How to spend 48 hours in Queenstown, New Zealand
Since you’ll spend about 48 hours in Queenstown during your trip, we broke down how to make the most of your time.
Queenstown, New Zealand is known as an adventure capital—and is just one of the awe-inspiring places you’ll visit on a tour of Australia & New Zealand. Since you’ll spend about 48 hours in Queenstown during your trip, we broke down how to make the most of your time.
Things to do in Queenstown on Day 1
Your first 48 hours in Queenstown begins right after your flight lands—so you’ll want to hit the ground running. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Queenstown:
Grab a world-famous burger
Don’t miss one of Queenstown’s most beloved local joints, Fergburger. It’s not only Zealand’s best burger (even Ed Sheeran loves it), it might just be one of the best burgers in the world.
Get adventurous
You’ll have no shortage of exciting activities if that’s up your alley. Follow in our staffer Lynne's footsteps by taking a jet boat ride.
Or, relax in the hot springs
If you’d rather have a low-key afternoon, hit up the Onsen Hot Pools. Overlooking the Shotover River, each of the pools offers an amazing spa experience in stunning natural settings.
Head up Bob’s Peak
End your day with a ride up the Skyline Gondola up 1,500 feet to the top of Bob’s Peak. There, you’ll take in sunset views of the incredible landscape.
Things to do in Queenstown on Day 2
You’ll begin and end your day soaking in some of New Zealand's fascinating history—just one of our favorite things to do in Queenstown!
Explore the Fiordlands on a day trip
First, if you want to take a day trip from Queenstown, you can explore the stunning region of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Take it from our staffer Lynne, who was so wowed by New Zealand’s natural landscapes, she wrote them a love letter. “Slowly sailing through the misty fjords and seeing hidden waterfalls around every turn was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life.”
Visit Arrowtown
The gold rush village just outside Queenstown offers a charming look into New Zealand’s past—and your Tour Director will tell you everything you need to know during your visit.
Go for a wine-tasting
You could spend a whole day touring the wineries around Queenstown, but if you only have an afternoon, visit Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door—just a 15-minute drive from the city.
Take a dinner cruise on Lake Wakatipu
This excursion is a must-add on your trip. You’ll soak in the scenery on a boat ride to Walter Peak, one of New Zealand’s most famous sheep and cattle stations. Then, as you watch a sheep-shearing demonstration and sheepdog show, you’ll enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and learn about rural life in the region.
Have you visited New Zealand on tour? How would you spend 48 hours in Queenstown? Tell us on Facebook!
