Things to do in Queenstown
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Underwater Observatory
Underwater Observatory has six giant windows showcasing life under the lake. Brown trout abound, and based on their generous size, look to be impossibly well fed. Keep a keen eye out for freshwater eels and the favourite of the kiddies – the scaup (diving ducks), which dive down and swim right past the windows.
reviewed
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Bella Cucina
A top-shelf Italian eatery has been long overdue in Queenstown – as of 2008 that role has been taken by this beautiful kitchen. Fresh pasta and risotto are highlights while the pizza is good for sharing. Beautiful, simple food done just right.
reviewed
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Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Queenstown
12 hours 30 minutes (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
Discover Milford Sound on a full-day trip from Queenstown. You'll travel through beautiful Fiordland in a luxury coach with panoramic windows and take an unforg…Not LP reviewed
from USD$176.70 -
Queenstown Triple Challenge (Jet Boat Ride, Helicopter and White Water Rafting)
4 hours 30 minutes (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
Calling all adrenaline junkies! Are you up for the Shotover triple challenge? Experience Queenstown at its very best as you brace yourself for a jet boat ride o…Not LP reviewed
from USD$291.22 -
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Wai Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar
Small and intimate, Wai (meaning ‘water’ in Maori) is white-linen classy with lake and mountain views. It’s known for lamb and seafood, and the Oyster Bar does the world’s favourite bivalve in 17 different ways. The seven-course degustation menu ($115 without wine and $175 with wine) is a splurge-worthy opportunity for a great culinary adventure. Think about it seriously. It’s actually less than you’ll spend on another round of outdoor adventure activities, and will last a lot longer.
reviewed
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Botswana Butchery
This stylish and new face on the local culinary scene is a breath of fresh air. Opulent and aesthetic interior design makes way for a wine list that rivals anywhere in town. The meals are a divine combination of seasonal vegetables augmenting prime cuts of beef, lamb, poultry and seafood. There is an emphasis upon taste in all avenues – whether that is the design of the interior, the creative plating or the elegant flavours that permeate the memorable meals.
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Skyline Gondola
Hop on the Skyline Gondola for fantastic views of Queenstown, the lake and the mountains. At the top are a cafe, a restaurant with regular Maori cultural shows, and souvenir shops. Walking trails include the loop track (30 minutes return) or you can try the Luge. The energetic can forgo the gondola and hike to the top – take the upper, left-hand gravel track from the trailhead on Lomond Cres for an hour’s uphill hike.
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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown
12 hours (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
Be struck by the beautiful silence of Doubtful Sound as you cruise the crystal waters and take in the breathtaking scenery. Journey across Lake Manapouri, cross…
Not LP reviewed
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Full-Day Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park Tour including Milford Sound Cruise and BBQ Lunch from Queenstown
12 hours (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand, a must-see for any traveler. This is a small group tour for travelers seeking a personaliz…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$124.22 -
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Kiwi Birdlife Park
The Kiwi Birdlife Park is your best bet to spy a kiwi. There are also 10,000 native plants and scores of birds, including the rare black stilt, kea, morepork and parakeets. Stroll around the sanctuary, watch the conservation show and tiptoe quietly into the darkened kiwi houses. The conservation shows also incorporate a cultural show by the Te Maori performers. Kids under 15 get in free with a paying adult.
reviewed
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Vesta
Sometimes it’s a good thing when you can’t work out exactly what something is. In the case of Vesta, just examine the evidence: a gloriously overgrown 1920s-style garden, a gallery and gift shop specialising in NZ design, and a compact wee cafe serving coffee and cake just made for mid-afternoon recharging. To confuse things, Vesta is housed in Williams Cottage, Queenstown’s oldest home, and now an interesting museum.
reviewed
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Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise from Queenstown
by Viator
An overnight cruise amidst spectacular Milford Sound, is a once in a lifetime experience. While on board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of …
Not LP reviewed
from USD$290.46 -
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Cow
Tucked into a hidden corner of Cow Lane, this is a classic QT eatery. Housed in a former cow shed (hence the name of the restaurant and the street), the Cow hasn’t changed its menu since 1976 – and is damn proud of it. Amazing pizzas, simple pasta and stellar garlic bread will leave you satisfied. The atmosphere is cramped with low-slung ceilings, a roaring fire, thick wooden tables and rustic candlelight.
reviewed
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Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Queenstown including Helicopter Flight
10 hours (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
Discover Milford Sound by land, sea and air on this ultimate full-day tour from Queenstown. First, you'll travel through magnificent alpine landscapes on a jou…Not LP reviewed
from USD$718.94 -
Shotover Canyon Swing
Shotover Canyon Swing is not your average backyard swing. If you can’t force yourself to jump, they can release you in a variety of creative ways – backwards, in a chair, upside down; if you can dream it, you can swing it. From there it’s a 60m free fall and a wild swing across the canyon at 150km/h. Not for the faint-hearted – it’s one of the best buzzes in town.
reviewed
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Walter Peak High Country Farm Tour and Cruise from Queenstown
3 hours 30 minutes (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
Experience rural New Zealand as you're taken on a walking tour of the farm. Learn about traditional farming practices and the significance of the various animal…
Not LP reviewed
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The Original Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump in Queenstown
2.5 hours (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
The ultimate Queenstown challenge is Bungy and go from nervous to completely elated in five seconds. 99% of clients say it's the best thing they have ever done.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$136.51 -
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Fergburger
Less of a burger joint and more of a rite of passage for every Queenstown visitor, Ferg serves up the best burgers in town till way past your bedtime. All tastes are catered for including vegetarians, fish lovers and, of course, carnivores. The burgers are huge and the atmosphere festive –this could very well be the best burger stop in all of Aotearoa.
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Skydive Queenstown
by Viator
See Queenstown like never before as you take the ultimate leap of faith as you tandem skydive. Feel your adrenaline surge as you reach altitude and prepare to j…Not LP reviewed
from USD$204.00 -
Queenstown Nevis Highwire Bungy Jump
4 hours (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
The ultimate Bungy Jump challenge. Make no mistake, the Queenstown Nevis Highwire Bungy is not for the nervous - with a wild 134 meters (440 feet) drop, the riv…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$37.92 Advertisement
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Pub on Wharf
The newest pub in town is also one if its most stylish. Ubercool interior design is shoved to the fore with handsome woodwork, lighting fit for a hipster hideaway and animal heads on the wall to remind you you’re still in NZ. Mac’s beer on tap, scrummy nibbles and a decent wine list make this a great place to settle in for the evening.
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Ziptrek Ecotours
Ziptrek Ecotours, the new kid on the adventure tourism block, is the talk of the town. Incorporating a series of zip-lines (flying foxes), this harness-clad thrill-ride takes you from treetop to treetop high above Queenstown. Ingenious design and ecofriendly values are a bonus on the adrenaline-fuelled two-hour tour.
reviewed
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Milford Sound Helicopter Tour from Queenstown
by Viator
Soar over captivating Milford Sound on a 1.5-hour helicopter flight from Queenstown. You'll fly over New Zealand's most dramatic scenery, from secluded alpine l…Not LP reviewed
from USD$515.70 -
Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting
4 hours 30 minutes (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
Experience the exhilarating adrenaline pumping rapids of this infamous river.Begin with an unforgettable coach trip on the historic Skippers Road along old gold…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$147.88 -
Queenstown Skyline Gondola and Restaurant
90 minutes (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
Take in Queenstown's stunning lake and mountain views over lunch or dinner at Queenstown Skyline Restaurant. A scenic gondola ride will take you high above Quee…Not LP reviewed
from USD$38.68
