Best things to do in Queenstown
Find out more about those top places in Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand: Where Adventure Wears a Crown (Think Lord of the Rings Landscapes, Lake Wakatipu Shenanigans, and Maybe a Bungy Jump Story You'll Never Live Down!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This South Island Thrill-Seeker's Paradise!
Kia Ora from Queenstown, the undisputed adventure capital of New Zealand, dramatically set against the towering, jaw-dropping peaks of the Southern Alps! This South Island city isn't just a pretty face (though it has plenty of those, with its picturesque lakeside parks and buzzing eateries); it's a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders you'll ever lay your peepers on. While Queenstown boasts a cosmopolitan vibe that rivals many larger cities, it's truly best known as the ideal base for exploring the surrounding region, a landscape that went from "stunningly beautiful" to "OMG, it's Middle-earth!" thanks to its starring role as the filming location for much of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Prepare for some serious sightseeing that will make you want to shout "My precious!" at every vista.
Speaking of vistas, the majestic Lake Wakatipu is the shimmering heart of the region, and there are more ways to explore its pristine waters than you can shake a hobbit's hairy foot at! We're talking vintage steamboats chugging along at a leisurely pace, zippy water taxis getting you from A to B in style, adrenaline-pumping jet skis for those who like a bit of spray in their face, tranquil canoes for a more serene experience, and even… wait for it… submarines for a truly unique underwater adventure! Choosing your Lake Wakatipu vessel is definitely one of the top things to do here.
And for those who like their water a little more… agitated, the churning, turquoise waters of the nearby Shotover River are absolutely perfect for some world-class white water rafting. Hold on tight as you navigate those rapids – it's an exhilarating experience you won't soon forget (and will likely have hilarious photos to prove you survived!).
But the adventure doesn't stop on the water! From Queenstown, you can also easily access New Zealand’s most spectacular fjord, the Milford Sound, a place so breathtaking it looks like it was carved by giants. Whether you choose to cruise its inky waters by boat or get a bird's-eye view on a scenic helicopter flight, Milford Sound is a must-see attraction that will leave you speechless.
While the Southern Alps might no longer be a hidden gem (thanks, Middle-earth!), they remain one of the country’s most utterly jaw-dropping locations. Towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and dramatic valleys stretch as far as the eye can see, offering endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and simply gazing in awe.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this South Island thrill-seeker's paradise. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring Lord of the Rings filming locations and cruising Lake Wakatipu to white water rafting down the Shotover River and marveling at the majesty of Milford Sound, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Queenstown a truly special and hilariously adventurous destination. Just be prepared for some serious adrenaline rushes and maybe a sudden urge to learn Elvish! Kia Ora and may the odds (and the rapids) be ever in your favor!
Top Attractions: Mountains, Lakes, and Middle-earth Magic!
Queenstown offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping activities:
Lake Wakatipu: The Jewel in the Crown
Explore the stunning Lake Wakatipu by steamboat, water taxi, jet ski, canoe, or even submarine! A must-see attraction and a central part of your Queenstown sightseeing.
The Lord of the Rings Filming Locations: Middle-earth Mania
Embark on tours to discover the iconic filming locations for The Lord of the Rings, immersing yourself in the landscapes of Middle-earth. A top thing to do for movie buffs and scenery lovers.
Shotover River: White Water Thrills
Experience the exhilarating white water rafting on the churning waters of the Shotover River. A must-do thing to do for adrenaline junkies.
Milford Sound: Fjordland Majesty
Take a boat cruise or helicopter flight to the spectacular Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous fjord. A key place to visit for breathtaking natural sightseeing.
The Southern Alps: Jaw-Dropping Scenery
Marvel at the towering peaks and dramatic landscapes of the Southern Alps, offering endless opportunities for hiking and scenic viewing. A key attraction and backdrop for your Queenstown adventure.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks (and within this South Island thrill-seeker's paradise!):
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Queenstown vibe:
- Go Bungy Jumping: Take the plunge at the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping.
- Ride the Skyline Gondola: Enjoy panoramic views and activities like luge and stargazing.
- Go Skiing or Snowboarding (in season): Hit the slopes of the nearby Remarkables or Coronet Peak.
- Explore the Charming Town Centre: Discover boutique shops, art galleries, and lively bars.
- Indulge in Adventure Activities: Try canyon swinging, ziplining, or paragliding.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a heart-pumping mix of stunning scenery and adrenaline-fueled adventures, all set against the backdrop of Middle-earth, Queenstown, New Zealand, is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared for some serious "wow" moments and maybe a sudden urge to speak Elvish after all that Lord of the Rings immersion! Kia Ora and may your adventures be epic!
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Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown stretches along the zigzagging coast of Lake Wakatipu and there is no better place to start your tour of the city than on the water. Surrounded by the towering snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, the lake can be explored by a variety of means including thrilling speedboats, historic steam cruise-ships and even submarines that give a unique view of its icy depths.
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Skyline Gondola
Offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the lightening bolt shaped Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown’s Skyline Gondola is the city’s newest standout attraction. It takes you to a height of 400 meters from which point you can continue upwards on hiking trails to the rocky summit of Ben Lomond, test your mountain biking skills, try the heart-pumping luge track or go bungee jumping. For the more romantically inclined, night trips up the gondola offer remarkable star watching.
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Milford Sound
Queenstown’s premier day trip takes you to the South Island’s western coast to explore the plunging fjords of the Milford Sound. Tours depart the city by bus, which has a specially designed observation deck, and culminate in a breathtaking cruise down the sound where you will see countless glacier carved fjords, the roaring Stirling Falls and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wildlife.
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Lord of the Rings Tour
Even if you have not heard of Queenstown it is likely you will be familiar with the scenery, which was the backdrop for much of Peter Jackson’s blockbuster Lord of the Rings trilogy. Tours take you from Queenstown to nearby Paradise Forest, which was the filming location for Rivendell, and the Dart River, better known as the setting of Isengard.
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Kiwi Birdlife Park
One of Queenstown’s most sedate attractions is the ever-charming Kiwi Birdlife Park, which is home to New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi. Guided tours of the complex are available that offer fascinating insights into the lives of these tiny birds and the challenges they currently face from invasive species.
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Queenstown Gardens
For a relaxing break from Queenstown’s adrenaline fueled activities, head for the city’s gardens that elegantly line the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The Victoria-era gardens contain a historic monument to Captain Robert Scott Cook, who famously led an ill-fated Antarctic expedition, alongside exotic trees, picture-perfect rotundas and stunning views of the Southern Alps.
