Every time I visit Queenstown, I wonder how much this little place has to offer. Queenstown is one city which holds a special place in my heart.

When you visit NewZealand, usually your trip starts in Queenstown, Auckland or Christ Church. I would suggest leaving Queenstown for the last, it is the best! For more insights on North island, click here for the best New Zealand North Island Things to do.

Here is my Top 12 list which will help you plan better easy as there is always too much to miss.

     1. Queenstown Hill

Hiking Queenstown Hill to the summit of Te Tapunui is a ‘must’ thing to do. An easy climb of 500 m starts from Belfast Street right at the center of Queenstown. The short climb through Pine trees is rewarded by a 360-degree view of Queenstown Hill which provides glimpses of Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau River & The Remarkables.

A “Dream Basket” is located at the top of the hill which is supposedly a linkage to the future.

Wanderer’s Tip: I did a mistake of hiking at the noon during the summer, which was miserably hot!

    2. Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is located right at the center of the city surrounded by mountains which makes it even more convenient for travelers. A walk along the shores of Wakatipu is simply perfect for any time of the day. There are options for biking & fishing as well. Easy access to water and the picnic benches on the shore makes it a great place for everyone.

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3. Steam Ship Cruise

Though this was not in my plan, I ended up with a Groupon ticket and I am glad I did. The iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship cruises across the lake while you spend time learning the history of Queenstown or working of the Steam engine. There is a cafe onboard which serves drinks & food. Optional extras include visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek, barbecue lunch or evening dining.

Wanderer’s Tip: Considering it is a 90-minute cruise, think if it would really interest you as there is not much of an activity and is more of a quiet cruise.

    4. Adventures – Name it, you got it

No wonder why Queenstown is called the adventure capital. There are endless options varying from White River rafting, Shot over Jet, Kayaking, Helicopter Rides, Swings, Skydive, Luge, Gondola, Skyline etc.  The most economical way to enjoy some of these will be to purchase the combo coupons based on your preferences.

Combos, ExperienceOZ, Ultimate Queenstown & Book Me are some of the providers which you could choose from.

   5. Bungy Jumping

Though it is an adventure by itself, I believe Bungy Jumping is something which I should call out separately. AJ Hackett Bungy provides three different options for Bungy Jumping in Queenstown.

For the ease of decision making, below is a quick comparison.

• Nevis Bungy: New Zealand’s highest Bungy (134m), 8.5 seconds free fall (Most expensive of all the three)
• Kawarau Suspension Bridge: World’s first commercial Bungy, 43m high, Water touch available
• Ledge Bungy: Freestyle Bungy with legs left free without being tied, night jumps available

I chose Nevis Jumpy and I must say I did enjoy it (Anyways you must Jump , then why not from the tallest)

   6. The Remarkables

The Remarkables mountain range is famous for its ski fields & the beautiful backdrop it forms for the Lake Wakatipu. I visited it as a part of a Lord of the Rings tour. Shuttle services are also available from Queenstown for easy transportation.

    7. Art Galleries, Wine shops, Pizza parlors

No trip to Queenstown is complete without a glass of good wine. There is a number of Wine shops, Art Galleries  & Pizza Parlours all around the city.  For those who have an eye for art, this is a great place too. You could walk into the galleries and view the artworks, a lot of them specialising in New Zealand landscapes. One of the delicacies I got carried away was the delicious Pizzas available throughout in Queenstown. Where you are there, make sure to try.

    8. Day trip to Milford Sound

Four hours away from Queenstown is Milford Sound, part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. With a range of activities including multi-day hikes,  Milford Sound leaves you with a long lasting impression. You can drive down, or take one of the package tours from Queenstown to visit Milford Sound. The road leading to Milford sound itself is beautiful with pristine alpine views.

Check out cruises to Milford Sound here . Need less expensive options? , Check here for prices & schedule 

Te-Anau is a stopover while driving towards Milford sound (also the last gas station!) . Cruises to Doubtful Sound, another picturesque location starts from here as well. Read More about an overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound here.

Mirror Lake is another quick stop, located just 5 minutes walking distance from the main Road, where you get to catch a glimpse of the reflections of Earl Mountains.

    9. Ferg burger

Queenstown is famous for it’s Big, Fresh & Juicy Ferg Burgers. The long queue outside the cafe which is open for 21 hours (!) proves it as well. However, I must say, even though it was a great burger, I did not find it standing up to the hype (could be partly because I was a vegetarian at the time and hence could not taste a meat burger)

   10. Arrow town

Arrow town is a historic village 25 km away from Queenstown. This little town has its own charm with the heritage buildings, bike tracks, and gold rush history. Also, it is famous for its beautiful Autumn colors.

    11. Glenorchy

Glenorchy is situated 45 km away from Queenstown and serves as a stopover for those who head towards Routeburn/Rees/Dart/Greenstone walking tracks in Mount Aspiring & Fiordland National parks. Just as other places around Queenstown, Glenorchy is a center for endless options including hiking, skydiving, cruises, kayaking, Jet boating, Horse Riding and so on. Glenorchy hotel provides good accommodation options.

    12. Buy Merino

New Zealand is famous for Merino wool. Merino is a breed of sheep famous for its fine, soft wool and its ability to thrive in New Zealand’s ‘high country’. When you get a lot of options to purchase Merino clothing & accessories in Queenstown why not buy it as a souvenir?

What I missed? ( Yes, I need a reason to go back to Queenstown again !)

• Coronet Peak
• Moke Lake
• Bob’s peak
• Queenstown Garden

Do I need a Car in Queenstown ?

You don’t, as there are shuttle services available from anywhere to everywhere. But if there are more people, driving town to Milford sound will be more economical than purchasing the packages.

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So, what do you think? Did I miss any hot spot of Queenstown?

Want to read more on New Zealand ?- Read the experience of hiking Tongariro Crossing as an inexperienced hiker or Free things to do in North Island.