Itineraries for Your Trip to Queenstown
2 Days in Queenstown for First Timers
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and whatever outdoor activity you’re into—hiking, mountain biking, rafting, skiing, bungee jumping, jet boating, or something else—you’ll find lots of easy to have fun here. That said, the city’s adrenaline-fueled reputation can lead less-outdoorsy travelers to feel that Queenstown isn’t a place for them—and that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve been visiting Queenstown since I was a teenager, and although I’m not a skier, a biker, or interested in bungee jumping (and nowadays I travel with a small child), this beautiful mountain town is always great fun. Here’s how to spend two days in Queenstown, with something for everyone.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a ride in the Skyline Gondola to admire the sweeping views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables range of the Southern Alps.
Queenstown is a year-round destination, but it tends to be colder than many other parts of New Zealand in all seasons; be prepared for snow in winter and colder-than-expected temperatures in summer.
Get an overview of Queenstown this morning by riding the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, a hill overlooking the town. There are fantastic views from the top, as well as a cafe where you can grab your morning flat white. Return the way you came up, or make your way down on a mountain bike down or via the exciting luge track.
Back at lake level, pick an afternoon activity to suit your group’s appetite for adventure: If you’re traveling in ski season, head to one of several ski slopes in the Southern Alps. Otherwise, you can join an ATV tour, take a ride on a jet boat, head to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge to bungee jump, or even enjoy a round of golf at Jack’s Point Golf Course, considered one of New Zealand’s best.
This evening, take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, on the vintage TSS Earnslaw, a steamship that has sailed this lake since 1912. Admire views of the mountains on all sides, then disembark for a relaxed dinner at the homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm, on the other side of the lake from Queenstown.
If you have a generous budget, enjoy a special morning tour to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. It’s quite a long way by road, but if you can fly there on a charter flight on a small-group or private tour, you save time—and get spectacular mountain views. Take a wildlife cruise on the fjord before returning to Queenstown. If your budget is more limited, you can take a full-day tour by road, instead.
If you’re flying, head back to Queenstown for an afternoon wineries tour. Central Otago is famous for its pinot noir and other cool-climate wines. Booking a tour will let you sample local wines in Ranfurly, Cromwell, Arrowtown, and other wine-producing towns without worrying about driving yourself. Some tours also include lunch or the opportunity to purchase food at winery restaurants.
After a busy day, take it easy this evening with a soak in a private hot tub overlooking the mountains at Onsen Hot Pools. A 45-minute soak is a great way to unwind and warm up. Afterwards, make your way back to town for dinner. There’s a wide variety of options in Queenstown, including cuisines that aren’t usually well-represented in New Zealand.
