48 hours in Queenstown

With its unparalleled scenery, adrenalin fueled activities and plethora of restaurants, Queenstown is the perfect place to head to for a weekend break. But if 48 hours is all you can spare what should you see and do? Check out our suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.

Friday Afternoon

Fly into Queenstown’s stunningly scenic airport, breathe in the fresh mountain air and get your first glimpse of The Remarkables, the lakeside town’s breathtaking backdrop before the sun sets.

While it’s tempting to just stay at your hotel and stare out the window at lake and mountain views why not head down to Pog Mahones situated on Rees Street and take in the tourist vibe? Happy hour is from 6pm-7pm, and you can get a tasty pub meal for a reasonable price or pay slightly more and try the fun Stonegrill (meat or fish cooked at your table on a heated stone).

Saturday

Partake of breakfast/brunch at Bespoke Kitchen in Isle Street. This rustic style cafe is popular with locals and serves hearty but healthy meals with a focus on raw and organic ingredients to set you up for a fun-filled day of activity. The cafe opens at 8 am, so there’s no need to get up too early.
After brekkie, head up the Skyline Gondola to the Skyline where, if you’re keen for some adventure, you can luge down the hill, zip-line through the forest canopy or paraglide over Queenstown.

Hungry after all that activity? The Skyline Stratosfare’s buffet restaurant offers sublime views and delicious fare to relax and refuel.

For more activity options in the afternoon check out Queenstown Rafting which offers half day tours for both beginners and more experienced rafters. Alternatively, Shotover Jet offers high-speed rides through the Shotover River Canyons and is an iconic Queenstown experience.

Another popular Queenstown experience is soaking in Onsen Hot Pools indoor/outdoor hot tubs set up to look out over the Shotover Canyon. They offer complimentary pickup and drop-off from central Queenstown.

For dinner, you’re spoiled for choice in Queenstown with more award winning restaurants that you can shake a stick at. For fine dining hit up Rātā, Botswana Butchery, The Bunker, The Sherwood, Madam Woo or No5 Church Lane.

Sunday

Being this close to Milford Sound a day tour to explore Fiordland is always an option but you’ll need to pre book. Great Sights offers full day tours of Fiordland heading down by bus to Te Anau and then up to Milford Sound to do a cruise. There’s the option of booking a flight back to Queenstown from Milford Sound enroute.  

Alternatively, stick around Queenstown and do a half day guided walk, for example the Lakeshore, Forest & Bird or the Miners Forest Retreat are particularly recommended. A winery tour is also an option with the the Queenstown Wine Trail daily tour offering wine and cheese tasting in a friendly, relaxed setting.

If bungy jumping is on your bucket list, then on Sunday go for either the Kawarau Bridge Bungy or the Nevis Bungy. If you can psych yourself up to do either of these then you’ll definitely be ending your weekend in Queenstown on a high note!