Top Things to do in Queenstown
10 Free Things to do in Queenstown That You Shouldn't Miss
Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits—much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region's 75 wineries.
Restaurants in Queenstown
1. Lake Wakatipu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,061 reviews
Reviewed By 194fayh - Christchurch, New Zealand
When visiting Queenstown a "Must see & Do" is the trip on the TSS Earnslaw boat - built in 1912 a great old ship that takes you up to Walter Peak - again a beautiful old Homestead/Farm wonderful hosts - great gift shop and a sing song on the journey with Lovely Eleanor on the piano playing some great old favourite songs which all the passengers join in on the singng. wonderful adventure and a chance to meet people from around the Globe. cant wait to do it again.
2. Mt Crichton Loop Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 113 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Navigate310631
A lovely walk done in 2- 3 hours .like other reviews it is best done clockwise .Best place to stop fort lunch is by the only seat with fantastic views .
3. Ben Lomond Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 693 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By lottie27 - Balmain, Australia
As a 30-year old, reasonably fit female who had hiked Ben Lomond seven years previous, I actually found this hike to be reasonably ok for the most part. I had in fact hiked Roy’s Peak, Wanaka the day previous so wasn’t sure how my legs would feel doing two quite big hikes consecutively. As per the other reviews, there are two options, either start at the bottom of the Skyline Gondola (on Beacon St) and take the Tiki Trail up, or pay $38 (or something) and take about 45mins - 1hour (each way) off your hiking time and get the Gondola. For the challenge, I chose the first option and commenced my hike at 7.30am at the bottom of the Tiki Trail. The Tiki Trial is actually quite tough, constantly uphill and over some pretty rough terrain. I grabbed a good stick to use as a hiking pole in the forest and I think this certainly helped me overall. By 8.10am I was at the Skyline Gondola where the views are actually pretty fantastic in their own right. A quick 5 minute toilet stop here and I left the top of the Gondola to commence the hike at about 8.20am. The Ben Lomond track is well signposted from here (much better than when I first did this hike seen years ago) and it says 1.5 hours to the saddle and 2.5 hours to the summit. The hike from the Gondola to the saddle I found to be quite ok... yes it’s constantly uphill but not THAT steep and I in fact made it to the saddle in just under an hour from leaving the top of the Gondola - arriving at 9.15am. The saddle is where the easy hiking sure ends - the hike from the saddle to the summit was particularly strenuous. Having hiked Roy’s Peak the day before, my quads were burning. From the saddle to the summit, it is very much scrambling (on your hands as knees at times) up a rocky mountain face. Even on a dry day like I had I found it quite unsteady underfoot at times. That said, I made it to the summit from the saddle in about 40 minutes. The decent was quite tough on the knees but not as bad as Roy’s Peak and it was nice to be able to take in the views. I got back to the Skyline Gondola by 11.10am (1hr 10mins after leaving the summit), stopped for a cold drink and made it to the bottom of the Tiki Trail just after 12pm - 4.5 hours after commencing. I did walk quite fast and took very few breaks but it just goes to show that it doesn’t need to be a 6/8 hour hike if you’re reasonably fit. The crowds are much smaller than the Roy’s Peak track, even on a beautiful summers day like I had which I found made this hike more appealing. The walk itself is also more varied (having the Tiki Trail forest, the steady climb to the saddle and then the steep scramble to the summit) which made it a little more interesting than the zig zag of Roy’s Peak. My only comment would be that I didn’t find the views (from the saddle or summit) as amazing as the ones from Roy’s Peak, but overall a challenging, enjoyable hike. I didn’t have proper hiking boots and found my Nike trainers did the job ok, just be wary of twisted ankles on the climb to the summit. I found a long stick to be really helpful on the hike to the saddle, although had to lose it to the summit so I had both hands free to grab hold of things around me. Take lots of water, snacks, clothing and suncream as the weather can be very changeable.
4. Mt Rosa Wines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 146 reviews
Come and enjoy a fun and friendly wine tasting in our renovated woolshed. Platters available with local produce. Cellar Door open daily from 11am-5pm We are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We charge a tasting fee of $15 which includes at least 5 wines. This is waived when purchasing two bottles. Wines are also available by the glass - please see our menu. Booking essential for parties of 6 or more
Reviewed By Biancacoutts
Anne served us today for our wine tasting. She was super knowledgeable and personable and we felt so well looked after. Would 100% recommend visiting when on a wine tour. Baz the mini German shepherd is also super cute!
5. Buzzstop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Buzzstop is Queenstown’s home for all things Bees and Honey. A one-stop shop to taste and purchase a fantastic selection of Kiwi honey’s from all corners of NZ. make your own honey candles,some natural honey soaps.or Experience seeing 1000's of bees through a glass walled observation hive, or try activities including spin-your-own-honey tour and for the more adventures try bee-a-bee-keeper tour.
Reviewed By V7333AYjohnm
We had a wonderful morning learning all about bees. We did the honey spinning tour and each got a pot of delicious honey with our own labels on. This was a really great activity, suitable for all ages and also good on rainy days. There is a cafe, wine tasting and a shop selling honey from all around New Zealand. The honey can be tasted to help you to decide which to buy. I never realised how much work (by the bees and the beekeeper) goes into a spoonful of honey. Many thanks Nick! ????????
6. Altitude Brewing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
New Zealand's raddest little brewery. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu looking up at the mighty Remarkables. We brew beer for the adventurous.
Reviewed By BMLNewZealand
Having spent hours on our bikes, (the cycle trail goes right past the brewery) we stopped for a quick drink - staff really friendly, very relaxed atmosphere, great views, and loved the ginger beer. Returned the next day with family and shared the experience. Lovely views too. Will definitely visit again when in the area.
7. Chard Farm Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Specialising in Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer. Cellar Door Open for tastings 10am - 5pm weekdays and 11am - 5pm on weekends
Reviewed By Dawnnapa
I saw the reviews for Chard farm, yesterday, the day before we were leaving Queenstown. So, quickly made a call to find out if they were open, it being Easter Monday. This was the best wine tasting I’ve ever experienced. Pauline, our host, was a hoot! She was so funny and she knew her wines. The views on our way there, were so beautiful. Well worth the 1.5km unsealed road, to get there. 10 out of 10!
8. Peregrine Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Peregrine Wines are the producers of the Peregrine and Saddleback range of wines, located an easy 25 minutes drive from Queenstown in the heart Gibbston. Surrounded by a rugged and majestic landscape, our stunning Winery building has won international awards and accolades for its design and construction, which evokes the wingspan of a Peregrine (native falcon or Karearea) as it glides on thermal air rising from the heated land. Peregrine is a boutique, artisan producer of a premium range of wines that focus on Pinot Noir, and a variety of aromatic white wines. It is a brand that since the first vintage has gain reputation both domestically and internationally as one of New Zealand’s iconic wine brands. Come and visit us at the Cellar Door, we trust that you will leave with fond memories of both our winery and our fabulous wines.
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Reflecting the wing span of the Peregrine the cellar door is cut carefully into the landscape. Once inside the barrel room forms the back drop to the tasting room were the wine and information sharing were both great. Wonderful wines with some older vintages available. The property also has a couple of historical farm buildings adding to the beauty of the site.
9. Arrow River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
The discovery of gold in this river led to the settlement of thousands along its banks.
Reviewed By Brynkoru - Blenheim, New Zealand
We hired bikes and did the Arrow River track - visited some of the wineries on route as well as the famous Bungy Jump Bridge - Will be happy share with friends next time.
10. Queenstown Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,346 reviews
Reviewed By 692peggyj
Easy stroll through lush settings with magnificent trees, lawn bowling leagues, and children’s play ares that incorporate real trees to climb and swing from.
