Explore like a local and discover places to see, things to eat and the most photogenic spots via our handpicked list. Unveil hidden gems and essential locales for an extraordinary and authentic Queenstown experience.
activities
Ski at Coronet Peak
Gear up and ski at one of the most famous locations for winter sports in New Zealand. For those who are afraid of skiing, fear not, as you have the option of tobogganing or trying the Yooner, a cross between sledding and skiing that ensures you have an equally enjoyable time in the snow!
During the winter months of July and August, night skiing is also available from 4 to 9 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and some Saturdays for those seeking a fun evening activity.
Address: Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown 9371
Directions: 20 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.coronetpeak.co.nz/winter/
Skiing & Hiking the Remarkables
Situated just a 40-minute drive from Queenstown, the Remarkables is one of New Zealand’s most famous winter sports destinations. Explore over 380 hectares of terrain and set your own pace while soaking in the warm Kiwi hospitality, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars available in the area.
If you’re not a fan of snow, you can also enjoy high-altitude walks in the Remarkables. The steep, rugged mountain range is quintessential to Queenstown’s landscape, offering hikers numerous scenic spots, including Lake Alta—a small lake nestled within a natural amphitheater at the head of a glacial valley.
For nature enthusiasts, the area is also home to glacial tarns, schist outcrops, bluffs, waterfalls, unique flora and fauna, and many spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu that draw large numbers of visitors to this special area.
Access to the Remarkables is available through the Remarkables Bus from central Queenstown – located on Duke St – and can be conveniently booked online. Alternatively, you can drive up the scenic alpine road if you have a car. Be sure to check the website for weather and road conditions before making your way up.
Address: The Remarkables, Queenstown 9300
Directions: 40 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.theremarkables.co.nz/
A Kiwi Twist to a Japanese Bathing Tradition
Opened in 2007, Onsen is a New Zealand-owned and operated facility that puts a unique Kiwi twist on the Japanese bathing tradition. Unlike Japanese onsens, getting nude is not required—unless you want to—and tattoos are welcomed.
Onsen is renowned for its exclusive use of cedar hot tubs with breathtaking views overlooking the Shotover River and the stunning mountain range. In addition to the hot tubs, Onsen features a tranquil day spa with high-quality therapists offering an extensive range of face and body treatments for both women and men. Guests can choose to book either the exclusive use cedar hot pools or a hot tub and spa package, ensuring the best in pure indulgence.
Onsen boasts 14 classic cedar-lined hot pools, each accommodating up to four adults comfortably. Additionally, new private oval tubs are designed to offer a bespoke soak and spa experience for couples or individuals.
Address: 162 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371
Directions: 10 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.onsen.co.nz/
Golf, Walk & Explore Historic Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a historic, charming and quirky gold rush village nestled beside the sparkling Arrow River. Only a mere 20-minute drive from Queenstown, this delightful village is more than just a day trip destination – it’s an experience.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Arrowtown has it all. In just 25 minutes, you can find yourself on the ski slopes, enjoying the crisp mountain air and pristine powder.
Golf enthusiasts rejoice, as Arrowtown is the proud home to three of New Zealand’s top 15 golf courses, offering unparalleled experiences against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.
For nature lovers and explorers, Arrowtown offers access to over 100 kilometers of walking trails, ranging from one-hour strolls to multi-day hikes right into the enchanting landscapes of Lord of the Rings country.
Directions: 20 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.arrowtown.com/
Gibbston Valley Winery
Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, Gibbston Valley Winery & Restaurant is a premier destination. It boasts New Zealand’s largest wine cave and is surrounded by the region’s oldest vineyards. Discover an array of experiences, from wine tastings to bike tours, showcasing not only the exceptional wines but also the beauty of the region.
Address: 1820 State Highway 6, Queenstown 9371
Directions: 25 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.gibbstonvalley.com/
Visit Glenorchy – Gateway to Middle Earth
Just 45 minutes from Queenstown, Glenorchy is nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu and serves as the gateway to hiking trails and the breathtaking landscapes of Lord of the Rings’ Middle‑Earth.
This rustic town, with around 500 local inhabitants, is a genuinely welcoming place celebrated for its southern Kiwi hospitality and is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Set against the backdrop of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, Glenorchy’s surroundings are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Opportunities for jet boating and kayaking on Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River abound, and some of New Zealand’s best hiking trails can be accessed from here.
Horse trekking in the area is recommended along with picking up any hiking supplies in nearby Queenstown.
Directions: 45 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.newzealand.com/int/glenorchy/
adventure
Bungy Jump at Kawarau Bridge
This is where it all started – the World Home of Bungy. A bungy jump in Queenstown is the essential adrenaline experience and a bucket list activity for thrill seekers.
The world’s first commercial bungy jumping operation was launched in Queenstown on the historic Kawarau Bridge in 1987, and Queenstown has become the home to the best (and highest) bungy jumps, swings, and ziplines in New Zealand.
So, if you want to jump off, swing into, catapult or zipline into something, this is the right place for you.
Address: Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, Queenstown Trail, Arrow Junction
Directions: 25 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.bungy.co.nz/queenstown/kawarau-bungy-centre/kawarau-bridge-bungy/
Skyline, Gondola & luge
For those who prefer sightseeing without breaking a sweat, start your day with a Gondola ride that takes you 480m up over Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak to enjoy spectacular views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak, and of course, Queenstown.
Once you’re at the top, strap yourself into the driver’s seat and get your blood flowing with a luge cart down that winds its way through 1,600 meters of banked corners, tunnels, and dippers.
Address: 53 Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300
Directions: 5 min walk from The Daily Private Hotel
Website: https://queenstown.skyline.co.nz/
Get Your Camera Out At Lake Wakapitu
Shaped like a lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu proudly stands as the third-largest lake in New Zealand, offering visitors breathtaking views from its shores. This lake occupies a singular, glacier-carved trench, surrounded by towering mountains, with the highest peak being Mount Earnslaw at 2819 meters.
The distinctive shape of Lake Wakatipu contributes to a unique phenomenon—an ‘unusually large seiche’ or “standing wave,” resembling a ‘tide.’ This occurrence causes the lake’s water to rise and fall approximately 10 centimeters every 25 minutes. According to Maori legend, this mesmerizing phenomenon is linked to the heartbeat of a colossal monster named Matau, believed to be slumbering at the lake’s depths.
Address: 76/92 Hensman Road, Queenstown 9300
Directions: 5 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/lake-wakatipu/
Boat Through Shotover River at 85kph
Experience 25 to 30 minutes of pure adrenaline as you zoom through canyons at 85kph on the Shotover River by jet boat. Enjoy spectacular views of the canyon walls towering over you, inhale the refreshing mist, and scream your guts out as you do donuts in water as shallow as 10cms.
Shotover Jet operates exclusively in Shotover River and is the only company permitted to operate within these spectacular canyons, so be sure to book in advance.
Address: 3 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371
Directions: 10 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.shotoverjet.com/
Mountain Biking Around Queenstown
Queenstown is a mecca for mountain bikers, boasting three lift-assisted parks, gravity-fed downhill biking, and a wide variety of trails to suit riders of all abilities and styles.
Known for iconic trails like Rude Rock, Huck Yeah, and Salmon Run, there’s a ride for everyone, from the beginner’s grade 2 Hammy’s Track to the extreme grade 5 GSD, designed for rocks, roots, and pros. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just after some exercise, there’s a trail for you.
Accessible gravity-fed bike parks include Queenstown Bike Park, a community recreation reserve with over 30 trails and 450 meters of vertical descent.
Queenstown is home to a community of riders passionate about biking. The Queenstown Mountain Bike Club is purely run by volunteers who have worked for decades to build and maintain a network of trails and are on hand to assist with any information, including group rides and rentals.
Queenstown Bike Park Address: Hammy’s Track, Otago 9300, New Zealand
Directions: 10 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.queenstownmtb.co.nz/
eat & drink
Fergburger
Could this be the best burger joint in NZ? With hour-long waits, Fergburger is a Queenstown foodie bucket list item. Operating since 2001, it has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering menus with items such as Little Lamby (NZ lamb with mint jelly, lettuce, etc.), Sweet Bambi (Wild Fiordland deer with Thai plum sauce), The Morning Glory (bacon and egg with hash brown), and the prime NZ Beef Fergburger, just to name a few.
For those of you who don’t want to wait, try the Fergbaker bakery next door, which offers a Kiwi take on the good old meat pie that gives Aussie versions a run for their money.
Address: 42 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300
Directions: 5 min walk from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://fergburger.com/
The bunker
The Bunker offers a fine dining experience specializing in distinct New Zealand cuisine, with a focus on red meats and local delicacies.
The restaurant is small and intimate, serving a menu that showcases the finest Central Otago produce, including lamb, venison, beef, paua, duck, and salmon. Accompanied by an impressive wine list featuring many of this alpine region’s world-renowned vintages, The Bunker provides its local and international customers with a dining experience that’s truly unique to Queenstown.
On a clear night, the rooftop bar and terrace offers visitors the chance to gaze at the stars while enjoying a fine cigar or drink.
Address: 14 Cow Lane, Queenstown 9300
Directions: 5 min walk from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.thebunker.co.nz/
Smiths Craft Beer house
Smiths, located in the heart of Queenstown, stands out as the town’s only Craft Beer Free-house, providing a unique culinary and beverage experience. With three distinct seating areas offering breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range, the restaurant caters to large groups, families and individuals.
Known for its dedication to craft beer enthusiasts, Smiths features an impressive selection of 21 rotating taps, a reserve bottle collection and a curated offering of boutique wines and spirits. The establishment adopts a flavor-first approach, emphasizing adventurous and creative beer and food. Smiths celebrates beers that break traditional style guidelines and encourages patrons to forge their own culinary favourites.
If you’re unsure about what to order opt for one of their tasting flights.
Address: 53 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300
Directions: 5 min walk from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://smithscraftbeer.co.nz/
patagonia Ice cream & chocolates
Situated on the scenic Whakatipu lakefront, Patagonia Chocolates is a delightful destination offering an array of handcrafted chocolates, locally roasted coffee, award-winning ice cream, and decadent desserts.
In addition to sweets, Patagonia Chocolates provides a unique coffee blend freshly roasted at their Wanaka store. The menu features breakfasts, artisan ice cream, sorbets, mouth-watering desserts, and fresh hot churros. As a true chocolate haven, Patagonia Chocolates invites visitors to witness their skilled chocolatiers in action and indulge in the experience of chocolate fountains. Guests have the opportunity to create personalized ice cream sticks or curate their own chocolate selection from the tempting cabinet.
Address: 2 Rees Street, Cnr of the Mall, Queenstown 9300
Directions: 5 min walk from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.patagoniachocolates.co.nz/
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