Great 8: Queenstown Sights 🏔️

If there’s one place that truly captures the magic of New Zealand, it’s Otago. With its stunning landscapes, towering peaks, and sparkling lakes, it’s a destination that holds a lot of memories for me. Years ago, it was where I celebrated my wedding at Lake Hawea and later spent my first wedding anniversary exploring Moke Lake and Queenstown as part of a South Island road trip. Now, visiting with Kaydes brought a new kind of joy, making fresh memories together in a place already close to my heart. Recently, we packed our days with as much adventure as possible, from luge rides and lake views to ice bars and scenic walks. Here are the eight places that make any Queenstown trip truly unforgettable!

1. Skyline Gondola & Luge

The Skyline Gondola and Luge is an ultimate family attraction in Queenstown, offering a blend of adventure and awe-inspiring views that took our breath away. Kaydes was absolutely delighted with the gondola ride up to the top, as we rose above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at the top, she dashed out wanting to explore the rest of what Skyline offers. Little did she know that she would be thrilled to ride the Luge with me – a huge hit! Zipping around the twists and turns of the track was the perfect mix of excitement and safety for us – I was better than I remembered lol!

The thrill of racing down the track while surrounded by panoramic views had us hooked, so much so that I expanded our package deal so that we could return over the next 3 days.

Tip: For families, getting a package that includes multiple luge rides along with the buffet dinner offers great value. It also gives you more time to enjoy the experience without rushing through each activity.

2. Onsen Hot Pools

Although we couldn’t visit the Onsen Hot Pools this time (Kaydes needs to be six years or older), this serene spot deserves a spot on any Queenstown itinerary. These private, cedar-lined hot pools sit high above the Shotover River canyon, offering stunning views that feel straight out of a dream. It’s the ideal way to unwind after a day full of adventure, with each pool featuring a retractable window for a full, open-air experience.

Tip: Book well ahead, especially if you want a sunset slot – it’s a truly breathtaking time of day to visit and makes the experience that much more memorable.

3. Ice Bars

Queenstown has not one, but three ice bars to literally chill out in! These unique bars are carved entirely from ice, with everything from the walls and sculptures to the seats and even the glasses made from frozen water. It’s a cool experience (in every sense!), and you’re given warm jackets and gloves on arrival to stay cozy in the frosty environment.

Having visited one ice bar before, I thought Kaydes might find it fun, but she absolutely loved it! We ended up going back to a second ice bar before leaving Queenstown. She was fascinated by everything – from the frosty furniture to the colourful lights illuminating the ice sculptures. Her enthusiasm, though, extended a bit further than I’d expected, as she couldn’t resist kissing and licking the icy walls – much to my amusement (and slight embarrassment!). To keep her from repeating that, I encouraged her to sip her drink, served in a glass made of solid ice, which she loved smashing once she’d finished.

4. TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Tour

Our TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak was definitely one of our highlights of our trip. Known as the “Lady of the Lake,” this classic steamship has been gliding across Lake Wakatipu for over a century. Kaydes was fascinated watching the crew shovel coal into the furnace to keep the ship powered – it gave her such a unique peek into how things worked.

At Walter Peak, she loved feeding the sheep, cattle, and deer with the special pellets the staff provided, coming back eagerly for more. The sheep-shearing demonstration was both fun and informative, and she was thrilled to follow the friendly farm dogs around, patting them at every opportunity. I just couldn’t stop looking and photographing the rugged mountain peaks, misted with a veil of clouds that drifted over the tops. The dramatic backdrop added a magical touch to the whole experience, making Walter Peak feel like a world apart. We booked this tour here.

5: Moke Lake

Moke Lake is an incredibly serene spot just outside Queenstown and an absolute must for nature lovers. I had been here for wedding anniversary photos, and the scenery couldn’t have been more stunning. The lake is tucked away in a quiet valley, surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountains that reflect perfectly in the still water, creating a breathtaking mirror effect.

Though it’s a bit off the beaten path, Moke Lake is well worth the drive for anyone seeking peace and natural beauty. For those wanting to explore further, there’s a scenic 2.5-hour loop track around the lake. 

6. Fergburger

Fergburger is an iconic Queenstown institution, famous for serving up some of the best burgers in New Zealand. Every time I passed by, there was always a line out the door, a clear sign of its popularity with both locals and tourists. While we didn’t manage to stop by this time, it’s definitely on our list for the next trip. The buzz around Fergburger is hard to miss, and the burgers are absolutely worth the wait. If you find yourself in Queenstown, it’s definitely a must-try, especially if you’re craving a delicious, hearty meal that hits the spot after a day of adventure.

7. Queenstown Gardens & Jubilee Park

Wandering through Queenstown Gardens and taking the scenic walk to Jubilee Park was a lovely, relaxed way to spend part of our morning. Kaydes loved exploring the little paths and playing in the playground near the town center – it was the ideal spot for her to burn off some energy.

After enjoying the gardens, we made our way over to Jubilee Park. I’d been here before for sunset, so I knew the views of Lake Wakatipu would be worth the walk. The early morning light hitting the lake is just as magical as sunset, casting a soft glow over the water and mountains. This gentle stroll from the gardens to the park is a great option if you’re looking for an easy, scenic route with plenty of spots to pause and take in the landscape. With the walk done, we headed over to Yonder for breakfast, a wonderful place nearby with great food and a relaxed vibe.

8. Milford Sound Day Trip

Milford Sound is one of those places you just have to see to believe. Kaydes and I took a day trip with RealNZ, and it was worth every minute. The drive itself is unforgettable, passing through Fiordland’s rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and mirror-like lakes. We even spotted a Kea at one of the stops—New Zealand’s cheeky, alpine parrot, which made the day even more memorable!

Once we arrived at Milford Sound, we boarded a cruise to see the fjord’s dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls up close. We loved it when the boat gets close enough to feel the mist from the waterfalls! This is an absolute must-do if you’re in Queenstown and willing to make a day of it.