Experiences in Queenstown
Beyond Adventure
Discover Queenstown’s Relaxed Side
Queenstown is often called the adventure capital of New Zealand, but there’s so much more to enjoy beyond the thrill rides. From exploring the gold-rush history of Arrowtown to sampling world-class wines in the Gibbston Valley, travellers can immerse themselves in the region’s rich culture and scenery at a relaxed pace. To help inspire your visit, we’ve listed some of our favourite things to do in and around Queenstown that showcase its charm, beauty, and laid-back lifestyle. With the comfort and insight of a private tour designed just for you, these experiences allow you to connect with the heart of the region in a more personal way.
Skyline Queenstown
Take in breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from the top of Bob’s Peak with a scenic gondola ride on the Skyline. This is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to enjoy the alpine scenery without the adrenaline rush. Whether you’re visiting during the day or at sunset, the panoramic vistas are unforgettable.
Highlights:
Located just a 5–10 minute walk from central Queenstown
Scenic gondola ride to the summit of Bob’s Peak
Spectacular views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables
Dining with a view at the Stratosfare Restaurant
Easy access walking trails for all abilities
Open daily from 9:00 am until late evening (seasonal variations apply)
Excellent photo opportunities at any time of day
TSS Earnslaw, Walter Peak BBQ, & Farm Show
Step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, for a leisurely cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. This classic Queenstown experience combines scenic views with a delicious lakeside barbecue and an entertaining farm show, showcasing traditional rural life in New Zealand. It’s a relaxed and family-friendly way to enjoy both Queenstown’s heritage and its natural beauty.
Highlights:
Located on the Queenstown lakefront, just a 5-minute walk from the town centre
Scenic 45-minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw
Enjoy a gourmet lakeside BBQ lunch or dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead
Watch a live farm demonstration featuring sheep dogs and shearing
Plenty of time to explore the gardens and farmyard animals
Open daily with morning, afternoon, and evening departures (seasonal variations apply)
A perfect mix of history, food, and culture in one experience
Bike Hire in Queenstown
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Queenstown at a relaxed pace, with scenic trails that follow the lakefront, rivers, and vineyards. Bike hire is widely available in town, offering everything from e-bikes to mountain bikes, making it easy for all fitness levels to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you want a short lakeside ride or a full-day adventure through the Gibbston Valley wine region, cycling gives you the freedom to take in Queenstown’s beauty on two wheels.
Highlights:
Bike hire available from central Queenstown, just a short walk from most accommodation
Choose from standard bikes, mountain bikes, or e-bikes for extra ease
Trails range from short, easy rides to full-day cycling adventures
Popular routes include the Frankton Track, Kelvin Peninsula Trail, and Arrow River Bridges Trail
Gibbston Valley wine trail combines cycling with vineyard visits
Open year-round, with hire shops typically operating from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
New Zealand Private Tours can also arrange guided cycling experiences tailored to your interests.
Gibbston Valley Wine Region
Known as the “Valley of the Vines,” Gibbston Valley is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, famed for its award-winning Pinot Noir and breathtaking scenery. Just a short drive from Queenstown, the valley offers a mix of boutique vineyards and cellar doors where you can sample world-class wines paired with gourmet platters and cheeses. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Central Otago’s flavours in a relaxed setting.
Highlights:
Located about a 25-minute drive from central Queenstown
Home to some of New Zealand’s most celebrated Pinot Noir vineyards
Enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and gourmet food pairings
Visit Gibbston Valley’s wine cave, New Zealand’s largest underground wine cellar
Open daily, with most cellar doors operating from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
New Zealand Private Tours can arrange a private wine tour, taking you to handpicked vineyards tailored to your tastes, with the flexibility to enjoy the day at your own pace
A relaxed and indulgent way to experience Central Otago’s wine country
Queenstown Gardens
Just a short stroll from the town centre, Queenstown Gardens is a peaceful retreat filled with native and exotic plants, quiet walking paths, and stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. It’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors to relax, enjoy a picnic, or take a leisurely walk away from the busy town centre.
Highlights:
Located only a 5-minute walk from central Queenstown
Beautifully landscaped grounds with seasonal flowers and tranquil lakefront views
Easy walking paths suitable for all abilities
Features a historic rotunda, rose garden, and memorials
Open daily year-round, free entry
Popular for picnics, photography, and relaxed strolls
Walks Around Queenstown
Queenstown is surrounded by spectacular landscapes that are easy to explore on foot, with walking trails ranging from gentle lakeside strolls to half-day hikes. These walks are a wonderful way to slow down, take in the scenery, and connect with nature without needing to be a thrill-seeker. Many of the tracks begin right in town, making them convenient to add to any Queenstown itinerary.
Highlights:
All within a short walk or drive from central Queenstown
Options range from easy lakeside strolls to scenic half-day hikes
Free access, open year-round
Popular trails include:
Queenstown Gardens Loop – 30 minutes, an easy lakeside circuit with mountain views
Frankton Track – 2–3 hours one way, a flat lakeside walk from Queenstown to Frankton
Sunshine Bay Track – 1 hour return, a gentle trail to a quiet bay west of town
Tiki Trail – 1–2 hours uphill, leading to Skyline Queenstown with rewarding views
Queenstown Hill Time Walk – 2–3 hours return, a moderately steep track to a panoramic lookout over the lake and Remarkables
Arrowtown
Step back in time with a visit to Arrowtown, a charming gold-rush village just 20 minutes from Queenstown. This picturesque town is known for its historic buildings, tree-lined streets, and rich heritage. Strolling through Arrowtown feels like stepping into a storybook, with boutique shops, cafés, and the Lakes District Museum bringing history to life.
Highlights:
Located only a 20-minute drive from central Queenstown
Beautifully preserved gold-rush architecture and tree-lined streets
Explore the Lakes District Museum and historic Chinese Settlement
Browse boutique shops, artisan galleries, and cosy cafés
Open daily year-round, with most shops trading from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
New Zealand Private Tours can take you on a private tour that includes tasting pure Manuka honey, exploring Arrowtown’s highlights, and even watching the excitement of bungy jumping nearby
A perfect combination of history, culture, and unique local flavours