Queenstown local guide
Things to Do in Queenstown: A Local’s Guide
Queenstown is known for bungy jumping, jet boats and skydiving, but I’ve been living here for a few years and I still haven’t done most of the classic “extreme” activities.
I get my adrenaline from mountain biking and rock climbing instead.
So this is not a list of every famous attraction in Queenstown. It is just the stuff I would actually recommend to friends visiting.
My quick picks
A few easy ways to spend the day
Hire a Bike and Go Exploring
If I had to recommend one thing, this would probably be it.
Hire a bike, or an e-bike if you want to make it easier, and go exploring.
One of my favourite rides is from Queenstown towards Arrowtown, heading out via the trail towards Arthurs Point and then joining the Wharehuanui Trail.
The ride itself is pretty casual except for the first hill into Arthurs Point. You get to pass the Shotover Gorge, ride through open countryside and take in plenty of mountain views before stopping in Arrowtown for food or a drink.
Want Some Proper Mountain Biking?
If you want proper mountain biking, head to 7 Mile.
There are purpose-built trails through the forest and a good mix of difficulty levels.
If you already ride, this is where I’d go.
Skip the Gondola and Walk the Tiki Trail
If your main reason for heading up to Bob’s Peak is the view, I’d consider walking the Tiki Trail instead.
It is steep, but you get the same big views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Once you get to the top, the café is a good place to grab a coffee, get some food and take in the view.
If you want to keep going, you can continue higher towards Ben Lomond.
UrbanFox
Explore Queenstown with a Puzzle Hunt
This one is obviously biased because we built it.
UrbanFox is a self-guided puzzle adventure through central Queenstown and Queenstown Gardens.
You follow the hunt on your phone, walk around town, solve clues and learn a bit of local history along the way.
It takes around 1 to 2 hours and covers roughly 3.6 km.
The main reason I like it is that it makes you look at Queenstown rather than just walk through it. You start noticing buildings, signs, statues and little details you would normally ignore.
Wander Around Arrowtown
Arrowtown is touristy, but it is still worth a visit.
You do not need much of a plan. Walk around the historic centre, head down to the river, check out the Chinese settlement, look through the shops and stop somewhere for lunch.
If you want what I think is one of the best burgers around, I’d get one from Ferg Butcher in Arrowtown rather than joining the queue at Fergburger in central Queenstown.
Even better, cycle there from Queenstown and make the trip part of the day.
Walk Up Queenstown Hill
If you want a good walk without needing a car, do Queenstown Hill.
You can walk there from town and get great views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
It is a decent climb, but it is only around an hour or so to get up, depending on your pace.
Walk Bob’s Cove
If you have a car and want to get out of town for a bit, head to Bob’s Cove.
It is a short walk through native bush with some great views over Lake Wakatipu.
Make sure you go up to Picnic Point.
In summer, it is also a good place to sit by the water or have a swim.
If It’s Raining, Go Bouldering or Head to Kingpin
If you still want to do something active, go to Basecamp in Frankton and try indoor bouldering.
You can hire what you need there, including shoes and chalk, so you do not need to bring climbing gear with you.
If climbing is not your thing, Kingpin in town is a good option.
There is bowling, an arcade, darts, table tennis and pool, so it works well if you are with a group.
Try Lawn Bowls in Queenstown Gardens
This is one that does not get mentioned enough.
The Queenstown Bowling Club is right in Queenstown Gardens, and lawn bowls is cheap, social and easy to do with a group.
They also have a bar.
It is a good option if you want something relaxed without booking a big activity.
Walk Queenstown Gardens, the Lakefront and Chill by the Beach
Sometimes you do not need to do much at all.
Walk through Queenstown Gardens, follow the lakefront back towards town and stop at the main beach.
If the weather is good, grab a Patagonia ice cream, sit by the lake and stay there for a while.
If you want to turn the walk into more of an activity, combine it with UrbanFox. The route takes you through the Gardens and around town.
You Don’t Need to Spend Hundreds to Enjoy Queenstown
There are plenty of expensive activities in Queenstown, and some of them are probably brilliant.
But you do not need to spend hundreds every day to have a good time here.
A lot of what I enjoy most about Queenstown is simply getting outside.
Hire a bike. Walk up a hill. Explore Arrowtown. Try climbing. Play bowls. Sit by the lake.
A lot of the best stuff is cheap or free.
And if you have a couple of hours in town and want something a bit more interactive, that is exactly why we made UrbanFox.
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