Top 20 things to do in Queenstown
If you’re looking for some inspiration on things to do around Queenstown, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together our list of must-do Queenstown activities for both rainy days and summer evenings, so that you can explore, enjoy and embrace the beautiful town and what it has to offer!
Indoor things to do in Queenstown
Delve into the perfect rainy day activities in Queenstown that will certainly make up for the gloomy weather forecast!
1. Take the Lake Wakatipu cruise
Don’t let the rain spoil the opportunity to soak up amazing views of New Zealand’s longest lake! Take the Lake Wakatipu catamaran cruise and enjoy views of the Southern Alps and learn all about the natural landmarks. A great trip for families, couples and people travelling solo!
2. Lace up your bowling shoes
When the weather is dull, you can’t go wrong with a fun-filled afternoon on the bowling lanes! Whether you’re looking for couple activities or family things to do in Queenstown, Kingpin has got you covered with our state-of-the-art lanes, followed by a long line-up of entertainment all in one place. Have some friendly competition, personalise your scoreboard and post the results on Facebook to show off your win!
3. Shop til’ you drop
You don’t have to tell me twice! The slightest bit of rain is a great excuse to hit the shops in Queenstown, visit Remarkables and Queenstown Mall for the ultimate day of retail therapy. With a vast range of stores to choose from, including designer and popular high-street brands, you’re sure to find a special treat for your loved one or even a little something for yourself, because why not!
4. Get lost in an escape room
Escape reality with a thrilling and immersive experience at Kingpin’s Maniac and Minotaur’s Labyrinth escape rooms, a great activity in Queenstown for both families and groups of friends. Get everyone together for an unforgettable experience full of laughter - work as a team to unravel puzzles, solve challenges and complete the ultimate mission, all whilst being under a time pressure!
5. Visit a brewery
Queenstown is home to some amazing must-see breweries whether you just want to go for a little tour or want to spend the afternoon taste testing, this activity is perfect for those days when the weather isn’t up to scratch! From the 1200L brewhouse at Altitude Brewing to the 18 rotating beers on tap at Searchlight Brewery, experience delicious ales and learn about their history all in one place.
6. Explore the cute cafes
A day set aside to tour some of the most Instagram-worthy cafes is the perfect way to spend a rainy day in queenstown. Below are some of the best coffee spots to add to your list:
- The Boatshed – a gorgeous, quaint café located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
- Vudu Café – a delicious brunch spot with cosy décor on the waterfront.
- Yonder – a trendy little café on Church Street.
- Beach St Café – a great coffee stop in the heart of Queenstown.
7. Battle it out in the arcades
Brighten up the day and head to the arcades in Queenstown! Our arcades provide hours of entertainment, offering a range of both classic and modern games all in a vibrant and fun atmosphere. Socialise, get competitive or play as a team, our arcade games are great for all ages and skill sets so you can enjoy them as a family and with friends.
8. Relax with a spa day
Whether you’re skiing near queenstown and want some down-time off the slopes, or here on a family holiday and want some you time, a relaxing spa day is one of the best ways to spend a winters day! Queenstown has many unique and luxurious spas to choose from, where you can go to re-energise and soak up the beauty of the surroundings. From the unreal facials at Body Sanctum to the detox wraps at Millbrook, experience relaxation on another level.
9. Try out indoor climbing
If the weather forecast is looking gloomy but you still want to feel like you’re experiencing some of the sense of adventure that New Zealand has to offer, then enjoy a thrilling and interactive experience at Basecamp indoor climbing centre! Offering different grades for a range of skills and abilities, as well as beginner courses to get involved in, this is a fun activity for all groups and ages.
10. Dive into the Time Tripper
Travel back in time with the Time Tripper experience. This state-of-the-art animated show takes you on a journey through 90 million years of history, from the age of dinosaurs to modern times. It’s an educational and entertaining activity that’s perfect for all ages, making it a great indoor option on a rainy day.
Best things to do in Queenstown in summer
Now delve into our top 10 Queenstown indoor activities to enjoy during the summer months, suitable for families, friends and couples!
11. Summer parties
Nothing beats a summer full of parties, whether it be bucks & hens, birthday’s or a works Christmas party. Our Kingpin venue in Queenstown is the ultimate spot to hold unforgettable celebrations all-year-round! With a wide range of activities for all ages, delicious food and of course, a spectacular bar menu, we guarantee a day or evening full of non-stop laughter, smiles and entertainment.
12. Tour some of the popular cycle trails
Head out on the Queenstown Trail to try out some fun riding – perfect for beginners or anyone fairly new to cycling! 7 Mile Bike park is also a firm favourite amongst those looking for both beginner and intermediate level trails, located at Wilson Bay, this is a must-do during summer in Queenstown.
13. Head on a hike
A country well and truly known for its beautiful, scenic walks! Queenstown has an incredible amount of walking routes all within an easy reach from the town centre, and is also situated near three of New Zealand’s Great Walks! Soak up your surroundings and enjoy the glorious weather while exploring untouched nature. Before heading on a hike, make sure you are prepared with the right equipment and have an understanding of the route you’re taking, the Mountain Safety Council website is a good place to start for planning and route advice.
14. Enjoy a scenic picnic
Food and stunning scenery – there’s no better way to appreciate the outdoors and fall in love with the sights around you! One of the best things to do in Queenstown in summer is to pack up your picnic blanket, get your friends together, bring yummy snacks and find a spot to camp out for the day. Whether you chill and find a shady spot on Queenstown Bay Beach, or watch the sunset over Bob’s Peak, a picnic with a view is always going to make great memories.
15. Try out the world’s biggest human catapult
Outdoor experiences are a must when visiting New Zealand, especially for adrenaline junkies! Queenstown is home to Nevis Catapult, known as ‘the Thriller’, which is the world’s biggest human catapult stretching over 150 metres across the Nevis Valley. Stunning views, high speeds and unbelievable amounts of adrenaline, if you’re looking for exhilarating things to do, then this is certainly one to put at the top of your list!
16. Experience the world’s steepest zipline
It doesn’t stop there, New Zealand also has the world’s steepest zipline to keep all those dare devils out there fulfilled! When it comes to experiences in Queenstown, the Ziptrek zipline is a great adrenaline-filled option during the warmer months to delve into the sensational views of the Remarkables mountain range.
17. Go on a hot air balloon ride
There’s nothing quite as magical as drifting above the natural sights and looking over all the incredible things to see in Queenstown. Whether you head out on an evening ride as a couple or take a sunrise ride with the family, a hot air balloon ride allows you to enjoy the breathtaking landscape that New Zealand has to offer and is a memorable way to start or end your Queenstown trip!
18. Visit local swim spots
A Queenstown summer is never quite complete until you’ve taken some time out to explore the local swimming spots. From beaches to lakesides, take a dip and enjoy the sunshine – but keep in mind that the mountain lakes can be chilly so a wetsuit or warmer clothes for after your swim will make it more enjoyable! Queenstown has lots of beaches to choose from, some of the most popular include Sunshine Bay, Frankton Beach and Queenstown Bay, which are all gorgeous spots to spend the day swimming and sunbathing.
19. Indulge in delicious foods
Delve into Queenstown food and all it has to offer, from unique cafes to fine dining restaurants and delicious food with entertainment, the options are endless, and you’ll feel spoilt for choice! Head to the Odd Saint on Earl Street to explore their unique and creative breakfast menu, have an unforgettable evening of alfresco dining at the contemporary Nest Kitchen or enjoy non-stop entertainment paired with Kingpin’s modern and tasty menu options.
20. Relax in the Onsen hot pools
A must do in Queenstown - the Onsen hot pools are the perfect way to add a touch of tranquillity to your trip! Take yourself out of the hustle and bustle of the town centre and into pure bliss with a visit to this beautiful retreat & spa. Overlooking the Shotover River, the pools have incredible panoramic views of the mountains that offer the picture perfect moment to mark the end of your Queenstown adventure.
