Head to New Zealand's South Island for a stopover in the pretty little town of Queenstown. Nestled in an incredible natural setting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with the Remarkables range as a backdrop, it's a delight for adventure-seeking travelers. New Zealanders call it the "adventure capital of the world". From its pleasant downtown to its magnificent natural surroundings, let's discover Queenstown's 15 must-sees. One thing's for sure, you'll want to include Queenstown on your next trip to New Zealand.
1. Stroll through downtown Queenstown
One of the first things to do once you've arrived in Queenstown is to stroll around its downtown area, which is smaller than that of cities like Auckland or Christchurch. The streets are packed with stores of all kinds, bars and restaurants. There are also lush green spaces where you can sit on sunny days. And then, in no time at all, you'll find yourself walking along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, always very pleasant with beautiful views of the surrounding nature. The heart of the city is always full of life, especially in high season, when many young travelers come to discover the city and enjoy the outdoor activities. Not to mention that New Zealand is one of the best destinations for learning English.
Petit Futé's recommended tour: we recommend you book this guided Segway tour of Queenstown to discover all the city's most beautiful spots.
Petit Futé tip: Take advantage of a discount by booking your travel insurancehere and leave with peace of mind! Don't forget to apply for your visa right here to prepare for your trip.
2. A cruise on Lake Wakatipu
It's impossible to missa boat cruise during a stay in Queenstown! Travelers are invited to embark on the TSS Earnslaw, an iconic former steamboat that cruises the translucent waters of Lake Wakatipu, one of New Zealand's most beautiful spots, and allows visitors to admire the magnificent surrounding nature. Visitors can choose between a simple ride on the impressively large lake, or a ride with a stop at Walter Peak Farm, a former sheep farm that offers an immersion into the farms of yesteryear.
To book: Sail Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamboat for a spectacular experience by booking right here.
3. Bob's Peak
The "Gondola" gondola, the steepest in the southern hemisphere, is a must-see attraction in Queenstown. It leads to the complex atop Bob's Peak, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. At the top, there's a bar and restaurant. Bob's Peak is also a hub of activity, with mountain-biking trails and the inevitable toboggan run where one curve follows another. In reality, it's half go-kart, half toboggan down an asphalt track. The descent is sensational.
Good to know: if you'd like to opt for a customized travel itinerary in New Zealand, we recommend you request your free quote right here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
4. Enjoy the beaches of Queenstown
There are a number of lovely beaches along the lakeshore where you can take a break from cycling, or lay down your towel to soak up the sun and swim in summer. Queenstown Bay Beach is the most central. The water is refreshing and the view of nature breathtaking. Travelers looking for a little more privacy can take the road towards Glenorchy and spend a few hours at Little Stony Creek. This creek offers a heavenly setting, with translucent water, touches of vegetation and mountains in the background.
By the way, did you know that New Zealand is one of the best destinations for travelling alone?
5. Kiwi Park, a must-see in Queenstown
One of the best family activities in Queenstown. Kiwi Park is a refuge with a family atmosphere, where visitors can discover the species that inhabit the lands of New Zealand. As the name implies, visitors first encounter the kiwi, the country's most popular and representative bird. But they also see the kea, the world's only mountain parrot, the kaka, the weka, the tui and the tuatara, a reptile dating back over 220 million years!
To book : click here to book your entry to Kiwi Park, a must-see in Queenstown.
6. Winter skiing around Queenstown
Those who decide to visit Queenstown in the middle of winter can take advantage of their time in the city to reach the resorts that are a delight for winter sports enthusiasts. The 3 ski resorts within easy reach of Queenstown are Cardrona Alpine Resort, The Remarkables Ski Area and Coronet Peak. The slopes offer downhill skiing, snowboarding and many other powder activities. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, there's something for everyone. These resorts are ideal destinations for a trip in June, when winter rages in this part of the world.
7. Try bungee jumping
Bungy jumping is a popular sport in New Zealand. And Queenstown is certainly one of the most popular spots for fans of this sensational activity. It was two New Zealanders, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch, who made bungee jumping popular with a jump from the Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown. Those who wish can schedule a jump from this iconic site. For the more experienced, Nevis offers an 8.5-second freefall in the middle of a canyon, with spectacular views.
8. What to do in Queenstown Jet Boat trip
Queenstown is the "Adventure Capital of the World" for a reason! Have you ever heard of the Jet Boat? This boat, which carries several passengers, is more like a theme park attraction than a water cruise. The boat does offer its share of thrills, with tricks, rapids and other tight spots. In Queenstown, trips are offered into the heart of Shotover Canyon. The experience is memorable, and the natural scenery is simply sublime.
To book: Embark on an original jet boat tour on the Shotover River by booking here. Get ready for thrilling 360-degree pirouettes!
There's no doubt that New Zealand is one of the top 10 South Pacific destinations to discover in 2025!
9. The Queenstown Winter Festival, a flagship event
Every year, Queenstown hosts the famous Winter Festival, a festive celebration that attracts visitors from all over the world. The event features everything from skiing and snowboarding on the surrounding mountains to open-air concerts and fireworks. The streets become a lively winter carnival, with stalls selling local and international specialities, live music and a warm atmosphere. It's also an opportunity to discover New Zealand culture and hospitality.
10. Zip-lining
Queenstown is definitely the birthplace of thrills. From the city, 6 different zip lines offer the chance to glide over lush forests and green spaces, while enjoying magnificent views of the city, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. With maximum speeds of 70 km/h, the adrenalin rush is guaranteed. The activity is supervised by professionals, who will give you all the safety instructions you need to feel confident before launching yourself into the void.
11. The Time Tripper Underwater Experience
Travelers are invited to discover the fascinating history of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu with Time Tripper, a unique audiovisual experience. This show transports them millions of years back in time, revealing the secrets of the dinosaurs and creatures that once inhabited the region. Through captivating videos and impressive special effects, they explore the evolution of this land and its mythical lake. This immersive adventure, both entertaining and enriching, will appeal to young and old alike.
To book: Immerse yourself in an extraordinary adventure as you venture beneath Lake Wakatipu, traveling back in time from the ancient past to present-day Queenstown by booking your ticket for the Underwater Theatre experiencehere.
12. Taste the best burgers in the world!
Fergburger burgers are famous the world over. Some even claim that Fergburger makes the best burgers in the world. The sandwiches are made with the freshest ingredients, and given the long lines in front of the restaurant, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the recipes on the menu are delicious. You can eat in, or order takeaway and enjoy your lunch by the lake with a view of the mountains. A good option on the hottest days.
13. Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown Gardens is a pretty botanical garden with many exotic trees and plants. One of the first things to do is walk the path around the park, which offers beautiful views of Queenstown and the lake. It's also the perfect place to have a picnic in the shade of a tree, then let the kids have fun at the playground. The other must-do activity at Queenstown Gardens is disc golf. The park has an area where you can discover this sport, whose rules are similar to those of golf, but which consists of throwing a Frisbee-like disc into metal baskets topped with a crown of chains, which act as "holes".
14. A cruise in Milford Sound
From Queenstown, day trips are available to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most beautiful fjords. The drive from town to the fjord entrance alone is well worth it. It takes just under 4 hours. The cruise is a magical experience, watching the impressive rock faces plunge into the water. You'll also see numerous waterfalls and colonies of seals. The cruise lasts about 2 hours, and we recommend you bring your camera.
Yet another argument to convince travelers in search of the world's best eco-destinations.
To book: We recommend this day trip by coach to Milford Sound , including a cruise on the fjord. A unique opportunity to discover the wild flora and fauna, and picturesque backdrops of this world-famous fjord.
15. Escape to Arrowtown
Arrowtown is about 20 km from Queenstown. A stroll through the village center is a delight. Its buildings offer an immersion in the gold rush era of 1862. A Far West coastline that's sure to seduce! On the spot, head for Buckingham Street, the main street, to admire its buildings, before stopping in front of the charming St.Paul's Anglican Church. There are plenty of souvenir stores and the Lakes District Museum is a must-see to learn more about the town's history.
And don't forget: you can also rent a bike from Queenstown to Arrowtown right here. A great opportunity to admire the alpine scenery on a 35 km route that follows rivers and lakes.
Where to stay in Queenstown?
Queenstown is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing tourist destinations. So there's no shortage of accommodation options, either lakeside or a little away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Here's a selection of 3 hotels.
- Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, for proximity to the lake
This hotel, located on the shores of Lake Wakitapu, boasts contemporary, fully-equipped rooms which you can book here. The Novotel Queenstown Lakeside offers magnificent views of the lake and mountains. Several stores, restaurants and nightlife venues are within easy reach. There's also a restaurant.
- Caples Court, for peace and quiet
This hotel bookable hereis just a 5-minute walk from Queenstown Gardens. Rooms are simply decorated and all have a fridge, microwave and TV. Most rooms have a balcony overlooking Queenstown and the lake. Caples Court offers reasonable rates.
- The Millenium Hotel, for discerning travelers
This hotel is one of the upscale establishments you can book here. They feature elegantly decorated rooms and suites, a bar, restaurant, gym, sauna and whirlpool. In addition to the quality of its services, the Millenium Hotel is ideally located for enjoying Queenstown's top activities: gondola rides, bungee jumping, jet boating and white-water rafting.
Where to go hiking in Queenstown?
As the "Adventure Capital of the World", surrounded by breathtaking nature, Queenstown offers plenty of options for those who want to stretch their legs during hiking sessions. From the Queenstown skyline, you can plan a day hike to the summit of Mount Ben Lomond. You'll enjoy magnificent 360° views over Lake Wakatipu and the mountains of the Southern Alps. Roys Peak is one of the must-do hikes, with 1300 m of ascent offering breathtaking panoramas of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding area. We also recommend the Earnslaw Burn trek in the Glenorchy - Paradise valley. The opportunity to sleep at the foot of a glacier in the midst of a grandiose, wild and unspoilt natural environment.
Below you'll also find some of the hottest things to do in Queenstown :
Looking for another city to visit in New Zealand? Check out our top 15 must-sees in Christchurch!
Are you tempted? Take a look at our airfares and book now !
