When talking about “things to do” in Queenstown, it’s important to clarify that this refers to leisure and lifestyle activities, not employment opportunities. Queenstown is a small town with around 50,000 residents in the wider area. The local economy is built primarily on tourism and hospitality, with many jobs in these sectors, along with construction due to the region’s rapid growth. Financial and logistics services support these industries, but beyond that, vacancies are limited. Because of the high cost of living, many people here either work remotely with strong salaries or have reached a stage in life where they no longer need to work.
In this article, the focus is on how to enjoy life in Queenstown. What to do and how to spend your time. Despite the occasional comment that the scenery is beautiful but “there’s nothing to do,” Queenstown offers a wide range of activities that make boredom unlikely. This is not a ranking but rather a general overview of popular ways to spend time here. We’ll begin with the classic tourist attractions and then move on to activities that are especially enjoyed by locals.
Tourist Activities in Queenstown
Queenstown is often called the adventure capital of New Zealand, and for good reason. The variety of activities for visitors is unmatched. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a more relaxing experience, the region has something for everyone.
Thrill-Seeking Adventures
- Ride the gondola up the mountain, enjoy the panoramic restaurant views, and race downhill on a luge track.
- Try some of the world’s most extreme activities: bungee jumping from heights of up to 134 meters, giant swings spanning 300 meters, a human catapult, or a 130-meter zipline flight.
- Skydive from 4,000 meters for breathtaking views of lakes and mountains, or experience paragliding — part thrill, part meditation.
- For a safer taste of flight, try an indoor skydiving wind tunnel.
Air and Land Experiences
- Scenic helicopter and small-plane flights take you over glaciers, mountain peaks, fjords, and lakes.
- Explore rugged terrain by quad bike or off-road vehicle.
- Horseback rides through vineyards, rivers, and forest trails provide both relaxation and spectacular scenery.
Water Adventures
- Race through narrow river canyons on a high-speed jet boat or try the “shark ride,” which dives underwater before leaping back into the air.
- Go white-water rafting or, for something different, ride the rapids on a bodyboard or special river sleds.
- For calmer moments, take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu or visit a working farm by boat.
Relaxed Leisure Activities
- Float peacefully above the mountains and lakes in a hot air balloon.
- Follow film location tours to see where global hits like The Lord of the Rings were shot.
- Visit local wineries and breweries, often paired with outstanding restaurants.
- In town, browse art galleries, shop for outdoor gear or luxury brands, and enjoy lively bars with live music.
And of course, Queenstown’s accommodation is part of the experience. From boutique hotels to short-term rental homes, expect incredible views, luxurious spas, and comfort — the perfect way to have an unforgettable vacation.
Activities for Locals
Beyond the tourist attractions, Queenstown offers a wide range of leisure activities that are part of everyday life for its residents. These activities reflect the outdoor lifestyle, strong community spirit, and active culture that define the region.
Winter Sports
Skiing and snowboarding are by far the most popular pastimes, both for locals and visitors. Within half an hour’s drive of town are four world-class ski fields, offering slopes for all levels, modern lifts, and excellent infrastructure. Cross-country skiing is also available, with Snow Farm providing dedicated trails and family-friendly activities like snow tubing.
Cycling and Hiking
Cycling is everywhere in Queenstown, from mountain biking and e-bikes to scenic trails and guided tours. Hiking (or tramping, as it’s called in New Zealand) is another favorite, with an extensive network of well-maintained tracks ranging from gentle lakeside walks to challenging alpine routes.
Climbing and Water Sports
Rock climbing has been gaining popularity, with locals taking to natural cliffs and mountain faces. The region’s lakes provide endless water-based activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, e-foiling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and boating.
Outdoor Adventures
Off-roading is a common hobby, with many residents modifying vehicles to tackle rugged terrain. Hunting and fishing are also popular, strictly regulated with licenses and seasonal restrictions to protect the environment.
Leisure and Social Life
Locals enjoy strolling through parks and the town center, relaxing in bars and restaurants, or visiting wineries and breweries. The region hosts a variety of events year-round: farmers’ markets, music and wine festivals, art exhibitions, film festivals, light installations, and the famous Arrowtown Autumn Festival. The opening and closing of the ski season are celebrated with lively community events.
Sports and Fitness
Golf is highly regarded here, with courses considered among the best in the world. Queenstown also offers a wide range of fitness options, including gyms, yoga and pilates studios, swimming pools, and sports fields for rugby, football, cricket, basketball, and tennis. The town even has its own ice rink and hockey team.
Entertainment and Community
Residents enjoy cinemas, shopping, and the recently opened Kingpin entertainment center, which features bowling, billiards, table tennis, karaoke, and restaurants. There are also opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals, such as the local business club and Startups Queenstown Lakes, which supports new ventures and innovation in the region.
Clubs and Hobbies
Finally, Queenstown is home to countless interest-based clubs — from freediving, running, and swimming, to frisbee golf and more. Whatever the hobby, there’s a community for it.
Activities for Children in Queenstown
Queenstown also offers a variety of activities and programs tailored for children, making it a family-friendly place to live or visit.
Kids can take part in different clubs and sports groups, including Scouts, or simply enjoy the fun of a trampoline park — a place that’s just as entertaining for adults. There are arcade-style game centers, such as Kingpin and a few other venues, that provide plenty of excitement on rainy days. Families can also visit local farms to interact with animals, borrow toys from the community toy library, or simply enjoy playtime in the backyard or at one of the many playgrounds scattered throughout the town.
Overall, Queenstown covers nearly all aspects of family life and leisure. What might be missing are elements like big-name retail chains (H&M, Uniqlo) or a wider range of cultural venues such as large theaters and historic architecture. But thanks to direct flights, Auckland is only about 90 minutes away, while major Australian cities are within three hours — making it easy to enjoy urban culture and shopping before returning to the peaceful beauty of Queenstown.
While this overview highlights many activities, there are always more to discover. For anyone considering moving to or visiting Queenstown with children, rest assured that the region provides plenty of opportunities for family fun and recreation
