2 perfect days in Queenstown


Chances are you’re not coming to Queenstown just for rest and relaxation. This town on New Zealand’s South Island has long been called the “adventure capital of the world,” and there are plenty of heart-pumping activities on land, in the water, and even in the air. In between the thrills, you get to explore the region's thriving dining scene and vineyards producing some of the best artisanal wines on the continent.
The two-day itinerary below makes sure you get a taste of it all. Our picks are based on Tripadvisor ratings and real reviews, which you'll see called out below, so you are guaranteed this will be a few days you’ll never forget.
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Top attractions in Queenstown
DAY ONE

MORNING: Head to the mountains
If you’re here during the winter months (June-August) or really anytime of year, I recommend checking out one of the ski resorts within easy driving distance of Queenstown: Cardrona, Coronet Peak, or the Remarkables. All are open in summer, with hiking, biking, and lookouts offering up incredible views of the alpine landscape. When you’re new to skiing or are traveling with kids, start out with Cardrona Alpine Resort (an hour’s drive from the center of town). It's got one of the best ski fields in New Zealand—and gets raves from Tripadvisor readers—with wide open slopes, exceptional powder, and more than 1,100 acres to explore. It's also home to New Zealand’s first cabin-style lift—the McDougall’s Express Chondona—that whisks you to the top of the mountain in about four minutes.
AFTERNOON: Hot tub soaks and brunch with locals
Brunch is a favorite pastime in this part of the world. Dine at the Buzzstop Cafe, where the waffles and many of the other dishes incorporate honey from hives in the nearby valley. It’s located in a cluster of shops called Country Lane, where artisans sell everything from clothing to jewelry. While you’re here, grab a cup from Black Lab Coffee, Queenstown’s only small-batch roaster.
If you want to be the envy of all your friends, head to Onsen Hot Pools. Nothing can prepare you for the view overlooking the canyon at the Shotover River while you relax in steaming cedar-lined tubs. Just make sure you book your soak weeks, if not months, in advance. It sells out fast
EVENING: Wine and dine Queenstown style
Kiwi Chef Vaughan Mabee first honed his craft at a three-star Michelin restaurant in Spain, then a two-star Michelin phenomenon in Denmark, before returning to Queenstown and transforming Amisfield into a third award-winner. This is not your typical meal, but rather a sensory experience. Dishes like wild mallard with black truffles are created to show off the foods of the Central Otago region. Take your time at this spot in the middle of a 200-acre winery, and maybe take home a bottle of the highly regarded pinot noir.
If you can’t get a reservation at Amisfield, opt for a table at Rata. The food here is as good as the location, which is surrounded by an urban forest.
Travelers say: “[Onsen Hot Pools] is the most amazing spa I've ever been to! Overlooking the mountains, it's just magical. It really made our trip to Queenstown even better. I recommend anyone visiting Queenstown to visit these spas. You will not be disappointed!” —@Safari28899967954
DAY TWO

MORNING: Sunrise soars and garden walks
For early risers only, a hot-air balloon tour with Sunrise Balloons gives you a unique perspective on the snow-capped mountains that surround Queenstown. You’ll glide past Coronet Peak, Mount Aspiring in the Southern Alps, and Mount Tutoko in Fiordland National Park. Flights depart at dawn and take about four hours, but the golden light at this time of morning, as it hits the highest peaks, makes it well worth the early wake-up call.
When you get back to downtown, enjoy a late breakfast (or early lunch) at Odd Saint, named in honor of nearby St. Peters’ Church. The menu is all over the place—from bowls of granola with chunks of passion fruit to roast duck with wok-fried rice—but when it tastes this good, who cares? The tables on the umbrella-shade terrace are the way to go.
Afterward, explore the mid-19th-century Queenstown Gardens. A stunning sight any time of year, it’s exceptional in autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and yellow. There’s an easy 1.8-mile walk around the gardens, but you could always continue on for another 3.7 miles to Frankton Marina.
AFTERNOON: Burgers and adrenaline-fueled activities
Head to Fergburger, a Queenstown institution. You might encounter long lines of people waiting for one of its juicy burgers made with New Zealand’s world-famous beef, but it’s worth it. One of the favorites here is the Southern Swine, which tops the usual burger with streaky bacon, avocado, and tomato relish.
No visit to Queenstown is complete without a jet boat ride. Head to KJet (a three-minute walk from Fergburger), where you’ll speed down the Kawarau River and then onto the Shotover River, skimming across water so shallow you’ll hear the river rocks scrape the bottom of the boat. This is as much about the scenery as the 360-degree spins—and there are plenty of those.
EVENING: Pacifica vibes and aiming for the stars
End the day at Blue Kanu, a fusion of Asian and Pacific flavors. Start with a cocktail in the tiki bar, then head to your table in the colorful dining room for a meal of tapas ranging from Vietnamese spring rolls to Thai papaya salad to Korean fried chicken. The staff might even sing traditional songs for you. Tripadvisor readers rank this restaurant among the “best of the best.”
When dinner is done, end the day with some stargazing from a specially constructed viewing platform high above the upper level of the Queenstown Gondola. There’s no light pollution this high, so you get an unbelievably clear view of the night sky, aided by top-of-the-line telescopes.
Travelers say: “Hot air ballooning has been on my bucket list forever. I finally got to do it and I am so glad I waited to do my first-ever balloon ride in Queenstown, New Zealand with Sunrise Balloons. Everything about the experience was fabulous.” —@Leanne M
Make the most of your trip
Know Before You Go
Peak season is December to February, when the weather is at its warmest and prices are at their highest. This is the best time to visit for most outdoor activities. If you love skiing, the season here runs from June until October. If you’re not going to hit the slopes, March and November have pleasant weather and fewer crowds, but it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings.
Weekends are often a bit busier in Queenstown, as New Zealanders are more likely to travel here over long weekends and school holidays.
New Zealanders observe the usual business hours. Most people eat lunch around noon and dinner between 6pm and 8pm. Some smaller shops are closed on Sundays.
On Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt's Private Hotel is a great base for adventurous types. It’s so close to the shore that you can watch from your window as people board the jet boats. Some suites have heated balconies, so you can soak up those expansive lake views regardless of the season.
Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort is about a mile outside of town, but a wide bike path makes it easy to reach the center of the action. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame golden-leaved larch trees, Lake Wakatipu, and ]the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range. The two-bedroom apartments are sprawling spaces with fireplaces, full kitchens, and laundry areas.
In an effort to reestablish the surrounding wetlands, The Cottages Lake Hayes is planting thousands of native shrubs and trees. This means you’ll see plenty of birds, such as glorious Australasian crested grebes. Cottages have private terraces, kitchens, and dining areas, along with lounges with wood burners.
By bike: Queenstown rewards cyclists with some jaw-dropping views. Rent a bike from Queenstown Bike Hire or sign up for one of the many tours offered by local outfitters.
By bus: In Queenstown, buses are an easy and affordable way to get around. You’ll need to pay cash or buy a Bee Card in the main airport terminal.
By taxi: Taxis are an affordable option, although they can be hard to come by in peak season. If you know you’ll need to get somewhere, consider booking one ahead of time. Ride-share options like Uber and the local company Zoomy are also available.
Airport transfers: From Queenstown Airport, it’s a 10-minute drive to the center of town. No matter what kind of transportation you decide on, you’ll be at your hotel in no time. Taxis and ride-share services are available, as are public buses that depart every 15 minutes. Most hotels have airport shuttles that provide door-to-door service.