Queenstown: Top Things To Do

Queenstown is by far most famous for its exceptional skiing and snow sports opportunities in winter, but if you’re not a fan of the snow or visiting outside of snow season, there’s still plenty of attractions to explore and adventure to be had while visiting the city. Check out a few of our top recommendations of things to do below:

Skiing

If you’re going to visit Queenstown during the cooler months, hitting up the slopes for some skiing, snowboarding or après ski is an absolute must-do. Both the Remarkables and Coronet Peak Resorts are both located within an hour’s drive of Queenstown and offer plenty of opportunities for beginner, intermediate and advanced snowsports enthusiasts, as well as a range of restaurants and sitting areas to relax at when you’re done for the day. There is also a regular shuttle bus running from the centre of Queenstown to each resort, meaning you can forgo the car and don’t need to worry about parking!

Shotover Jet Queenstown

The Shotover Jet in Queenstown is an absolute must if you’re looking for a thrill. For $159 NZD per adult, you’ll zoom through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River at crazy speeds, pulling off epic 360-degree spins and skimming past rock walls so close you can almost touch them. With expert drivers making it all look easy, it’s a wild mix of stunning scenery and heart-racing adventure. If you’re chasing an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, this is definitely the ride to try!

Skyline and Luge

Queenstown is known for its breathtaking scenery, and there are fewer ways better to take it in than via Queenstown’s Skyline and Luge. Located just a short walk from the centre of Queenstown, catch the Skyline up to the top of Bob’s Peak for $64NZD per adult before making your way over to the Luge where you can zip up and down a mountain track as fast (or as slow) as you desire. The Skyline exit point at the top of Bob’s Peak also has plenty of picnic spaces and a Restaurant, so once you’ve had your fill of adventure you can relax and take in the views from the top.

Queenstown: Top Places to Stay

Queenstown offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, from luxury lakeside resorts to budget-friendly hostels and cosy lodges. Whether you’re after something chic and central or peaceful and tucked away, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.

QT Queenstown

If you’re looking for accommodation that oozes style and luxury with stunning views, there are few better places to stay than the QT Queenstown. Located right across the road from Lake Wakatipu and boasting incredible views of the entire Queenstown region, spend your days on the slopes and your evenings taking in Queenstown’s beauty. There’s also a restaurant and bar on-site, so you don’t even have to leave your accommodation for food.

Holiday Inn Express

Located atop Frankton Road just a short walk from the centre of town, Queenstown’s Holiday Inn Express is the perfect intersection of style, affordability and proximity. Offering breakfast included, onsite parking and a dry room to store snow gear when needed, as well as comfortable and modern accommodation options for singles, families and couples, stay here on your next New Zealand adventure and enjoy the relaxed Queenstown lifestyle without the hefty pricetag.

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

Nestled right on the shores of the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu, the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa offers the perfect accommodation for those planning to visit Queenstown year-round. 3 kilometres from Queenstown Airport and 10 kilometres away from the centre of Queenstown – accessible via car, bus, public transport or water taxi – stay at the Hilton Queenstown and drive to and from the ski fields during winter or catch the water taxi and explore the region by water in summer.

Queenstown: Best Restaurants to Visit

Queenstown’s dining options are plentiful, and visitors are certain to find something to suit every taste, price point and dietary requirement. Here are a handful of our favourites and the most highly recommended venues to dine at while in the area.

Flame

If you’re in Queenstown and craving a delicious meal, Flame Grill is the place to hit up. Located right in the heart of town, they’re all about tasty flame-grilled steaks and burgers that are sure to hit the spot after a day of exploring. Plus, the relaxed vibe and friendly staff make it a perfect spot to chill and enjoy some great food while soaking in the local scene.

Odd Saint

Queenstown has no shortage of quaint and funky cafes to visit for breakfast before a day of adventure, but there are few places more highly recommended than Odd Saint. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, sit down for a relaxed brunch and enjoy their range of inventive dishes created with bold flavours, before heading off to explore the town and surrounding area.

Fergburger

Queenstown is well-known for plenty of things, not least of which is the iconic eatery Fergburger. Having first opened its doors in 2001 and since expanded to include FergBakery, Ferg’s Bar and Mrs Ferg, you can expect enormous and indulgent fresh-made burgers, pastries, ice cream and more from this hole in the wall. Open an impressive 21 hours every day, you’re guaranteed to be able to grab a bite to eat at just about any time – but be prepared to wait, as Fergburger consistently attracts a queue!

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