9 of the Best Views in Queenstown and Where To Find Them

Riding the Skyline Queenstown gondola up to Bob’s Peak is a quintessential Queenstown experience—and the first thing you should do when visiting. The scenic views begin almost as soon as you start rising in the gondola to reach the peak of 1,574 feet (480 meters). The ride culminates in sweeping panoramic views of the town, lake, and the snow-capped Remarkables from the outdoor viewing decks at the summit.

Before heading back down, grab a coffee, snack, or meal at the restaurant and café, or enjoy some wholesome family fun on the downhill luge track—just don’t get too distracted by the views while steering.

Insider tip: The gondola, luge, and restaurant/bar are open late, providing great Queenstown sunset views.

Queenstown is located on the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu, a dog leg–shaped glacial lake wedged between the Southern Alps, and the body of water dominates many views of Queenstown. Aside from strolling along the lakeside promenade in the center of town or taking a bike tour farther along its multi-use paths, one of the best ways to catch Lake Wakatipu views is on a scenic lake cruise.

For the most atmospheric experience, board the TSS Earnslaw, a restored 1912 steamship. It regularly sails over to the Walter Peak High Country Farm, on the opposite side of the lake, where you can take a farm tour or enjoy a meal.

Keen hikers looking for a moderately challenging (but rewarding) uphill walk should head up Queenstown Hill, on the opposite side of town from Bob’s Peak. The track begins and ends on Belfast Terrace, and starts off rather steep. Expect the hike to take 2–3 hours, depending on your fitness and speed, and admire sweeping views from the summit and many places on the way up.

While it is a popular walk, it’s simultaneously a much quieter alternative to riding the gondola as it requires more effort. It’s also one of the top Queenstown photography spots, whether you’re snapping solo or on a photography tour; alternatively, you can opt for one of the ATV tours offered here, if you’re in the mood for a four-wheeled adventure.

The Queenstown area is renowned for its skiing, and one of the most popular ski fields is Coronet Peak, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of town. Skiers and snowboarders are obviously in for a winter treat here (the season runs roughly from mid-June to late September), but you can also go tobogganing in winter or ride the mountain bike trails in summer (December through April).

There are also tons of paragliding tours and other guided extreme sports which depart from Coronet Peak—the ultimate way to enjoy bird's-eye views, in any season.

When the Kawarau Suspension Bridge was constructed in 1880 to provide access to the Southland gold fields, those using it couldn’t have imagined that a century later the bridge would become the first site of commercial bungee jumping in the world. Since 1988, daredevils have been launching themselves from the 137-foot (42-meter) high bridge over the Kawarau Gorge with only an elasticated cable attached to their feet.

While jumpers might be a bit distracted to enjoy the wonderful views of the rocky gorge and river below, onlookers can take it all in. If you’re looking for the best adventure views in Queenstown, this is hard to top.

The 13-mile (22-kilometer) Skippers Canyon Road north of Queenstown is definitely not one for nervous drivers—it’s been called one of the most dangerous roads in the world, and for good reason. But the fantastic views of the Shotover River coursing through the canyon make joining a tour with an experienced driver worthwhile.

Many white-water rafting and jet-boating tours take you on the Shotover River, too, and some provide road transport through the canyon so you can admire the views (or close your eyes at the steep cliff drop-offs) without having to drive.

Insider tip: The best (and safest) views aren’t from the road at all—private helicopter tours fly you directly over Skippers Canyon on the way to an actual glacier, where you can marvel at the ice-blue water glistening in the sunlight. It doesn’t get more scenic than that.

Queenstown is a gateway to the Central Otago wine country, famous for its cool-climate wines, especially pinot noir. Many wine-tasting tours pair scenic vineyard vistas with beverage sampling, but a great way to really immerse yourself in the countryside is to cycle between wineries.

The Gibbston River Wine Trail, east of Queenstown, is an easy 5.5 mile (8.7 kilometer) trail through the Gibbston Valley, starting at the Kawarau Suspension Bridge. It takes about 1–2 hours to bicycle the whole way, although we strongly recommend that you stop at any of the great places along the way to make the most of the day.

Insider tip: If cycling’s not your thing, there are plenty of small group wine tours to choose from as well.

If the thought of soaking in a thermal hot tub after an active day in Queenstown wasn’t appealing enough, the Onsen Hot Pools and Day Spa is perfectly positioned high above the Shotover River. All the private cedar-wood hot tubs have sweeping mountain and river views, and retractable roofs you can adjust to suit the weather conditions. Even the drive there is relaxing, thanks to the free shuttles that run from central Queenstown (available by request).

Kids aged 5 and above are welcome during the day, but regardless of age, you should book as far in advance as you can for this popular attraction. (If your desired time is full, there's a waitlist you can join.)

Known as Piopiotahi in the Māori language and named after a now-extinct native bird called piopio, Milford Sound is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand, and it’s no wonder why. Located in Fiordland National Park, 181 miles (291 kilometers) from Queenstown, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a rich marine sanctuary for penguins, dolphins, seals, whales, and more. Yes, it's worth the journey; no, the views aren't technically of Queenstown.

Here, opt for one of the many boat tours around the area, which range from day cruises from Queenstown to shorter 2-hour boat rides. Or, charter a plane to take in the sights from above, including craggy cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and perhaps a breaching whale or two. Regardless of how you visit Milford Sound, it’s sure to be an unforgettable sight.

Insider tip: This area gets more rainfall than lots of other places in New Zealand, which results in many of its beautiful waterfalls, but also means that you should come prepared with proper shoes, umbrellas, and other rain gear.