Queenstown, New Zealand: A Guide to Adrenaline Adventures, Local Flavors & Iconic Scenery

Alpine luxury tour

A high-touch, curated day that combines helicopter access, remote landings, and expert guides with insider knowledge. You’ll reach pockets of the South Island most travelers never see, without the crowds or complicated logistics. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience Queenstown’s biggest scenery in a single day.

Arrowtown

Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, visit Arrowtown to wander its boutique shops and cafés, and then follow one of the riverside walking paths for a peaceful dose of nature. It’s the perfect slow-paced counterbalance to Queenstown’s adrenaline energy. Insider tip: Stop at Patagonia for authentic and delicious ice cream and chocolate.

Central Otago wine tasting

Just outside of Queenstown, Central Otago’s cellar doors offer world-class pinot noir and spectacular vineyard scenery. Wineries like Peregrine, Mt Difficulty, and Kinross make it easy to spend a relaxed afternoon sipping wines, enjoying long lunches, and taking in the mountain views. It’s a welcome, slower-paced pairing to all the adventure in town. Insider tip: Many wineries will ship to your home country.

Glenorchy & Dart River

The lakeside drive to Glenorchy is one of the most beautiful in the region, with turquoise water and dramatic mountain views at every turn. Once there, the Dart River wilderness safari blends jet boating, forest walks, and Fiordland landscapes you’ve definitely seen in films. Insider tip: Pack a dry set of clothes.

Glenorchy scenic flight

If you want sweeping aerial views without the time commitment of a long day trip, this scenic fixed-wing flight is the answer. You’ll soar over Fiordland, Mount Aspiring National Park, and the Southern Alps. Insider tip: The flights can be weather dependent, so better to plan this earlier in your itinerary.

Gondola ride

An easy, centrally located activity that delivers some of the best views in Queenstown with minimal effort. Ride up to panoramic lookouts over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. It’s family-friendly, great at sunset, and perfect for a lighter-adventure day.

Helicopter to Earnslaw Burn

This is one of the most cinematic experiences in the region—a flight across braided rivers, alpine valleys, and sheer glacier faces. You’ll land beneath a massive wall of ice with waterfalls, experiencing a landscape you can’t reach any other way. It’s unforgettable and worth the splurge.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s crown jewels, with towering peaks and waterfalls that drop straight into the sea. A full-day trip includes scenic stops along the road and a cruise through the fiord—it’s a long day, but worth it. Insider tip: If you’re short on time, consider pairing the Sound cruise with a scenic flight for a quicker (and scenic) experience.

Queenstown golf

Queenstown is a golfer’s dream, with courses like Jack’s Point, Millbrook, and Arrowtown Golf Club each offering their own backdrop of mountains, lakes, and open countryside. You don’t need to be a pro—it’s worth playing a round for the views alone.

Walter Peak cruise

A scenic lake crossing on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship takes you to Walter Peak High Country Farm station with mountain views and is an easy way to get out on Lake Wakatipu.

“Best of Queenstown” tour

A simple and efficient way to see the region’s highlights with a local expert guiding the way. You’ll hit key lookouts, learn the area’s backstory, and get insider context that helps you understand Queenstown beyond the postcard views. Insider tip: A great option on your first day to get your bearings and combat jetlag.

Altitude Brewery

A relaxed lakeside brewery with craft beers inspired by the region and a fun, locals-first vibe. It’s a great stop for an afternoon pint or a low-key food truck dinner with mountain views. Expect easygoing energy and plenty of outdoor seating when the weather is nice.

Boardwalk Restaurant

Polished and waterfront, Boardwalk is a great choice for seafood lovers, though their vegetarian and meat offerings are delicious as well. The bonus: views of Lake Wakatipu from almost every table.

Fergburger

An institution—yes, the line is real, and yes, it’s worth it. Order ahead or go off-peak, then sit by the lake with your burger.

Mother Goose

The "coolest country pub in NZ” is casual, character-filled, and beloved by locals. Perfect for a pint, a relaxed meal after a day of adventures, or a low-stress night out away from central QT’s bustle.

Sunfire

A scenic, atmospheric dinner option with a warm, rustic feel—ideal for unwinding after a full-day tour or heli adventure. Expect hearty plates, local flavors, and a welcoming Kiwi vibe.

The Terrace

A modern, upscale new spot with gorgeous lake views located in Roki hotel. It feels surprisingly private thanks to its perch on a balcony above Queenstown’s main lakeside walkway. The restaurant is open to the public and serves lunch and dinner.

Vudu Café & Larder

One of Queenstown’s best spots for coffee and breakfast, with strong espresso, fresh pastries, and a bright, bustling atmosphere. It’s an easy go-to before a day of touring or a scenic stroll along the lake.