10 best things to do in Queenstown

Whatever time of year you visit, the opportunities are endless. 

There's way more on offer than just stellar skiing.

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Soak up the sights at Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown.

Onsen hot pools 

Treat yourself to a relaxing soak at the picturesque Onsen Hot Pools. Situated on a cliffside overlooking breathtaking alpine scenery, this tranquil day experience is also home to a day spa with high quality therapists delivering an extensive range of face and body treatments.

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Go skydiving in Queenstown.

See also: The ultimate NZ South Island road trip

See also: 10 top tips for seeing Queenstown

Tandem skydive in Queenstown

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a free fall above one of the most scenic places on earth where you will reach speeds of over 200kph. Choose from a 12,000 or a 15,000 feet skydive.

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Heli-ski in Queenstown

Heli-skiing in Queenstown

The ultimate activity for freedom and exhilaration, heli-skiing/boarding through the Southern Alps of Queenstown is something everyone should try. Depending on your experience level, there are plenty of packages to choose from.

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Abseil in Queenstown.

Abseil in Queenstown

Enjoy the adrenaline rush of a thrilling abseil as you descend at your own pace down some of Queenstown's highest cliffs. On this half-day tour you'll visit a variety of crags to build up your skills and test your nerve, and take in the panoramic scenery on the way down.

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Bungy jump in Queenstown.

Bungy jumping in Queenstown

For those who like to live life on the edge (quite literally), why not bungy jump off the 43 metre high Kawarau Bridge? Just a 20-minute drive outside of Queenstown, this bridge spans the Kawarau River and is the OG world's first commercial bungy site.

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Quad biking riding in Queenstown.

Queenstown quad bike driving

Set out on a one or 1.5 hour guided quad biking adventure over dirt tracks, across the Kawarau River and up the mountains in beautiful Queenstown.

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Cruise Milford Sound.

Milford Sound cruise 

Cruising Milford Sound is right up there in terms of bucket list experiences in New Zealand. On this full-day trip from Queenstown, travel through the heart of Fiordland National Park, and cruise all the way to the edge of the Tasman Sea with plenty of sightseeing stops throughout the day.

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Jet boat ride in Queenstown.

Jet Boat Ride from Queenstown

Experience a heart-pounding jet boat ride as you skim the water’s surface at high speeds and fishtails into 360-degree spins.

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Go kayaking in Queenstown.

Kayaking in Queenstown

Explore the calm waters and surrounding wilderness of Moke Lake at your own pace by kayak or paddle board. 

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Sip and ride your way around Queenstown.

Queenstown winery bike tour

Ride to the Gibbston Valley wineries on a self-guided bike tour from Queenstown and stop at some of the best taverns, cafes, and eight wineries along the way.

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What can you do for free in Queenstown?

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a good time in Queenstown. Play a free game of Frisbee Golf course (also known as disc golf) in Queenstown Gardens; make your way up to Queenstown Hill for the best view in town; take a leisurely stroll around Lake Wakatipu; or hike the epic Ben Lomond.

What is Queenstown best known for?

Known as New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital', the picturesque town of Queenstown offers everything from world-class skiing and snowboarding, to speed boat rides and bungy jumping.

What is the best time to visit Queenstown?

There’s never a bad time to visit Queenstown, but if skiing and snowboarding are on the agenda, winter (June to July) is the best time to visit for snow. In the summer (December through February), outdoor excursions like cruises and bungy jumping are more enjoyable with long, sunny days.

See also:

10 epic New Zealand road trips

What I learnt on Qantas’ first flight to NZ

These cool New Zealand hotels opened just in time for our arrival

Tourism NZ’s epic video takedown of tourists

Aussie, Kiwi chefs settle fierce debate

Originally published as 10 best things to do in Queenstown