9 Things to Do in Queenstown, New Zealand in 2025

Kick off your Queenstown trip with a free sunrise stroll along the front of wakatipus, when the waters gleam and the city wakes. This first moment sets the tone for 2025, guiding you to choose your activities with confidence.

From there, plan popular outdoor options that are incredible for a couple or a solo traveler. The day can start with a relaxing lakeside walk and progress to a choice of activities on land, water, or cliffs, all within reach.

Prefer a locally flavored bite? Try a lamb dish at a riverside bistro, then ride a gondola to the skyline. While you plan your next stop, ask for an alternative route that suits your pace.

For a free activity that still wows, take a gondola to the top for skyline views, or explore the front of town on a self-guided walk. Down the hill, you’ll find cafes and views over the lake, perfect for a stop before a calm waters stroll.

In the evening, join a local market or a free tasting to sample NZ lamb, berries, and artisan goods. Then, within two hours, you can switch to a couple-friendly cruise or a quiet lakeside seat to soak in the reflection on the waters.

To maximize your stay, combine a few ideas with a flexible plan: start early, then adjust for weather, and pick alternative routes if crowds grow. The result is a balanced itinerary that feels incredible et within budget and time.

Queenstown Travel Guide

Begin with a daytime earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak. Disembark for a farm tour and lunch, then return by one of the sunset cruises for dramatic reflections on the water.

For junkies of adrenaline, the heart-pounding luge delivers three wide, fast runs with sweeping views of the town and the lake.

Beyond the thrills, stroll Queenstown’s center for wide avenues, lively eateries, and crafts stalls that showcase local makers and materials.

Recharge with a skincare–focused spa session after a day on the hills, then refresh at a lakefront café or park bench.

Maximum daytime temperatures in summer hover around the mid-20s C, while the minimum in winter can dip below 5 C; pack layers and a windproof jacket for evenings.

Parking can be tight in peak season. When planning parking, arrive early and use the paid lots near the gondola or town center.

Hiking options spread across wide tracks that climb toward peaks above the lake, with routes suitable for beginners and seasoned walkers alike.

Nearby waterfalls offer quick escapes: drive a short distance to cascades along river gorges and pull over for photo stops.

Rich and young travellers find a mix of activities: gondola rides, cruises, and vibrant eateries that keep energy up from morning until night.

Earn Qantas Points on Queenstown Flights, Hotels, and Activities

Book your Queenstown flights through the Qantas Travel Portal to start earning Qantas Points on eligible fares, then pair it with qualifying hotels and experiences to boost your balance quickly.

Flights earn rates vary by route and fare class, but booking via the Qantas Travel Portal ensures you receive the standard earn on eligible segments. Short hops from Auckland or Christchurch to Queenstown typically take about 1h30m to 2h, and promotions can boost points on certain itineraries. Make sure your Frequent Flyer number is on the booking to avoid missing credits; if a posting is delayed, use the account to file any post-flight adjustments promptly.

Hotels: When you choose stays via Qantas Hotels, you earn Qantas Points per night, depending on the property and rate tier. Typical shoulder-season prices range NZD 250–450 per night for solid 4–5 star options, with some properties offering double points for weekend stays or longer bookings. Each overnight stay earns points based on the partner and room type; ensure your Frequent Flyer number is attached at checkout to capture the credit.

Activities: Use Qantas Shopping to pick eligible experiences around Whakatipu, including boating on Lake Wakatipu, e-bike tours along the lakefront (helmet included for safety), or kanu sessions on the water. Example prices: boat trips NZD 60–120, e-bike rides NZD 60–90, kanu sessions NZD 40–80. Each booking earns points according to the partner rate, so you accumulate points while exploring forests, meeting locals, and enjoying a beautiful day on the lake. The artistry of local guides enhances the experience.

Chinese travelers often prefer clear, bilingual options; look for partners that offer Chinese-language support and curated itineraries. For retail and shopping, choose experiences and stores that list eligible earn on Qantas Shopping, helping you pick keepsakes and still collect points on the same trip.

Chose experiences offered by established partners with reliable reviews; consider an overnight stay to minimize logistics and maximize value, fitting in must-see spots like the Remarkables, a scenic lake cruise, and a forest walk before sunset. Keep an eye out for the fergbaker pop-up cafe along the waterfront–a short break with a coffee while earning points on eligible retail purchases.

Reason to bundle: booking flights, hotels, and activities in one flow keeps your expectations realistic and lets you see how various options align with past travel habits. Start with a short, clear outline: flight into Queenstown, a lakeside hotel, a two-day itinerary with a boating session, an e-bike ride, and a kanu excursion, then finish with a relaxed shopping stop and dinner. Earn Qantas Points for each leg, and enjoy a beautiful, unforgettable Queenstown trip with friends or family.

Top Adventure Experiences in 2025: Bungy Jump, Shotover Jet, and Nevis Swing

Begin with Bungy Jump off the Kawarau Bridge for an iconic initiation to queenstowns 2025 adventure lineup, a 43 m drop that delivers a three-second rush and a splash you’ll feel in your bones.

• Bungy Jump – Kawarau Bridge (43 m)
  • Height: 43 m; free fall: about 3 seconds; wooden deck leading to the jump adds a ceremonial touch you won’t forget.
  • What to expect: unloads adrenaline fast, then a buoyant rebound that brings a smile long after you land in the water or air. A safety briefing ensures you understand the countdown and harness checks.
  • Tips: wear closed shoes, book ahead, and reserve a spot with a guide who can help you with breathing and focus. Theres a moment when you’ll feel the wind touch your face as you commit to the jump.
  • Extra value: nearby enjoy central queenstowns cafés, famous wines, and good local goods, giving you a complete day of exploration after the thrill.
  • Legend and context: this moment is part of a historic route that helped build tourism in the region, with stories told by guides who know the valley’s history, including mining camps and the era’s butchery rumors–a reminder of rougher days turned into a world-class experience.
• Shotover Jet – Shotover River
  • Speed: up to 85 km/h; the boat darts through a dramatic canyon carved by ancient rivers, delivering tight turns and gravity-defying slides.
  • Ride length: typically 25–30 minutes, weaving through narrow, towering rock walls with cameras ready for the action shots that end up in movies and travel reels.
  • Ideal for: travelers seeking a high-energy, accessible thrill that suits first-timers and seasoned jumpers alike, with a confident guide handling the controls.
  • Practicals: boards and ponchos are provided if the spray hits, and the driver’s speed changes emphasize the river’s power while staying safe.
  • Extras: this experience sits at the heart of queenstowns tourism, offering a perfect pairing with a stroll along the riverside and a peek at the valley’s historic routes.
• Nevis Swing – Nevis Valley
  • Height and span: about 134 m high with a 300 m swing arc, making it one of the world’s most dramatic swings for jumpers seeking a monumental moment.
  • Speed: up to 120 km/h, delivering a long, sweeping arc that feels like a bellows of air and momentum in your chest.
  • Experience notes: you’ll feel the ground drop away as you push off, then accelerate toward the valley floor with a panoramic view you’ll want to share for worldwide attention.
  • Ideal for: adrenaline seekers who want a single, unforgettable moment that blends risk with precise safety procedures and an expert crew.
  • Afterglow: many travelers pair the swing with a nearby wine-tasting in Gibbston’s cellars, enjoying the wines and local goods before heading back to town on comfortable vehicles.
  • Cultural flavor: the Nevis experience carries a legend of the valley’s high-mlying wind, with guides explaining the manata winds that shape jumpers’ lines and the terrain’s dramatic history.

Whether you choose the ceremonial Bungy Jump, the high-speed Shotover Jet, or the colossal Nevis Swing, you’ll feel a touch of queenstowns’ iconic energy that travels far beyond the valley. This trio ensures a balanced mix of speed, height, and scenery–a winning combination for travelers seeking memorable, active adventures in 2025 and beyond.

Iconic Scenic Experiences: Milford Sound Day Trip, Skyline Gondola, Lake Wakatipu Cruises

Kick off your Queenstown stay with a Milford Sound day trip that includes a scenic flight option for untouched fjord vistas, the best vantage points, and a calm pace after hours on the road.

Milford Sound trips typically combine a four‑hour coach journey with a 1.5‑hour boat cruise on the fjord. If you add a flight, you’ll trim the driving time and gain airborne views of sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife, all in minutes of air time and hours of immersive coastline. Pick‑ups from matakauri and central Queenstown keep the schedule straightforward, and return transfers leave you with space for a stroll along the lake or a drink at a local bar.

Next, ride the Skyline Gondola for a high‑altitude perspective. The ascent takes about 10–15 minutes, and the open viewing decks deliver 220‑degree panoramas over Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and Queenstown itself. At the summit, you can wander the inspired vistas, spot distant bobs of snow on the peaks, and capture dramatic skies that feel almost cinematic, with options for a traditional cafe stop or a quick snap before you descend.

Lake Wakatipu cruises offer a different tempo: historic boating on a working steamship, modern sightseeing tours, or one‑way options that pair with a return by shuttle. The iconic TSS Earnslaw provides a 50‑minute cruise with on‑board commentary, while Walter Peak Farm visits add a taste of local hospitality. If you’re after flexibility, one‑way itineraries let you combine a lake cruise with a guided walk or a dinner reservation in town.

Practical tips to maximize the day: dress in layers and bring a light rain jacket, especially for Milford Sound and the lakefront. Open footwear is fine, but pack sunglasses and a hat for glare on the water. Stay a little longer at matakauri if you’re seeking a quiet spring afternoon, and consider pairing these experiences with horses‑side trails or a casual climb between attractions. Booking in advance helps you avoid crowded windows, while a single morning booking can unlock a safe, best‑in‑class sequence of scenery, activity, and relaxation that suits both quiet and active moods.

Seasonal Activities: Winter Skiing at The Remarkables or Coronet Peak

Start your day with The Remarkables in a dawn session, riding the first gondola to the highlands with panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu, its water gleaming in the morning light, as you begin your runs. Early lift lines are short, and the soft morning light makes every turn precise and enjoyable today.

Coronet Peak shines for those who prefer reliable groomers and a higher-end feel, with long, friendly cruising trails and sunlit exposures. If you love a longer day, check the occasional night-ski schedule to extend your time on the mountain.

Gear rental at either base area covers every budget, from entry-level boots and boards to high-end setups with tuned edges and precise bindings, providing reliable performance. A day pass or multi-day card gives flexibility to explore both resorts without rushing your plans.

For guidance, a concise tandem lesson can boost confidence for couples or friends, while instructors can tailor routes for exploring steeper lines or soft powder on a clear day.

After the runs, savor a hearty miners burger at a lodge and warm up by the fire while listening to the sounds of skiers and the hum of the resort. Those who love to feel the snow beneath their boots will appreciate the comfort of a well-run base area.

Getting there is simple: flights to Queenstown land you within a short drive of both resorts, and today shuttle options from town hotels keep wheels turning without stress. If you stay in your home base, a quick drive or shuttle puts you on the chairlift with minimal time loss.

Smart Booking Tactics: Timing, Seats, and Local Transport to Save on Rewards

Right timing matters: book your Queenstown trip 12 weeks ahead for reward seats, and target midweek flights to Otago to ensure lower fares. As a member, set price alerts for both flight and hotel, and use your membership to combine points with current promos; this approach could yield 15–25% savings on peak dates.

Ideal seating matters: during booking, pick window or aisle based on plans, and reserve adjacent seats if traveling with a partner. Nothing wasted here: for reward optimizers, watch for upgrade draws in the loyalty portal and grab them when they appear near check-in; this keeps you comfortable and ready to enjoy your adventures.

Pre-book airport transfers and day passes for public transport; with a smart pass you avoid parking hassles and keep more time for alpine adventures in Otago. The approach helps you reach bungee sites and luge tracks quickly, adding speed to your day and maximizing time for activities.

Thrill-seekers can lock in classic QT exploits: Kawarau Bridge bungee, Skyline Luge, and an alpine hike to high peaks. Floating gondolas and time-efficient itineraries let you sample the thrill without fatigue, while creative plans include a few rest stops at artisanal cafes.

Food and culture: savor a Maori welcome, explore historic Arrowtown, and try a traditional menu featuring handcrafted, artisanal dishes sourced around Otago. This blend of culture and cuisine helps courage for the next adventure and keeps your energy steady.

I recommend bundling flight with experiences and using your membership to earn draws; check flexible fares, cancellation policies, and seat selection windows. This right plan puts you in position for thrill-seekers and family explorers alike.