7-Day Itinerary for Queenstown, New Zealand

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

Welcome to Queenstown! After checking into your accommodation (recommended: Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa), take some time to explore the nearby town center. Visit the Queenstown Mall and grab lunch at Fergburger (fergburger.com).

Day 2: Explore Queenstown & Lake Wakatipu

Spend your morning strolling along the lakefront, soaking in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. For lunch, visit The Cow for some delicious burgers or head to Rata Restaurant for a fine dining experience.

In the afternoon, take a scenic cruise on TSS Earnslaw (realjourneys.co.nz) or visit the nearby town of Arrowtown (arrowtown.co.nz).

Day 3: Adventure Day

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world! Choose from bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving, or a visit to the nearby Kawarau Bridge for your first bungee jump experience (bungy.co.nz). Alternatively, enjoy a more serene experience with a flightseeing tour over Milford Sound (realjourneys.co.nz) or a day trip to Doubtful Sound (doubtfulsound.co.nz).

Day 4: Wine Tasting & Dining

Head out on a wine tour to the Gibbston Valley wine region (gibbstonvalley.com) and enjoy tastings at some of New Zealand’s finest vineyards. For dinner, visit Amisfield Bistro for an exceptional dining experience with breathtaking views of the valley.

Day 5: Day Trip to Glenorchy & Paradise

Take a day trip to Glenorchy and explore beautiful Paradise, the filming location for many scenes in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Visit Glenorchy Earth and Fire for lunch before returning to Queenstown.

Day 6: Relaxation & Local Experiences

Spend your final day in Queenstown relaxing and experiencing some local gems. Visit the Onsen Hot Pools (onsen.co.nz) for a rejuvenating soak with stunning views, or take a stroll around the picturesque Gardens by the Lakes. For dinner, visit Botswana Butchery for a memorable meal in a charming setting.

Day 7: Departure

Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Queenstown! Spend your morning enjoying a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your accommodation and making your way to the airport.

Transportation

Getting around Queenstown is easy with buses and taxis available, or you can rent a car for more flexibility. Keep in mind that parking in Queenstown can be challenging during peak season.

Things to Know

• New Zealand operates on Daylight Savings Time from late September to early April.
• The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
• Maori language greetings are common and appreciated, so don’t hesitate to say “Kia Ora” when you meet someone new!

Tips & Recommendations

• Book activities in advance during peak season as they can sell out quickly.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly.
• Don’t forget to try some local cuisine, such as Bluff oysters and green-lipped mussels!

Enjoy your stay in Queenstown, New Zealand!