the spirit, and thrills the heart.
Whether you are soaring through the sky, speeding through canyons, sipping world-class wine, or simply watching the sunset paint the mountains gold, every experience here feels like part of a grander adventure. With easy ways to Book Flights to Queenstown and a wide variety of fantastic Hotels in Queenstown, planning your perfect itinerary is simple. No matter how you choose to explore, Queenstown will leave you with memories that shine as brightly as its endless skies.