Top 20 Best Things to Do in Queenstown
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Queenstown

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Skyline Queenstowntop_1
    󰺂9.3
    Queenstown587m from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱤎Skyline Gondola: A Night View Like a Painting
    Thrilling activities with scenic views
    󱨠Saved by 676 users󱨠459 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    eric_Teric_T

    Enjoy the scenery of Queenstown while riding the cable car. The cable car ride gives you a panoramic view of the entire Queenstown landscape. Up to the observation deck above the scenery is even more stunning: including the town, the entire lake plus the nearby peaks are very stunning.

  • RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruisetop_2
    󰺂9.2
    2588.86
    Queenstown443m from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu
    󰋄Captain's view from lookout tower
    󱨠Saved by 315 users󱨠315 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Definitely worth it! Very informative farm tour and we get to feed them too. Wish there was more time to walk around and take photos. It did felt a bit rush, but overall it was a fun experience

  • NZONE Skydive Queenstowntop_3
    󰺂8.7
    8697.76
    Queenstown225m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Queenstown views from 15,000 ft
    󱓊One-on-one coaching & guidance
    󱨠Saved by 308 users󱨠57% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Skydiving was a great experience, but the reception from this company was terrible. You weren't allowed to bring your own GoPro, and if you wanted to film, you had to pay NZD 209 for them to take the video. We called a day before to ask if we could drive to the event, but customer service said no. We had no choice but to park in the city center (for a fee) and meet at the office. While we were waiting, we heard customer service tell another customer that we could drive. We asked why they had said no the previous call, but they didn't respond. The Asian female driver, a minibus driver, took us to the event location. When we got out of the car, she had a sour face and spoke a few quick, quiet instructions (I'm Asian and had studied in the UK before, so I couldn't hear clearly). We were completely disappointed with this company's customer service, their money-grabbing, and their misleading experience.

  • Shotover Jet Queenstown
    4
    󰺂8.2
    4070.08
    Queenstown4.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Experience Queenstown's waterway views from three major waters
    Flying over the river at 85 km/h
    󱨠Saved by 288 users󱨠74% positive reviews
    4.9/5
    _TI***yy_TI***yy

    Presenting information on the booking to the counter was easily verified for redemption. The shotover jet ride at Arthur's point is one of best among others at Queenstown. The jet boat gets close to the rocks of the canyon for a thrilling experience.

  • Onsen Hot Pools
    5
    󰺂7.8
    2896.52
    Queenstown5.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Private hot springs & mountain views
    󰋄Cliffside hot springs & lake view
    󱨠Saved by 523 users󱨠71% positive reviews
    4.9/5
    _TS***g5_TS***g5

    Stepping into the Angsen Wooden Barrel Hot Spring area is like entering a tranquil paradise for health preservation. The wooden barrels are scattered in an orderly manner, exuding a faint wood fragrance. Slowly stepping into the wooden barrel, the warm spring water instantly wraps your whole body, as if being embraced by gentle arms. The hot spring water slides over the skin, and the day's fatigue gradually dissipates. The surroundings are filled with tranquility, with only the occasional sound of gurgling water, which calms the soul. Close your eyes and enjoy this unique warmth and comfort, as if all your worries are taken away by the steaming water vapor, and your body and mind are relaxed and relieved like never before.

  • Kiwi Park Queenstown
    6
    󰺂7.0
    1584.42
    Queenstown570m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDiscover New Zealand’s Iconic Wildlife: Kiwi Park in Queenstown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Family-run endangered species conservation
    󱨜Interactive exhibit: learn about kiwis
    󱨠Saved by 138 users󱨠39% positive reviews
    4.2/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Spent about 2-3 hours here. Not so crowded. Kiwi can only see during the kiwi encounter session. Kiwi house 2 don’t have any? Super near the gondola area and could be packed together with the gondola. Great place if you loved birds. Have an informative bird encounter show.

  • Walter Peak High Country Farm - RealNZ
    7
    󰺂6.8
    2588.86
    Queenstown435m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu
    󱨜Sheep shearing & herding experience
    4.5/5
    amiranajuaamiranajua

    In this farm i met highland cattles. This animal was so known here. i feed it. Its tougue rolled my hand while eating and it made me screamed haha. I love to see the sheeps too. Bye

  • Hydro Attack
    8
    󰺂6.5
    4373.11
    Queenstown316m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Thrilling shark boat on Lake Wakatipu
    󰀆Shark watercraft solo adventure
    5.0/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    I heard that there are not many places with shark speedboats, so I must come and experience it. I didn't expect that the shark is quite small inside. It is not recommended for tall people, it may be too oppressive, but it doesn't matter to us hobbits. It's very fun. The shark goes up and down and enters the lake. The driver will stop twice to open the cabin for air and ask about the situation. He is very gentle and considerate. He will give you a seven-minute unedited video and let you watch it before deciding whether to buy it. 👍

  • The Helicopter Line, Queenstown
    9
    󰺂6.5
    11303.83
    Queenstown5.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Helicopter over Southern Alps
    󰀆Helicopter glacier landing experience
    4.6/5
    李邵平李邵平

    Returning to Queenstown from Milford Strait, passing the heliport, you can take a helicopter to the southern glacier. "Global warming is causing the southern glaciers of New Zealand to melt, and perhaps we won't be able to see them again in many years!" The guide's introduction was very tempting. However, the price is really not cheap, equivalent to RMB 3,000 per person. From the Chinese on the billboard, it can be seen that this project is quite popular among Chinese people.

  • Queenstown Gardens
    10
    󰺂6.5
    Queenstown687m from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Picnic under a century-old tree by Lake Wakatipu
    Lakeside rose garden blooms with flowers year-round
    󱨠34% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    林深时见鹿vv林深时见鹿vv

    Queenstown Gardens is worth a visit! It is located on a small peninsula by Lake Wakatipu in the southeast of Queenstown🌊 Although it is a garden, it is actually a large public green space, and no entrance fee is charged🎫 As soon as you enter the garden, the towering ancient trees instantly bring tranquility, which is completely different from the bustle of the city. Strolling along the trail, there are surprises in all seasons: flowers bloom in spring, trees are shady in summer, forests are colorful in autumn, and winter is quiet and peaceful🍃 In addition to natural scenery, there are cultural imprints here, and you can see the bronze statue of William Gilbert Reece, the founder of the town🗿 If you want to relax, sunbathe on the lawn and have a picnic, which is very comfortable; if you want to move around, you can play frisbee golf, tennis, lawn bowls and other projects, and children can also play in the playground🎾 When you are tired of playing, go to the lake to watch ducks swimming, or admire the mountains and lakes in the distance, which is a visual feast.

Best things to do in Queenstown (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Queenstown? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Queenstown offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Queenstown

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Queenstown experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Skyline Queenstown

• Queenstown | 587m from downtown

• : Skyline Gondola: A Night View Like a Painting,Thrilling activities with scenic views

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

• Queenstown | 443m from downtown

• : Steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu,Captain's view from lookout tower

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

• Queenstown | 225m from downtown

• : Queenstown views from 15,000 ft,One-on-one coaching & guidance

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Queenstown

If you want to explore attractions just outside Queenstown, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Queenstown, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Queenstown special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Queenstown

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Queenstown

Ready to explore the best of Queenstown? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Queenstown?
These are all Best Things to Do in Queenstown:Skyline Queenstown, RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise, NZONE Skydive Queenstown, Shotover Jet Queenstown, Onsen Hot Pools
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Queenstown?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Queenstown include:Skyline Queenstown:4.7, RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise:4.7, NZONE Skydive Queenstown:4.8, Shotover Jet Queenstown:4.9, Onsen Hot Pools:4.9
At what locations in Queenstown can Best Things to Do in Queenstown be found?
The Best Things to Do in Queenstown are mainly located in:Skyline Queenstown:Queenstown, RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise:Queenstown, NZONE Skydive Queenstown:Queenstown, Shotover Jet Queenstown:Queenstown, Onsen Hot Pools:Queenstown
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