You’ll find Queenstown tucked away in the rugged majesty of New Zealand’s South Island, hugging the shores of the lightning-bolt-shaped Lake Wakatipu. It’s a place that’s earned its reputation as the adventure capital of the world, but there’s a softer side to this alpine town that’s just as captivating.
For those joining us on The Very Best of New Zealand tour, you’ll experience the magic in this stunning place. Our journey when leaving Queenstown takes us through the spectacular Haast Pass, where the road carves through ancient rainforests and past thunderous waterfalls before the landscape opens up into the golden tussock lands of Central Otago. It offers breathtaking views of Queenstown sightseeing that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
A Historic Welcome on the Water
Once you’ve settled in, one of the most iconic things to do in Queenstown is actually included on our combination Highlights of Australia & New Zealand itinerary. You’ll step back in time aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage coal-fired steamship that’s been puffing across the lake since 1912. It’s the perfect way to soak in the surrounding peaks like Cecil Peak and Walter Peak. The cruise takes you to Walter Peak Homestead for a quintessential Kiwi experience, featuring a sheep-shearing show for an authentic glimpse into rural life. It’s a wonderful way to find your bearings before you start exploring the town’s more modern thrills.
Soaring Above the Skyline and Deep into Canyons
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Queenstown during your freedom days - which you’ll enjoy on our Magnificent New Zealand tour - you might consider a visit to the Queenstown cable car. This steep ascent on the Skyline Gondola whisks you up to Bob’s Peak, where the Queenstown skyline reveals itself in a breathtaking 220-degree panorama. It is a wonderful way to spend a few spare hours, as the gondola base is situated within easy reach of your accommodation, allowing you to enjoy world-class views and be back at the lakeside in time for lunch or a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Journeying into the Golden Past
For a deeper look at the region’s rugged history, you might choose to book a Skippers Canyon tour on your freedom day during the New Zealand by Rail, Road & Sea tour. This isn’t your average road trip; it’s a journey along a hand-hewn track that clings to the side of the Shotover River Valley. It’s one of the most significant Queenstown landmarks, telling the story of the hardy souls who flocked here during the 1860s gold rush. The views are breathtaking, and the history is rich, making it a firm favourite for those who want to see the wilder side of the Otago backcountry.
A Taste of Local Flavours and Hospitality
Queenstown’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape, offering everything from fine dining to legendary hole-in-the-wall eateries. For many of our travellers, the Millennium Hotel serves as a sophisticated and centrally located home base, perfect for strolling into town to sample the local fare. The beauty of staying so close to the heart of the action is the flexibility it provides, so the town's vibrant energy is always within reach.
Beyond the Town: The Majesty of Milford Sound
While the town itself is magnetic, many people plan a trip to Queenstown specifically to use it as a gateway to the Fiordland National Park. On the Treasures of New Zealand and Australia & New Zealand Discovery tours, an included day trip to Milford Sound is often the crowning jewel of the holiday. This glacial fjord is home to the towering Mitre Peak and sheer cliffs that cascade with permanent waterfalls. Whether you're cruising through the mist on a day boat or opting for the extraordinary overnight experience, the sheer scale of the landscape is guaranteed to leave you speechless.
The Golden Vintage of the Gibbston Valley
You can’t really say you’ve experienced the region without delving into the local food and drink scene. Exploring the best wineries Queenstown has to offer is a highlight for many, particularly on this food and wine tour, available during the Natural Wonders of New Zealand tour. The nutrient-rich soil and extreme temperature here create wines with incredible intensity and character, making Queenstown wineries a must-visit for wine lovers.
A Summer Escape in the Queenstown Gardens
If you’re seeking a moment of serenity amidst the town's high-energy atmosphere, a walk through the Queenstown Gardens is one of the loveliest things to do in Queenstown in summer. Located on a small peninsula jutting into the lake, these botanical gardens offer a quiet retreat with rose displays, towering Douglas firs, and perfectly manicured lawns. It’s a wonderful spot for a gentle stroll on a freedom day, providing a different perspective of the lake and the jagged mountains beyond without having to venture far from the town centre.
The Golden Vintage of the Gibbston Valley
You can’t really say you’ve experienced the region without delving into the local food and drink scene. Exploring the best wineries Queenstown has to offer is a highlight for many, particularly on this food and wine tour, available during the Natural Wonders of New Zealand tour. The nutrient-rich soil and extreme temperature here create wines with incredible intensity and character, making Queenstown wineries a must-visit for wine lovers.
Begin Your Remarkable Journey
Queenstown is a destination that truly has to be seen to be believed, and there’s no better way to experience it than with the local expertise and seamless planning of Distant Journeys. From the majestic peaks experienced on our Magnificent New Zealand tour to the perfect blend of freedom and discovery on our The Very Best of New Zealand itinerary, we’re here to help you create memories that’ll last a lifetime. Don’t just read about the wonders of the South Island; come and live them for yourself.
You can browse our full range of award-winning escorted New Zealand tours online or speak to one of our friendly travel specialists to start planning your extraordinary adventure today.
First published 12/05/2026
