Queenstown was one of our final stops on a three-week journey across New Zealand. By the time we arrived, we had already witnessed the unparalleled beauty of the blooming lupins at Lake Tekapo, the charming riverbanks of Christchurch, and the jaw-dropping panoramic views from Roys Peak. However, none of those serene moments prepared us for the pure adrenaline rush of plummeting from a bridge or speeding in a jet boat that felt determined to crash into canyon rocks.
We had heard that Queenstown is the “Adventure Capital of the World,” a place where every other attraction sounded like a superlative, like the world’s first commercial bungy jump or the highest canyon swing.
However, Queenstown is more than all extreme sports. Bordered by the majestic peaks of The Remarkables and the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is also a place of astounding natural beauty. It is a mixed bag in the best way possible. A town offering everything from charming hotels with hot soak tubs that are perfect for unwinding after a long, action-packed day to natural beauty hard to put in words.
We spent five nights here in total. Our first three days were dedicated to chasing thrills before we detoured to Te Anau for a Milford Sound cruise. Our final two days were reserved for slowing down. We spent them soaking in the alpine scenery, strolling through the tranquil Queenstown Gardens, and indulging in the legendary Fergburger.
If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, these are the best experiences in Queenstown that you absolutely cannot miss.
Bungy Jumping in Queenstown
Bungy jumping was the very first activity on our Queenstown itinerary. Imagine throwing yourself off a bridge suspended between cliffs, plunging towards the fast-flowing Kawarau River. This is the exact historic spot where AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch launched the world’s first commercial bungy jump. While I didn’t personally fancy leaping from a 43-metre-high bridge unlike Ashish, it easily ranked as one of the best experiences in Queenstown.
Kawarau Swing
Luckily for those faint of heart like me, there are alternative ways to enjoy the gorge. The Kawarau Swing lets you take the same 43-metre plunge, but strapped in alongside a partner. It releases you into a massive, sweeping arc rather than a vertical free-fall bounce, making it significantly less terrifying but just as thrilling. It is the perfect adventure to share with friends and I 10/10 recommend it.
Nevis Bungy Jumping and Swing
Kiwis are famous for taking things to the extreme, and the Nevis site is the perfect example. Known as the playground where “big kids come to play,” you have to be a special kind of daring to take on New Zealand’s highest bungy.
The site is also home to one of the world’s biggest canyon swings and the world’s largest human catapult. Visiting the Nevis Valley is a half-to-full-day adventure, accessible exclusively via the AJ Hackett 4WD bus.
If a massive bungy jump has been on your bucket list, you simply cannot miss this New Zealand experience.
Booking the Activities
It is highly advisable to pre-book these activities and grab a combo deal of bungy jump and swing ride. You can either book the activities on the official site here or use our code ESCAPETOLANDSCAPES5 on the GetYourGuide app to get a flat 5% discount on all activities.
Click here to book the Kawarau experience and click here to book the Nevis Playground experience.
Where to Stay
- Kamana Lakehouse – We loved staying here and the soak tubs overlooking the lake.
- Redfern Retreat – Set away from the main hubbub, this is one of the best stays perfect for couples.
- Absoloot Hostel QT – If you want to stay close to the centre, this is the perfect choice on a budget.
- Airbnb in QT: Check out our collection of hand-picked airbnb perfect for a comfortable stay.
Arrowtown
Arrowtown was our second pitstop on the drive from Wanaka to Queenstown. Located just a quick 10-minute drive from AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Jump bridge, taking a short detour to this charming settlement is often considered one of the best experiences in Queenstown.
Visiting Arrowtown is much like stepping back in time. Famous for its rich history as an 1860s gold-mining village, you’ll instantly find yourself smiling at the beautifully preserved wooden storefronts, historic miner cottages, and vintage-style signboards that line the main street.
It is widely regarded as a fantastic, easy addition to any South Island road trip. We stopped for a little over an hour here before completing our drive into Queenstown, which felt like the perfect amount of time to stretch our legs and soak in the nostalgic, gold-rush-era vibe.
Our Favourite Photo Spots
Lake Cruise
The iconic steamship adds another layer of charm to Queenstown. The loud “toot toot” steam engine whistle is almost unmissable. The TSS Earnslaw is the OG from 1900s and an icon. You’ll know it when you’ll see it.
Moreover, a lake cruise in Wakatipu gives an entirely different perspective of the town and also exposes the sheer vastness of the lake. The cruise tour can last anywhere between one and half to four hours, depending on which tour you choose.
While we could not squeeze in a lake cruise experience on our trip, we certainly recommend you to not miss this experience.
Book the cruise experience here or use our code ESCAPETOLANSCAPES5 for a flat 5% discount on all activities.
Where to Eat
- Fergburger – You can’t go to QT and not grab a burger from Ferg. We loved their Bombay Chicken.
- Bella Cucina – This is another crowd-pleaser serving delicious Italian cuisine.
- FINZ Seafood – If you’re craving some really good seafood and grills, FINZ is the spot.
- Lokal Kitchen & Bar – If you’re staying at Fernhill, hop by Lokal for drinks and food.
- Anita Gelato – Don’t miss grabbing a gelato from Anita’s.
Queenstown Garden
Taking a sunset stroll through the Queenstown Gardens was easily one of the best experiences in Queenstown. It is a popular hangout spot among locals. However, we particularly enjoyed walking along the tranquil banks of Lake Wakatipu. During the warm, early-summer month of November, many people were busy taking a refreshing dip in the lake and soaking up the sun on the floating platform in the lake.
What We’d do Differently Next Time
If there were two things we could do differently, we would absolutely bring a picnic blanket and perhaps a legendary Fergburger to enjoy as the sun goes down.
We would also allocate a bit more time to fully explore the trails of this beautiful, peninsula-like park.
If you prefer grabbing a coffee or a meal, be sure to check out The Bathhouse, a charming heritage café and restaurant located right on the beachfront by the gardens. We highly recommend walking the loop track around the edge of the peninsula for spectacular, uninterrupted views of Queenstown Bay.
Shotover Jet
Riding the iconic bright red Shotover Jet through the narrow Shotover River Canyons at high speeds will almost convince you that you are on a collision course with the rock walls. Chances are you have already seen videos of its hair-raising 360-degree spins on social media, and for good reason. This adrenaline-pumping ride completely lives up to the hype and is easily one of the best experiences in Queenstown.
I am afraid your Queenstown trip might actually feel incomplete without this experience. You can book your slot on the official website or use our code ESCAPETOLANDSCAPE5 on GetYourGuide app to get a flat 5% discount.
Onsen & Hot Pools
Someone wise once said that hot pools hit different after a day of adrenaline-fueled activities. Clearly, that “someone wise” was me! Soaking in a scenic hot tub was easily one of our favourite and best experiences in Queenstown.
While we ended up booking a soak slot in the hot tubs at our accommodation, Kāmana Lakehouse, there are several incredible hot pool spots across the area to choose from:
- Onsen Hot Pools – The most iconic option in Queenstown, located in Arthur’s Point overlooking the dramatic Shotover River Canyon. It is the perfect way to unwind right after riding the Shotover Jet, but pre-booking well in advance is essential as time slots sell out quickly. Click here to book now.
💰60 minutes soak: NZD180 for two bather - Driftaway Queenstown – These modern private hot tubs are a part of the newly opened holiday park overlooking Lake Wakatipu. They offer stunning panoramic views, making them an ideal choice for a sunset soak. Click here to book your slot.
💰60 minutes access NZD145 for 2-4 people. - Omarama Hot Tubs – If you don’t mind a road trip detour, imagine soaking in a wood-fired hot tub surrounded by mountains in the lap of nature.
These are located in Ōmarama, about a 2-hour drive from Queenstown along the route to Mount Cook. If you’re looking for a fantastic stop on the way, don’t forget to bookmark Omarama.
💰90 minutes session: NZD100/person - Watershed Sauna – Although it isn’t an onsen, the floating sauna experience in Queenstown is one of the coolest experiences to try. Click here to book this activity at a discount.
💰Single session: NZD65/person
Day Trips near Queenstown
One of the things I particularly enjoyed about our stay was the easy access to incredible day trips. Out of all the options, these two were my absolute favourites. Many travellers prefer to combine Bob’s Cove Walk and a visit to Glenorchy into one itinerary since they are in the same direction.
Even if you don’t wish to do much walking, the scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the most spectacular road trips in New Zealand. The views winding alongside Lake Wakatipu are unparalleled, and you will want to pull over at every lookout point. We stopped at Sunshine Bay Track, Wilson Bay and the famous Bennetts Bluff. There were sections of the drive where we literally turned around just to experience the jaw-dropping scenery one more time!
Bob’s Cove Walk
Located just a 14 km drive from the city centre along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Bob’s Cove Walk is one of the most peaceful natural escapes near the town. The easy trail winds through native mountain beech forest, leading you to a stunning aqua-blue lakeside beach. From there, a short, steep climb takes you up to Picnic Point for panoramic views of the lake and mountains. While the hike can be extended to the Twelve Mile Delta, most visitors prefer the shorter 2 to 3 km return loop.
This walk is perfect for a sunny, laid-back day, and enjoying its pristine beauty easily ranks among the best experiences in Queenstown. If you are planning to do the Bob’s Cove Walk, do not miss the historic wooden jetty. It is one of the most picturesque and Instagram-worthy spots in the area!
This 3 km loop is perfect for a sunny and laid back day in Queenstown. If you’re planning to do the Bob’s Cove Walk, don’t miss the jetty. It is easily one of the most picturesque spots.
Glenorchy
Sitting at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, just an hour’s drive from the city centre, Glenorchy offers the perfect balance of rich Maori history and dramatic natural beauty. It is easy to see why Peter Jackson chose this breathtaking region to bring The Lord of the Rings’ Middle-earth to life.
Our Experience
Glenorchy marked the final stop on our day-trip itinerary. The moment we arrived, we spotted the town’s iconic red shed. It stood beautifully on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, framing a perfect contrast against the rugged mountains. Obviously, there was also a small line of visitors waiting to capture the classic photograph. We decided to walk over to the Glenorchy Wharf and Viewpoint to soak in the scenery a bit more before driving back to the famous Mrs. Woolly’s General Store. The charming name alone drew me in, and we stopped for a quick snack, fresh coffee, and a bit of window-shopping.
We had to keep our visit brief because our schedule required driving to Te Anau that same afternoon for a Milford Sound cruise. Ironically, Milford Sound sits only about 40 kilometers away from Glenorchy as the crow flies, but reaching it by road requires a jarring 330-kilometer drive winding all the way back through Queenstown!
The sealed highway literally ends at Glenorchy. From there, the route splits into rugged, unsealed gravel tracks leading deep into the wilderness. Because we ran out of time, we saved a few local trails for our next New Zealand trip.
Things to do in Glenorchy
Adding these to your itinerary will easily provide some of the best experiences in Queenstown and its surrounding areas:
- Glenorchy Walkway: This gentle track guides you around the scenic Glenorchy Lagoon. While it lacks a high-elevation viewpoint, it offers a beautifully peaceful, flat walk that is perfect for a sunny afternoon.
- Isengard Lookout: This one’s for all the LOTR fans. A short scenic drive past Glenorchy takes you into the Dart Valley. It’s home to the sweeping filming location for Isengard, the imposing “Iron Fortress” of Gondor.
- Routeburn Nature Walk: The world-famous Routeburn Track usually requires a challenging three-day hiking commitment. However, the Routeburn Nature Walk provides a gentle 40-minute forested loop, allowing you to easily experience a taste of this iconic Great Walk.
You can also book this Lord of the Rings tour to explore all the iconic filming locations near Queenstown.
Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting
Imagine if you could taste the wine from the world’s southern-most wine producing region. Well, good for you, because Gibbston Valley and the central Otago is hardly half an hour drive away from Queenstown. Sitting close to the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre, you can also club your visit to the winery to celebrate the jump.
While we opted for a wine pairing and dinner service at NEST, Kamana Lakehouse, here are a few wineries that are highly recommended:
Final Thoughts
Queenstown is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, packed with heart-pumping adventures, world-class dining, and breathtaking alpine landscapes. Even with five full nights in town, we barely scratched the surface. With so much left to discover, not a single bone in our body wanted to pack up and leave.
While many travellers fly directly into Queenstown and use it as a base to explore everything from Glenorchy to Milford Sound, we chose to balance action-packed days with time to simply soak it all in. Even without ticking off every item on our wish-list, we walked away having enjoyed some of the absolute best experiences in Queenstown. Whether you visit for high-flying adrenaline or serene mountain sunsets, this vibrant town will easily steal your heart.
Planning more of your South Island road trip? If Wanaka is your next stop, check out our lis of 5 Epic Things You Cannot Miss in Wanaka.
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