Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital, set on the shore of Lake Wakatipu beneath The Remarkables mountain range. Known for bungy jumping, jet boating and skiing, it also offers lakeside dining, Central Otago wineries and the gold-rush village of Arrowtown.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Queenstown.
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1
Skyline Queenstown Gondola
New Zealand's steepest gondola lift climbs 450 metres from Brecon Street to the Bob's Peak lookout, with sweeping views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, plus a restaurant, bungy platform and walking trails at the top.
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2
Skyline Queenstown Luge
Gravity-driven three-wheeled carts run down sealed and tunnelled tracks on Bob's Peak, with a scenic track and an advanced track and a chairlift back to the start beside the gondola terminal.
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3
TSS Earnslaw Steamship
A coal-fired steamship launched in 1912 that still crosses Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, with an engine-room tour and a trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
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4
Kiwi Birdlife Park
A small wildlife park beside Skyline with kiwi, tuatara, kea and native birds, daily kiwi encounters and a free-flight bird show.
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5
Queenstown Gardens
A peninsula park first set out in 1867, with rose beds, mature exotic trees, a disc golf course, an ice-skating rink in winter and shoreline views of The Remarkables.
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6
Ben Lomond Track and Summit
A demanding alpine walk to the 1,748-metre summit above Queenstown, with views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. Many walkers shorten the route by riding the gondola to the saddle trailhead.
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7
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
A well-graded hill walk with sculptural installations and a summit 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture, with views over the town, Frankton Arm and The Remarkables.
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8
Shotover Jet
High-speed jet boating through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River, with 360-degree spins and a 25-minute ride from a base at Arthurs Point.
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9
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
The site of the world's first commercial bungy jump, a 43-metre leap from the 1880 Kawarau Bridge toward the river below, with a viewing platform and cafe for spectators.
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10
Gibbston Valley Winery and Cheesery
A leading Central Otago pinot noir winery with a cellar door, a large wine cave, a cheese tasting room and a restaurant in the Gibbston wine district.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Skyline Queenstown Gondola
New Zealand's steepest gondola lift climbs 450 metres from Brecon Street to the Bob's Peak lookout, with sweeping views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, plus a restaurant, bungy platform and walking trails at the top.
TSS Earnslaw Steamship
A coal-fired steamship launched in 1912 that still crosses Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, with an engine-room tour and a trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Queenstown Bay and Waterfront
The lakeside promenade with the Steamship Wharf, street performers, picnic spots and views toward Cecil Peak and The Remarkables.
Museums
Lakes District Museum and Gallery
Arrowtown's heritage museum covers Kai Tahu use of the district, the 1860s gold rush, Chinese miners and early farming, plus a gallery and visitor information.
Arrowtown Chinese Settlement
The preserved ruins of a gold-rush Chinese miners' village on Bush Creek, with restored stone and sod huts and Ah Lum's store.
Nature
Queenstown Gardens
A peninsula park first set out in 1867, with rose beds, mature exotic trees, a disc golf course, an ice-skating rink in winter and shoreline views of The Remarkables.
Ben Lomond Track and Summit
A demanding alpine walk to the 1,748-metre summit above Queenstown, with views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. Many walkers shorten the route by riding the gondola to the saddle trailhead.
Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu Head
A tiny village at the head of Lake Wakatipu, gateway to the Routeburn and Dart tracks and a filming area for The Lord of the Rings, with a lagoon boardwalk and mountain views.
Milford Sound Day Trip
A full-day coach and cruise or fly-cruise trip from Queenstown to Fiordland's Milford Sound, with waterfalls, sheer cliffs and the 1,692-metre Mitre Peak.
Lake Hayes
A calm lake near Arrowtown with an 8 km walking and cycling loop, mirror-like reflections and Queenstown Trail access.
Skippers Canyon
A narrow gold-mining valley reached by a steep unsealed road above the Shotover River, with historic Skippers Bridge and abandoned mining relics. Most rental cars are prohibited from the road.
Adventure
Shotover Jet
High-speed jet boating through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River, with 360-degree spins and a 25-minute ride from a base at Arthurs Point.
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
The site of the world's first commercial bungy jump, a 43-metre leap from the 1880 Kawarau Bridge toward the river below, with a viewing platform and cafe for spectators.
Skyline Queenstown Luge
Gravity-driven three-wheeled carts run down sealed and tunnelled tracks on Bob's Peak, with a scenic track and an advanced track and a chairlift back to the start beside the gondola terminal.
The Remarkables Ski Area
A ski and snowboard area on the Remarkables range, with a scenic access road and views of Lake Wakatipu and winter lift passes.
Coronet Peak
Queenstown's oldest ski field, open since 1947, with night skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer.
Family
Kiwi Birdlife Park
A small wildlife park beside Skyline with kiwi, tuatara, kea and native birds, daily kiwi encounters and a free-flight bird show.
Skyline Queenstown Luge
Gravity-driven three-wheeled carts run down sealed and tunnelled tracks on Bob's Peak, with a scenic track and an advanced track and a chairlift back to the start beside the gondola terminal.
TSS Earnslaw Steamship
A coal-fired steamship launched in 1912 that still crosses Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, with an engine-room tour and a trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Culture
Arrowtown Historic Main Street and Arrow River
A tree-lined gold-rush village of miners' cottages, cafes, galleries and shops, with riverside tracks and golden autumn foliage.
Gibbston Valley Winery and Cheesery
A leading Central Otago pinot noir winery with a cellar door, a large wine cave, a cheese tasting room and a restaurant in the Gibbston wine district.
Lakes District Museum and Gallery
Arrowtown's heritage museum covers Kai Tahu use of the district, the 1860s gold rush, Chinese miners and early farming, plus a gallery and visitor information.
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most paid attractions open 9AM-5PM daily; the Skyline Gondola and some operators run later in summer. Ski fields operate roughly June-October.
- Fees
- Adventure activities cost about NZ$95-NZ$300 (~US$55.1-US$174). The gondola costs about NZ$69-NZ$87 (~US$40.02-US$50.46). Gardens, tracks and the Chinese Settlement are free.
- Best Times
- December-February for lake activities and long days; March-May for autumn colour; June-September for skiing.
- Booking
- Book Milford Sound, the Shotover Jet, bungy jumps and winter ski passes ahead in peak periods. Weather cancellations are common, so keep a flexible day. Prices are approximate; confirm on operator websites.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Check weather and road status before Milford Sound or Glenorchy, as heavy rain can close roads
Buy combo passes online for the gondola and luge
Carry layers; Queenstown weather changes quickly
Book jet boats and bungy early for weekends
Public buses run to Arrowtown and Frankton
Frequently asked questions
What is the best season to visit Queenstown attractions?
December to February for lake and adventure activities, March to May for autumn colour, and June to September for skiing. Most attractions operate year round.
Is Milford Sound a realistic day trip from Queenstown?
Yes, but it takes about 12-13 hours by coach and cruise. A fly-cruise cuts the journey to 4-5 hours.
Are there free things to do in Queenstown?
Yes. Queenstown Gardens, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, the lakefront and the Queenstown Trail are free.
Is a rental car necessary?
No. Buses and tours reach Arrowtown, Gibbston and Glenorchy. A car helps for Lake Hayes and The Remarkables, but Skippers Canyon needs a guided tour.