Any trip to New Zealand should include a few days in Queenstown. The town has a population of around 16,000, but despite its small size, there is no shortage of things to do. Three days in Queenstown is a great amount of time to discover this charming city.
Queenstown, in the Central Otago region of the South Island, sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps Mountain range. The town is most famous for adventure activities but there are plenty of options for those who aren’t thrill seekers. It’s a perfect place to start or end a road trip around the South Island
Central Otago is an important area for New Zealand’s wine industry. It also has a great food and nightlife scene. Day trips to Milford Sound, Wanaka, and Arrowtown are popular options.
You could easily spend a week in Queenstown without running out of things to do, but if 3 days are all you have then these are the highlights you should include. Just remember to book ahead, especially in the height of summer.
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3-Day Queenstown Itinerary
Day 1: Adventure
Usually, when you travel to a new location for a few days, the most obvious way to organise your itinerary is to spend your first day relaxing and getting to know the place before embarking on activities. With Queenstown, your approach should be different.
Any visit to Queenstown should include some adventure activities and there are many options ranging from relatively mild luge rides to adrenaline-pumping skydiving and bungy jumping.
It is important to remember that many of these activities are weather dependent – you can’t go skydiving or paragliding on a very cloudy or windy day. Jet boats operate in most conditions but there are some circumstances in which they might be cancelled.
If an activity is cancelled, you will be able to either re-book for another day or be given a refund. By choosing your adventure activities on Day 1, you will have another chance to go before you leave the area. Booking for the morning is also better than the afternoon. Skies tend to be clearer and any delays aren’t so problematic.

Morning
Pick your activity! New Zealanders are masters of adventure, and Queenstown is one of the best places in the world for this.
Whatever activity you plan on doing, make sure you eat a light breakfast first. Vudu Cafe and Larder has a good choice of breakfast options and is just a few minutes away from the pickup points of many adventure tours.
- Jet boating is a fantastic option for those who are a little nervous about these types of activities. A tour will take you from the centre of Queenstown out to one of the local rivers, where you will embark on a boat trip that will include 360° spins and beautiful scenery. Jet boats were invented in New Zealand and are able to operate in fairly shallow water, making them the ideal way to explore these rivers.
- Paragliding and hang gliding are great choices if you want something a little less extreme than a skydive or bungy jump. The launch is far gentler and less scary, but you still get spectacular views of the mountains and lake.
- Bungy jumping became a more accessible activity when A J Hackett started the world’s first commercial bungy jump site on the Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown. They have since expanded to other locations and alternative options such as the canyon swing, but the original Kawarau Bridge bungy site still operates and is very popular.
- Skydiving is perhaps the most extreme adventure activity that is available in New Zealand. It is equal parts terrifying and awe-inspiring. There is nothing quite like it, and Queenstown is a perfect location for it, as you fall and then glide through the air with mountains and lakes beneath you. If you ever plan to do it, this is the place

Afternoon
Bravo if you choose more than one extreme activity, but if one is enough, spend the afternoon exploring. Grab a coffee or ice cream and sit by the lake. Explore the town’s independent shops on Beach Street and take a walk through the Queenstown Gardens.
Head over to Kiwi World to see the country’s iconic flightless bird and other native species, and then take the Gondola up to Skyline Queenstown for incredible views over the town, and a couple of rides on the luge track.
The luge is great for kids and adults alike. The downhill ride is winding, and you sit on a controlled individual cart. There are two tracks, and all participants must do at least one ride on the gentler track before joining the more advanced one. You’ll get amazing lake views; just don’t get too distracted and take your eyes off the track!
If you want a very gentle afternoon following your morning adventure, consider joining a lake cruise on TSS Earnslaw, the steamship which offers cruises around Lake Wakatipu.

Day 2: Wine Tasting
Most of the wine exported from New Zealand comes from the Marlborough region at the northern end of the South Island. Central Otago also produces fantastic wine, and it’s a lovely way to spend a relaxing day drinking wine surrounded by mountain views. Gibbston Valley Winery is a particular highlight and will likely be included on whatever tour you choose.
The best option is a guided tour, which takes a small group of people to three or four different wineries. You’ll be with the same group of people for the day, and even if you are on the shyer end of the personality scale, after your first few tastes, it will become a social activity as well as a wine tasting.
Another option is the wine-tasting hop-on hop-off bus. Although you won’t get the benefits of a knowledgeable guide, it does allow you to create your own tour and includes a few breweries as well as wineries.
Finally, if you would rather have more time in Queenstown itself but still enjoy some local wines, visit The Winery in the centre of town. Machines dispense tasting servings of around 80 different wines in one convenient location.
If wine tasting isn’t your thing or you are looking for a more family-friendly activity, then hire a car and go on a day trip to a nearby area. Wanaka’s Puzzling World is perfect for kids, Arrowtown is an interesting option for local history, and the drive to Glenorchy is simply stunning.
To end the day, walk over the Patagonia Chocolates to buy an ice cream, and then head down to the lakefront to enjoy the sunset as it washes over the Remarkable Mountains.

Day 3: Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of the most iconic and beautiful locations in New Zealand. Although you could hire a car and drive yourself, the journey from Queenstown is better suited to a day tour. Even if you only have 3 days in Queenstown, it is worth spending one of them on a Milford Sound excursion.
The tour will pick you up quite early, so the best breakfast option will be to grab a quick coffee and pastry and make sure you are back at the pickup location in good time.
The journey to Milford Sound is stunning, taking you past Lake Wakatipu towards Te Anau and then into Fiordland National Park. Along the way, you’ll likely stop to see the Mirror Lakes and other scenic locations.
Once you reach Milford Sound, you’ll join a boat cruise. The weather can drastically change the view you’ll get on the water. On rainy and cloudy days the waterfalls become more obvious, and mist drifting across in front of Mitre Peak gives the area an almost mystical quality.
On clear sunny days, it becomes easier to spot wildlife such as penguins, seals and even dolphins and you will get a better view of the mountains around the sound.
Whatever the weather, it is always a beautiful place to visit and absolutely worth the day trip from Queenstown.


Conclusion
Queenstown is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand, whatever your interests may be. It’s a must-visit location for any New Zealand adventure and a truly amazing place to try out some things you might not do anywhere else.
Overall, whatever you are interested in, Queenstown should be on your bucket list if you’re looking for an incredible travel experience in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Getting to Queenstown
By Air
Queenstown Airport is primarily served by domestic flights, although there are some international flights to Australia. There are several flights each day to and from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Once you arrive, there are buses into town which take around 25 minutes, or you can hire a car or get an Uber.
By Car
Hiring a car in New Zealand is very easy, and a road trip is a fantastic way to see the country. While there are car hire sites in the town, it is generally cheaper to pick up a car at the airport.
You must have a full licence in your home country and be over 21 years old. If your licence is not in English, you will need to have an appropriate translated document, such as an International Driver’s Permit, in addition to your driver’s licence.
Where To Eat In Queenstown
Marmolada Cafe opens early so is a perfect option to grab breakfast before your daily activities.
If you walk down to the lake in Queenstown you’ll pass by Patagonia Chocolates. They make amazing ice cream, chocolate and coffee so definitely check it out when you are exploring the town.
Fergburger is a local institution, serving a range of burgers including beef, chicken, lamb and vegetarian options. Depending on the time of day the lines can be pretty long, but it is popular for a good reason.
Bunker Restaurant is hidden down a small alleyway but don’t be put off by its inauspicious exterior. The moody lighting, fantastic cocktails and locally inspired menu (including an 8-course tasting menu) make it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner.
Where To Stay Suggestions
QT Queenstown – I’ve stayed there and although it is more expensive, the rooms are lovely and there is a very cool market-style restaurant on site.
Novotel Lakeside – mid-range, very close to the town centre and lake.
Read More About New Zealand
25 Important Tips for Visiting New Zealand
15 Best Things to do in Wellington, New Zealand
Amazing Small Towns on New Zealand’s South Island
Save “3 Days in Queenstown” for Later
Author Bio: Fiona is from the UK but lived in New Zealand for a year after university and has returned several times since. She loves to encourage people to make the most out of their time in New Zealand, especially those travelling solo. https://followingfiona.com/
Skydiving in NZ would be AMAZINGGG! The views are just incredible.
Wow your itinerary is filled with adventure sports! Must be such an exhilarating experience. This is the most comprehensice travel guide to Queenstown for first-time visitors.
I honestly can’t think of a better spot to go skydiving than Queenstown! Those mountain views from above must be amaaaaazing! We loved time going to Milford Sound too, but I would really like to spend more time in Queenstown.
Great post! 😀
Wow so much packed into 3 days, great itinerary for making the most of time in the city! Thanks for sharing!
I absolutely cannot wait to visit New Zealand. Paragliding is very high on my bucketlist!
One day I will get to NZ. It has been on the list (along with Oz), for so long now that I must make some headway into planning it.
My NZ trip will be a full one, so the info here is great and very informative.
The idea of skydiving sends a shiver through my spine as I am not good with heights but I love a challenge so will definitely look at it.
The wine-tasting hop-on-hop-off bus sounds more like me style and I had forgotten about the famous New Zealand wineries so must include that in any trip.
Good info on where to eat and sleep too.
wow, this would be a very exciting itinerary! I do love paragliding and I’ve always wanted to skydive, too! Queenstown seems like a great place to put on my NZ plans. Thanks for such a comprehensive guide to this fun city.
Lyn|www.ramblynjazz.com
I had no idea Queenstown was so small a place. My one big regret from visiting New Zealand is that I didn’t spend long enough to explore what an amazing country it is. I was on a fleeting trip and never left Auckland. I think jet boating might be the most extreme sport you’d catch me doing as I’m not exactly a daredevil. In fact I think I’d be much happier at Kiwi World or on a nice trip out to Milford. But either way I need to get to Queenstown one day judging by this post
What an great action-packed itinerary! I am absolutely blown away by the adventures you experienced during your 3 days in Queenstown, New Zealand! Skydiving and wine tasting in one trip? Count me in!
Skydiving has been on my bucket list for ages, and your vivid account has me even more determined to make it a reality! Skydiving in NZ it’s another level of awesomeness 🙂
Exploring the beautiful vineyards and indulging in the region’s finest wines sounds like a sensory delight!
Your entire itinerary is packed with excitement and adventure, making me feel like I’m right there with you, relishing each moment. From exploring stunning landscapes to heart-pounding activities, it seems like Queenstown has it all!
We would absolutely love to visit NZ and every time we read anything about this beautiful country, it moves higher up the list! Fantastic post – such a great variety of things so do in Queenstown. That’s a really good tip about doing the activities at the start of the trip. There’s so much choice with the adventure activities (I’ve always wanted to have a go at luge) and we would be rude if we didn’t partake in wine tasting. And the scenery at Milford Sound is just sublime. Thank you for introducing us to this amazing area.
Queenstown could engage me for days. I love everything adventurous and wouldn’t say no to another skydive. Even though I don’t drink I appreciate you including the wine tasting and sharing with us that the region is known for vineyards and quality produce. Your days aren’t too packed either and I would follow your itinerary suggestions on a trip to NZ.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
I second that recommendation for Fergburger, and not just because I share the name haha. Bungy jumping absolutely terrifies me, but I *might* be able to be convinced if it’s in Queenstown if that’s where it was invented. Queenstown really is an adventure capital, and Milford Sound is a great day trip.
Got to admit, a visit to Queenstown should start with a skydiving and ends with a skydiving or the other way around 😉 That’s how I like it to be when I get the opportunity to visit this adrenaline-packed part of New Zealand. Of course, I have never tried any extreme sport or anything associated with this kind, but I guess it seems just right to let the kiwis wallop me out of the confines of my reserved-very poised nature. So yeyz pleez ay!
Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/
Haha I love this. The Kiwis are so friendly and confident that you won’t be pressured but think this is something they do every day! Isn’t getting out of our comfort zone exactly what travel was made for?
Great post, love all the adventure activities! I plan to visit NZ in the near future, so this is very helpful. Thanks for sharing 😊