Things To Do In Queenstown: Our Top Picks
Written by Anna Gillan, Senior Travel Consultant, The New Zealand Touring Co . Anna has been planning South Island itineraries for international travellers for over 20 years.
Last updated: May 2026
Overview
When you first arrive in Queenstown whether by plane or driving the Crown Range from Wānaka, the Remarkables mountain range will stop you in your tracks. It’s the kind of arrival that makes you pull over for a photo before you’ve even checked in.
Queenstown is famous for adrenaline, bungy jumping, jet boats, and skydiving. But beyond the adventure headlines, there’s a side to this town that we love just as much such as lakefront cafés, a rewarding hill walk, a sunset cocktail on the water, and one of the best dinner cruises in the country. If you’re looking for things to do in Queenstown over a day or two, these are the experiences we recommend to our clients again and again and the ones we come back to ourselves.
We include Queenstown as a key stop on almost every South Island touring itinerary we build. Here’s how we’d spend the time.
Queenstown 1-2 Day Itinerary Summary:
- Morning: Lakefront coffee at Vudu Café
- A rewarding hike: Queenstown Hill & the Basket of Dreams
- Skyline Gondola & Luge
- Afternoon: Queenstown Gardens & drinks at Little Blackwood
- Evening: TSS Earnslaw BBQ dinner cruise
- Bonus day: Arrowtown & Gibbston Valley wines by e-bike
- Getting to Queenstown (self-drive context)
- When to visit
- Local tips & FAQs
Day One: Queenstown
Morning: Vudu Café & Larder (Lakefront Breakfast)
Start the day at Vudu Café & Larder on Rees Street. The cabinet food is outstanding, the coffee is consistently excellent, and the lakefront location means your first view of the day is Lake Wakatipu with the mountains behind it.
Local tip: Vudu gets busy fast, especially on weekends. Arrive by 8am if you want a table outside with a lake view. If you’re pressed for time, their cabinet takeaway is just as good to grab something and eat it lakeside.
Good to know: Vudu is open from 7:30am to around 4pm daily. It’s a breakfast and lunch spot, not dinner.
Queenstown Hill Walk: The Basket of Dreams
Once you’ve had your coffee, this is my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants to earn a view without committing to a full-day hike. The Queenstown Hill Time Walk starts right from town with no drive required and rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables.
- Distance: Approximately 5 km return
- Elevation gain: 400 metres
- Time: 2–3 hours return at a comfortable pace
- Difficulty: Moderate, the track is well-formed but steep in places, especially the first section through the pine forest
- Trailhead: Belfast Terrace, a 15-minute walk (or 5-minute drive) from the town centre
About two-thirds of the way up, you’ll reach the Basket of Dreams. This is a steel sculpture by artist Caroline Robinson, created as a place to sit, reflect, and take in the view. Many people stop here, but if you’ve got the energy, continue another 15–20 minutes to the summit for the full 360-degree panorama. It’s worth it!
Best season: year-round, but be aware of ice on the upper track in winter (June–August). Spring and autumn mornings offer the clearest views and fewest people.
Footwear: trainers or light hiking shoes are fine, no need for heavy boots.
Skyline Gondola & Luge (A Queenstown Classic With a Local Tip)
The Skyline Gondola is on every Queenstown list for a reason. The views from Bob’s Peak over the town, the lake, and the surrounding ranges are genuinely spectacular. And once you’re up top, the luge is an absolute highlight! Jump in the driving seat and ride down a winding track that’s fun for all ages. You can book gondola and luge combos on the Skyline website or on-site.
Insider tip: Go in the late afternoon around 4pm when the day-trippers have thinned out and the light over the Remarkables is at its best. If you time it right, you’ll get sunset views from the top. If you have time, I recommend having a drink and a snack at the Stratosfare bar to take in the stunning views and you can save your appetite for the TSS Earnslaw dinner later.
Afternoon: Queenstown Gardens & a Drink at Little Blackwood
After the morning’s activity, slow things down. The Queenstown Gardens are a peaceful green space right on the lake native trees, rose gardens, and a loop walk along the waterfront that takes about 30 minutes at an easy pace. There’s also a free disc golf course if you want something a bit different.
Then head to Little Blackwood on Steamer Wharf. It’s a waterfront cocktail bar that sits right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, with the Remarkables filling the view. The cocktail list is creative, the cheese and meat boards use local produce, and the heated outdoor deck makes it work year-round.
Local tip: Little Blackwood opens at 2pm
Evening: TSS Earnslaw BBQ Dinner Cruise to Walter Peak
This is the experience that our clients consistently rate as a highlight of their Queenstown stay and it’s one we include in many of our touring itineraries.
The TSS Earnslaw is a historic 1912 coal-fired steamship. You’ll cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet BBQ dinner awaits at the Homestead Restaurant.
Booking is essential, especially in summer (December–February) when sailings fill up weeks in advance. We can book this as part of your itinerary.
Insider tip: Save your appetite! The BBQ spread is generous. And don’t miss the farm demonstration after dinner. The sheep dogs are genuinely impressive.
Bonus Day: Arrowtown & Gibbston Valley Wines by E-Bike
If you’ve got a second day (and we always recommend at least two nights in Queenstown), this is how we’d spend it.
Morning: Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a beautifully preserved gold-mining village about 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown or, better yet, a scenic cycle along the Arrow River Bridges Trail. The main street feels like you have set back in time lined with preserved historic buildings that now house boutique shops, cafés, and galleries.
Insider tip. Visit in Autumn (March–May) when the colour of leaves are extraordinary!
Eat here: there are several excellent cafés. One cafe in particular is my favourite the Provisions of Arrowtown where you will enjoy great coffee and delicious baked goods
Afternoon: Gibbston Valley Wine Trail by E-Bike
The Gibbston Valley is the heart of Central Otago wine country, just 25 minutes from Queenstown. The region is famous for its Pinot Noir and the valley is perfectly set up for a half-day e-bike wine tour.
Several operators offer e-bike hire with a shuttle return, so you can pedal between cellar doors, taste the wines, and not worry about driving back. Two of the standout wineries to visit:
- Gibbston Valley Winery the region’s founding winery, with a cave cellar door and excellent restaurant
- Kinross a cellar door representing six Central Otago wineries under one roof, with beautiful grounds and an on-site eatery
Top tip: Most e-bike and shuttle operators can pick you up from Queenstown or Arrowtown. Book in advance during peak season.
Getting To Queenstown (For Self-Drive Travelers)
Queenstown is well connected by road and air here are the key self-drive routes:
- From Wānaka: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via the Crown Range Road (spectacular alpine scenery) or 1.5 hours via Cromwell
- From Christchurch: approximately 5.5–6 hours via the Lindis Pass, a stunning full-day drive that we break up with stops at Lake Pukaki and Cromwell
- From Te Anau / Milford Sound: approximately 2 hours from Te Anau, making it an easy connection after a Fiordland visit
We build all of these routes into our self-drive itineraries so the driving is part of the experience, not just a transfer.
When To Visit Queenstown
Queenstown works year-round, but the seasons offer different experiences:
- Summer (December–February): long warm days, ideal for lake activities, hiking, and outdoor dining. The busiest and most expensive season book accommodation and key activities early.
- Autumn (March–May): spectacular colour, especially in Arrowtown. Quieter than summer with beautiful hiking conditions and excellent light.
- Winter (June–August): ski and snowboard season at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. The town has a cosy, buzzy energy with après-ski dining and mulled wine by the fire.
- Spring (September–November): snow still on the peaks, wildflowers in the valleys. Fewer visitors and shoulder-season pricing.
- We can help you choose the right time for your trip and get in touch with our team.
Local Tips (Small Things That Make the Trip Better)
Book the TSS Earnslaw early. This fills up well in advance during summer. If it’s on your wish list, don’t leave it to chance, we can secure this as part of your itinerary.
Walk Queenstown Hill in the morning. The light is better, the track is quieter, and you’ll have the rest of the day free. Take water, there’s no shade on the upper section.
Don’t skip Arrowtown. Many visitors treat it as an afterthought, but a morning in Arrowtown paired with an afternoon in Gibbston Valley is one of the best days you can have in the region.
Layer up in all seasons. Queenstown sits beside a large lake at altitude, the weather can change quickly and the breeze off Lake Wakatipu can bite, even in summer.
Consider two nights minimum. One day gives you a taste; two days lets you properly experience Queenstown without rushing.
Frequently Asked questions
Is one day enough in Queenstown? You can absolutely have a fantastic day in Queenstown, the itinerary above is designed for exactly that. But we recommend at least two nights so you can experience both the town itself and a day trip to Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley wineries without feeling rushed.
How far is Arrowtown from Queenstown? Arrowtown is about 20 minutes’ drive from central Queenstown. You can also cycle there via the Arrow River Bridges Trail, which is a scenic and popular route. The historic gold-mining village is well worth a visit.
Let Us Plan Your Queenstown Stay
We’re The New Zealand Touring Co, a team of local travel experts who build personalised self-drive and touring itineraries across New Zealand. Queenstown is at the heart of most South Island trips, and we know it well.
Whether you want two nights of relaxed sightseeing, an adventure-packed stay, or a mix of both, we’ll build it into your itinerary with handpicked accommodation, our favourite restaurants, and all the key experiences like the TSS Earnslaw booked and sorted.
