Queenstown sits at the base of steep mountains, on the edge of a lake. A beautiful Alpine-looking village about as far from the Alps as you can get. It’s an incredible mix of gorgeous views, great food, fun outdoor activities, and more.
Here are 12 things to do, just to get you started on this amazing jewel in the middle of the south island of New Zealand.
Curious what to bring on an epic adventure, and the 14+ hour flight to get there? Check out What To Pack On An Around-The-World Adventure and 10 Things To Bring On Every International Flight (And 3 Things Not To).
Hike up Bob’s Peak
Overlooking Queenstown is Bob’s Peak, part of Ben Lomond mountain. The common claim is it takes 45-60 minutes to hike up to the Skyline complex (more on this next). I’m sure this is true for most people. It took me closer a little more than twice that. It’s pretty steep… and I’m really out of shape.
It’s a great hike though, through the forest. The views from Bob’s Peak are fantastic (see my photo at the top). If you’re a hiker, continuing up Ben Lomond is really popular. There are countless other trails and hikes all around Queenstown too.
If you’re a mountain biker, there are numerous trails down the mountain. If you hike up (or down) you pass by and through several routes. It looks… exhilerating. Sure, that’s what it looks like, and not psychotic at all.
Take the Gondola
If you just want to take in the view, or walk around Bob’s Peak (much less strenuous), take the Gondola. It’s the steepest in the Southern Hemisphere, and quite quick. It’s not cheap, $32 NZD as of this writing. And there’s no reasonable discount if you want to hike up and take the Gondola down, that’s $20 ($4 fee for being healthy. Thanks).
Hike or ride, but definitely go to the top.
Luge
Once you get to the top, there are two luge tracks, where you sit in little plastic wheeled sleds, and race down one of the courses (not to the bottom of the hill, as I was disappointed to find out). There are great views and I’m not sure who wouldn’t find this fun.
You can buy a package with the Gondola, $48 for 3 luge rides, $55 for 5. There’s also an option for a single luge ride, but that’s insane. No one would do that.
Bungy
New Zealander A.J. Hackett invented commercial bungy (or bungee) jumping, and there are spots all over to do it. There’s one adjacent to Bob’s Peak, and the first commercial bungy, in Kawarau. The Nevis bungy is nearly 450 feet above the nevis river, about 45 minutes outside of town. They’re all run by Hackett’s company.
Walk Queenstown Gardens (and perhaps do some frisbee golf)
Follow the Queenstown beach around away from the docks and you enter Queenstown Gardens, which juts out into Lake Wakatipu. You get great views of the town and the mountains, and as you turn the corner, the lake free of any buildings far as far as you can see. It’s a leisurely walk that might take an hour if you stop a lot and take a nap.
Several of my friends did the frisbee golf course that’s throughout the park and I missed it not because I was hungover I swear.
Jetboats
Lake Wakatipu plays host to a number of jet boat companies that launch you out over the water and up the tributary canyons, then do any number of acrobatic tricks. Most are multi-passenger so you and your friends can get soaked together.
One company has a submersible that looks like a shark that dives under and up out of the water.
Get a Fergburger
I’ve had amazing burgers all over the world. The best, without question, is Umami Burger. The second best may very well be Fergburger. It’s absolutely as good as everyone says it is. Every burger is a masterpiece, from a simple cheeseburger (sorry, Fergburger with cheese) to the elaborate and massive Big Al, with 1/2 lb of New Zealand beef, bacon, cheese, two eggs, beetroot, veggies, and more. At peak hours, the line stretches down the block, even when it’s cold out. They’re open 21 hours a day, and that’s not a typo.
Don’t miss this. I would have put it first, but you would have thought I was weird.
Random excellent Asian food
Because of Queenstown’s touristy nature, there are surprisingly good restaurants for such a small place. This is especially true of the myriad Asian restaurants, including multiple Japanese, Chinese, and Korean restaurants. Two of my favorites are Queenie’s Dumplings and Kim’s Korean (on Mall St) which had a fantastic bibimbap.
Cookie Time Cookie Muncher Cookie Bar
Fresh warm cookies on a cold day is one of life’s finer pleasures. The cookies at Cookie Muncher Cookie Bar are simply incredible. Their salted caramel and milk chocolate chip was probably responsible for half the weight I gained in NZ. It’s a small company with a few stores. If I could only get them to make peanut butter cookies my life would be complete.
In finding the link for this article, I found out these guys deliver anywhere in the world. Hey, I’m anywhere in the world! Day made.
Patagonia Chocolates
Fancy a great cup of hot chocolate or coffee? Here, definitely. Great regular chocolates too. Sit by the window and marvel at the mountains.
Get your drink on
With so many tourists and backpackers, there’s quite a nightlife in this little town. There are drink specials at the bar attached to Base hostel, but otherwise it’s a little meh. There’s an Ice Bar if you’re into that kind of thing, but really just follow the noise. There are bars everywhere, and most are really good.
Street Fair
Every Saturday local artisans hawk their wares at a street fair in the small park by the docks.
Bonus: Skiing
If you’re heading there in the winter, there’s some great skiing and views from the nearby ski resorts at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.
There’s obviously a ton more to do, but personally I just liked being there. It’s an adorable little town with non-stop gorgeous views. It’s a bit of a haul to get there from the US, but well worth it.
