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Things to do in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world, perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with dramatic Remarkables mountain views. While it has a reputation for splurging, savvy travelers can stretch their dollar by timing visits well, self-catering, and mixing paid thrills with stunning free scenery.

Family-friendlySolo-woman-friendlyLGBTQ-friendlyGreat for first-timersVery safe

Why go to Queenstown

  • Bungee Jumping at Kawarau Bridge

    Leap from the world's first commercial bungee site above a turquoise gorge, pure adrenaline history.

  • Skyline Gondola & Luge

    Ride the gondola to panoramic views of lake and alps, then race down the hillside on a luge cart.

  • Milford Sound Day Trip

    A jaw-dropping fiord flanked by sheer cliffs and waterfalls that photographers and nature lovers call life-changing.

  • Remarkables Ski Area

    World-class skiing and snowboarding set against impossibly photogenic peaks just 30 minutes from town.

  • Shotover Jet Boat Ride

    White-knuckle 360-degree spins through razor-thin Shotover River canyons at 85 km/h.

Make it real

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Not feeling Queenstown?

Good to know in Queenstown

  • Transit: Orbus Queenstown buses connect the town centre, Frankton, and the gondola area for around $2-4 NZD per trip, buy a Bee Card for discounts and skip taxis entirely.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not customary in New Zealand; rounding up or leaving a few dollars at a café is appreciated but never expected.
  • Tap water: Tap water in Queenstown is clean, cold, and excellent to drink, carry a reusable bottle and save on bottled water costs.
  • Free-entry days: The Queenstown Gardens, lakefront, and Arrowtown's Lakes District Museum courtyard are always free; the museum itself occasionally has free community days, check the Queenstown Lakes District Council events calendar.

Trip essentials

Rental car

Reach day trips and beaches the buses do not, on your own schedule.

Tours & activities

Skip-the-line tickets and day trips, often cheaper booked ahead.

Data eSIM

Maps and rides the minute you land, no roaming bills.

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Things to do in Queenstown: top sights, costs and free ideas | Queenstown, New Zealand