When David first suggested Queenstown, New Zealand as a holiday destination, I was a little hesitant. It wasn’t really on my list of places I wanted to travel to. He assured me though, that it was a truly amazing part of the world…so I went with it and we were booking our flights! We had plans to do some exciting adventure activities while we were there….and gosh did we ever! Well, I have to say, it has to be my favourite holiday destination of all! This was prior to Ethan coming into our lives, but since then, we’ve taken him back to show him this incredible place too. To be honest, if we had to choose another country in the world to live – Queenstown, New Zealand would be it! Here I’ll explore my top 10 best things to do in Queenstown.
So you have your flights booked, but you’re wondering what you’re going to do once you get there? Well you’re in the right place! I’ll tell you my Top 10 BEST things to do in Queenstown. Stick around to find out more.
1. Paragliding
These are not in any order, but number one on my list would have to be paragliding.
This was THE most exhilarating thing I’ve done in my life! The scariest part was actually running off the mountain (and hoping that the wind didn’t change!)
Once you’re in the air, the experience is incredible! The views over Lake Wakatipu are spectacular and it’s so peaceful when you’re that high up! This is definitely something I’d love to do again, perhaps in another city even.
The company we went with was G Force Paragliding, located at the top of the Skyline Gondola. Highly recommend!
I feel this was one of the best things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand!
2. White Water Rafting
Talk about an adrenaline rush! Don’t try this if you’re worried about getting your clothes wet! This was a lot of fun! Queenstown offers a range of rapids from complete beginner to advanced (we were complete beginners). So what are you waiting for….get out there, get wet and explore some of Queenstown’s rivers and beautiful nature. You won’t be disappointed!
3. Take a trip to Milford Sound
This would have to be our favourite part of the trip. Milford Sound is the eighth wonder of the world, known for it’s towering Mitre Peak along with it’s breathtaking scenery, rainforests and stunning waterfalls. Milford Sound is also home to seals, penguins and dolphins. There’s even an underwater observatory.
From Queenstown, a coach-cruise-coach tour day trip to Milford Sound s available, however, it is a 4 hour drive there and back, making it a pretty long day.
Another option is to upgrade to a coach-cruise-fly tour, where you opt for a helicopter ride back from Milford Sound to Queenstown after the cruise. It should take about 1.5 hours to return.
We chose to break up the trip by travelling from Queenstown to Te Anau (about a 2 hour drive) and stayed the night. The following morning the coach picked us up for Milford Sound where we boarded the cruise. Following this, we traveled back to Te Anau for another night and returned to Queenstown by coach the following day. If you can work this into your itinerary it’s well worth it and I highly recommend!
4. Stop overnight at Te Anau
As mentioned above, we stayed a night in Te Anau either side of Milford Sound and I really recommend doing this. I feel that it makes it a lot less rushed which is what you want when you’re visiting Milford Sound.
What a beautiful quaint little town Te Anau is. There’s cute little cafes as well as shops. Be sure to check out the Glow Worm caves for a mysterious underground tour.
I also recommend hiring a bike in the town. There are many different trails to explore with different levels of intensity. Pack a picnic lunch, sit by the lake and enjoy the tranquility and beauty that is Te Anau.
5. Treat yourself to a “Fergburger!”
Probably the most iconic place to eat in Queenstown. I’ve even heard people say that they have the best burgers in the WORLD! They are open 21 hours a day (8am to 5am), and you can see why! The queues are famously out the door onto the street…and let me tell you…it’s well worth the wait!
Then, when you’ve finished your burger, be sure to head next door for an ice cream at Mrs Ferg Gelateria! You won’t be disappointed.
Address: 42 Shotover Street, Queenstown
6. Ride the Luge (more than once!)
This is so much fun for all ages! A great family actvity. Think riding go-carts down over 800 metres of winding tracks, heading around corners and through tunnels.
Once you finish the course, catch the chairlift back up to the top and do it all again. Trust me…it’s addictive….you’ll want to ride it more than once…and look at that scenery!
7. Bike the wineries
This was a surprising one for us. We were looking forward to having a full day bike ride, but did not expect to enjoy it so much!
The day starts by meeting at Around the Basin Bike Tours office in Queenstown at 9am, they will drop you off at the historic Arrowtown. From there, you are given your bikes, a map, safety briefing and you’re on your way. It’s a self guided tour, but the great thing is, if there are any issues, they are happy to pick you up along the way just by phoning them!
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, crossing three suspension bridges including the Kawarau Bridge (stop and watch people bungy jumping) before heading on the Gibbston Valley Trail to visit as many as 8 wineries. Stop for a picnic along the way or a bite to eat and wine tasting at any of the wineries. We found a local pub for a delicious burger.
From there the shuttle bus picks you up to drive you back to Queenstown. The ride distance was between 15-22km. What an incredible day!
8. Splurge on a helicopter ride
It’s definitely not cheap, but if you can, factor into the budget a helicopter ride because it’s well worth it for such an amazing experience! We landed on snow-capped mountains which was just incredible. Whichever seat you manage to secure, enjoy the stunning landscape that is Queenstown as you soar high over the mountains! Stop for a photo opportunity, before you head back after making some unforgettable memories. What a way to see the spectacular Queenstown views!
We flew with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters (operated by Helicopters Queenstown). They are located at 35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown
9. Explore Walter Peak on an Electric bike
This is a must do! First you catch the historic TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship and cruise across the stunning Lake Wakatipu before meeting your experienced guide at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Youl’ll be decked out in your protective clothing, given a run down of the electric bike as well as a safety briefing, with some time to practice!
From there, enjoy a scenic ride across the farmland with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Colonel’s Homestead.
At the end of the tour, you’re provided with refreshments and can take in the beautiful scenery. Then head back to board the TSS Earnslaw for your return trip to Queenstown. All up, the experience takes about 3.5 hours. We booked through Real Journeys.
As an aside, Walter Peak High Country Farm also run farm tours and buffet lunches/dinners which are well worth it if you have the time.
10. Don’t go home without having dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
…..and finally #10 of my Top 10 BEST things to do in Queenstown is….
Dine at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, Queenstown ! Ride the Skyline Gondola (which is fun in itself) to the top of the mountain and you can’t miss it.
Enjoy a scrumptious buffet lunch or dinner (including fresh seafood) all while taking in the spectacular views over Queenstown. If you’d like to guarantee yourself a window seat, you can book the Premium Dining option. Be sure to secure your table in advance as bookings do fill up quickly (as we’ve experienced in the past), especially in the peak season.
To sum it up, there is so much to see and do in Queenstown and wherever you go, and whatever you do, you’ll be sure to see spectacular scenery! You’ll definitely be back…I know we will!
A hot tip for booking any activities in Queenstown is to visit the site bookme.co.nz where you can pick up great deals on tours, activities, restaurants and attractions!
I hope you’ve found this post helpful. I’d love to hear your experiences in Queenstown by commenting below. Also, if you’re travelling with kids check out my tips for plane travel here. Happy reading x