Summary
Known as the adventure capital and located in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand, Queenstown truly offers a blend of activities for everyone. This 3-day Queenstown itinerary is tailored to highlight the area’s top attractions, including food, hiking, cruising, and extreme adventures.
About this Queenstown itinerary
Queenstown is a compact town where most attractions are within walking distance. However, to uncover the region’s hidden gems, this itinerary prompts a visit to Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley on day 3. A reliable and inexpensive bus network can safely transport you there, or you can opt for rideshares or guided tours with shuttle services.
This itinerary is suitable for any season, but is particularly enjoyable during Queenstown’s summer. Conversely, if your visit is in winter, consider extending your stay to explore the nearby Cardrona ski fields.
What to pack for Queenstown?
Being one of the southernmost towns globally, expect cool weather year-round, with winter temperatures frequently dropping below 0°C. Be prepared for New Zealand’s variable climate by packing plenty of layers.
Queenstown’s outdoor-centric culture influences its fashion, so expect to see puffer jackets, walking shoes, and warm merino wool tops. This itinerary involves extensive outdoor activities, so ensure you wear warm clothing that can be easily removed during hikes and bike rides.
Day 1: Skyline, Ben Lomond, Luge, Queenstown Gardens
Start your Queenstown adventure by gaining altitude. Begin with a ride on the Skyline Gondola, ascending 450 meters to the Skyline Centre, where breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountains await. You can either indulge in a meal at the café, grab treats from the Jelly Bean Factory, or simply soak in the scenery.
Ben Lomond Track
During summer, continue upwards to the Ben Lomond peak. This 7-hour trek offers stunning panoramas from the summit. Although the trail isn’t steep, it remains snow-covered for most of the year, making mid-summer your best option for reaching the apex. Even if you don’t reach the peak, venturing a little way past the Skyline Centre can provide a respite from the crowds and showcase the beautiful surroundings.
Paragliding or Luge
On your descent, skip the gondola and opt for paragliding or the luge ride. The luge resembles a go-kart ride down a mountainous track filled with twists and turns at exhilarating speeds. There are beginner and advanced tracks available, ensuring fun for all skill levels. After your run, either board the gondola for another trip or head back to Queenstown.
Spend the afternoon exploring the lakeshore or strolling through the Queenstown Botanic Gardens towards Frankton. Alternatively, hike up to the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, where you’ll discover exhibits detailing the area’s rich history. Allocate about 2.5 hours for this scenic walk.
Dinner
For dinner, treat yourself at Botswana Butchery, ranked among New Zealand’s finest restaurants that highlight local produce such as lamb and venison. Pair your meal with a glass of Central Otago pinot noir to elevate your dining experience. See their website for details.
Day 2: Bungy Jump, Jet Boat, Lake Cruise, Ferg Burger
Prepare to embrace the thrills that solidify Queenstown’s reputation as New Zealand’s adventure capital by participating in a bungy jump, swing, or catapult experience. You can dive into history at the original AJ Hackett bungy site at Kawarau Bridge, along with two other exhilarating sites—Ledge Jump (47m) and Nevis Jump (134m).
Morning Nevis Bungy and Swing
If bungy jumping is not your style, consider the Nevis Swing or human catapult. Your ticket includes transportation to the site and a souvenir t-shirt showcasing your bravery. A combo ticket that covers both activities is also available. Visit AJ Hackett for pricing and tour details.
Lunch at Vudu Larder
Following an adrenaline-packed morning, rejuvenate with a relaxing lunch at Vudu Larder. Situated on the lakefront, this café is highly regarded for its healthy brunch options, including my personal recommendation: pancakes with lemon and coconut. Other delightful cafés to explore include Yonder and Bespoke Kitchen if time allows.
Afternoon – Jetboat
For an afternoon rush, embark on a thrilling jetboat ride. Choose KJet, which launches from Lake Wakatipu and features exciting spins along the Arrow River, or opt for Shotover Jet, which navigates the narrow canyons of Shotover River.
If you’re in the mood for a more tranquil experience, the TSS Earnslaw steamboat cruise provides a calming excursion across Lake Wakatipu toward Glenorchy. This relaxing ride showcases New Zealand’s stunning scenery, surrounded by majestic mountains and verdant bush. For a romantic touch, consider booking the sunset cruise complete with wine and cheese.
This tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and gives you splendid views of the Remarkables, Bob’s Cove, Cecil Peak, and Mt. Earnslaw from the comfort of the Spirit of Queenstown.
Dinner
Finish your day with drinks at Perky’s Boat Bar, a whimsical bar anchored lakeside, or at Lodge Wine Bar, a more refined venue nestled at the front of a men’s clothing store. When it comes to food, don’t miss trying one of the locally beloved burgers from Ferg’s. Although the lines may be lengthy, those delicious, oversized burgers are well worth the wait. I recommend the Sweet Bambi venison burger with boysenberry and brie, but there are also vegetarian options available. Cap it off with ice cream from Mrs Ferg’s Gelateria right next door.
Day 3: Arrowtown, Arrow River Trail, Gibbston Valley wineries, Millbrook
By day 3, you should be well-acquainted with Queenstown’s town center, so it’s time to journey to Arrowtown. A brief bus ride on the blue Arthurs Point bus will transport you from Stanley Street in central Queenstown.
Start early to enjoy brunch at Provisions, a café nestled on the quieter end of Arrowtown’s main street, which serves an extraordinary selection of baked goods alongside one of the best Kiwi big breakfasts you can find.
Arrowtown shines brightest in autumn when the tree-lined riverbanks and streets are ablaze with orange hues. Nevertheless, regardless of the season, this historic mining town exudes charm. With its Gold Rush-era facades, you might feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Don’t forget to visit The Remarkables Sweet Shop for samples of their homemade fudge and a variety of old-fashioned candies from around the globe.
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, Arrowtown features boutique shops galore. Food enthusiasts won’t want to overlook the Gibbston Valley Cheese store and Patagonia Chocolates, both conveniently located near the riverfront. These local artisan producers are unique to the Queenstown and Arrowtown area.
Additionally, a visit to Arrowtown isn’t complete without strolling down to the riverbanks to observe the old Gold Miner’s Cottages, simple yet poignant reminders of the lives of the first European and Chinese settlers in the region.
Arrow River Trail
From Arrowtown, you can rent bikes or e-bikes and cycle along the Arrow River Trail toward Gibbston Valley. The scenery along the trail is simply stunning, featuring suspension bridges, gorges, farms, and mountains, plus an opportunity to watch bungy jumpers at Kawarau Bridge.
Visit a Vineyard
The Gibbston Valley, easily accessible by bike or car from Arrowtown, boasts the majority of wineries in the Queenstown area. Most vineyards welcome visitors for tastings, so simply grab a map from your bike rental shop and stop by any winery that piques your interest. While Pinot Noir is the most sought-after variety, you can also discover Gamays, Pinot Blancs, and diverse red blends. My top choices in Gibbston Valley are Peregrine and Mount Edward, both of which offer food, ranging from platters to full bistro meals. If you venture closer to Arrowtown, discover Amisfield Winery, which boasts an award-winning restaurant on-site.
Afternoon
As your day winds down, consider a visit to Millbrook Resort for either a relaxing round of golf or an indulgent spa treatment. Nestled within 650 acres of picturesque grounds dotted with streams, stone bridges, and charming cottages, the resort promises a serene escape. After your rejuvenating massage, enjoy tea in the lounge overlooking the golf course. The resort can arrange a shuttle back to Queenstown to conclude your day.
Queenstown undoubtedly ranks as one of the globe’s most awe-inspiring destinations, featuring the dramatic landscapes that New Zealand is famed for. This 3-day Queenstown itinerary serves as a comprehensive introduction to what’s available. If time permits, consider extending your adventure by exploring Te Anau and tackling part of the Milford Track, or drive through the Cardrona Ranges to visit the Cardrona Distillery and Cardrona Hotel.
Where to Stay in Queenstown
SofiTel Queenstown – Centrally located, this luxury hotel is in close proximity to the Skyline Gondola and Fergberger, with many attractions within walking distance. Only 15 minutes from the airport and near Lake Wakatipu, it’s an ideal base for your Queenstown adventure.
Queenstown Novotel Lakeside – Offers a prime waterfront location in town, complete with a hot tub, restaurant, parking, and free Internet.
This 3-day Queenstown itinerary is perfect for immersing yourself in New Zealand’s adventure capital. With countless activities to explore, you may find yourself longing for weeks to fully experience all that Queenstown has to offer.
