Local Picks - Things To Do in Queenstown

Beauty Therapy, Advanced Skincare and IPL for Hair Removal and Skin Rejuvenation are our specialities at the Beauty Lounge in Frankton. If you are serious about anti-ageing, we're here for yo

Packraft Wanaka

Packraft Wanaka offers the adventure of a lifetime, paddling one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountain rivers in fun, inflatable packrafts. Start your action packed day with a scenic shuttle

Kiwi Park

The Park Explore our 5-acre oasis at the Kiwi Park. A family-owned and operated wildlife centre in the heart of Queenstown, dedicated to saving our endangered wildlife species. We have over 20 specie

Basecamp Adventures - Wanaka

Basecamp Adventures provide exceptional guided rock climbing & alpine trips in the Southern Lakes region, along with indoor climbing & bouldering in Wanaka and Queenstown. Choose from a ra

Body Sanctum Day Spa

Escape the pace of everyday life at Body Sanctum Day Spa, Queenstown’s original day spa and a multi-award-winning wellness destination in the heart of town. Since 1999, Body Sanctum has been providi

Basecamp Adventures - Queenstown

Basecamp Adventures provide exceptional guided rock climbing & alpine trips in the Southern Lakes region, along with indoor climbing & bouldering in Queenstown & Wanaka. Choose from a

Trail Journeys

Let Trail Journeys take the hassle out of planning your cycling trip with a free Itinerary planning and booking service on some of New Zealand's best trails including the Otago Rail Trail and the

Mitre Peak Cruises

Unforgettable cruises across Milford Sound with friendly crew and superior on board facilities. Trips last 2 hours, with added coach/flight options available. Mitre Peak Cruises offer regular

The Helicopter Line

The Helicopter Line is New Zealand's premier commercial and leisure helicopter operator, offering amazing scenic flights over some of the world's most breathtaking scenery. The Squirre

Harris Mountains Heli-Ski Queenstown

Heli-skiing for experienced skiers and snowboarders, around Queenstown, Wanaka and Mount Cook/Aoraki. Exclusive access to hundreds of ski runs. Not suitable for beginners. Harris Mountains He

Milford Sound Scenic Flights

Specialised scenic flights over the Milford Sound with hi-spec aircrafts including panoramic window seating and in-flight commentary. Milford Sound Scenic Flights provide the ultimate aerial t

Book Top Experiences and Tours in Queenstown:

If you're booking your trip to Queenstown last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences.

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Local tip of the day

If you’ve got time for a walk that’s popular with Queenstown residents but less known to visitors, head out to the Moonlight Track on the northern edge of the town. The views over Lake Wakatipu are stunning, and the trail isn’t overly busy during weekdays. Bring a jacket especially in cooler months, as the weather can change quickly even in summer. After the walk, drop by a cafe in the nearby suburb of Fernhill,it’s quieter than downtown and has some great spots to refuel with good coffee and homemade treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Queenstown Local Picks.

Who selects the Local Picks in Queenstown?

The Local Picks are chosen by a dedicated team of Queenstown residents who know the town inside out. They base selections on personal experience and updates from the community, not on sponsorships or algorithms.

How often are the Local Picks updated?

The selection is reviewed and refreshed regularly to reflect seasonal changes, new discoveries, and shifts in local favourites. That way, you’ll always find recommendations that locals trust right now.

Are these Local Picks suitable for families?

Many of the picks are family-friendly, like lakeside walks or casual eateries with space for kids. If you have specific needs, the local team can help point you to the best options.

Do the Local Picks include outdoor activities?

Yes, plenty. Queenstown locals love the outdoors. Whether it’s a short lakeside stroll, a local golf course, or a winter ski spot, these picks reflect real outdoor favourites.

Can I trust these picks to avoid typical tourist traps?

Yes. One of the main goals of the Local Picks is to steer visitors towards authentic local experiences, not the busiest tourist spots or commercialised offerings.

Are the Local Picks accessible year-round?

Many activities are season-specific, but the picks include recommendations for every season, from summer hikes to winter ski days, ensuring there’s something for all times of year.

Explore Things To Do Categories

Tours (129 places) Whether walking or driving, Queenstown Tours will ensure you get to see every little piece of this spectacular landscape. With a rich natural and cultural history, there's plenty to explore, and lot Explore

Sightseeing Tours (88 places) Book a Queenstown Sightseeing Tour and see the best of the region with an experienced guide. A sightseeing tour is a great way to take in all best scenic spots of Queenstown Explore

For Kids (58 places) Queenstown isn't just for boisterous adventurers, there are plenty of activities for kids to enjoy. Queenstown for kids can mean farm trips, gentle rafting, horse riding, luge and aqua parks - there Explore

Wine Tours and Wineries (47 places) With four wine growing regions all within an hour's drive of Queenstown, there are plenty of wineries and cellar doors to visit. Central Otago is a world renowned region for Pinot Noir and is home to Explore

Water Activities (46 places) Queenstown's reputation for adventure, extends to the water with many thrilling water activities to experience. Lake Wakatipu and Lake Wanaka are the hub of the water based activities while the rivers Explore

Fiordland Activities (40 places) Queenstown is a gateway to the stunning Milford and Doubtful Sounds in Fiordland National Park. Book a return coach and scenic cruise or for those with a higher budget, combine a thrilling scenic flig Explore

Top Things To Do in Queenstown

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Wanaka: Siberia Experience Scenic Flight, Hike, and Jetboat

4 hours via GetYourGuide

Siberia Experience: Scenic Flight, Hike and Jetboat in Mt Aspiring National Park The Siberia Experience is an adventure departing from Makarora, ideal for nature lovers seeking a scenic flight, ungui

Communal Hot Pool Experience

Bathe Onsen Experience in Queenstown Bathe offers a modern urban interpretation of the traditional Japanese onsen on upper Brecon Street, suited for solo travellers, couples, and groups comfortable wi

Tandem Paraglide - Winter - Coronet Peak 5400ft

2 hours via GetYourGuide

Queenstown Paragliding Tandem Flight from Coronet Peak This tandem paragliding flight from Coronet Peak suits anyone looking for an extended airborne experience with spectacular mountain views near Qu

Ticket for 2 Indoor Skydiving Flights

Indoor Skydiving Experience in Queenstown This indoor skydiving activity in Queenstown offers a safe and controlled environment ideal for thrill-seekers wanting to experience freefall flight without j

Kawarau Bungy & Swing Combo

12 hours via GetYourGuide

The Kawarau Bungy Centre in Queenstown offers solo, tandem, and triple bungy jumps and swings for thrill-seekers aged 8 and above. Highlights World's first commercial bungy jumping site Solo or

Queenstown: Private Day Trip to Lake Tekapo, Pukaki & More

This private full-day tour from Queenstown suits travelers seeking a customizable trip to Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie region. Highlights Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pu

Scenic Blue Ice Glacier Flight from Glenorchy | 40 min

via GetYourGuide

HighlightsLand on top of a remote Glacier (weather permitting)See blue ice up close and personalTake an incredible journey through Mt Aspiring National ParkIncredible views over Lake Whakatipu and the

Queenstown: Ticket for 4 Indoor Skydiving Flights

Indoor Skydiving in Queenstown for All Skill Levels Experience indoor skydiving in Queenstown, ideal for those wanting to feel the sensation of flight without jumping from a plane. Highlights Fly

Queenstown Helicopter Wine Sampler Tour

7 hours via GetYourGuide

Helicopter Wine Tour in Queenstown for Wine Enthusiasts This full-day tour from Queenstown combines a scenic helicopter flight with guided tastings at Gibbston's top wineries, ideal for wine lovers an

Kiwi Park Admission Ticket

via GetYourGuide

Kiwi Park Experience in Queenstown for Wildlife Enthusiasts Kiwi Park offers an immersive wildlife experience in Queenstown, ideal for nature lovers and those interested in New Zealand's native specie

Exclusive Classic Wine Tour

4 hours via GetYourGuide