Queenstown

Airport transfer to central Queenstown(15 minutes)

SuperShuttle NZD $15, taxi NZD $35. The airport is only 8 km from town. Rental car pickup available if you're driving later

Walk Queenstown Gardens(1 hour)

Beautiful botanical gardens on a peninsula jutting into Lake Wakatipu. Free entry. Disc golf course and stunning autumn colours in April-May. The lakefront path has Remarkables mountain views

Dinner at Fergburger(45 minutes)

Queenstown's cult-status burger joint on Shotover Street. Open until late. The queue is part of the experience — usually 20-30 minutes. 'The Fergburger' classic is NZD $16.50. Worth every minute of waiting

Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak(45 minutes)

Gondola NZD $49 adults. Rises 450m above town with views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. The viewing platform is spectacular. Café and gift shop at the top

Luge rides(1 hour)

Add luge rides for NZD $10-20 extra. The scenic track is fun, the advanced track has real speed. 5 rides for NZD $69 is the best value

Lunch at Bespoke Kitchen(1 hour)

Excellent brunch/lunch spot on Isle Street. The eggs Benedict and smoothie bowls are outstanding. NZD $20-28 for mains

Shotover Jet(1.5 hours)

High-speed jet boat at 85 km/h through the narrow Shotover River canyons. NZD $159 adults, 25 minutes on the water. Free shuttle from central Queenstown. 360-degree spins guaranteed. Book ahead in summer

Drive to Milford Sound via Te Anau(4 hours)

Rent a car (from NZD $50/day) or join a coach tour (NZD $150-200). The road through Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel is spectacular. In winter (June-October), snow chains may be mandatory — check road conditions at journeys.nzta.govt.nz

Milford Sound cruise(2 hours)

Cruises from NZD $65-100. Sail past Mitre Peak (1,692m), waterfalls, and seal colonies. Rainy days actually enhance the waterfalls — Stirling Falls is most impressive after rain. Real Journeys and Jucy Cruise are reliable operators

The Chasm walk(30 minutes)

Short walk to a natural rock bridge carved by glacial water. Free. Signed trailhead 10 km before Milford Sound. Easy 20-minute return walk through beech forest

Drive back to Queenstown(4 hours)

Stop at Mirror Lakes (15-minute walk, free) for perfect mountain reflections on calm days. Arrive back around 8-9PM

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy(2 hours)

The original commercial bungy site since 1988. NZD $235 for the 43m jump over the Kawarau River. Photos/video NZD $55 extra. 20 minutes from Queenstown. No experience needed. The walk out onto the bridge is the scariest part

Lunch at The Boat Shed(1 hour)

Lakefront café in the Queenstown Bay area. NZD $18-30 for mains. The pork belly burger and lakeside seating are excellent

Canyon Swing or Zipline(2 hours)

Shotover Canyon Swing (NZD $249) — 109m drop with 60m of free fall over the canyon. Or the Ziptrek Ecotours zipline through the forest canopy (from NZD $159). Both include transport

Recovery drinks at Atlas Beer Cafe(1 hour)

Craft beer bar on the steamer wharf. NZD $12-15 per pint of New Zealand craft beer. You've earned it after today

Sleep in and late breakfast(2 hours)

Rest those adventure-weary muscles. Vudu Café & Larder on the steamer wharf does excellent pancakes and flat whites

Drive to Arrowtown(20 minutes)

Beautiful drive along the Arrow River. Free parking on the main street. The autumn colours (April-May) are famous throughout New Zealand

Arrowtown Chinese Settlement & main street(1.5 hours)

Walk through the restored 1860s Chinese miners' cottages (free) and the charming main street lined with heritage buildings, boutiques, and cafes. The Lakes District Museum is NZD $12

Lunch at The Fork & Tap(1 hour)

Craft brewery and gastropub in a converted 1876 cottage. NZD $22-35 for mains. Excellent local beers on tap

Arrow River walk(1 hour)

Walk along the river where gold was first discovered in 1862. You can still pan for gold — rent a gold pan from a shop on the main street for NZD $5

Drive Queenstown to Glenorchy(45 minutes)

Stunning lakeside road with mountain views the entire way. Stop at Bennett's Bluff Lookout (signed pull-off) for the postcard-perfect lake and mountain panorama

Glenorchy Lagoon boardwalk(45 minutes)

Easy boardwalk through wetlands at the head of Lake Wakatipu. Free. Snow-capped mountains reflected in the lagoon. Birdwatching opportunities

Drive to Paradise(30 minutes)

Gravel road through beech forest to the aptly named Paradise — filming location for Isengard and Lothlórien in Lord of the Rings. The road is rough but passable in a regular car in dry conditions

Lunch at Glenorchy Café(1 hour)

Simple café but the venison pie and flat white are genuinely good. NZD $12-20. The only food option in town

Stratosfare Restaurant dinner at Skyline(2 hours)

Return to Queenstown and take the gondola up for dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant. NZD $109 for the buffet with panoramic views. Book ahead. The sunset light on the Remarkables from up here is extraordinary

Morning lakefront walk(1 hour)

Walk the Queenstown Trail along the lake shore. The morning light on the Remarkables is beautiful. Stop at The Bathhouse café for breakfast — a heritage building right on the lake, NZD $18-25

Last-minute shopping(1 hour)

Queenstown Mall has NZ merino wool, pounamu (greenstone) jewelry, and Manuka honey. Vesta Design on the Mall for quality NZ-made gifts

Airport transfer(15 minutes)

Shuttle or taxi to ZQN airport. Allow 1.5 hours before domestic flights, 2.5 hours before international (though most international flights connect via Auckland or Christchurch)

Airport transfer to Queenstown(15 minutes)

SuperShuttle NZD $15, taxi NZD $35. The airport is 8 km from town

Walk Queenstown Gardens(1 hour)

Botanical gardens on a peninsula into Lake Wakatipu. Free. Disc golf, lakefront Remarkables views

Dinner at Fergburger(45 minutes)

Cult-status burgers on Shotover Street. 20-30 minute queue. 'The Fergburger' NZD $16.50

Skyline Gondola(45 minutes)

NZD $49, 450m above town with Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu views

Luge rides(1 hour)

5 rides NZD $69. Scenic and advanced tracks available

Lunch at Bespoke Kitchen(1 hour)

Eggs Benedict and smoothie bowls. NZD $20-28 for mains

Steamer wharf walk & shopping(1.5 hours)

Walk the wharf area, browse the boutiques, and watch the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship depart. Ice cream at Patagonia Chocolates — the salted caramel is outstanding

Drive to Milford Sound(4 hours)

Rent a car (NZD $50/day) or coach tour (NZD $150-200). Winter may require snow chains. Check journeys.nzta.govt.nz

Milford Sound cruise(2 hours)

From NZD $65-100. Mitre Peak, waterfalls, seal colonies. Rain enhances the waterfalls

The Chasm walk(30 minutes)

Free. Natural rock bridge carved by glacial water. 10 km before Milford Sound

Mirror Lakes stop on return(15 minutes)

Perfect mountain reflections on calm days. Free. Short boardwalk

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy(2 hours)

Original site since 1988. NZD $235 for 43m jump. Photos/video NZD $55 extra. 20 minutes from town

Lunch at The Boat Shed(1 hour)

Lakefront café. Pork belly burger. NZD $18-30

Shotover Canyon Swing(2 hours)

NZD $249 — 109m drop with 60m free fall. Includes transport from town

Recovery drinks at Atlas Beer Cafe(1 hour)

Craft beer on the steamer wharf. NZD $12-15 per pint

Shotover Jet(1.5 hours)

NZD $159. 85 km/h through narrow canyons. 360-degree spins. Free shuttle from town

Arrowtown Chinese Settlement & main street(1.5 hours)

Restored 1860s Chinese miners' cottages (free). Heritage main street with boutiques. Lakes District Museum NZD $12

Lunch at The Fork & Tap(1 hour)

Craft brewery in an 1876 cottage. NZD $22-35, excellent local beers

Arrow River gold panning(1 hour)

Rent a gold pan for NZD $5 from a main street shop. The river where gold was discovered in 1862

Sleep in and brunch at Vudu Café(2 hours)

On the steamer wharf. Pancakes and flat whites. NZD $18-28

TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise(1.5 hours)

Vintage 1912 steamship across Lake Wakatipu. NZD $79. Watch the coal-fired engine room in action. The lake views from the deck are magnificent

Spa session at Onsen Hot Pools(1.5 hours)

Private hot tub overlooking the Shotover River canyon. NZD $79/person for 80 minutes. Book ahead. Open until 11PM for stargazing sessions

Dinner at Rata(1.5 hours)

Josh Emett's modern NZ restaurant on Ballarat Street. Lamb rack and venison. Mains NZD $38-52. Upscale but relaxed

Drive to Glenorchy(45 minutes)

Stop at Bennett's Bluff Lookout for the postcard-perfect panorama

Glenorchy Lagoon boardwalk(45 minutes)

Free. Wetlands with mountain reflections and bird life

Drive to Paradise(30 minutes)

Gravel road through beech forest to the LOTR filming locations. Passable in dry conditions

Lunch at Glenorchy Café(1 hour)

Venison pie and flat white. NZD $12-20. The only food option in town

Routeburn Track day walk (first section)(3 hours)

Walk the first 2-3 hours of the famous Routeburn Track from the Glenorchy end. The Route Burn valley section is beautiful and doesn't require Great Walk booking. Free. Return the same way

Drive over the Crown Range(1 hour)

The highest sealed road in NZ at 1,076m. Stop at the Crown Range summit lookout. The road is well-maintained but check conditions in winter

Roys Peak Track or lakefront walk(3 hours)

Roys Peak is the famous Instagram hike (16 km return, 5-6 hours, challenging). For a gentler option, walk the lakefront to That Wanaka Tree — the famous lone willow in the lake

Lunch at Federal Diner(1 hour)

Excellent café on Helwick Street. Pulled pork eggs Benedict, flat whites. NZD $18-28

Puzzling World(1.5 hours)

A quirky illusion and maze complex. NZD $25 adults. The tilted house and hall of following faces are genuinely mind-bending. Fun for all ages

Return via Kawarau Gorge(1 hour)

Take the alternative route back through the Kawarau Gorge for different scenery. Stop at Gibbston Valley winery (free tasting)

Skydive over Queenstown(3 hours)

NZONE Skydive from 15,000 ft — NZD $449. Tandem jump, no experience needed. Views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Coronet Peak during freefall. Photos/video from NZD $199. Book ahead. Weather-dependent

Lunch at Jervois Steak House(1 hour)

NZ's finest cuts — Wakanui beef, Canterbury lamb. NZD $40-60 for mains. On Rees Street in town

Afternoon at leisure(3 hours)

Recover from the adrenaline. Walk the Queenstown Trail towards Frankton, browse the art galleries, or swim at the surprisingly pleasant Queenstown Beach (free, pebbly but refreshing)

Gondola shortcut and Ben Lomond Track(6 hours)

Take the Skyline Gondola (NZD $49) to shorten the hike. From Bob's Peak, the summit is 7 km one way with 700m elevation gain. Above the treeline, the track is exposed — bring layers, rain jacket, water (2L+), snacks, and sun protection. Not recommended in winter without alpine experience

Late lunch at Devil Burger(45 minutes)

Opposite Fergburger with no queue. Excellent smash burgers. NZD $14-20. The truffle fries are the move

Evening rest and relaxation(3 hours)

Hot shower, feet up. Consider booking Onsen Hot Pools again for sore muscles. Or just enjoy a quiet dinner at your hotel

Late morning start(2 hours)

Sleep in after the Ben Lomond hike. Leisurely breakfast

Gibbston Valley winery tour(1.5 hours)

Free tastings at the cellar door. The underground cave tour (NZD $15) explores the wine cave carved into the schist rock. Famous for Pinot Noir

Lunch at Kinross Cottages wine bar(1.5 hours)

Shared platters and wine flights from NZD $25. Four wineries share the Kinross tasting room. Relaxed garden setting

Amisfield Winery(1 hour)

Striking modern architecture with lake views. Tasting flights NZD $15-25. Their Pinot Noir is consistently top-rated. The Bistro does excellent wood-fired dishes (NZD $30-45 mains) if you want dinner here

Coach to Lake Manapouri(2.5 hours)

Most operators pick up from Queenstown hotels at 6:30AM. Real Journeys runs the standard day trip from NZD $295

Boat across Lake Manapouri(45 minutes)

Scenic crossing of one of NZ's deepest lakes, surrounded by virgin bush

Coach over Wilmot Pass(30 minutes)

Through dense rainforest to the fiord. The road was built for the Manapouri power station

Doubtful Sound cruise(3 hours)

Three times longer than Milford Sound with no road access — it's truly remote. Bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins are common. The silence when the boat engine turns off is unforgettable

Drive up Coronet Peak(30 minutes)

In winter (June-October): ski from NZD $149/day pass. In summer: the road to the car park gives spectacular views over the Wakatipu Basin. Scenic chairlift sometimes operates in summer

Queenstown Heritage Walk(1.5 hours)

Self-guided walk past heritage buildings on Marine Parade and Ballarat Street. The Eichardt's Private Hotel (1867) is one of NZ's oldest hotels — stop for a drink at their bar overlooking the lake

Lunch at Flame Bar & Grill(1 hour)

On the Steamer Wharf. Wood-fired NZ beef and lamb. NZD $30-50. Lakeside terrace seating

Stratosfare Restaurant dinner at Skyline(2 hours)

NZD $109 buffet with panoramic sunset views. Book ahead. The gondola ride at dusk is magical

Breakfast at The Bathhouse(1 hour)

Heritage building on the lakefront. NZD $18-25. The morning light on the Remarkables from here is the perfect farewell view

Last-minute shopping(1 hour)

Queenstown Mall for NZ merino wool, pounamu (greenstone) jewelry, and Manuka honey. Vesta Design for quality NZ-made gifts

Airport transfer(15 minutes)

Shuttle or taxi to ZQN. Allow 1.5 hours before domestic, 2.5 hours before international connections

Airport transfer to Queenstown(15 minutes)

SuperShuttle NZD $15, taxi NZD $35

Walk Queenstown Gardens(1 hour)

Botanical gardens on a peninsula. Remarkables views

Dinner at Fergburger(45 minutes)

Cult-status burgers. 20-30 min queue. NZD $16.50

Skyline Gondola(45 minutes)

NZD $49. 450m above town

Luge rides(1 hour)

5 rides NZD $69

Lunch at Bespoke Kitchen(1 hour)

NZD $20-28

Steamer wharf walk & shopping(1.5 hours)

Ice cream at Patagonia Chocolates

Drive to Milford Sound(4 hours)

Car NZD $50/day or coach NZD $150-200

Milford Sound cruise(2 hours)

NZD $65-100. Mitre Peak, waterfalls, seals

The Chasm walk(30 minutes)

Free. Natural rock bridge

Mirror Lakes stop(15 minutes)

Perfect reflections. Free

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy(2 hours)

NZD $235 for 43m jump. Original site since 1988

Lunch at The Boat Shed(1 hour)

Lakefront. NZD $18-30

Shotover Canyon Swing(2 hours)

NZD $249. 109m drop with 60m free fall

Recovery drinks at Atlas Beer Cafe(1 hour)

Craft beer. NZD $12-15

Shotover Jet(1.5 hours)

NZD $159. 85 km/h through canyons

Chinese Settlement & main street(1.5 hours)

Restored 1860s cottages. Lakes District Museum NZD $12

Lunch at The Fork & Tap(1 hour)

Craft brewery in 1876 cottage. NZD $22-35

Arrow River gold panning(1 hour)

Pan rental NZD $5

Brunch at Vudu Café(2 hours)

Steamer wharf. NZD $18-28

TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise(1.5 hours)

Vintage 1912 steamship. NZD $79

Spa at Onsen Hot Pools(1.5 hours)

Private hot tub overlooking Shotover River. NZD $79/person

Dinner at Rata(1.5 hours)

Josh Emett's restaurant. Mains NZD $38-52

Drive to Glenorchy(45 minutes)

Bennett's Bluff Lookout stop

Glenorchy Lagoon boardwalk(45 minutes)

Free. Mountain reflections

Drive to Paradise(30 minutes)

Gravel road through beech forest. LOTR filming locations

Lunch at Glenorchy Café(1 hour)

Venison pie. NZD $12-20

Routeburn Track day walk(3 hours)

First 2-3 hours of the famous track. Free

Drive over the Crown Range(1 hour)

NZ's highest sealed road at 1,076m

Roys Peak Track or lakefront walk(3 hours)

Roys Peak (16 km return, challenging) or walk to That Wanaka Tree

Lunch at Federal Diner(1 hour)

NZD $18-28

Puzzling World(1.5 hours)

NZD $25. Illusions and maze

Return via Kawarau Gorge(1 hour)

Gibbston Valley winery free tasting

Skydive over Queenstown(3 hours)

NZONE from 15,000 ft. NZD $449. Tandem. Photos from NZD $199

Lunch at Jervois Steak House(1 hour)

NZ's finest cuts. NZD $40-60

Afternoon at leisure(3 hours)

Walk, galleries, or swim at Queenstown Beach

Gondola shortcut and Ben Lomond Track(6 hours)

NZD $49 gondola. 7 km one way from Bob's Peak, 700m elevation gain. Bring layers and 2L+ water

Late lunch at Devil Burger(45 minutes)

Smash burgers. NZD $14-20

Gibbston Valley winery tour(1.5 hours)

Free tastings. Underground cave tour NZD $15

Lunch at Kinross Cottages(1.5 hours)

Shared platters and wine flights from NZD $25

Amisfield Winery(1 hour)

Tasting flights NZD $15-25. Top-rated Pinot Noir

Coach to Lake Manapouri(2.5 hours)

Real Journeys from NZD $295

Doubtful Sound cruise(3 hours)

Three times longer than Milford. Dolphins, seals, penguins

Drive to Te Anau(2 hours)

170 km south. The drive through the Southland hills is pastoral and peaceful

Check-in at Te Anau(1 hour)

Distinction Luxmore Hotel for lakefront, or Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park for budget. The town is small, quiet, and sits on NZ's second-largest lake

Te Anau Glow-Worm Caves(2.5 hours)

NZD $99. Boat across the lake to caves with thousands of glowworms. The underground boat ride through the glowworm grotto is magical — the ceiling looks like a starry sky. Book through Real Journeys

Walk along Te Anau lakefront(1 hour)

The lakefront track is peaceful. Mountain reflections on calm days. The DOC Fiordland visitor centre has excellent exhibits on the local ecology — free

Dinner at Sandfly Café(1 hour)

Local favourite. Venison burgers and craft beer. NZD $18-28. Named after Fiordland's most persistent residents

Kepler Track — first section(4 hours)

Start from the control gates near Te Anau. The lakeside and forest section to Brod Bay (6 km) is flat and beautiful through beech forest with bird song. Free for day walkers. No booking needed for the first section. Return the same way or arrange water taxi from Brod Bay (~NZD $40)

Lunch in Te Anau(1 hour)

Redcliff Café — fine dining in a cottage. Venison and Fiordland crayfish. NZD $30-45. The best restaurant in Te Anau

Drive back to Queenstown(2 hours)

The return drive gives different light on the mountains. Stop at Kingston for a coffee — a tiny settlement at the southern tip of Lake Wakatipu

Sleep in and late brunch(2.5 hours)

Return to Vudu Café or try The Grille in Steamer Wharf. NZD $20-30

Walk the Queenstown Trail toward Frankton(2 hours)

Flat lakeside trail. Stunning views of the Remarkables and Cecil Peak. Bike rental available (~NZD $30/half day) if you prefer to cycle

Afternoon at Onsen Hot Pools revisit(1.5 hours)

Or try the Queenstown Ice Bar (NZD $35) for a completely different temperature experience

Dinner at The Grille by Eichardt's(2 hours)

In the historic Eichardt's building on the lakefront. NZ lamb and seafood. NZD $40-60 for mains. The bar has craft cocktails and lake views

Drive up Coronet Peak(30 minutes)

In winter: ski NZD $149/day. In summer: views and scenic chairlift

Queenstown Heritage Walk(1.5 hours)

Marine Parade and Ballarat Street heritage buildings. Eichardt's bar for a lake-view drink

Lunch at Flame Bar & Grill(1 hour)

Wood-fired NZ beef and lamb. NZD $30-50. Lakeside terrace

Stratosfare Restaurant dinner at Skyline(2 hours)

NZD $109 buffet with panoramic sunset views. Book ahead

Check-in and morning at leisure(1.5 hours)

Stay at Wanaka Homestead or Lakeside Apartments for lake views

Bike ride around Lake Wanaka(2.5 hours)

Rent bikes from Outside Sports (~NZD $40/half day). The lakefront trail is flat and scenic with mountain views the entire way

Lunch at Kika in Wanaka(1 hour)

Mediterranean-NZ fusion. Shared plates. NZD $15-30 per dish. One of the best restaurants in the region

Afternoon at Lake Hawea(1.5 hours)

15 minutes from Wanaka. A stunning, less-visited lake with turquoise water. Swimming is refreshing (cold!). The backdrop of mountains is extraordinary

Dinner at Bistro Gentil(1.5 hours)

French bistro in Wanaka. Steak frites, duck confit. NZD $30-45. Intimate and excellent

Morning walk to That Wanaka Tree(1 hour)

The famous lone willow. Best in morning light. Free

Visit Warbirds & Wheels Museum(1 hour)

NZD $15. Vintage aircraft and classic cars. In the Wanaka airport area

Return to Queenstown(1 hour)

Take the Kawarau Gorge route for the bridge and river views

Afternoon at leisure(2 hours)

Last chance to try something — paragliding (NZD $249), river surfing, or simply sit by the lake

Morning at your favourite spot(3 hours)

Return to Glenorchy, take one more jet boat ride, or hike a trail you missed

Lunch at Botswana Butchery(1.5 hours)

Upscale restaurant in a heritage building on Archer Lane. NZ lamb and steak. NZD $40-60. Elegant but not stuffy

Afternoon shopping for NZ gifts(1.5 hours)

Queenstown Mall for merino wool, pounamu (greenstone) jewelry, Manuka honey. Vesta Design for quality NZ-made gifts

Farewell sunset from Queenstown Hill(2 hours)

A 1-2 hour return walk to the Queenstown Hill viewpoint (907m). The 'Time Walk' trail passes informational signs. The sunset view over the Wakatipu basin is the perfect farewell. Free

Morning at leisure(2 hours)

Last walk around the Queenstown Gardens. Watch the paragliders landing on the beach

Final TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak(3 hours)

NZD $99. The steamship crosses to Walter Peak Station for a morning tea with scones and farmyard demonstrations. The lake crossing is incredibly peaceful

Lunch at Eichardt's Bar(1 hour)

Craft cocktails and bar snacks with lake views. NZD $20-35. Soak in the atmosphere

Farewell dinner at Botswana Butchery or Rata(2 hours)

End your Queenstown trip at one of the town's finest. NZD $40-60 for mains. Raise a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir to three weeks of adventure

Breakfast at The Bathhouse(1 hour)

Heritage building on the lakefront. NZD $18-25. The morning light on the Remarkables is the perfect farewell

Last-minute shopping(1 hour)

Queenstown Mall for merino, pounamu, and Manuka honey

Airport transfer(15 minutes)

Allow 1.5 hours before domestic, 2.5 hours before international connections