Walk around Queenstown CBD
...and make sure to take photos in the beautiful waterfront of Lake Wakatipu. The CBD is walkable (and in the summer months, jam-packed with tourists!) and you’ll be able to explore many food offerings and possibly spot the talented and well-known piano busker playing sweet tunes by the lake!
Cruise on the 105 year old TSS Earnslaw Steamship
Take a ride on this beautiful and historic steamship, visit the giant steam engines inside the ship and see them in action, or simply enjoy the views on deck and let the cool lake breeze and the spectacular alpine sceneries do the entertaining. You can opt to stay just for the 90 minute cruise, or spend some time visiting Walter Peak High Country farm for some guided farm tours, gourmet bbq lunches, or horse trekking!
Ascend on the Gondola for mountain views, exciting rides, or a relaxing afternoon
Located in the CBD, the Skyline Queenstown Gondola is the ‘steepest cable car lift in the Southern hemisphere’. Once up there you can either choose to ramp up the adrenaline and take a ride on the luge, or have a chill afternoon and have lunch surrounded by the mighty mountain peaks- Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak.
Relax in the steamy Onsen Hot Pools while soaking in the view
After all the hectic traveling, you might want to check out the Onsen hot pools. Not only is it Insta-worthy, the experience will leave your muscles feeling relaxed and your mind ready to tackle on more traveling and sightseeing!
Go on the Milford Sound Cruise
If you’re up for a day trip (4 hours each way!), then you will be rewarded with the epic and ethereal views of Milford Sound (not actually a sound, but a fiord!), and also meet the locals- the fur seals hanging out at Seal Rock. The trip itself is memorable, and it is one of the first things that people check off their bucket list when visiting Queenstown. We recommend joining one of the many tours that depart from Queenstown so you can relax all the way!
Go on a scenic drive and visit the Gateway to Paradise- Glenorchy
Driving along the mountainside and tracing the shores of Lake Wakatipu, take a 45 minute drive and let the passing views of the lakes and mountains take your breath away! We’ve driven through the road from Queenstown to Glenorchy several times over the years, but we never tire of the truly spectacular views. Once you get to Glenorchy, drop by the iconic red barn by the lake, or have a nice pie and coffee outdoors while soaking up the view. If you’re staying longer, you can also try and walk the multi-day Routeburn Track- one of New Zealand’s great walks. If not, don’t worry, there are also mini walks around the area! You may also want to visit the nearby settlements of Kinloch and Paradise (it literally is called Paradise, and for a good reason too!). You’ll definitely get that Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit vibes, as a lot of the backdrops for the movies were filmed here. We highly recommend making this trip (at least up to Glenorchy if your pressed for time) as we feel it gives the ‘quintessential New Zealand’ feel!
Go on the numerous hike or bike trails!
You’re spoilt for choice with all the beautiful trails in Queenstown, be it via feet or wheels (or maybe even hooves!)
3, 2, 1… JUMP!
Did you know that the world’s first ever bungy business was born in Queenstown? In fact, you can still jump off the famous Kawarau Bridge, where the business first started! If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are the more extreme jumps and swings available, like the Nevis Bungy (highest in NZ). Seen that video on YouTube where people get pushed off the edge while sitting on a chair? Yup, that’s in Queenstown!
Fergburger
Once you’ve gotten around the little CBD, you won’t miss Fergburger...it will always have the huge line at the front. Lining up to order a Fergburger is a Queenstown experience in itself (we once got given free hot chocolates and cookies while waiting in line on a cold winter night), try going early in the morning or later in the evenings to get to your burger faster!
If you’re sweet tooth needs some love as well, don’t worry, Mrs Ferg is just right beside Fergburger and its fully stocked with gelato and sweet bakery treats!
Balls and Bangles
If you’re in the mood for some hand-made bagels and donuts, look no further! Balls and Bangles is a sweet little shop with delicious bagels (plain, or filled with yummy stuff like eggs and bacon), good enough to start your day with. We’ve come to this shop on numerous occasions for a quick bite and coffee (they’ve got good coffee too!). They’re also near the waterfront so you can take your donuts and sit by the lake!
Patagonia Chocolates
Try out their Signature Hot Chocolate! Patagonia has something for every sweet tooth- be it chocolates, gelato, coffee, pastries (churros anyone?). Sit under the sun while sipping on some hot chocolate and admiring the views of Lake Wakatipu
The Boatshed Cafe
Perfect for breakfast, head on to Frankton and visit the Boatshed Cafe for more dreamy lake and mountain views while enjoying a classic flat white and Kiwi big breakfast. Not only will you be able to say that you had the best breakfast ever, you can also impress your friends when they find out that you’ve actually dined in a historic New Zealand Railways Shipping Office, dating back to 1869-1878
Yonder
Located in Queenstown CBD (and just on the opposite side of Balls and Bangles!) is this hip little cafe called Yonder. If you’re feeling more adventurous and would like to try something other than a coffee or tea, you can try Yonder’s turmeric, beetroot, or even charcoal lattes! Yonder is open for brunch, dinner or just for drinks and they’ve got a lot of cool things going on with their meals… including an Adobo Beef baguette!
Taco Medic
Located in the back alleys of Queenstown CBD (we encourage you to just wander around and discover all the cool things!) is Taco Medic. It’s one of the best Mexican restaurants - 4.6 stars in Google! Try their nachos, even without the sour cream, we guarantee you’d wipe the plate clean!
Cookie Time
For the serious cookie lovers, you can’t miss the one of its kind Cookie Time Bar! Go here to taste the most popular cookie in NZ and while you’re there have a warm drink, insta-worthy shakes, or even just your classic milk with your cookie.
