A day out in Queenstown
Queenstown is in Otago, New Zealand. Hopalong knows 10 things to do and 9 places to eat here, plus day trips to Milford Sound. Prices are approximate adult prices in NZ$.
Top things to do in Queenstown
Skyline Gondola and luge
NZ$70 · Skyline · about 120 min
Gondola above the lake, then race down the luge.
Shotover Jet
NZ$170 · Shotover · about 75 min
High-speed jet boat spins through a narrow canyon.
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
NZ$275 · Kawarau Gorge · about 90 min
The world's first commercial bungy site.
TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak
NZ$90 · Town Centre · about 150 min
Century-old steamship across Lake Wakatipu.
Lake Wakatipu waterfront
Free · Town Centre · about 45 min
Beach, boats and the mountains of the Remarkables.
Arrowtown historic village
Free · Arrowtown · about 120 min
Gold-rush main street and a Chinese miners' settlement.
Queenstown Gardens and frisbee golf
Free · Queenstown Gardens · about 75 min
Peninsula gardens with lake and mountain views.
Queenstown Hill walk
Free · Town Centre · about 150 min
Climb to the Basket of Dreams sculpture.
Kiwi Park
NZ$55 · Skyline · about 90 min
Kiwi in a nocturnal house and conservation shows.
Onsen Hot Pools
NZ$100 · Shotover · about 60 min
Private cedar hot tubs above the Shotover canyon.
Free things to do in Queenstown
- Queenstown Gardens and frisbee golf (Queenstown Gardens): Peninsula gardens with lake and mountain views.
- Lake Wakatipu waterfront (Town Centre): Beach, boats and the mountains of the Remarkables.
- Arrowtown historic village (Arrowtown): Gold-rush main street and a Chinese miners' settlement.
- Queenstown Hill walk (Town Centre): Climb to the Basket of Dreams sculpture.
Where to eat
- Burger at Fergburger (Town Centre, around NZ$22): Queenstown's famous burger. Expect a queue.
- Dinner at Steamer Wharf (Town Centre, around NZ$70): Lakefront restaurants.
- Lunch in Arrowtown (Arrowtown, around NZ$30): Cafés in historic cottages.
- Bespoke Kitchen (Town Centre, around NZ$30): Hillside café with views over the bay and the Remarkables.
- Bean Around the World (Town Centre, around NZ$7): Locals' coffee spot on Athol Street. Coffee only.
- odd saint (Town Centre, around NZ$30): Hearty breakfasts.
- Rata (Town Centre, around NZ$110): Josh Emett's fine diner, focused on local produce.
- Madam Woo (Town Centre, around NZ$55): Malaysian hawker-style food.
- Public Kitchen & Bar (Town Centre, around NZ$70): Lakefront lunch and dinner; book for dinner.
Step-free and pram-friendly ideas
- Skyline Gondola and luge · step-free
- Queenstown Gardens and frisbee golf · step-free · pram-friendly
- Lake Wakatipu waterfront · step-free · pram-friendly
- Arrowtown historic village · step-free
- Kiwi Park · step-free · pram-friendly
Access information can change. Check with the venue if access is essential.
Day trips from Queenstown
Milford Sound
- Milford Sound day trip (NZ$220): Coach and cruise into the fiord. A long, spectacular day.
Typical weather in Queenstown
| Month | Low | High | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 22°C | 8 |
| April | 4°C | 15°C | 8 |
| July | -1°C | 8°C | 7 |
| October | 4°C | 15°C | 8 |
Approximate long-term averages, not a forecast.