Queenstown Hidden Gem Attractions

THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in Queenstown

Best Queenstown Hidden Gem Attractions

Traveler rating
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23 places sorted by traveler favorites


What travelers are saying

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Aeacho13
    10 contributions
    I'd been drooling over Onsen's Instagram for months before my trip, and the views did NOT disappoint! My best friend and I decided to book the ultimate relaxation experience. Onsen was easily accessible by the city bus from Queenstown. Our pool was ready early so we were able to soak a little while longer. The juice was some of the best we ever had! The pool overlooked the mountains and we watched the jetboats zooming down the river. Relaxation lives here. After our soak, I had the hot stone massage--highly recommended! This was the best of the 4 massages I had in NZ. We were treated to drinks and dessert after our spa treatment--the perfect ending to the perfect afternoon. Cheesecake bite was to die for!
    Written August 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • HeatherKemp
    Mittagong, Australia55 contributions
    I didn't think I would be able to hit the side of a barn but with Blake's tuition I scored 17/20. Blake ensured everyone succeeded. His ability to engage the group from pick up to drop off made for a fun adventure. Nothing was too much trouble, he encouraged, cajoled and celebrated with us all. And what a majestic location. It is worth going to Break One just for the view. Such fun!
    Written August 30, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hamptonmail
    Daisy Hill, Australia1 contribution
    The Milford Sound was made so special by Megan. She was so kind and helpful. Thanks for making it so special.
    Written August 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Birgit H.
    3 contributions
    Thank you for the unforgettable scenic flight.
    Antony is a great pilot with experience and a excellent knowledge about the area.
    Written March 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • IanB1965
    Auckland Central, New Zealand435 contributions
    A really firm, professional massage. Not relaxing and at times painful, but feel great afterwards.
    Expensive but that’s Queenstown
    Recommended if you want a good massage
    Written December 27, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrew H
    1 contribution
    Enjoyed the whole LORD OFTHE RINGS TOUR with our tour operator Shawn.
    Location and scenery was breathtaking and exciting in so many ways.
    Shawn was knowledgeable about everything on the tour and explained everything so good.
    We give the tour 20 out of 10. Best ever.
    Written July 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sally
    2 contributions
    Queenstown UTV 360 tour was great. My teenagers really enjoyed the excitement on the mountain tracks and the scenery was beautiful. Our guide Peter was a great driver and had lots of interesting information.
    Written July 4, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paula F
    Horley, UK77 contributions
    This had been recommended by 3 of our B&B Hosts and are so glad we booked to do it. Our time on the Lake and River was amazing. Excellent driving by Jordan and good in pointing out interesing points during our 360 spins. Great adventure.
    Written February 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul M
    Busselton, Western Australia, Australia2 contributions
    .I found their operation very professional , from Luke picking us up , the Girls at the counter to our Pilot Will who was fantastic. We did the helicopter flight landing on a glacier which is a must do in Queenstown . It was pristine
    Written May 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Trever M
    6 contributions
    One of the best things we did in NZ! Forget the jetboating this was way better. People that work here made it even more interesting with all the local info. The only issue with the ATV we couldn’t do more of it. Def go again
    Written August 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tneil82
    1 contribution
    this day was by far the highlight of our trip to Queenstown this year. Laura was an awesome pilot - giving us great commentary on the flight over and the return trip, not to mention the softest, easiest landings I've ever felt when flying! Couldn't recommend highly enough!! 5 stars.
    Written August 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kyle
    Orlando, FL2 contributions
    This was the best family adventure! Kevin was the perfect guide and made the experience amazing for the whole crew!
    Written January 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jonathan S
    Raumati South, New Zealand53 contributions
    We're experienced trampers, but neither of us had done anything much since each of us had surgery. We'd previously done the Milford as freedom walkers and had skipped the last day via helicopter due to a storm that was severe enough to take out a major road bridge on the West Coast highway. Carrying not much appealed, we're not averse to a bit of luxury and freedom walking the Milford works out fairly expensive anyway (transport at each end, high hut fees, organising your own food and so on) so we decided to give Ultimate Hikes a spin.

    Staff were friendly and fun from the pre walk briefing in Queenstown onwards. The packs were decent quality, we decided to take the Ultimate Hikes packs over our own packs. Other than that all gear was our own, so can't speak to quality of hire equipment. The bus was comfortable even for my long legs at 6'3" and the commentary on the ride from Queenstown to Te Anau Downs was entertaining.

    Boat ride up the lake was great, I have to say a bit more comfortable than the water taxi used for freedom walkers. A short walk had us at Glade House, where we did a great hour or so long nature walk towards Dore Pass that you'd miss if you were freedom walking. Nice views as you climb quite a way, a good warm up for the rest of the trip - and the most we saw of the sun! Back at Glade House we got to experience the absolute luxury that is hot showers, 3 course meals and comfortable beds while tramping - made us feel the extra to go with Ultimate Hikes was worth every cent. Good briefing on the next day (as there was every night) and a warning that it might be a bit wet.

    The next day was a bit wet. A late start was had to try and time walking with the weather easing, but that didn't happen. Another big difference between Ultimate Hikes and freedom walking - if the weather's bad enough to prevent travel while freedom walking then you're stuck in the hut. With Ultimate Hikes we walked most of the way to Pamplona, then when the water was chest deep slightly ahead of us on the track the chopper was called. The weather did clear a bit late afternoon, so we did get some nice views from the lodge. The guides were also excellent helping my partner with blisters that had formed in spite of preventative type being applied - the joy of walking through knee deep water on the track, the tape had slipped and rubbed. Their first aid skills made the rest of the tramp possible - the team of Ruby, Sue, Mel and Matt provided help or just encouragement whenever needed.

    Day three is the big one, up and over the pass. As I'm more comfortable going at my own pace up long hills I took off from the base of McKinnon, something I wouldn't do freedom walking. Waiting at the top I could check that all was well back down the track thanks to the guides being in radio contact with each other - fantastic service. Again a wet day, so we have to go back a third time to get a view, but still enjoyable. Got to see the Sutherland Falls absolutely cranking in the distance thanks to all the rain. The now expected luxury at Quintin was very welcome as we came in wet and a little footsore after the long downhill.

    Last day of walking was, funnily enough, wet - but with the odd fine spell. Long in distance but easy walking and Milford Lodge at the end of it was lovely, with every room facing Milford Sound.

    Great trip despite adverse conditions- staff, accommodation and food all top notch...we may have bought the odd cheeky beverage as well. Thoroughly recommend and we'll definitely be back
    Written May 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.