Your Ultimate Guide to Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand is…
Landing in Queenstown; January 2019
The rugged mountains of Queenstown; January 2019
The view from our hotel room’s balcony in Queenstown, New Zealand; January 2019
… wow.
It’s one of those countries that’ll leave you in awe and at an utter loss for words when you are in the presence of its raw, rugged, astounding natural beauty.
I don’t think any trip to New Zealand is complete until you’ve seen and done Queenstown.
Queenstown will, without a doubt, leave you speechless.
Not only is it insanely gorgeous down there, but there are loads of grounding and thrilling experiences to have in Queenstown.
Is Queenstown in New Zealand Worth Visiting?
Yes, when doing a trip to the South Island of New Zealand – you should absolutely choose Queenstown as your starting point before taking a road trip towards Christchurch.
Not only is it insanely gorgeous down there, but there are loads of grounding and thrilling experiences to have in Queenstown.
Where Should I Stay in Queenstown?
We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Queenstown Resort & Spa, and it was truly a magical stay – as the hotel resides right alongside the Lake and is very close to the airport, making it convenient when flying into Queenstown and to pick up your rental car.
How Many Days Should I Stay in Queenstown?
If you want to fully enjoy Queenstown, I recommend staying at least 3 full days. We stayed in Queenstown for 2 days and 2 nights, but we could’ve easily spent an extra day in Queenstown and taken a day trip to Milford Sounds.
Not sure where to start?
Here’s a list of things you can do while you’re there:
Best Things to See and Do in Queenstown
1. Be in Absolute Awe
While there are tons of things to do in Queenstown, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with simply soaking it up.
In fact, you should make a point to, at some point while you’re there.
View of Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown Gardens; January 2019
2. Go Bungee Jumping
If you’re an adventurous person seeking the palpitating rush of feeling your heart in places you didn’t think you could, then you’re going to love the activities that Queenstown has to offer you – the most famous one being bungee jumping.
If that’s a little too extremist for you, no worries – I’ve got a few other ideas for you…
3. Take a Spin on a Speedboat
... the first and best alternative being this.
My dad and I went on a speed boat, and it made the ones that I went on in Italy seem like nothing.
Riding on a speed boat in Queenstown; January 2019
I’m talking three-sixty degree turns and the driver teasing you as he pretends to almost collapse into a tree branch.
Not only was it exhilarating, but we got some stunning views as well…
On the Kawarau River in Queenstown; Janaury 2019
Can you believe that the color of that water is real?! It immediately reminded me of the time our speedboat in Cinque Terre pulled over so we could see the teal colored water hiding in the coves…
… don’t worry, they stop for a minute so you’re able to take pictures… sometimes.
Let’s just say – it’s a miracle I didn’t lose my phone on this wild ride!
4. Ride the Skyline
In Queenstown, I think you should do three main things:
Soak up the scenery, do at least one crazy thing (rafting, bungee jumping, speed boating…), and then riding the Queenstown Gondala –known as the Skyline.
Entrance to the Queenstown Gondala called the Skyline; January 2019
What Is The Number One Thing to Do in Queenstown?
I truly believe that if you only have time to do one thing in Queenstown, that you have to take a ride up the Queenstown Gondola called, “The Skyline” for the stunning panoramic views of the city.
If you leave Queenstown without seeing this view from the top first, then you went beyond wrong somewhere in the midst of your planning.
Going up the gondola in Queenstown; January 2019
It reminded me of being in the Swiss Alps immediately… but more mystical.
It was like a real-life painting; I couldn’t believe that I was looking at it.
It was impossible to catch the entire panoramic view of Queenstown in a singlepicture.
Honestly, I still don’t believe that it was real.
5. Go Paragliding In Queenstown
My dad and I saw several paragliders at the top of the Skyline.
Watching someone paraglide in Queenstown at the top of the Skyline; January 2019
Besides Switzerland, I really couldn’t imagine a more gorgeous panoramic to soar through the sky in.
6. Walk through the Queenstown Gardens
Nearby to where many of the speed boats depart from in Queenstown, taking a stroll through the Queenstown Gardens is both a humbling and breathtaking walk.
Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown; January 2019
Is Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown Pretty?
While Lake Wakatipu isn’t as teal or vivid as other lakes on the South Island like Lake Pukaki, it is still stunning in its own sense – especially as the surrounding mountains in Queenstown hug Lake Wakatipu.
Lake Wakatipu is without a doubt, the glitteriest lake I have ever seen.
7. Have Dinner in Queenstown with a View
Coming from a family that cooks every night (I know, we’re some weird Americans), my dad and opted to go to the supermarket and make dinner…
The view outside our hotel room in Queenstown was… unreal, to say the least.
… because why pay for a reservation with a view when we had one for free right outside on our balcony?
8. Watch the Moonrise In Queenstown Over a Drink
Enjoying a “mocktail” while overlooking the mountains of Queenstown; January 2019
Queenstown isn’t only surreal during the day, but the reflection of the water at night is magical.
Watching the moonrise in Queenstown, New Zealand; January 2019
I hope this gave you some ideas on what to do for your upcoming trip to Queenstown. If you’re looking for other things to do in New Zealand, click here.
Last updated: June 9, 2025