Know what to do & see in Queenstown in just 24 hours
Located on the shores of South Island, Queenstown is New Zealand’s star tourist attraction known as the adventure capital of the world. Though there are lots of easy adventures like shopping and all, spending a day in Queenstown New Zealand will not be considered complete without experiencing a real adventure like bungee jumping or skydiving. If you are not into all that, at least do a jet boat ride. Nature and New Zealand goes hand in hand; the country has also some of the most jaw dropping views in the world. Queenstown has a queen in its name for a reason; it offers the best of what NZ offers. You will need to see to understand why many people choose Queenstown as the starting or ending point of their New Zealand trip.
Since it is going to be a busy day, to save as much time as you can, it will be best if you rent a car. With a private vehicle on your beck and call, you will be able to concentrate on having fun with no distractions or delays because of cabs or public transport. Queenstown has offices of many car hire agencies, many of which also have their offices at the airport. So, whether you will be picking or dropping the car in Queenstown, both are possible; almost all rental companies allow one way trips with drop off in Queenstown.
Places to see on the way from Queenstown
Start your day with sunrise at Lake Wakatipu
This big lake sitting in the midst of the town is the perfect place to start your Queenstown trip. Wake up early in the morning, hop in your rental car and be ready to experience the most beautiful sunrise views ever.
Other recommended places where you can experience a beautiful sunrise (or a sunset if you are not a morning person) are Queenstown beach, Bob’s peak or Queenstown Hill. Most people start the walk at Queenstown Beach which is at the edge of the Downtown area (there is a free parking area nearby) and continue walking till they reach the archway of the WWI memorial and then loop through the Queenstown trail.
After the morning hike, have breakfast in the downtown area. Fergburger or Joe’s Garage Queenstown are a few eating places that open really early (like 7 and 8 AM); Fergburger is so popular that there are queues for entry, it will be best if you go for Joe’s and visit Fergburger in the afternoon. You can spend hours walking the trails around Lake Wakatipu, so if you want to explore more, it will be best to join a walking tour after breakfast or sometime later in the day.
After the morning walk, visit Bob’s peak
One of the many free things to do in Queenstown, climbing Bob’s peak is a major hit with the adventurers. If you are not up for the hike, you can take the gondola ride up the peak, the views you get from the top are worth every penny you pay.
Bob’s peak is 8.4 km from Lake Wakatipu by car via Te Araroa Trl and Moke Lake Rd.
Take a coffee break & head towards Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown has some really great cafes. After visiting Bob’s peak, we suggest you take a break, have coffee or something to eat on the way to Queenstown Gardens.
Queenstown Gardens is located 10.5 km away and you will need at least 15 minutes to complete the drive. Make it half an hour if you are stopping on the way for a coffee break. This botanical garden is home to some really beautiful exotic plants and native trees. Just like the Lake Wakatipu, it offers numerous photo ops.
In case you didn’t stop for coffee on the way, you can buy something to eat & drink on the go; there is a cafe right outside the garden gates. Also the garden offers free parking where you can park your rental car.
Go on a jet boat ride
Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, and if you are not upto bungee jumping or climbing the mountain, you can certainly try a jet boat rise.
There are numerous jet boat agencies that offer the rides like Go Orange Jet Boat Queenstown that offers a fabulous 1 hour boat jet ride.
Go eat the famous Fergburger
Whether you have had lunch or not, you must make time for the famous Fergburger. Located on 42 Shotover Street, this is Queentown’s most loved Hamburger outlet for which people come in big numbers & wait for their turns in queues for at most 20 to 30 minutes.
Buy your Ferburger and head towards the lakefront and enjoy the treat. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in the queue for the second time. It opens everyday from 8AM to 4:30 AM. You can park your rental car at Man Street Carpark which is just a stone throw away.
Visit Milford Sound
Often known as the eighth wonder of the world, Milford Sound is the most wonderful place ever. Waterfalls, peaks, clear waters flooded with diverse animals like dolphins and seals, Milford Sounds is what we call the best attraction of Queenstown apart from all the adventures.
Even if you don’t want to explore it all, you will need 3 to 4 hours to visit its main spots. It will be best that you join a day tour to make the best of your time in Milford Sounds.
Spend the evening exploring Queenstown’s Central Otago wine region
Since we only have a day, the best way to explore Otago wine region will be to join a tour. However, you can also do a self guided tour of two or more wineries. For instance, Chard Farm Vineyard is a great place for wine tasting and offers picturesque views. Mt. Difficulty Wines is a great option too, it is also an eating place, so if you want to dine here too, we are sure you will love its menu.
Where to stay in Queenstown for the night?
Lakeside Motel, Haka Lodge Queenstown and Melbourne Lodge are some good budget stay options.
Have more time?
If you have one more day or would like to extend your stay in Queenstown by a day, here are a few places that will be enough to make your 2nd day in Queenstown remarkable:
- Visit the town of Arrowtown
- Pack a picnic and visit Lake Hayes
- Visit Devil’s Staircase
- Go on a Helicopter tour over Queenstown