One of the best perks about living in Queenstown is that, between staff parties, locals-only deals, and friends hooking you up, you get to do pretty much every activity on offer. You also quickly discover which are worth the hype and which fall short.

I think all good to-do lists should tell it like it is. So, without further rambling, here are my favorite things to do in Queenstown and a few that weren’t personally for me.

Price note: 1 USD = Approx 1.65 NZD

Best Things to Do in Queenstown

1) TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise with BBQ Dinner

Why it’s a yes: Great value for money and an experience you can’t get elsewhere

So, what do locals do when they want to treat themselves in Queenstown? One of my absolute favorites is the TSS Earnslaw for dinner at Walter Peak.

What’s it all about?

You’ll hop aboard a historic coal-fired steamship and gracefully make your way across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak station–a high country working farm. Here, a hearty buffet greets your arrival, featuring wood-fired BBQ and heaps of salads and sides.

Afterward, you can choose to watch a farm show or meander around the property and say hello to their resident sheep. When everything’s wrapped up, you’ll return by boat to Queenstown.

Cost (NZD):  $175 for lunch and $189 for dinner per adult, 50% off for kids

Duration: 3.5 hours

2) White Water Rafting

Why it’s a yes: Value for money, adrenaline fix that lasts more than 10 seconds

Queenstown is undoubtedly the adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere—if not the world. Where else can you bungy jump, skydive, paraglide, zipline, and swing over a canyon all in a day?

These are all must-dos for the adrenaline junkie, but one that flies under the radar is white-water rafting. 

I went through Challenge Rafting and the entire experience is about 4 to 5 hours long. This includes a safety briefing, a terrifying drive along the Skippers Road, between 1.5 and 2.5 hours on the river, and time back at the base to enjoy a hot shower.

This one isn’t for the faint of heart and does require you to be decently comfortable around water. But for those who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires more participation, this one is for you.

Note: The description above is for the Shotover River Rafting. Challenge Rafting also offers rafting experiences on the Kawarau River, which is more gentle.

Cost:  $299 per person, open to ages 13 and above.

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

3) Millbrook Spa

Why it’s a yes: It’s spendy, but if you want to indulge yourself, this is the place to do it.

Maybe it’s because Queenstown has more brisk days than your average destination or perhaps it’s because, with so many adventure activities, there’s a need to balance it out with ultimate relaxation. Either way, when it comes to being spoiled, you’re spoilt for choices in Queenstown.

Onsen Hot Pools is by far the most popular option and honestly, they’re worth checking out, too. The views are fabulous, the pools are clean, and it’s a well-ironed operation.

However, my go-to for special occasions is The Spa at Millbrook. The massages themselves are great, but what sets it apart for me is Millbrook’s addictive peacefulness.

I don’t want to go into too much detail, as part of the magic of the experience is not knowing what splendors await. But trust me, it’s worth the money.

Cost:  $175 per person for a 1 hour massage, with plenty of options to upgrade

Duration: 1 hour to half a day if you include time at the Health and Fitness Centre

Book here (in advance!)

Love spas and natural hot pools? Be sure to check out our guide to Rotorua vs Queenstown to see where lock in your splurge!

4) Kiwi Park

Why it’s a yes: Great value for money, educational, and a chance to see the elusive kiwi bird

If you’re picturing a kiwi as a cute little bird that could fit in your hand, then you have to go to the Kiwi Park. I’ll admit, its entrance isn’t enticing, which is why I didn’t bother to go for the first five years I lived in Queenstown.

However, this wildlife sanctuary has so much more than what first meets the eye. Of course, the highlights are the kiwi birds, but there are also keas, kākā, blue ducks, wood pigeons, wekas, Antipodes Island Kākāriki, and Tūī. 

Fun Fact: Kiwi Park is part of a breed-for-release program, which helps endangered birds grow to an age where they’re more likely to survive and thrive in the wild.

Cost:  $60 for adults and $32 for children. You can also find great deals on Bookme here.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Book here

See our full breakdown of the best family tours in Queenstown!

5) Rent E-Bikes

Why it’s a yes: Value for money, fitness plus scenery

Queenstown is a bike lover’s dream. You can go for hours and hours and hardly cross a road. The trails are kept in exceptional shape and there are trail options for all levels.

However, the best part is the views. From vineyards to lakesides and from thrilling suspension bridges to peaceful forest trails, what you’ll see in just a few hours is pretty mind-blowing.

Rental prices range from about $60 for a two-hour rental to $120 for a full-day hire plus a shuttle service.

Cost:  $60 to $120 depending on time, quality of bike, and if transport is included.

Duration: 1 hour to full day

6) BYO Food on Perky’s

Why it’s a yes: Great views and a chill atmosphere

Perky’s is a boat that never leaves the dock. It’s parked there day and night, facing down Lake Whakatipu with brilliant views of the mountains. It has a bar that serves beer, wine, cider, and a decent amount of spirits. 

The best part is that you can bring food—any food your heart desires—on board. Snacks, appetizers, a four-course meal, it’s all good.

Cost:  $11.50 for a tap beer, $12 for house wine, $10 to $14 for spirits, and $12 for mocktails

Duration: 1 hour or to your heart’s desire

Find Perky’s here

7) A Round of Golf at Frankton Golf Centre

Why it’s a yes: Great for all abilities and an awesome way to get active and enjoy the views

Whenever I needed a fun activity and fresh air, a round at the Frankton Golf Centre was my go-to. It costs an easy $20.50 to play 9 holes and they also hire out clubs for $20.

If you’re not a pro, don’t worry. Serious golfers head to Millbrook or Jack’s Point, leaving this course open for novices and those looking to just have some fun. Conquering the nine holes shouldn’t take more than an hour, which is perfect if you’re like me and get over golfing pretty quickly. Or, you can always go for another round if you’re just warming up.

Cost:  $20.50 for a round + $20 club hire, $8.50 for a basket of balls + $2 per club hire

Duration: 1 hour or to your heart’s desire

Find Frankton Golf Centre here

Shameless Plug: Catch an Ice Hockey Game

Why it’s a yes: Support local athletes and potentially watch a sport you’ve never seen live before

Firstly, this is a shameless plug because my husband and I both played ice hockey here for over 10 years. Even so, if you happen to be in town when a game is on, why not catch a game?

The two main teams in town are the SkyCity Stampede (men) and the Wakatipu Wild (women), and most games are played between May and September. The atmosphere is always upbeat and fun. Plus, cheap drinks make it a perfect pre-going-out activity.

Cost:  Free for social games up to $35 for a Stampede game

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

You can find more information on game times here

Not For Me Queenstown Experiences

Remember—these are my opinions. Maybe you’ll love them, but I wanted to give my honest take:

1) Ziplining

Why it’s a no: Too educational and cold in the trees

I’ve joined Ziptrek Ecotours twice for their 6-line course. The zipline itself is thrilling, fun, scenic—everything you’d want. However, it’s the in-between that put this one on my no-list. While the experience takes about three hours, I’d guess that only around 15 minutes of that was ziplining.

Educational talks, short walks, safety briefings, and waiting for other zipliners took up the other 2 hours and 45 minutes—which might’ve been okay if I was in the sun. However, the course zigzags through a dense forest that’s chilly even in the middle of summer.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for an ‘entry-level’ adrenaline adventure and want to know more about the conservation efforts in Queenstown, this is a great activity. 

Cost:  Between $119 and $200 depending on course

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Who it’s for: Those seeking an educational experience mixed with thrill

2) Go Karting at Game Over Queenstown

Why it’s a no: Expensive for an experience you can get elsewhere

I’m more of a passenger princess, so you can see why this ended up on my ‘not for me’ list. Add to that the $49 price tag for a five-minute race, and my mind starts wandering to what else I could do with that money.

There is laser tag and an arcade here as well, so if you have little ones and are looking for a place to burn off some energy, this one’s probably more up your alley.

Cost: $49 for one ride for an adult, $39 for juniors

Duration: 5 minute ride, but allow 30 minutes 

Who it’s for: Those in need of a rainy-day activity

3) Skyline Gondola

Why it’s a no: Just lace up your trail shoes and hike…

If you’ve read any of my other pieces, you’ll know I’m an avid hiker. So, $64 for something I can do on foot just isn’t worth it for me. On the other hand, I do love Skyline, which is where the Gondola takes you. To reach it, take the Tiki Trail to the top (one-hour hike), then treat yourself to an ice cream or coffee. 

Cost: $64 for adults, $45 for children 6-14, and free for those 5 and under

Duration: 10 minutes by gondola or one hour on foot

Who it’s for: Families looking for an activity that all ages will love

4) Fergburger

I’m sorry, Fergburger. You did nothing wrong; you’re tasty and a very good burger. You’re just not that good that I’ll wait an hour in line when there are other worthy burgers nearby.

Cost: $19 to $24 for a burger

Duration: 10 minutes to one hour, depending on line

Who it’s for: Those who want to say they’ve tried Fergburger

Find Fergburger here or, for excellent food that doesn’t require waiting in line, check out our favorite food and wine tours in Queenstown!

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