Looking for the best Queenstown attractions?

Yep, there is an almost endless range of Queenstown attractions.

But which ones are the best?

Well, we've tapped into our own experiences in Queenstown, and have also listened to our customers, and have selected a few very special Queenstown attractions for you.

These are the ones that consistently rate at the top of customer reviews, and consequently, are always popular with visitors, meaning that they sometimes book out in advance.

So our advice, if you are coming here in the peak times, is to make your bookings before you come.

That way you won't be disappointed.

Before you read about our selection, you can search the full range of tours and activities by clicking HERE.

Here (in no particular order) is our selection of the best Queenstown attractions

We've included something for all ages and tastes, with everything from "mild" to "wild".

We hope you enjoy our selections. Just click on the link to move down the page for information on your chosen Queenstown attraction.

When you finish just click your browsers "Back" button to return here.

---

Sitting 450 meters above the town, access to the complex is via the Skyline Gondola. The gondola terminal is located in Brecon Street, and is only a five minute walk from the town center.

After you buy your ticket, you make your way to the entry point and before you know it, your gondola car is lifting you smoothly skywards.

The trip up takes about 10 minutes, and the views are spectacular.

Once you reach the top it's time to explore.

The complex is a place where you can easily spend a day, such are the variety of activities available.

There's the luge track (our favorite), a kiwi Haka show, the Ledge Bungy and Swing, the Jelly Belly lolly store, a gift shop, restaurant (with unbelievable views), cafe, stargazing tours, paragliding, walking trails, and an extensive mountain bike park.

But if you are like us, the first thing you will do is head out to the observation deck. Words don't do justice to the views, but we guarantee, you will not be disappointed.

We love the restaurant for dinner (but recommend booking in advance), and have to admit that the luge is infectious.

And if you just want somewhere to read a book, or have a coffee, the extensive outdoor areas are perfect for doing just that.

It's a spot that families will love, and we know you will too.

---

The red jetboats have been a Queenstown institution for many years, and have thrilled hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world.

This is one of our favorite Queenstown attractions, and once you board the boat, your senses come alive.

The throb of the engines is ever present, and before long you are off, thundering along the Shotover River.

Your captain gives the "spin" signal and all of a sudden the boat spins around and spray flies everywhere. You get caught up in the excitement and cheer with your fellow passengers.

Before long you head into the gorge. Huge rock cliffs rise above you, and from your seat you can't see an exit.

Your boat carves its way through the ravine, so close to the rocks that you can almost touch them (don't try to), and you hold on as you swerve from side to side.

If you are looking for an adrenalin rush, this is the perfect introduction to Queenstown. They don't call it the "Adventure Capital" for nothing!

Learn more about the Shotover Jet by clicking on the button below:

---

Milford Sound, quite rightly, is recognized as New Zealand's number one attraction.

And it's easy to see why. Towering cliffs that rise thousands of feet and disappear into the mist, thundering waterfalls, and some amazing wildlife make it a "must do" if you are in this part of New Zealand.

Although Milford Sound is only about 70 kilometers away by air, by road, it's quite a journey.

You can take a fly/cruise tour, which gets you there much quicker, but which is more expensive. These tours are very much weather dependent, but the views are jaw droppingly good!

But the most popular option is an organized coach tour which includes your transport and cruise on Milford Sound.

These are a full day tour and take around 12 to 13 hours Queenstown/Milford Sound/Queenstown.

Yep, it's a big day, but you will never be bored. The trip there is almost as good as the cruise, and the Milford Road has been referred to as one of the world's great drives.

Traveling through ancient native forests, past towering snow capped peaks, and crossing rivers littered with enormous boulders, it's a trip you will never forget. The views of the Cleddau Valley after you come out of the Homer Tunnel are unbelievable.

Another great option, if time permits, is the overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner. Waking up on Milford Sound is an experience to remember.

So if you are coming to Queenstown, PLEASE, set aside a full day and visit Milford Sound.

To learn more about the Milford Sound full day tour from Queenstown, just click on the button:

---

The historic steamer, the TSS Earnslaw has been cruising on Lake Wakatipu since 1912.

Originally used to carry stock, supplies and timber, these days this graceful old lady ferries passengers between Queenstown wharf and Walter Peak station, a working farm further up Lake Wakatipu.

This has to be one of the most peaceful activities in Queenstown, and there is something special about cruising on Lake Wakatipu, with the Remarkables mountain range towering above, and just watching it all drift by.

There are a range of cruises and tours available, including the basic cruise, the cruise combined with lunch or dinner at Walter Peak station (highly recommended), or the cruise and a farm tour at Walter Peak.

Once on board the TSS Earnslaw, you find that progress is very serene, and the ample viewing decks are the perfect spot from which to take in the stunning surroundings and grab a few "trophy" pictures.

The ship has an on board cafe (the muffins and coffee are excellent), a museum detailing the ships history, and an internal observation deck where you can watch the crew stoking the coal powered burners. You can even watch the huge engines as they stroke away.

The ship even has a resident piano player, who is keen to take requests.

The Walter Peak station tours are great and give an insight of life on a traditional New Zealand farm. The tour includes a working dog display, and a chance to see lots of farm animals (the kids love it).

The BBQ lunch and dinner are delicious and feature several traditional New Zealand dishes and deserts, backed by the resident piano player.

If you are looking for a relaxing way to pass a few hours we can highly recommend the range of TSS Earnslaw tours.

---

5) Are you up for the triple challenge?

Need a little action on your Queenstown holiday?

Then this is the ideal Queenstown attraction.

Your challenge begins with a transfer to the Shotover River where the iconic Shotover Jetboat waits. Imagine racing through the narrow gorges at high speed. The rock walls are so close you can almost touch them. Then the skipper gives the "spin" signal and your boat spins around almost within its own length.

Then it's out to Cavell's Rafting Lodge. You don your full wetsuit then head to the heli-pad where you board your helicopter for a full on blast up Skipper's Canyon.

Landing at Deep Creek, your expert guide meets you then takes you through the safety procedures and training. Then it's time. You board your raft and head off into some nice peaceful water, and then it starts. Get ready for the Rock Garden, the Toilet, Jaws, and several other rapids before the final test. The one hundred and seventy meter long Oxenbridge Tunnel is a thrilling, bucking monster that will have you wanting to try it again.

Once you finish it's back to the lodge for a hot shower and sauna before heading back to town.

This is one of those "must do" adventures. Very highly rated.

---

But wait, there is so much more to do here in Queenstown.

We hope you enjoyed reading about some of the best Queenstown attractions.

But with so much more to do here, Queenstown is one of those special places where you could easily spend a few weeks.

So to see what else there is here in Queenstown, to read reviews, and to check prices, just click HERE.

Of course if you have any questions about Queenstown attractions, don't hesitate to ask us.

---

Queenstown attractions Top of Page