Things to do in Queenstown New Zealand
Queenstown: it’s New Zealand’s adventure capital. And although bungy jumping, zip lining, a swirling jet boat ride - or even a shark boat ride might sound fun, amazingly, Queenstown has even more to offer. So let’s explore it together and we’ll show you some of the best things to do in Queenstown New Zealand.
- Grab a Famous Burger at Fergburger
No trip to Queenstown is complete without stopping by the legendary Fergburger. This is literally the most famous burger in New Zealand, and has even gone on to achieve international fame, with features in CNN (yes, really!) This local institution is known worldwide for its massive, gourmet burgers - and yes, the hype is real. Expect a bit of a queue (sometimes even at midnight), if you ring ahead or visit at off peak times, you should get in and out within about 15 minutes.
It’s hard to choose, but luckily there is something for everyone, even with dietary requirements. We loved the breakfast burger, Morning Glory, and you know that we are still dreaming about it even months later.
- Test Your Nerve at the Kawarau Bungy & Zipline
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, and seeing as how it’s the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, it’s really no surprise. What’s really cool, is that you can visit where it all began - the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. Leap from 43 metres above the turquoise Kawarau River for the ultimate adrenaline rush - or if you’re looking for something slightly tamer, try the zip line. That’s what we did. And for $100 it was well, well worth it. They even included photos for that price. Winner, winner.
- Explore the Historic Charm of Arrowtown
Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown lies Arrowtown, a beautifully preserved former gold mining village that feels like stepping back in time. Wander the tree-lined streets, browse boutique shops, grab a deliciously rich hot chocolate from Patagonia, and take a look around the beautiful historic buildings. We highly recommend visiting in Autumn, where the whole village turns golden. It’s absolutely stunning and like a miniature Vermont.
In Arrowtown, you can also visit the Chinese Settlement tucked into the riverbank, offering a glimpse into the lives of early Chinese miners who came to New Zealand in the 1800s.
- Ride the Skyline Gondola & Luge
For one of the best views in Queenstown, hop aboard the Skyline Gondola and ride high above the town to Bob’s Peak. It’s impossible to miss - the gondola literally looks out over Queenstown! Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range.
After soaking in the scenery, unleash your inner kid on the Luge tracks. It’s part go-kart, part toboggan, and a whole lot of fun. There are multiple tracks to choose from, so you can take it easy or race your travel buddy to the bottom.
- Take a Scenic Drive to Glenorchy
If you love road trips and jaw-dropping landscapes, set aside a few hours to drive to Glenorchy. The 45-minute journey from Queenstown is often rated one of the most scenic drives in the world. Once you arrive, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk or head deeper into nature on one of the area’s many hiking trails. It’s also a dream destination for photographers and Lord of the Rings fans — many scenes from Middle-earth were filmed in this region.
Queenstown is a stunning place that has so much to offer and is undoubtedly worth a visit. Make sure you stop in on your next South Island road trip, and check out our Queenstown YouTube video for even more Queenstown things to do!