Free Things to Do in Queenstown

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Queenstown

Best Free Things to Do in Queenstown

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What travelers are saying

  • Stella F
    12 contributions
    These lovely little gardens are a great place to go for a walk, right next to central Queenstown. The lower outer track has amazing views along the lakefront, and in the centre are the formal gardens which are immaculately kept. Keep an eye open for native wood pigeons and Paradise Shelducks which are often around.
    Written August 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kez
    Brisbane, Australia133 contributions
    Amazing scenery and wildlife. Thoroughly enjoyed walking the waterfront. Truly beautiful despite being cold! Could have spent a lot more time just watching the world go by. Truly magic.
    Written August 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Summerasalifestyle
    Malibu, CA2,791 contributions
    I walked from my hotel so another mile each way. Parking for only 4 cars so go ahead and walk from your hotel… the hike isn’t that long.
    Slippery trail so proper footwear.

    Good elevation changes—-quite steep from city to trailhead. Continues steep for first 15 minutes or so. Friaries meeting place—ya just gotta see it. No views cause of the clouds and drizzle—saw a lil pond further so I’m walking to that too! Pond is empty but very loving messages on the dry ground—yep, ya gotta hike to it.

    Go early, by 10ish, lotsa people.
    Written April 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • isaac
    Great Malvern, UK11 contributions
    started this walk at 5am on a beautiful autumn day in QT. Saw the milky way and Mt Cook with the naked eye. One of the best views I have ever seen from the top. I started from Nomads and it took me roughly 3.5 hours including breaks to get to the top, however my moving time was about 2 hours to the top. It gets steep once you get to the saddle and turn left but it is worth it. A must do for hikers and casuals in Queenstown
    Written April 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 422sallyc
    Auckland, New Zealand26 contributions
    Very picturesque, was a still day and the reflections in the lake were amazing. Slight snow dusting on the peaks added to the beauty. Easy undulating walk, a little muddy in places so walking shoes or boots preferable.
    Written July 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tabatha1998
    Auckland, New Zealand573 contributions
    Beautiful to a walk along - either for a brief wander or a much longer hike. Surprise views around many river bends.
    Written March 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laurie R
    Wellington, New Zealand19 contributions
    Had everything you wanted to buy there but naturally very touristy and most shops very expensive, you certainly want to eat breakfast before you wander into town
    Written May 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • degreen393
    Melbourne, Australia12 contributions
    Amazing. Definitely worth the stop. If I could give 100 stars I would. Perfect for all ages. Literally 5 mins away from airport. All staff really friendly and so experienced. Fantastic service. Not only the experience was great but the knowledge they share is worth the trip.
    Written June 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kelly-Anne P
    Capella, Australia30 contributions
    We spoke with Sandy on our first day. We had scattered plans and within a short time she had a list of options for us. Sandy also was able to arrange car rental and a helicopter flight at short notice. As well as listening you us she was able to provide sensible information on tours taking into consideration the age of our kids and offering alternatives. We were also able to pop back and get more information from Sandy regarding the skiing at the Remarkables. She provided us with better information than we got at the ski centre across the road. We would like to thank Sandy for making our Queenstown stay perfect.
    Written July 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DanitaKT
    Mckinnon, Australia33 contributions
    Our family of four (children 14 & 18) hired electric bikes from Torpedo7 in Queenstown. We had not used electric bikes previously but needed the boost for the 70km+ round trip to Arrowtown. It was awesome! Although quite challenging at times given the undulations. The track is first class. Credit to the council for supporting outdoor activities.
    Lots of amazing scenes along the way- rivers, mountains, lovely houses, views across the lake and glorious autumn leaves. Would highly recommend despite the sore body today!! All worth it!
    A call out to Torpedo7 who were awesome in supporting us, including a flat tyre. They went above and beyond. Their bikes were in great condition.
    Written April 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • rachm1971
    53 contributions
    What a great track! It is beautifully maintained and was excellent to walk on considering it is the middle of winter. My husband and I could walk side by side through most of it. I agree with the general sentiment to walk in clockwise direction but beware that the climb from Sam Summer's Hut is quite steep. There were great views, the beech forest was lovely, the birds sung and it was a good physical workout. It says 2-3 hours but we walked steadily, stopping to look at the tunnel and read about the hut as well as admire Lake Dispute and we completed it in 1 hr 45 mins.
    Written July 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pip B
    Sydney, Australia43 contributions
    Stumbled upon this gem in Queenstown. Really enjoyed looking at the Lonely Dog sketches and paintings and learning how they came to be.

    A good rainy day activity. NZ has a lot of those
    Written November 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 484Michelle
    Sydney, Australia208 contributions
    Wonderful little market full of local food and crafts. You can sample honey and cheese. We got some great pastries and cute wall hanging.
    Written January 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AJ
    Auckland, New Zealand272 contributions
    Came for the brews and stayed for the views.

    This place is a must visit for any craft beer lover. Sit outside and take in the epic scenery and watch some planes take off from QT.

    Awesome place
    Written August 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steven S
    28 contributions
    I’ve visited Queenstown many times and done many of the winery/vineyard tours in the area. Wet Jacket is hands-down the best experience I have had in the region. Our host (Jaime) was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, and the venue itself was breathtakingly beautiful. Wet Jacket has such a rich history and it is incredibly well integrated into the experience. The wine itself delicious and I cannot wait to open the bottles we took home. My partner and I will be returning to Wet Jacket for sure.
    Written July 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.