Queenstown, New Zealand, is a place that sparks joy in the hearts of thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Flanked by the shimmering Lake Wakatipu on one side and the snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps on the other, this beautiful town is a captivating hotspot for travelers seeking heart-pounding adventures and serene natural beauty.

Today we’re diving into the coolest things to do in Queenstown, from the exhilarating leaps off towering bridges to a soothing soak in a hot geothermal pool. We’ll explore the rugged landscapes that beckon hikers and the mouthwatering culinary delights that await foodies. Whatever type of vacation you’re seeking, you’ll never be stuck for what to do in Queenstown!

With so many fantastic things to see and do, it can be tricky to know where to begin. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the absolute best things to do in Queenstown. Add these activities and attractions to your Queenstown bucket list, and you’re sure to have an incredible time exploring the “Adventure Capital of the World.” 

The 10 Best Things to Do in Queenstown, NZ

1. Go Bungee Jumping at the Kawarau River

If you’re seeking high-speed activities, one of the most unique things to do in Queenstown is to bungee jump off the Kawarau Bridge. This is the exact spot where the first-ever commercial bungee jump in the world took place in 1987!

When you’ve decided to take the plunge, you’ll drop 141 feet down to the sparkling blue Kawarau River below. You get so close to the water that you can actually touch it with your fingertips. 

Not brave enough to bungee jump alone? You can do a tandem jump with your travel buddy and experience this once-in-a-lifetime activity together. Or, for even more thrills, you can even bungee jump naked! 

2. Ride the Gondola to the Top of Bob’s Peak

For some of the best sights in Queenstown, hop onto the Queenstown Gondola and ride to the top of Bob’s Peak. The short ride lasts for just 5 minutes, but it whisks you up 1,476 feet in the air. Along the way, you’ll be treated to sensational views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables. 

Incredible panoramas aren’t the only things waiting for you at the summit. At the top, you can have a go at paragliding, ziplining, mountain biking, hiking, and stargazing. When you’re done, you can hop into the driving seat and ride a luge to the bottom. The track covers 5,250 feet of exciting dips, tunnels, and corners.

3. Pamper Yourself at the Onsen Hot Pools

Need a little pampering? Spending a day at the Onsen Hot Pools is one of the best things to do in Queenstown. Just a 10-minute drive outside the center of the city, this indulgent day spa provides you with a peaceful retreat where you can do as little as possible.

When you arrive, you’ll be taken to a private wooden room with a steaming hot pool that’s all yours. Each room overlooks the Shotover River and surrounding mountains, guaranteeing panoramic views you’ll never want to leave behind. 

You can stick to the basic package and enjoy complimentary drinks while you soak or upgrade and treat yourself to a therapeutic massage or spa treatment after your soak.

4. Hike to the Top of Queenstown Hill

When you need a breath of fresh air away from all the typical Queenstown attractions, make plans to hike to the summit of Queenstown Hill. The most popular easy hike in the area, this walking trail leads you to the Basket of Dreams, a metal sculpture designed to inspire. From here, all your hard work will be rewarded with spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the rest of Queenstown. 

If you’ve still got some energy left, you can continue hiking up for another 10 minutes. Do this, and you’ll reach the very top of the hill, where your extra effort will be honored with views that stretch across the Remarkables mountain range. 

5. Dig into an Iconic Fergburger

Ask any local and they’ll tell you that dining at Fergburger is one of the must-do things in Queenstown. The town’s most famous restaurant, Fergburger dishes up a huge range of burgers made with beef, chicken, fish, venison, lamb, and pork. There are even plant-based options made with tempura tofu and falafel.

We suggest ordering the classic Fergburger. It comes with a single patty made from prime New Zealand beef, crispy lettuce, sweet tomato, red onion, creamy aioli, and tangy tomato relish. Add an extra beef patty and cheese for even more deliciousness! If you visit in the morning, you’ll have the chance to dig into one of Fergburger’s amazing breakfast sandwiches.

6. Feel the Speed on a Jet Boat Ride

When you’re craving a bit of excitement, one of the most fun things to do in Queenstown is to head down to the Shotover River and sign up for a jet boat ride. These super-speedy boats zoom at more than 50 mph over devastatingly blue waters. Combine high speeds with sudden stops, 360° spins, and icy splashes, and this incredible attraction is something you’ll want to repeat as soon as it’s over. 

A jet boat ride on the Shotover River isn’t all about speed. It’s also the best way to see the area’s dazzling canyons. The jagged cliffs rocket staggeringly high into the air and will surround you for the entire experience. 

7. Go to the Arrowtown Autumn Festival

If you’re planning on visiting in late April, you’re just in time for one of the top Queenstown activities – the Arrowtown Autumn Festival. The quiet, charming town of Arrowtown is absolutely stunning at this time of year, when every inch of the area is blanketed in autumnal hues.

The 6-day festival always features an amazing program bursting with sporting events, live music, comedy shows, art exhibitions, wine tastings, and food trucks. The street parade, the Arrow Miners Band, and the Buckingham Belles Can Can dance are just some of the major highlights that return to the festival every year.

8. Cruise Over Lake Wakatipu

For some of the best things to see in Queenstown, head down to the shore and sign up for a laid-back cruise along Lake Wakatipu. There are two main companies that operate scenic cruises on the lake, each of which offers a different experience.

Real Journeys organizes trips onboard the TSS Earnslaw, a stunning boat that dates back to the Gold Rush. This traditional steamship gives you the chance to watch workers shovel coal into the burner as you sail over the lake. 

Southern Discoveries hosts rides onboard the Spirit of Queenstown, a catamaran that goes further out into the lake. It’s the best choice if you’re looking for something smaller and relaxing. 

9. Treat Your Sweet Tooth to Pavlova

When you need a break from all the Queenstown sightseeing, stop for a moment at a cafe and treat yourself to a generous slice of pavlova. One of the most popular desserts in New Zealand, pavlova is a cake-sized solid meringue that’s topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. It’s traditionally served after lunch on Christmas Day, but you’ll find it available in many cafes, bakeries, and restaurants throughout the year.

Public Kitchen and Bar dishes up an incredible pavlova. It’s topped with huge dollops of whipped cream and locally sourced, seasonal fresh fruit – most often passionfruit, grapes, strawberries, and kiwi. The presentation is so superb that you won’t want to ruin it by eating it!

10. Explore the Local Craft Beer Scene

If you’re a fan of beer, one of the best things to do in New Zealand is to go bar hopping. Craft beer is huge in this town and because of that, loads of bars stock a fantastic collection of locally-made brews. 

Smiths on Shotover Street and Atlas on the waterfront are two of the best bars in the area, where you’ll be spoiled for choice with the number of top-notch craft beers. The selections are constantly changing, so you can return again and again without getting bored.

You can even cut out the middleman and go straight to the local breweries yourself. Searchlight and Altitude on the outskirts of town are some of the best. You can taste some local beers at both of these locations and meet their master creators before buying your favorites to take with you.

There you have it! The 10 best things to do in Queenstown. What’s your favorite thing to do in the Adventure Capital of the World? 

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