Queenstown, New Zealand 2026: Top Sights, Eats & Shopping Guide

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New Zealand's South Island

Queenstown: Must-Visit Spots

Attractions / Eateries / Shopping Guide

Making your travels smooth, this is Travel Lube.

When exploring New Zealand's South Island, the main entry and exit points are

Queenstown and Christchurch.

Today, I'll introduce you to Queenstown, which is relatively more affordable among New Zealand's cities,

making it a great place for souvenirs and shopping.

From attractions to must-try eateries and shopping, here's a roundup of Queenstown's best spots.

I'll share my firsthand experiences right now.

Attractions

Skyline Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown

This is the perfect spot to gaze out over Queenstown.

Take the gondola up, and you'll be treated to stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and

the cityscape stretching out below. This view alone is

more than enough reason to make the trip up.

Once you're up, you can simply soak in the views,

enjoy a buffet lunch, or

even go luging.

The luge is a cart that zips down the slope,

and it's a blast for both adults and kids.

It's even better on a clear, sunny day!

Onsen Hot Pools

Onsen Hot Pools

If you search for New Zealand on Instagram,

you're bound to see *that* iconic photo – it's taken right here!

Imagine soaking in a private hot tub perched on a cliffside,

overlooking the breathtaking Queenstown canyon.

That's exactly what you get here.

Price: For 1 hour, approximately ~$109

While an hour is plenty for the stunning views and capturing that perfect 'life shot',

if you want to truly relax and savor the hot springs,

I highly recommend booking for 2 hours.

​

Recently, drinks other than water have become chargeable,

so if you plan on having beverages, make sure to check beforehand.

👉 [Book Onsen Hot Pools at the Best Price]

Shotover Jet

Shotover Jet

This is a jet boat that speeds through narrow canyons.

A 30-minute ride for two typically costs around ~$219.

It might be a bit pricey, but they say the thrill is absolutely worth it!

The moment it spins perilously close to the canyon walls,

you'll instinctively let out a scream!

👉 [Book Shotover Jet for an exhilarating experience]

Kawarau Bungy Jumping

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre

This is the world's first commercial bungy jumping site.

You'll leap from a 43-meter high bridge over the Kawarau River.

If bungy jumping is new to you,

this is an excellent place to get your first taste.

Not only does it have the prestige of being the original site,

but the canyon views are also stunning, drawing many visitors just to watch.

👉 [Check the Best Prices for Kawarau Bungy Jumping]

Eateries

Fergburger

Ferg Burger

This is the first burger joint that comes to mind when you think of New Zealand.

They're open until late at night, and there's always a long line.

I highly recommend their signature item, the Fergburger.

The patty had some slightly chewy parts mixed in,

so it had a nice chew, but there weren't many vegetables,

and the sauce felt a bit disconnected from the burger.

The bun was also on the dry side, so it wasn't good enough to eat two.

If you dislike queues, going early in the morning is the fastest way to get your food.

Right next door at Ferg Bakery, the meat pies are

popular, so make sure to stop by there too.

Saigon Kingdom Vietnamese Restaurant

Saigon Kingdom Vietnamese Restaurant Steamer Wharf

This pho place always has a long wait.

Australia and New Zealand surprisingly have really delicious Asian food.

I had the Tom Yum Pho and the Laksa (chicken) Pho,

and I even mixed rice into the Laksa broth and devoured it all!

It's truly a rich, hearty meal on a cold day.

The food comes out quickly, and on a chilly day,

it's incredibly satisfying to have.

Smith's Craft Beer House

Smith's Craft Beer House

This is a pub I stumbled upon while exploring the city.

It's on the second floor, opposite the Korean restaurant 'I Love Kimchi'.

Reviews say it's even tastier than Fergburger,

and I heard they've even won awards for their burgers.

I had the Poutine and a 6-beer sampler,

and every single beer was absolutely amazing.

Even if you're full, it's worth going just for the beer,

so I highly recommend trying the sampler.

If you ask the staff for recommendations,

they'll pick out a variety of lagers, ales, stouts, and more for you.

Patagonia Chocolates

Patagonia Chocolates

This place is famous for its delicious ice cream.

Recommended Flavors

Raspberry, Mascarpone, Macadamia Dark Chocolate, Hokey Pokey

As a bonus, their hot chocolate is also rich and tasty.

Two scoops is a lot,

so I recommend one scoop or the kid's size.

If you buy ice cream and head outside,

you'll immediately see the lake view,

and it's a great spot for photos.

Cookie Time

Cookie Time

These are cookies you absolutely must try when you come to New Zealand.

You can buy cold cookies at the supermarket,

so you don't necessarily have to go to the store.

But freshly baked cookies are a whole different experience.

Every day between 6-7 PM, there's a 1+1 (buy one, get one free) special,

and that's when all the local kids flock there.

I definitely recommend going during that time to try them.

Shopping

Macpac

Macpac

If you're short on cold-weather gear or need a light, warm layer,

the Macpac zip-up fleece is a great option.

Prices are around ~$58-~$73,

making them perfect for couples!

Sizes tend to run generous, so even an S might be quite big.

Make sure to try them on before buying!

You also get a discount if you sign up for membership,

so definitely join on the spot before making your purchase.

Outside Sports

Outside Sports

This is a multi-brand outdoor gear store with branches in most major cities,

including Queenstown, Wanaka, Tekapo, and Christchurch.

They stock a diverse range of brands, including The North Face, Patagonia, Arc'teryx, On Running, Salomon, and more.

Prices are generally comparable to what you'd find elsewhere.

However, there's a separate 30% discount section,

so if you browse carefully, you might just snag some fantastic deals!

● Skyline Gondola + Luge – Enjoy amazing views and thrilling activity all at once!

● Onsen Hot Pools – If you're aiming for that perfect Instagram shot, a 2-hour booking is highly recommended!

● Shotover Jet & Kawarau Bungy – For an ultimate adrenaline rush!

● Smiths Craft Beer House Beer Sampler – A definite must-try!

● Cookie Time 1+1 deal between 6-7 PM – Make sure to hit up this deal!

What was your favorite spot in Queenstown?

Share your top picks in the comments below!

Queenstown truly is both the beginning and the perfect ending to your South Island adventure in New Zealand.

If you set aside a day or two before or after your arrival/departure,

you can truly soak in everything it has to offer.

In my next post, I'll be sharing a campervan road trip itinerary for the South Island,

along with tips on how to book holiday parks.

If you follow my blog, you won't miss any part of my New Zealand series

and can stay updated on all my adventures!

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