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How to Spend 72 Hours in Queenstown
Written by Annabel Fuller
First time in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital? Here’s how to make the most of it.
Framed by rugged peaks and tucked beside the lightning bolt–shaped Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is rightfully one of New Zealand’s top destinations. Known as the ‘adventure capital of the world,’ this lakeside gem offers a thrilling blend of action-packed experiences and awe-inspiring landscapes – but with so much to see and do, it’s essential to make every moment count.
When time is precious, it’s important to plan ahead, and that’s where this guide comes in. From adrenaline-pumping activities to boutique wineries, our itinerary will help you make the most of three days in Queenstown.
Day 1
3pm: Kick off with a heart-pounding start
Jump straight into the action with an adrenaline rush at the birthplace of bungee jumping – Kawarau Bridge. Since 1988, thrill-seekers have been taking the iconic 43-metre plunge over the turquoise Kawarau River. If leaping off a bridge isn’t for you, there are plenty of other adventures offered nearby, such as the 60km/h Kawarau Zipline or a high-speed jet boat ride on the Shotover River, famous for its tight canyon turns and spins. For the ultimate thrill, head to the Nevis River site, where you can take on New Zealand’s highest bungee at 134 metres, swing 300 metres across the canyon or be launched by the world’s largest human catapult.
5.30pm: Soak in the sunset
Take the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak for incredible sunset views. If you’ve still got an appetite for adventure, take a ride on the Skyline Luge, racing down the twisting tracks as you soak up the spectacular alpine scenery, including panoramic vistas of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
7pm: Dinner at Amisfield Bistro
For a dining experience as daring as Queenstown itself, head to Amisfield restaurant and cellar door, an innovative winery located on the banks of the spectacular Lake Hayes, just 14km from the town centre. Hyper-seasonal and highly awarded – including being crowned American Express New Zealand’s Restaurant of the Year in 2024 – the restaurant dazzles with a chef-led, multi-course degustation that will challenge and delight your palate. For those visiting during daylight hours, a pared-back lunch menu offers a tempting trio of small plates for each of the three courses.
Local tip: Wine tastings at the cellar door are complimentary for diners, or $10 for five selections if you’re just stopping by.
9pm: Nightcap at Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan
As the evening sets in, head to Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan for a relaxed nightcap. Located just moments from Lake Hayes, this charming spot invites you to unwind in its cosy cottage setting or on the lawn under the stars. Sip on a glass of the finest pinot noir or sample a flight of Akarua’s renowned wines at the cellar door, uniquely fashioned from a shipping container.
Day 2
9am: Choose your own adventure
Winter visitors can dive straight into Queenstown’s famed ski scene at The Remarkables or Coronet Peak. Just a short drive from town, both resorts cater to all abilities, with everything from gentle beginner slopes to thrilling advanced runs. During the ski season (June to early October), regular buses from the Snow Centre in central Queenstown make getting to the slopes easy, and you can hire all the gear you need right onsite.
If skiing isn’t your thing, the next stop is the charming town of Arrowtown, just a twenty-minute drive from Queenstown. You’d be forgiven for thinking that its main street resembles a Wild West movie set, but the buildings here are authentic survivors from the late 19th-century gold rush that attracted European and Chinese settlers to the area. Today, Arrowtown attracts more day trippers than dusty prospectors, thanks to its rich history and vibrant dining scene.
1pm: Lunch like a local at Atlas Beer Cafe
If you can tear yourself from the slopes, for a laid-back lunch, head to Atlas Beer Cafe, a cosy spot with a big personality. Despite its small size, it boasts an impressive range of craft beers on tap, including local favourites from Queenstown’s own Altitude Brewing. Can’t decide? Go for a tasting paddle to sample a few of the country’s best pours. The food is just as enticing, with a menu that features hearty options like tacos, burgers and share plates. On a sunny day, snag an outdoor table to enjoy your meal with views over the lake – a true local’s lunchtime.
After lunch, hit the slopes or head out for more explorations in Arrowtown or the surrounding area.
7.30pm: Dinner at Rātā
Another unforgettable dining experience awaits at Rātā – tucked away in a back-lane location, this sophisticated restaurant offers a modern dining experience focused on top-quality, seasonal Southern New Zealand produce, with inventive Kiwi twists. The setting is equally charming, with a backdrop of native flora creating a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.
Day 3
9am: Relax at Onsen Hot Pools
Start your morning with a relaxing soak at Onsen Hot Pools, just a ten-minute drive from Queenstown. Settle into your private Japanese-style cedar hot tub, filled with spring water heated to a balmy 38.5°C and framed by stunning views of the Shotover River and surrounding mountain ranges. Each pool features a dressing area and a retractable roof, allowing you to enjoy the open sky or stay cosy indoors.
12.30pm: Make feathered friends at Kiwi Birdlife Park
Get up close with some of New Zealand’s most treasured wildlife at the Kiwi Birdlife Park. Truly unique, the native kiwi bird evolved in a predator-free environment, resulting in one of the world’s most beloved flightless birds. Here, you can encounter endangered species like the whio (blue duck), the mischievous kea (alpine parrot) and the loud South Island kākā. The park is also home to fascinating reptiles such as the tuatara, an ancient species that has remained unchanged for over 220 million years – a living relic from the age of the dinosaurs.
3pm: Explore Queenstown Gardens
Immerse yourself in Queenstown’s lakeside beauty with a stroll through the Queenstown Gardens. Established in 1876, the Victorian-era gardens feature mature exotic plantings, including towering sequoias, and offer a tranquil setting of rose gardens, ponds and a charming band rotunda. The trail circling the peninsula provides stunning lake views, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk.
For a bit of fun, try your hand at disc golf on the free 18-basket course. If you’re up for more, the gardens also host an ice rink, skate park, tennis courts and a lawn-bowling club.
Discover Queenstown
Feature image: Queenstown Bay
