Top Bucket List Adventures in Queenstown

If you do want a taste of Queenstown’s famous adrenaline side, this is where to start. These are the iconic, high-energy experiences that put Queenstown on the map — and several of them are true Bucket List activities.

#1 – Take a Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride

Why go: If you want one of Queenstown’s most iconic adrenaline experiences, the Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride is a thrilling way to race through narrow canyons and skim over the water at high speed.

Good to know: This is one of the shorter adventure activities in Queenstown at about 30 minutes, and transportation from town is included.

Why pick this tour: The Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride is one of Queenstown’s signature Bucket List experiences and is easy to fit into a busy itinerary.

#2 – Go on a Small-Group Zipline Adventure

Why go: If you love the idea of flying through the air without quite as much intensity as a skydive, this Small-group Zipline Adventure is a fun way to soak up the mountain and lake views above Queenstown.

Good to know: There are three different zipline courses to choose from, with different levels of intensity and skill.

Why pick this tour: This zipline adventure starts from the top of the Skyline Gondola, right above central Queenstown, and includes guides plus all safety equipment.

#3 – Jump out of a plane with NZone Skydive Queenstown

Why go: If skydiving is on your Bucket List, Queenstown is a spectacular place to do it. You will free-fall at up to 124 miles per hour, then float back down with incredible views all around you.

Good to know: This is a tandem skydive with three different jump heights to choose from, so you can pick the level that feels right for you.

Why pick this tour: My cousins did the NZone Skydive Queenstown experience and absolutely loved it, which makes me feel even better recommending it here. Photo credits: Diane Sewall

#4 – Try your hand at Shotover River White Water Rafting

Why go: If you want a hands-on adventure instead of just riding along, Shotover River White Water Rafting gives you a chance to tackle real rapids in one of the most dramatic landscapes near Queenstown.

Good to know: This half-day excursion takes you to Skippers Canyon, where you will gear up in a wetsuit and safety equipment before spending up to two hours on the river.

Why pick this tour: Shotover River White Water Rafting combines big scenery, real adrenaline, and a hot shower afterwards, which is a pretty great way to finish.

#5 – Jump off a cliff with Queenstown Tandem Paragliding

Why go: If you love the idea of floating over spectacular scenery without the intensity of a skydive, Queenstown Tandem Paragliding is a beautiful Bucket List experience. I’m definitely going to do this one the next time I come back to Queenstown!

Good to know: Transfers from Queenstown to Coronet Peak are included, along with the safety briefing and gear fitting.

Why pick this tour: Queenstown Tandem Paragliding lets you enjoy the mountain and valley views in a calmer, more scenic way than some of the other adrenaline activities.

#6 – Go Skiing and Snowboarding

Why go: If you are visiting in winter, skiing or snowboarding is one of the classic things to do in Queenstown, with several popular ski fields within easy reach.

Good to know: The ski season typically runs from June to October, and the main options near Queenstown are Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and Treble Cone in Wānaka.

Why pick this activity: Queenstown makes a great base for a ski trip because you can choose from several different mountain experiences without changing hotels.

What to expect: Some ski fields, including Coronet Peak and Cardrona, also offer summer activities like mountain biking and alpine disc golf from December to March.

#7 – Bungy Jump off a Bridge

Why go: If you want the ultimate Queenstown adrenaline rush, bungy jumping belongs high on your Bucket List. This is the place where commercial bungy jumping became famous.

Good to know: AJ Hackett is the original and best-known operator, with jumps at the Kawarau Suspension Bridge in Gibbston Valley.

Why pick this tour: If you are going to try bungy jumping in Queenstown, AJ Hackett is the iconic place to do it.

What to expect: AJ Hackett also offers options for Swinging, Catapulting, and Zip Riding, in case you need more thrills with something slightly different.

#8 – Spend a Half Day Canyoning

Why go: If you want an adventure that combines rappelling, climbing, swimming, and squeezing through a narrow canyon, canyoning is one of the most exciting things to do in Queenstown.

Good to know: This guided half-day activity takes place just 10 minutes from Queenstown and includes a wetsuit plus all the equipment you need.

Why pick this tour: The Canyoning Experience is a fun choice for active travelers who want something more hands-on than a boat ride or scenic flight.

Scenic, Nature, and Sightseeing Activities in Queenstown

These things to do in Queenstown are a great fit if you want beautiful views, interesting tours, and memorable Bucket List outings that do not require throwing yourself off a bridge.

#13 – Take the Skyline Gondola

Why go: The Skyline Gondola is one of the most classic things to do in Queenstown and one of the easiest ways to enjoy huge views over the town, lake, and mountains.

Good to know: Once you reach the top at Bob’s Peak, you can enjoy the lookout, ride the luge, bungy jump, go shopping, grab a meal, or simply take in the scenery.

Why pick this activity: The Skyline Gondola is a great choice if you want a high-reward activity that works for a wide range of travelers, even if you are not interested in the more extreme adventures.

Kari’s Tip: Book online ahead of time so you can compare package options and avoid waiting in line for tickets.

#14 – Visit the wildlife at Kiwi Park

Why go: If spotting a Kiwi bird is on your New Zealand Bucket List, Kiwi Park gives you one of the best chances to see one up close.

Good to know: This sanctuary with over 20 native species of New Zealand wildlife is right in central Queenstown and includes several wildlife encounters plus educational presentations throughout the day.

Why pick this activity: For 2 whole months, I looked all over the South Island and failed to find a Kiwi bird in the wild. So a visit to Kiwi Park is important if you want to really see native New Zealand wildlife.

#15 – Take a Glacier Explorer Flight

Why go: If you want one of the most scenic Bucket List experiences near Queenstown, the Glacier Explorer Flight gives you dazzling views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and rugged mountain scenery from the air.

Good to know: This 50-minute flight includes a landing on top of a glacier, which makes it feel even more special.

Why pick this tour: The Glacier Explorer Flight is a true splurge, but it is hard to beat if you want dramatic aerial views and a glacier landing, all in one experience.

#16 – Check out the Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour

Why go: If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, this is one of the most fun things to do in Queenstown because it brings the movie landscapes to life.

Good to know: This half-day tour visits filming locations around Queenstown, Glenorchy, and Paradise Valley, and both morning and afternoon departures are available.

Why pick this tour: The Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour is a great mix of movie nostalgia, beautiful scenery, and easy sightseeing without taking up your whole day.

#17 – Go on a Queenstown Segway Tour

Why go: If you want to see more of Queenstown without a lot of walking, a guided Segway tour is a fun and easy way to explore the waterfront and town.

Good to know: Tours are available in 1-hour and 2-hour options, depending on how much ground you want to cover.

Why pick this tour: The Queenstown Segway Tour combines sightseeing, local commentary, and lake views in a format that feels playful and relaxed.

#18 – Ride to Riches: Arrowtown-Queenstown e-Bike Tour

Why go: If you want a scenic outdoor activity without the intensity of a big adrenaline tour, this self-guided e-bike ride is a fun way to explore the area between Arrowtown and Queenstown.

Good to know: The tour includes your e-bike rental, helmet, maps, and shuttles to the start and pickup points.

Why pick this tour: The Ride to Riches e-Bike Adventure lets you move at your own pace while passing bridges, mountain views, lakes, and cute towns along the way.

Day Trips from Queenstown

One of the best things about basing yourself in Queenstown is how many incredible places you can reach in just a few hours.

These day trips add even more scenery, small-town charm, and Bucket List experiences to your trip — and several of them can still be done even if you do not have a rental car.

#24 – Take a Day Trip to Glenorchy

Why go: Glenorchy is one of the most beautiful day trips from Queenstown, with mountain views, lakeshore pullouts, easy walks, and that iconic little red shed everyone photographs.

Good to know: The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy takes about 45 minutes if you drive straight through, but I’d plan on longer because there are so many scenic stops along the way.

Why pick this day trip: We loved stopping at places like Sunshine Bay, Wilson Bay, and Bennett’s Bluff before continuing on to Glenorchy. Then we visited the iconic red barn, and enjoyed walking part of the Routeburn Track and the Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway.

If you don’t have a rental car for your Queenstown stay, you still can visit this gorgeous area. Here are some tours offered right from Queenstown:

• Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

• Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

• Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour –

For sure, the next time we go to New Zealand, we will spend more time in the gorgeous area near Glenorchy!

#25 – Visit Arrowtown

Why go: Arrowtown makes a lovely low-key day trip if you want a change of pace from Queenstown’s energy. It has historic charm, cute shops, good restaurants, and easy riverside walks.

Good to know: Arrowtown is only about 20 to 25 minutes from Queenstown, so it is one of the easiest day trips to add to your itinerary.

Why pick this day trip: We spent several hours here wandering the streets, browsing the galleries, and walking along the Arrow River Trail. It is a great choice if you want something scenic and relaxed.

Kari’s Tip: There are at least 15 hiking and biking trails in the area, so pick up a trail map at the Lakes District Museum on Buckingham Street if you want to explore more.

#26 – Spend a Day in Wānaka

Why go: Wānaka is a beautiful lakeside town with mountain scenery, good food, shopping, lakefront walks, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Good to know: Wānaka is about 75 minutes from Queenstown by car, and both routes there are scenic — either over Crown Range Road or through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell.

Why pick this day trip: Wānaka is a great mix of relaxing and active. You can stroll along the lake, grab lunch in town, look for birds, or tackle one of the nearby hikes if you are feeling ambitious.

Kari’s Tip: Before you leave, be sure to get a photo of #ThatWanakaTree. It is only a short drive or about a 20-minute walk from downtown.

#27 – Go to Aoraki / Mount Cook and Hike the Hooker Valley Track

Why go: If seeing New Zealand’s highest peak is on your Bucket List, Mount Cook is one of the most rewarding day trips you can take from Queenstown.

Good to know: This is a full-day outing, and the Hooker Valley Track itself takes about 3 hours to hike.

Why pick this tour: The Mount Cook and Hooker Valley Track tour lets you enjoy one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes without having to plan the long drive yourself. Along the way, there are also stops at mountain villages, salmon farms, and orchards.

#28 – Take a Day Trip to Milford Sound

Why go: Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s biggest Bucket List experiences, and for many travelers, it is simply too special to miss.

Good to know: Driving from Queenstown takes about 5 hours each way, so this is a very long day, no matter how you do it.

Why pick this day trip: The scenery on the drive is absolutely stunning, and once you reach Milford Sound, the cruise through Fiordland feels every bit as dramatic as people hope it will.

What to expect: You can self-drive, but I recommend taking a coach tour, or joining a small-group tour. That way you leave the driving to someone else and you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Or save a LOT of time (but pay quite a bit more) when you fly to and from Milford Sound in a small plane with an experienced pilot.

FAQs about Queenstown

Do you need a car to explore Queenstown?

Having a rental car is a great idea if you are road-tripping around the South Island like we did, or if you choose to stay outside central Queenstown.

That said, you do not need a car if you stay right in the Central Business District (CBD) of Queenstown. Many of the tours leave from central Queenstown, and the town itself is very walkable, with plenty of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and lakefront paths.

How many days should I spend in Queenstown?

If you can manage it, I would recommend 7 full days. There is so much to do here, especially if you want to mix local activities with a few day trips.

If Queenstown is just one stop on a longer New Zealand trip, I would still try to give it at least 3 to 4 days.

What’s the best time of year to go to Queenstown?

I really do not think there is a bad time to visit Queenstown. It mostly depends on what you want to do.

Summer, from December to February, brings warm weather and long days. We were there in January and February and wore shorts and t-shirts almost every day. It is also a very busy time, though, so book well ahead for lodging and rental cars.

Winter, from June to August, is best for skiing and snowboarding. Just keep in mind that snow can affect some roads and mountain passes.

Autumn, from March to May, is a beautiful time for wine lovers, and it is usually a little easier for finding availability.

Spring, from September to November, can be a quieter time to visit. My cousins went in November and had good weather, but they definitely needed long pants and jackets more often than we did in summer.