One Day in Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is dope. Plain and simple. Nicknamed the “adventure capital of the world,” you could easily spend a whole summer in Queenstown and still find new things to fill each day with. Bungy jumping. Skydiving. A day trip to Milford & Doubtful Sounds. As far as the best things to do to see the city itself goes though, we recommend the following:
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1. Hike the Queenstown Hill Walkway
This one’s a bit of a misnomer – Queenstown Hill is more of a mountain than an actual hill, but the view at the top is one of the best nonetheless. The trailhead starts off of Belfast Terrace. To get a map, stop by Queenstown’s i-SITE Visitor’s Center near the clock tower (only a 20 min walk from the Walkway).
Also known as the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, this trail is about three miles out and back with an elevation gain of just over 1300 feet. The path starts off shaded by a pine forest with information plates about the city scattered along the trail. As you move farther up the hill the forest will begin to open up, and at the top you’ll be greeted by the “Basket of Dreams” sculpture. The peak provides a beautiful view of the surrounding mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu.
The Queenstown Hill Walkway is free for entry.
2. Visit the Queenstown Gardens
When you’re done with the more strenuous hiking up and down the Queenstown Hill, enjoy a calm stroll through the Queenstown Gardens. Only a few minutes outside of the city’s center, the Queenstown Gardens host a rose garden, small pond, and numerous trees & flowers. It is also home to a fairly expansive disc golf course that runs along the lake’s perimeter, as well as some nice tennis courts.
The Queenstown Gardens are free for entry.
3. Bike the Queenstown Trail
Adjacent to the Queenstown Gardens is the start of the Queenstown Trail. Accommodating to bikers & walkers alike, the Queenstown Trail is a mostly flat 4.5 mile path that hugs the perimeter of Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown’s center all the way to the town of Frankton, should you walk the whole trail. The path features many scenic lookouts of the lake as well as several spots to stop for rest if needed.
The Queenstown Trail is free for entry.
4. Dine at the Floating Bar
By now even the hikiest of hikers will have worked up an appetite, so next on our recommendation list is a break at Perky’s Floating Bar on the other side of the lake. The Floating Bar is mostly BYO-food, so on your way over pick up some take-out from wherever suits your fancy. If you would like to try one of Queenstown’s staples, pick up a sandwich from Fergburger on Shotover Street. If you’d rather not have to make two stops, the Floating Bar does offer select items off of Devil Burger’s menu and will run to get your order for you. Other than that, you can choose from Perky’s selection of house beers & wine while you dine on Lake Wakatipu.
Perky’s Floating Bar is open from noon to 11pm everyday and has no cover charge.
5. Visit Queenstown Bay Beach
Next up grab an ice cream cone and a blanket and head over to Queenstown Bay Beach. Only a two minute walk from the bar, the shore of Lake Wakatipu is a popular spot to layout and enjoy some sun. From here you can also take off on a paddle-board,kayak, or aqua bike to explore the lake.
Entry to the beach itself is free, but each rental activity has associated charges:
- 45 minute paddle-board rental starts at $25 NZ dollars
- 45 minute kayak rental starts at $25 NZ dollars
- 20 minute aqua-bike rental starts at $30 NZ dollars
6. Ride the Skyline Gondola
A popular tourist stop, be sure to block out time for a ride up the scenic Queenstown Gondola. The gondola will take you up over 1500 feet to the top of Bob’s Peak on Ben Lomond Mountain. From there you will be able to lookout over the city, the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter Peak, and Cecil Peak.
Atop the mountain you can also enjoy a meal at the Stratosfare Restaurant, hike around the loop trails, rent mountain bikes, or ride down the luge!
Queenstown Skyline prices:
- One adult ticket up the gondola costs $44 NZ dollars
- One adult single run mountain bike pass costs $45 NZ dollars
- One adult combo ticket for the gondola + two rides down the luge is $61 NZ dollars
7. Explore Queenstown
When you step back off of the gondola, take a walk down the hill and back into the heart of Queenstown. The best way to get the feel of any city is to explore it by foot and see what you find. One of the most populated cities on the south island, Queenstown is full of places to stop, shop, and eat.
8. Visit Minus 5° Ice Bar
If you’ve ever had the urge to try out an ice bar, stop in at Minus 5° Ice Bar while you’re walking around Queenstown. What’s an ice bar? Exactly like it sounds, an ice bar is a bar in which everything in the room is made of ice. The drinks are all themed and both alcoholic & non-alcoholic cocktails are offered on the menu.
When you check into the bar, they’ll first fit you with branded coats and mittens to keep you warm while you’re inside, so no need to worry about dressing for the occasion. Time-slots for Minus 5° last only an hour since the capacity for the ice room is limited. If you’re hoping to attend at a specific time, be sure to book in advance so it doesn’t fill up.
Adult entry to Minus 5° costs $35 NZ dollars and includes one free cocktail voucher.
9. Stop by the Roaring Meg Lookout
On your way out of Queenstown, make one last pit stop at the Roaring Meg lookout on State Highway 6 to stretch your legs before you start your next road trip. There’s almost always heavy traffic coming into & out of the city, so it’ll feel good to get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery before hopping back into the car.
Roaring Meg’s lookout is free for entry.
Where To Stay in Queenstown
Wondering where to stay for the night while visiting Queenstown? Check out our recommendations based on your travel style below!
- Campervan Parking: The Hampshire Holiday Park: Queenstown Lakeview
- Budget Hostel: The Nomads Queenstown Hostel
- Five Star Hotel: The QT Queenstown Hotel
- Luxury Villa: The Hulbert House Luxury Boutique Lodge
1. Where To Stay in Queenstown Based On Your Travel Style
If you’re on a budget, traveling solo, or just looking to make friends while exploring New Zealand – a hostel could be a great fit for you…
More To See in Queenstown
If you have more than just one day in Queenstown, be sure to check out some of the amazing day trips and adventures that the area has to offer by reading our guides below!
One of the most famous fiords in the world, be sure to get out to Milford Sound while on the South Island!
2. Tandem Paragliding in Queenstown
Any chance you get to paraglide, we think you should take. Read our guide for what to expect while paragliding, here to get excited to fly!
Part of Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound offers stunning views of the steeply cliffed mountains within the Tasman…
4. Three Week Itinerary for a New Zealand Road Trip
New Zealand can be a pretty far destination for many travelers, so if you’re going to make the trip – you might as well make it worth it and stay a while! To help plan out …
Check out our travel guide for Rotorua, the Catlins, and Picton to complete your kiwi adventure in New Zealand!
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
I loved Queenstown when I visited! This is such a good comprehensive guide to the city. We did the gondola up and then road the luges back down which was so fun. We also went bungee jumping which was such a cool experience!
sounds like you had a great trip!! the bungee jump & luge make for a great adventure!
Oooh there is so much more to see! We visited Queenstown, but we’d spent so much time hiking away from the town, that we only had one afternoon to explore before our flight out. In the end we took the gondola, and then hiked up to Bob’s Peak…but I can see we need to come back again as these other options all look fabulous too.
Queenstown has to be the most amazing place I have ever flown from, surrounded by all those incredible mountains!
totally agree, Queenstown is stunning! hard to believe people get to live there surrounded by that view year round!
All of these spots look like so much fun! I really want to go on the Skyline Gondola to get those views.
So much fun! Thanks for reading 🙂
Wow. Could Queenstown be any more gorgeous?? I have trouble deciding where I would want to stop first – the views from the Skyline Gondola look beautiful, but the Roaring Meg Lookout also looks super scenic. Thanks for sharing this great guide!
No way you can go wrong in a town that beautiful! Thanks for reading 🙂
Oh my goodness, I’ve never even heard of an ice bar – definitely adding that to my bucket list! Queenstown is so beautiful, and I agree that to really get to know a place you should walk it. Thanks for sharing this place with us!
happy to help! thank you for reading 😊
Oh my gosh! New Zealand has been on my bucket list for years, and this made me even more excited to visit. I would especially love to bike around, try the floating bar and take a ride on the gondola. Thanks for sharing this awesome list 🙂. Xx Sara
😄 I hope you love it! Thank you for reading!
I have always wanted to visit New Zealand, and this looks like such a beautiful place to visit! I will definitely bear this in mind for it I ever get the chance to go to Queenstown.
It can be a long journey to get there but NZ is definitely worth the trip! Thanks for reading!
I would love to explore more of New Zealand as my husband and I only saw the area around Wellington. So much more beauty there to see.
I never got the chance to visit Wellington, but it sounds lovely! Thanks for reading!
We have New Zealand very high on our travel wish list. And hope to visit for a long stay. Good to know there is a full day of fun things to do in Queenstown. With views like those I know we would keep seeking viewpoints and would not pass on the gondola. And love the idea of a floating bar on the lake.
I think planning for a long stay is a great idea, it is a great country to take a road trip through. I’m sure you’ll have a great time! Thanks for reading 🙂
All great suggestions! I’d love to hang out by the beach and take a gondola ride. NZ is such a dream destination.
Two of my favorite activities! Thanks for reading 🙂
New Zealand is so high on my bucket list! All of these activities sound like a ton of fun, but I especially want to visit the beautiful gardens and take a. ride on that gondola!
The roses in the gardens are still some of my favorites I’ve ever seen! The color combinations were just so beautiful. I’m sure you’ll love them & the gondola! Thanks for reading 😊
Wow, that “hill” give you quite a view! I love the gardens with those big, bushy pink flowers
Both so beautiful! Thanks for reading 🙂
I have always wanted to visit NZ, and when I do I’ll definitely be spending some time in Queenstown. Love this list of things to do. Hiking Queenstown Hill would be a must-do for me! Those views are just gorgeous!
You’ll absolutely love it if you enjoy a good hike! Thanks for reading 🙂
Looks like a great place to visit with so much to do. I would love to visit the Ice bar and ride the gondola. The views are amazing . Thanks for the detailed post.
There’s definitely plenty to do and see in Queenstown! Thanks for reading 🙂
This looks like the perfect place to visit for a day, or two if you have time. I’d love to go on the hiking trail and head over to the ice bar afterwards.
Yes, even though this guide is only for a day Queenstown is such a good time I would definitely recommend staying for longer if you can!
Queenstown looks like a blast! I would love to go hiking and biking there, followed by beers at the Floating Bar. I hope to get to New Zealand one day and will definitely check out Queenstown
Yes Queenstown is so much fun! I know New Zealand can be quite a far trip but it’s definitely worth the journey. Thanks for reading!
Queenstown is so stunning. I’d love to go back and spend longer there hiking and doing outdoor activities. How wonderful this day looks!
Yes, the nature in Queenstown is so beautiful! Thanks for reading 🙂
You’ve designed my perfect day! Well, except for the gondola ride- lol. But the morning hikes and then ending with food, drinks, and casual sightseeing is awesome 🙂
Haha I’m glad to hear it! Heights honestly aren’t my favorite thing either 😆 thanks for reading!
Love this guide! In Queenstown, everyone just wanted to party and bungee. I was like NOPE!
Hahaha that’s too funny. There’s definitely more to explore as long as you know where to look 😆
The scenery is truly spectacular! WOW! And thanks for this great guide, so much more to it than I realised.
It’s so pretty! Thanks for reading 🙂
Queenstown looks like such a beautiful place! I especially love the views from the Queenstown Hill Walkway and the Skyline Gondola. I’d love to visit some day and admire them in person! Thanks for the great guide!
They both offer some of the best views around Queenstown! Thanks for reading 🙂
So many amazing things to do in Queenstown! I especially would like to visit the Queenstown Gardens 😍 yes to all the flowers.
Yes to ALL the flowers 🌸 Thanks for reading!