Sitting on the shores of Lake Whakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular destinations. The blue waters of the lake stretch towards distant mountain peaks, while The Remarkables provide an impressive backdrop from almost anywhere in town.
Queenstown may be best known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, but you certainly do not need to jump off a bridge or out of a plane to enjoy it. You can cruise across the lake, take in the views from the Skyline Gondola, explore the waterfront and gardens, visit local galleries or simply find a seat overlooking the water and watch the world go by.
The centre of Queenstown is compact and easy to explore on foot, with restaurants, cafés, shops and galleries tucked around its lively streets and lanes. Despite its international reputation, it still has the relaxed, welcoming feel of a small New Zealand town.
Queenstown is also an excellent base for exploring the wider region. Historic Arrowtown, the vineyards of Gibbston and the mountain landscapes around Glenorchy are all within easy reach, while the journey to Milford Sound takes you into the heart of Fiordland National Park.
Whatever your preferred pace, Queenstown offers a wonderful mix of scenery, food and wine, local history and memorable New Zealand experiences.
Activities & Attractions
Dining
Queenstown has one of the most varied dining scenes in New Zealand. You will find everything from relaxed cafés and casual lakeside meals to excellent restaurants showcasing New Zealand lamb, seafood and seasonal produce.
Its reputation for food has grown considerably in recent years. In 2026, Queenstown restaurant Essence was awarded two Michelin stars in the inaugural Michelin Guide New Zealand, making it the country’s only two-star restaurant. Several other Queenstown restaurants also received Michelin stars, Bib Gourmand recognition or inclusion in the Michelin selection.
The compact town centre makes it easy to explore on foot, with plenty of places to stop for coffee, lunch or dinner around the lakefront, The Mall, Beach Street and the surrounding lanes. Some restaurants have views across Lake Whakatipu, while others are tucked into cosy historic buildings and hidden courtyards. Fergburger is an institution with queues down the footpath (we recommend the lamb burger with mint jelly!).
Queenstown also sits on the doorstep of the Central Otago wine region. A short drive from town takes you into Gibbston, where vineyards and cellar doors sit between steep, rocky hills. Central Otago is particularly well known for its Pinot Noir, although you will also find excellent white wines and locally produced food.
A winery visit can be combined with tastings, a leisurely vineyard lunch or a stop at the historic Kawarau Bridge. Guided wine tours are a popular choice, allowing everyone to enjoy the tastings without having to worry about driving.
Popular restaurants can be busy, particularly during summer and school holiday periods, so it is worth making a dinner reservation when there is somewhere special you would like to try.
Hiking
Queenstown’s lake and mountain setting makes it a wonderful place to explore on foot, with options ranging from easy waterfront strolls to challenging alpine hikes.
For a relaxed walk close to town, follow the lakefront into Queenstown Gardens. The gardens occupy a peaceful peninsula beside Lake Whakatipu and have well-formed paths, mature trees and lovely views back towards the town and mountains.
The lakeside trail towards Frankton is another easy way to enjoy the scenery, while Queenstown Hill offers a more energetic climb and wide views across the Whakatipu Basin. For those wanting to venture a little farther, Punatapu/Bob’s Cove combines native bush, a sheltered bay and an optional climb to a lookout.
Experienced walkers can take on longer tracks such as Ben Lomond, but conditions in the mountains can change quickly. Check the weather and current track information before setting out, carry suitable clothing and choose a walk that matches your fitness and experience.
You do not need to complete a long hike to appreciate Queenstown’s landscape. A short stroll beside the lake, a ride on the Skyline Gondola or a scenic cruise can provide equally memorable views.
Shopping
Queenstown may be compact, but it has a lively shopping scene with a mixture of New Zealand designers, international brands, outdoor clothing, art, jewellery and locally made gifts.
The town centre works like an open-air shopping precinct, with stores spread across The Mall, Beach Street, Rees Street and Shotover Street. It is a pleasant area to browse, with cafés and lake views never far away.
Look out for New Zealand merino clothing, locally made art, photography and food products. Pounamu jewellery can also make a meaningful New Zealand keepsake; purchase it from a reputable retailer that can explain where it came from and the story behind the piece.
If you are in Queenstown on a Saturday, the Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market is held beside the lake at Earnslaw Park. Local makers sell art, jewellery, ceramics, clothing and other handcrafted goods, often accompanied by live music.
There are larger shopping centres around Frankton, but visitors looking for local character will find the central Queenstown streets and markets the most enjoyable places to explore.
Museums
Queenstown and the surrounding district have an interesting history shaped by Kāi Tahu travel routes, farming, gold mining, lake transport and the growth of tourism.
The Lakes District Museum in nearby Arrowtown is the best place to explore the region’s past in greater detail. Its displays cover Māori history, European settlement, the Otago gold rush and life in the isolated communities around Lake Whakatipu.
A short walk from the museum takes you to the restored Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. Its small cottages tell the story of Chinese miners who came to work the Otago goldfields and the difficult conditions in which they lived.
Back in Queenstown, local galleries showcase painting, photography, sculpture and jewellery inspired by the surrounding landscape. The town’s Saturday arts and crafts market is another good place to meet local makers.
You can also experience a piece of Queenstown’s transport history aboard the TSS Earnslaw. Built in 1912, this historic steamship still carries passengers across Lake Whakatipu and offers a memorable way to see the surrounding mountains from the water.
History & Culture
Long before European settlement, the Whakatipu area was important to Kāi Tahu. Tāhuna, the site of present-day Queenstown, was one of several settlement and stopping places around the lake.
Southern Māori travelled through the region following established routes between inland Otago and the West Coast. The area provided food and other valued resources, while routes through the mountains gave access to important pounamu sources.
European pastoral settlement began around 1860, when William Gilbert Rees and Nicholas von Tunzelmann established farms in the district. The discovery of gold in the Arrow and Shotover rivers in 1862 transformed the quiet farming area, drawing thousands of miners and leading to the founding of Queenstown during the height of the Otago gold rush.
Chinese miners were among those who later worked the Otago goldfields. Their contribution to the region is remembered at the restored Chinese settlement in Arrowtown.
Once the gold rush faded, farming and lake transport became increasingly important. Steamships carried people, livestock and supplies to communities around Lake Whakatipu, with the TSS Earnslaw continuing this tradition today as a passenger vessel.
Queenstown gradually developed into a holiday destination, first attracting visitors for its lake scenery and skiing. Jet boating, commercial bungy jumping and other outdoor experiences later helped establish its international adventure reputation. In 1988, the world’s first commercial bungy operation opened at the nearby Kawarau Bridge.
Today, Queenstown is a lively international destination, but its mountain setting, gold-mining heritage and strong connection with the lake remain at the heart of its character.
Key Facts
- Queenstown’s central Maori name is Tahuna, and the wider Whakatipu area has long been significant to Kai Tahu as a place of settlement, food gathering and travel.
- Queenstown is believed to have received its English name after the growing settlement was described as being “fit for Queen Victoria.”
- Central Queenstown is compact and easy to explore on foot. The local Orbus network connects the town centre with Queenstown Airport, Frankton, Arrowtown and other parts of the district.
- The TSS Earnslaw was built in 1912 and still carries passengers across Lake Whakatipu, making it one of Queenstown’s best-known historic attractions.
- The world’s first commercial bungy operation opened at the Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown in 1988. You can visit the viewing area without having to take the leap yourself.
- Queenstown hosts Winter Pride, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest LGBTQIA+ winter festivals, bringing events, parties and celebrations to the town and surrounding ski fields each year.
- Several locations around Queenstown appeared in The Lord of the Rings films, including Twelve Mile Delta, the Kawarau Gorge and the landscapes around Glenorchy and Paradise.
Visiting Queenstown with MoaTrek
Queenstown is a highlight of all three of our main New Zealand small group tours. On our Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour and Kiwi 12 Day South Island Tour, we make Queenstown our home for three nights.
Having several nights in one place gives you time to settle in and enjoy the town without feeling rushed. Our Queenstown accommodation is within easy reach of the lakefront, shops and restaurants, making it simple to head out and explore during your free time.
One of the great advantages of staying in Queenstown is the remarkable range of experiences available nearby. Depending on your interests, you might visit historic Arrowtown, join a Central Otago wine tour, cruise Lake Whakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, explore the scenery around Glenorchy or simply enjoy a relaxed day around town.
Your Kiwi Guide will talk you through the different options and help with any bookings, so you can choose the experience that suits you without having to organise everything yourself.
Queenstown is also our base for a memorable journey into Fiordland National Park. We travel along the Milford Road before joining a small-boat cruise beneath the mountains and waterfalls of Milford Sound. When conditions allow, a scenic flight carries us back across the Southern Alps to Queenstown, giving you an unforgettable view of the landscape from the air.
Why Over-50s travellers enjoy Queenstown with MoaTrek
- Three nights in Queenstown – unpack, settle in and enjoy having more time in one place.
- Small groups of no more than 18 travellers – a friendly and relaxed way to explore.
- A free day to choose your own experience – from food and wine to sightseeing, walking and adventure.
- Help from your Kiwi Guide – local suggestions and assistance with activity bookings.
- No need to tackle unfamiliar roads – particularly for longer outings into the surrounding region.
- Milford Sound by land, water and air – including a small-boat cruise and planned scenic flight back to Queenstown, subject to weather conditions.
Looking for more practical advice about easy-paced activities, accommodation, seasons and getting around? Read our detailed Queenstown Travel Guide for Seniors.
Ready to include Queenstown in your New Zealand adventure? Explore our New Zealand small group tours, get in touch with the friendly MoaTrek team, or download our latest brochure.
