Queenstown is one of the highlights that New Zealand has to offer, a small town with a lot to offer. There is everything imaginable to do and enjoy. So to ensure you don’t miss anything and make the most of your visit to Queenstown, I have created a guide for you to follow.
Do you need to rent a car in Queenstown, New Zealand?
As with many other places in New Zealand. It’s always good to have access to a car because the opportunities to explore Queenstown will be much better. However, if you don’t have access to a car and have arrived by bus, getting around without major problems is still possible. Many activities around the town are accessible by public transportation. Often, transportation to extreme activities such as bungee jumping is included.
How much time do you need in Queenstown, New Zealand?
At least two days! There is a lot to see in New Zealand, so the schedule can sometimes be tight, but make sure to plan at least two days in Queenstown, preferably 3 or more days if possible.
Accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand
We stayed at a hostel called Base X Backpackers, and it was okay. Definitely one of the cheaper accommodations you can find in Queenstown, so if you’re looking for a good and affordable place, I can recommend it. Another cheaper option is Nomads, similar to Base X, a decent place for a reasonable price. If you prefer to stay in a more luxurious accommodation, Novotel Lakeside Queenstown is the place to stay. It’s a fantastic accommodation right next to the beach, and there’s also a spa at the hotel!
Activities to do in Queenstown, New Zealand
Bungy Jumping
The world’s first commercial bungy jump was fittingly done here in Queenstown, known for all its adrenaline-pumping activities. If you’re considering trying bungy jumping, this is definitely the place to do it. It’s easy to book; go to the center of Queenstown and book directly through the organizers—they take care of everything. You can also book through this link.
Nevis swing
Similar to a bungy jump, but as the name suggests, it’s more of a swing than a straight jump. 160 meters high, you swing out and reach a speed of 120 km/h. We had booked the Nevis Swing and were really looking forward to it, but unfortunately, the weather disrupted our plans, and it was canceled… Next time!
Skydive
Skydiving must be added to this list. I haven’t done it here myself, but I can imagine this must be one of the cooler places to do it!
Queenstown Hills
Hike up Queenstown Hill, a favorite for both tourists and locals. A 3-hour walk that is 4.2 km long, reaching an elevation of 500 meters. A hike well worth doing; the view from the top is spectacular!
Play frisbee in the park
An underrated activity that is actually quite fun and very affordable. Rent a frisbee at your hotel reception and go to the park next to the beach. There’s a frisbee course set up for everyone to use.
Join a pub crawl
One of the best ways to explore Queenstown’s nightlife is undoubtedly to go on a pub crawl! Queenstown is known for its lively nightlife, and there’s always something happening, making a pub crawl a perfect way to meet new people.
Day trip to Milford Sound – New Zealand’s pride, located outside Queenstown
A must when visiting Queenstown! Known to be the “eighth wonder of the world,” Milford Sound will take your breath away. There are tall cliffs, even higher peaks, and dramatic waterfalls with drops of over 1000 meters. If you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins playing in the waves around the boat. What’s so cool about Milford Sound is that you can’t really go wrong with a visit because if it rains, the waterfalls will double and become much more intense. If it’s sunny and beautiful, it becomes spectacularly beautiful.
It takes about 4 hours by bus to get to Milford. There are many different guided tours to book either online or directly through an agency in Queenstown.
Restaurants in Queenstown, New Zealand
Fergburger
My first tip when it comes to food can’t be anything other than Fergburger. Fergburger is incredibly famous in Queenstown. We had planned to visit here to try their famous burgers, but we soon found out that everyone else had also planned to eat here. The queue to order was incredibly long, and I would guess it would have taken us at least an hour just to get the chance to place an order. If you decide to eat here, be prepared to wait a while.
Devil Burger
Since the line was so long at Fergburger, we went instead to the next best place we could find, and that was Devil Burger. Now, we haven’t tried Fergburger, but I would actually argue that Devil Burger is better, and you definitely won’t leave hungry—the burgers are not only amazingly good but also very large, and the fries as well. We also found out later that this is where locals go to eat burgers!
Blue Kanu
One of the top-rated restaurants in Queenstown and should be prioritized if you’re looking for a place to eat. There are plenty of options, much inspired by Asian flavors with a focus on seafood.
Farelli´s
If you’re in the mood for Italian food, this is where you should go; they have homemade and incredibly delicious pasta!
Best pubs in Queenstown, New Zealand
World Pub
A trendy place with absolutely fantastic drinks!
The London
Perfect for hanging out; they have a wide selection of both beer and cocktails, and they also have very good pizzas.
1876
A more relaxed pub located in a beautiful historic building in the center of Queenstown. The best thing about 1876 is that they have cheap beer, and if you go there during happy hour, you can save a lot.
Queenstown is a place you will undoubtedly remember for a long time; there is so much to do, and it’s challenging to cover everything. I’ve written my best tips on what I think you shouldn’t miss, but there is so much more than what is included in my post. In any case, Queenstown is absolutely fantastic with its wide range of activities and beauty, and that’s why Queenstown is the city you absolutely must not miss on your trip to New Zealand.
Don’t miss our post on how to plan your dream trip throughout New Zealand.
