10 Incredible Things to do in Queenstown This Summer (2026 Guide)
Planning a trip to Queenstown this summer? You’re in for an adventure! Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown is New Zealand’s ultimate destination for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore stunning scenery.
From adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, and white-water rafting to more relaxed experiences such as scenic hikes, lake cruises, and wineries, Queenstown has something for every traveller.
In this guide, we’ll cover 10 epic things to do in Queenstown this summer, including must-dos, hidden gems, and practical tips to help you plan the ultimate trip.
Table of Contents
Where is Queenstown?
Queenstown is located in the southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island. It sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, amongst impressive alpine ranges. It is situated 7 hours drive from the city of Christchurch and 5 hours from Milford Sound.
Queenstown Airport is the gateway to the lower South Island and is well connected throughout New Zealand with daily domestic flights. There are also direct services from Australia’s eastern airports including; Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
| Queenstown | Average Low/High (°C) |
| Summer | 9° / 22° |
| Winter | -1° / 10° |
Queenstown in Summer
Summer in Queenstown (December to February) is warm and sunny, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 20–30°C (68–86°F). Long daylight hours make it ideal for outdoor adventures, from lake activities to scenic hikes. Rainfall is generally low, but occasional showers can occur, so packing layers and a light rain jacket is recommended.
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Before you dive into these activities, here’s where you can stay in Queenstown this summer.
Budget:
Mid-Range:
Luxury:
10 Incredible Things To Do in Queenstown This Summer
Summer in Queenstown brings long, sunny days, warm temperatures, and endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. From thrilling outdoor activities to scenic lake experiences, this vibrant town has something for every traveler. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 epic things to do in Queenstown this summer, so you can plan the ultimate itinerary and make the most of your trip.
1. Skyline Gondola
Just a 5-minute walk from Queenstown’s town centre, the Skyline Gondola lifts visitors high above the town to the Skyline complex. As the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, the ride itself is a thrilling adventure for all ages.
From the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular 220-degree panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, the surrounding mountains, and Queenstown itself – a perfect photo opportunity and an unforgettable experience for families and solo travelers alike. The fun doesn’t stop there: the summit also features a café, restaurant, and a range of activities, making it a must-do attraction for anyone visiting Queenstown in summer.
2. Skyline Luge
We couldn’t mention Skyline without highlighting the famous luge. Even though there are multiple adventures to be had within the Skyline complex, it would be amiss for us not to add the luge on to this list. The luge is a fast paced cart/toboggan on a 1,600m track with epic views of the Queenstown skyline. It’s suitable for all ages and you can hitch a ride on a chairlift to the start of the track which is an adventure in itself.
You can see all the experiences that Skyline offers here. We would personally recommend the evening stargazing tour.
3. TSS Earnslaw
If you’re looking for an authentic experience in Queenstown then book a tour on TSS Earnslaw. Dating back to 1912, TSS Earnslaw is a vintage steamship and one of the oldest tourist attractions in Central Otago.
On board, visitors can view the engine room in action and enjoy a collection of historical photographs. The cruise on Lake Wakatipu itself is wonderful but you can combine the experience with a gourmet BBQ at Walter Peak, which we thoroughly recommend.
4. Shotover Jet
Shotover Jet is the ultimate jet boat experience with 360 degree spins and speeds up to 90kmph. Located in the Shotover Canyon, the world famous jet boat ride has thrilled celebrities and even royalty!
The highly skilled drivers take you on an exhilarating adventure down the rivers of the canyon, sometimes with inches to spare between the jet boat and canyon walls. There are insane turns, twists and spins throughout the ride which will leave you gripping your handles and screaming for more. The experience lasts about 25 minutes. In addition to it being a world-wind adventure, the setting is truly beautiful and the only activity with permission to operate in the canyon.
You can book your experience here.
5. Queenstown Hill
Located in the heart of town, Queenstown Hill is one of the most accessible and popular walking tracks and a must-do for anyone looking for things to do in Queenstown. The track winds through a beautiful pine forest before breaking out above the treeline, where you are rewarded with stunning views of the Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Lake Wakatipu.
The walk itself is steep in places, so demands a moderate level of fitness. The hike itself can be completed within 2-3 hours and is a 5km return trail. The trail is open year-round but there may be snow during winter, so wear appropriate shoes.
A highlight for many on the trial is the Basket of Dreams, created by artist Caroline Robinson. Many believe this to be the summit of the walk when in fact it is just a resting point, from the basket there is a short loop track that takes you to the top.
6. White Water Rafting
There are two main locations to enjoy a white water rafting experience, Shotover River and Kawarau River. It is one of the best extreme activities to do in the region and an experience like no other.
The rapids can change on a daily basis but experienced guides are trained to always guarantee a good time as you swim and paddle down whitewater rapids. Most tours include river floats and jumps, as well as other fun activities. Kawarau River is considered grade 2-3 and Shotover Jet is 3-5. We went on the Kawarau River tour with RealNZ and had a great time!
7. Lake Alta
If you’re looking for a hike that’s still considered a hidden gem, the Lake Alta Track is a must on any list of things to do in Queenstown this summer. The track is a moderately difficult trail that leads from The Remarkables ski area up to Lake Alta – a picturesque alpine lake. The trail offers beautiful views throughout and the drive to the start of the trail alone is a real adventure with epic views. The lake is also a Lord of the Rings film location.
The trail is 3.5km return and though it is open year-round, we would not recommend hiking during winter due to the snow and the busyness of the slopes. The trail is dog friendly and during summer you will have to pay a NZD $10 fee to drive the road to the start of the trail. If you’re brave enough, we would highly suggest a dip in the lake too!
8. Jet Boat
We told you there’s no shortage of adventure in Queenstown and we weren’t lying. Here’s another activity to get your adrenaline pumping – a Jet Boat adventure through Queenstown’s iconic rivers!
There are multiple tours to choose from, ranging from 25 minutes to 1 hour. The adventure starts on Lake Wakatipu and heads down the Kawarau River, with some also including Shotover river. You’ll enjoy speeds up to 95kmph and insane 360 degree spins as the guides get you up close to the lakes edge. We enjoyed the Queenstown Jet Boat tour with RealNZ and had a thrilling experience!
9. Bungy Jump
No visit to Queenstown is complete without a trip to AJ Hackett – the home of the modern day bungy jump.
Located 25 minutes north of the town centre, a bungy jump from Kawarau Bridge is one of the most iconic things to do in Queenstown. It’s the ultimate activity for any adrenaline junkie but don’t worry if you’d rather not jump – you can just enjoy being a spectator! That’s exactly what we did and it was so much fun seeing people jump from the platform, some were even dunked in the river below!
Alongside the bungy jump, there are 3 other extreme activities to do at AJ Hackett, the catapult, zipline and swing.
10. Lake Wakatipu
With all this talk around extreme activities its easy to forget some of the free thing things to do in Queenstown. Fortunately, Lake Wakatipu offers a free activity and that’s a cold swimming experience!
A dip in Lake Wakatipu has become a right of passage and the daily norm for many locals. Firstly, it is absolutely stunning, with mountains on all sides and it has an average temperature of 8-10 degrees meaning it’s wonderfully fresh!
We enjoyed a swim in the lake on a warm autumn’s day and it was absolutely wonderful (though we are fans of cold dips!) If you’d rather not swim, you can hire paddle boards, kayaks and even aqua bikes from the local companies.
Queenstown is the ultimate summer destination, offering something for every type of traveler — from adrenaline-packed adventures to scenic hikes, lake activities, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. With its long sunny days, stunning landscapes, and endless things to see and do, there’s no better time to visit than summer.
By exploring these 10 incredible experiences, you’ll be checking off some of the very best things to do in Queenstown this summer and creating memories that will last a lifetime. For even more tips and inspiration, be sure to check out our fullNew Zealand travel guide to plan the ultimate Kiwi adventure in 2026!
Thank You
Hi adventurers, thanks for reading this guide!
Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you and it helps us keep this site running. Thank you for your support ♥️
WATCH: 72HRS IN QUEENSTOWN
Related Posts
How to See the Milky Way in New Zealand: Best Spots & Tips
Best Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand (Top Activities & Experiences)
Roys Peak Hike: Ultimate Guide & What You Need to Know
PDF TRAVEL GUIDES
Includes epic itineraries, must know tips, expert advice & personal recommendations.
