Top Things to Do in Queenstown – Best Adventure Tours & Activities

Discover Queenstown: New Zealand’s Ultimate Adventure Playground

Top Things to Do in Queenstown: Activities and Tours

Queenstown: The Ultimate Adventure Destination
Welcome to Queenstown, the heart of New Zealand’s South Island and the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Nestled between the Southern Alps and shimmering Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a playground for adrenaline lovers and a paradise for those who appreciate breathtaking natural beauty.

From high-speed jet boat rides on the Shotover River to serene Milford Sound cruises, Queenstown offers unforgettable experiences year-round.

Dive into a wide array of activities, whether you’re here to leap from towering heights, explore scenic trails, or unwind with wine tastings and mountain views.

With expert-led tours and tailored adventures, Queenstown promises something for everyone. So strap in for the ultimate bucket list of things to do in Queenstown and start planning your next great escape!

Discover the Best Things to Do in Queenstown

Queenstown is New Zealand’s ultimate destination for adventure, relaxation, and stunning landscapes. Nestled between the majestic Southern Alps and the tranquil waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers an unparalleled mix of adrenaline-pumping activities, scenic experiences, and cultural attractions.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for your next big adventure or a traveler seeking serene moments amidst breathtaking natural beauty, Queenstown has something for everyone.

This guide covers the top categories of things to do in Queenstown, from iconic jet boating and guided tours to adventure sports, scenic flights, and more. With expert local tips and highlights of the best operators in the region, you’ll have everything you need to make your visit unforgettable.

Dive into the adventures below and discover why Queenstown truly is the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Activities in Queenstown Summer

Long, warm days + calm mornings = prime time for the big stuff. Book headline experiences early in your stay (weather buffer), then thread in lakefront wanders and golden-hour viewpoints.

Book these first (summer best-sellers):

• Jet Boat Trips — fast canyon sprints, huge scenery.
• Whitewater Rafting — cool canyon shade, team fun.
• Skyline Gondola & Luge — views + laps for all ages.
• Skydive (NZONE) — epic lake/peaks panorama.
• TSS Earnslaw Cruise — heritage steamship, easy afternoon/evening.
• E-Bike Hire — breeze the lakeside paths.
• Horse Trek — backcountry views without the hike (most depart ~2pm).
• Fishing on Wakatipu — dawn/late-light magic.

Simple summer game plan:

• Morning (calm air): Jet boat or skydive; optional gondola before it’s hot.
• Early & mid afternoon: Horse trek
• Late afternoon: Rafting (canyon shade), e-bike lakeside, a few luge laps.
• Golden hour: Skyline viewpoints, Queenstown Hill, Kelvin Heights bays, Bob’s Cove; Earnslaw wharf viewing or late sailing (if timetables align).

Adventure Activities in Queenstown

Queenstown is the ultimate destination for adrenaline junkies and adventure lovers. Nestled amidst the towering Southern Alps and the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu, this vibrant town is the heart of New Zealand’s adventure scene. Whether you’re racing through narrow river canyons or soaring through the skies on a zipline, Queenstown’s adventure activities offer something for everyone. The breathtaking scenery only enhances the thrill, making these experiences unforgettable.

Why Queenstown is the Adventure Capital:

• World-Class Operators: Queenstown’s adventure providers are among the best in the world, prioritizing safety and unforgettable experiences.
• Stunning Landscapes: Every activity is set against the backdrop of dramatic peaks, pristine rivers, and lush forests.
• Diverse Adventures: From high-speed thrills to serene exploration, there’s an adventure for every traveler.

Pro Tip: Morning adventures often offer the calmest weather and the best chance for clear, unobstructed views.

Top Things to Do in Queenstown

Queenstown is packed with experiences that cater to every type of traveler. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to tranquil escapes, this destination is renowned for offering the best of both worlds. Whether you’re taking a scenic gondola ride, cruising on Lake Wakatipu, or exploring the majestic Milford Sound, Queenstown’s top activities promise unforgettable memories. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why this South Island gem is a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.

Don’t Miss Highlights:

• Skyline Gondola & Luge: Ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for incredible views, then race downhill on a thrilling luge track.
• Milford Sound Day Trips: Discover the natural beauty of Fiordland National Park with a scenic flight or cruise.
• TSS Earnslaw Steamship: Enjoy a relaxing cruise across Lake Wakatipu and visit Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Did You Know? Queenstown was home to the world’s first commercial bungee jump at the Kawarau Bridge in 1988.

Guided Adventure Tours in Queenstown

For an immersive and hassle-free experience, guided adventure tours are the best way to explore Queenstown’s stunning landscapes and hidden gems. From the historic streets of Arrowtown to cinematic backdrops in Glenorchy and Lake Wanaka, these tours ensure every detail is taken care of, so you can focus on making memories.

Types of Guided Tours:

• 4WD Safari Tours: Traverse historic gold-mining trails and explore Skippers Canyon’s dramatic landscapes.
• Glenorchy Film Location Tours: Visit Glenorchy, a backdrop for The Lord of the Rings and other iconic films.
• Packrafting in the Rees Valley: Combine hiking and rafting as you explore one of Queenstown’s most scenic alpine areas.
• Guided Tours of Arrowtown and Lake Wanaka: Delve into the history of Arrowtown or take in the breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka.
• Dart River Jet Boat & Funyaks: Combine high-speed thrills with serene kayaking on this unique adventure.
• Heli-Hiking Adventures: Take a scenic helicopter ride to a remote glacier and explore its icy terrain with an expert guide.

Pro Tip: Book guided tours early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and enjoy exclusive access to popular destinations.

Outdoor Adventures in Queenstown

For those who crave fresh air and stunning landscapes, Queenstown’s outdoor adventures offer endless opportunities to explore. Surrounded by rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and pristine forests, this destination is a playground for nature lovers. Whether you’re horseback riding through Glenorchy’s valleys, kayaking on tranquil waters, or embarking on an exhilarating 4WD tour, Queenstown’s outdoor adventures cater to every fitness level and interest.

Outdoor Adventures Await:

• Horse Riding Treks in Glenorchy: Experience the breathtaking scenery of Glenorchy’s valleys and trails on horseback.
• Scenic Helicopter Flights: Marvel at alpine peaks, glaciers, and remote wilderness on a breathtaking aerial adventure.
• 4WD Tours: Discover rugged landscapes, remote trails, and hidden gems with an experienced guide.
• Queenstown Bike Hire: Offers a range of bikes, including e-bikes and mountain bikes, along with shuttle services to various trailheads.

Pro Tip: Pack layers when heading outdoors, as Queenstown’s weather can change quickly, even in summer.

Queenstown Adrenaline Activities

For the ultimate rush, Queenstown’s adrenaline activities are a must-try. Known as the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, this town has earned its reputation as the world’s adrenaline capital. From extreme canyon swings to white-water rafting and skydiving, Queenstown offers a range of heart-pounding experiences that cater to even the most daring thrill-seekers.

Adrenaline-Fueled Highlights:

• Hydro Attack: Board a shark-like vessel that dives and leaps across Lake Wakatipu.
• White-Water Rafting: Navigate the thrilling rapids of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers with expert guides.
• Canyon Swing: Freefall into a stunning alpine canyon.
• Skydiving: Take the ultimate leap and enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps during freefall.

Pro Tip: Adrenaline activities often have height, weight, and age restrictions—check before booking to ensure you qualify.

Best Activities in Queenstown for All Travellers

Queenstown offers a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, ensuring there’s something for every traveler. From exploring historic Arrowtown to enjoying a peaceful lakeside stroll, these activities showcase the diverse appeal of New Zealand’s most vibrant town.

Top Picks:

• Arrowtown: Stroll through this charming gold-mining village, full of history and boutique shops.
• Skyline Stargazing: Gaze at the Southern Hemisphere’s star-filled skies with a guided stargazing experience at Bob’s Peak.
• Lake Wakatipu Walks: Enjoy easy trails with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Local Tip: Combine your adventures with a Gibbston Valley wine tour for the ultimate day out.

Top Tourist Attractions in Queenstown

Queenstown’s tourist attractions go beyond its adventure offerings, showcasing its cultural heritage, artistic talent, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring historic villages, visiting local galleries, or unwinding by the lake, these attractions provide a deeper understanding of what makes Queenstown so special.

Must-See Attractions:

• Historic Arrowtown: Discover a slice of history in this picturesque gold-mining village.
• Art Galleries: Explore the works of talented local artists.
• Queenstown Gardens: A peaceful retreat with stunning lake and mountain views.

Local Tip: Visit Arrowtown during autumn to experience its vibrant foliage.

Queenstown Adventure Sports and Activities

Queenstown is a haven for sports enthusiasts, offering year-round opportunities for high-energy fun. Whether you’re skiing down world-class slopes, biking rugged trails, or paragliding over alpine peaks, this destination has it all. With a wide range of activities for all skill levels, Queenstown is the ultimate playground for active travelers.

Adventure Awaits:

• Winter Sports: Ski or snowboard at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, or Cardrona.
• Summer Thrills: Enjoy downhill mountain biking or rock climbing in warmer months.
• Aerial Sports: Glide over stunning landscapes with paragliding or hang-gliding.

Expert Tip: Book activities in advance during peak seasons to secure your preferred timeslot.

Must-See Attractions in Queenstown

Beyond adrenaline and outdoor adventures, Queenstown offers a variety of attractions that cater to every traveler. From breathtaking scenic drives to tranquil lakefront escapes, these must-see spots provide the perfect balance to Queenstown’s more action-packed offerings.

Highlights Include:

• Gibbston Valley Wineries: Sample award-winning wines while enjoying stunning vineyard views.
• Lake Wakatipu: Relax, paddle, or take a cruise on this iconic lake.
• Glenorchy Scenic Drive: Take one of the world’s most beautiful road trips to this picturesque town.

Pro Tip: Pair a scenic drive to Glenorchy with a short hike or a picnic to maximize your day.

Queenstown Scenic Flights and Helicopter Tours

Take your Queenstown adventure to new heights with a scenic flight or helicopter tour. Whether you’re soaring over Milford Sound, landing on a remote glacier, or marveling at the peaks of Mount Cook, these aerial experiences offer a perspective like no other. Perfect for adventurers and sightseers alike, Queenstown’s scenic flights are the ultimate way to experience New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes.

Aerial Highlights:

• Milford Sound Scenic Flights: Fly over Fiordland National Park and enjoy a cruise through Milford’s serene waters.
• Mount Cook Helicopter Tours: Land on glaciers and explore icy terrains in New Zealand’s highest mountain region.
• Alpine Landing Tours: Hover over pristine peaks and enjoy exclusive access to remote wilderness areas.

Pro Tip: For the best light and visibility, book flights in the morning or late afternoon.

Jet Boating in Queenstown – The Ultimate High-Speed Adventure

Jet boating in Queenstown is a must-do experience for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. This iconic activity combines adrenaline-pumping speeds with breathtaking scenery, taking you through crystal-clear rivers, narrow canyons, and pristine alpine landscapes. With five renowned operators offering unique jet boat tours, there’s an adventure to suit everyone—from high-speed spins to scenic river journeys.

Whether you’re racing through the dramatic Shotover Canyons, exploring the remote beauty of the Dart River, or cruising the Kawarau River’s turquoise waters, Queenstown’s jet boating experiences promise unforgettable memories. Each operator offers a distinct twist, ensuring that no two rides are the same.

• KJet: Offers a 60-minute ride across Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, reaching speeds up to 95kph.

• Shotover Jet: Known for exhilarating rides through the narrow Shotover Canyons at speeds up to 85kph.

• Thunder Jet: Provides jet boat experiences on the Kawarau River with twin V8 engines for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

• Dart River Adventures: Combines jet boating with scenic tours of the Dart River and Mount Aspiring National Park.

• Skippers Canyon Jet: Offers a unique experience in the historic Skippers Canyon, blending jet boating with gold mining history.

Local Tip: For the clearest water and the most dramatic scenery, book a jet boat tour in the morning when the rivers are calm, and the sunlight enhances the landscape’s natural beauty.

Frequently asked Questions about Queenstown

Activities in Queenstown summer

Activities in Queenstown summer include jet boat trips, white-water rafting, Skyline Gondola & Luge, skydiving, TSS Earnslaw cruises, e-bike rides, horse treks, and fishing on Lake Wakatipu. Book headline tours for day 1–2 to keep a weather buffer, then thread in lakefront walks and golden-hour viewpoints.

Best things to do in Queenstown

Best things to do in Queenstown span canyon jet boats, gondola & luge, rafting, scenic helicopter flights, NZONE skydiving, Earnslaw cruises, Central Otago wine tours, horse treks and e-biking. Reserve the big-ticket items early; keep one spare slot so you can shuffle around weather and get clear views.

Why is Queenstown the adventure capital?

Queenstown is the adventure capital thanks to world-class operators, dramatic Southern Alps scenery, and a huge activity range—from high-speed jet boats and rafting to skydiving, paragliding and scenic flights. Compact logistics mean you can stack multiple experiences in a day, with four-season access and reliable transport.

Guided tours Queenstown

Guided tours in Queenstown include 4WD safaris through Skippers Canyon, Glenorchy film-location trips, Rees Valley packrafting, Arrowtown and W?naka sightseeing, Dart River jet boat + funyaks, and heli-hiking on remote glaciers. Small groups, hotel pick-ups and flexible timings make them easy to drop into any itinerary.

Outdoor activities in Queenstown

Outdoor activities include horse riding in Glenorchy or Moke Lake, scenic helicopter flights with alpine landings, 4WD tours on historic gold-mining trails, and biking the Queenstown Trail network (e-bikes or MTBs). Start early, pack layers and sunscreen, and allow photo time—light changes quickly in alpine air.

Adrenaline activities Queenstown

Adrenaline picks include Hydro Attack on Lake Wakatipu, white-water rafting, canyon swings and skydiving over alpine peaks. Morning conditions are usually calmer; check age/weight requirements before booking. Build a spare slot into your stay so you can move activities for weather and chase the best visibility.

Milford Sound from Queenstown

Milford Sound from Queenstown works best as coach-cruise (full day) or fly-cruise-fly (faster, weather-dependent). Mornings often bring smoother air and more buffer if conditions change. Add an alpine or glacier landing if budget allows. Pack layers, snacks and motion comfort; itineraries run long but deliver big scenery.

Jet boat Queenstown – which is best?

Shotover Jet is the classic tight-canyon thrill; KJet gives a long lake-plus-rivers blast; Skippers Canyon Jet blends heritage scenery with speed; Dart River adds wilderness; RealNZ runs the Kawarau. Book mornings for glassier water. Front rows get wetter—fun, but not necessarily “better” for photos.

Queenstown helicopter flights

Queenstown helicopter flights range from short alpine/snow landings to Milford Sound and glacier trips. Mornings often bring calmer air and clear views. Seating is weight-balanced by the pilot, so window spots can’t be guaranteed. Keep a spare slot to rebook if cloud or wind rolls through.

Queenstown rafting – which river suits me?

Raft the Shotover for steeper, more technical white water and canyon tunnels; choose the Kawarau for gentler, bigger-volume rapids. Family rafting is a soft-adventure float on the upper Shotover. Operators supply gear and safety briefings; minimum ages, swim confidence and water levels vary by day.

Things to do in Queenstown at night

Evenings suit lakefront dining, Earnslaw sailings when scheduled, stargazing by the waterfront or Bob’s Peak, night photography, relaxed wine bars, and summer sunset walks. Book earlier tables, then wander Marine Parade as the light shifts from golden to blue hour for effortless photos.

How many days in Queenstown do I need?

Two to three days cover a jet boat, gondola & luge, a rafting or skydive slot, plus a cruise or wine tour. Add four to five days for Milford/Doubtful, Glenorchy day trips, horse treks and extra golden-hour walks without rushing. Keep one flexible window for weather.