Jet Boats, Hilltops, Breweries & Local Eats
Planning a Queenstown getaway and wondering how much you can fit into 48 hours? The good news: a Queenstown weekend is packed with possibilities — iconic adventure activities, incredible food, easy hikes, lake views and plenty of local flavour. This itinerary gives you a flexible, relaxed way to experience the best things to do in Queenstown without rushing from place to place.
Day One: Start Your Queenstown Weekend With Adventure
Most locals will tell you the best way to begin any Queenstown trip is with a coffee by the lake. Yonder, Vudu Larder and Bespoke Kitchen are long-time favourites - grab a table outside if the weather plays nice.
Kick Off With the Shotover Jet
For a true Queenstown adrenaline hit, make the Shotover Jet your first big adventure. It’s world-famous for a reason: high-speed canyon runs, cliff-hugging turns and those classic 360° spins that guarantee a smile.
Local tip: If you want the biggest splash, sit towards the back. If you want the feeling of speed, the front row is your friend.
Explore Arrowtown’s Historic Charm
After the adrenaline wears off, a short drive brings you to Arrowtown, one of the region’s most picturesque spots. This little gold-rush village is home to some excellent food and great walking streets.
Locals love:
- Slow Cuts – famous for fried chicken and burgers
- Fork & Tap – casual craft beer and outdoor seating
- Provisions – unbeatable pastries (grab the sticky bun early)
If you’re here in autumn, the whole town is blanketed in colour - you’ll take more photos than planned.
Queenstown Hill: A Scenic Afternoon Walk
For one of the best short hikes in Queenstown, head to the Queenstown Hill Time Walk. It’s a manageable climb with huge views for relatively little effort. Even stopping at the Basket of Dreams lookout gives you sweeping vistas over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
It’s the perfect reset after a morning of high-speed excitement.
Dinner & Drinks: Queenstown Style
Queenstown’s food scene punches well above its weight. Whether you want iconic or casual, you’re sorted:
- Fergburger – yes, it’s worth the hype
- Blue Kanu – Pacific-inspired flavours and incredible cocktails
If you want to stay in the canyon zone, Canyon Brewing also does excellent dinners with views over the river.
Day Two: Views, Gondolas & Your Choice of Adventure
Start the day however you like - pastries from Fergbaker, breakfast at Odelay, or a lakeside stroll to ease into the morning. Queenstown mornings always feel crisp, fresh and full of promise.
Ride the Skyline Gondola
The Skyline Gondola is a classic Queenstown activity you shouldn’t skip. The views over Lake Wakatipu are unbelievable, and the Luge is fun no matter your age. Most people say, “We’ll just do one run,” but honestly, you’ll want at least three.
Lunch by the Lake
After arriving back in town, wander to the lakefront and enjoy an easy lunch. The Bathhouse is right on the water, or explore the cluster of small cafés and eateries along the shoreline. On a warm day, it feels like a holiday within a holiday.
Choose Your Afternoon Adventure
This is where your weekend itinerary becomes completely personalised - Queenstown has something for everyone.
a) Feeling wild?
Take the stunning drive to Glenorchy for a Wilderness Jet experience on the Dart River. The scenery is pure New Zealand wilderness - braided rivers, snow-capped peaks and untouched forest. The drive itself is worth the trip.
b) Feeling bold?
Bungy jumping, canyon swings and ziplines are all close to town. If Queenstown is the adventure capital, this is where you earn your badge.
c) Feeling mellow?
Head out to Gibbston Valley for wine tasting. Pinot noir is the local specialty, and the cheesery is an essential stop.
Dinner to Finish Strong
Make your last dinner in Queenstown memorable:
- Rātā – refined South Island flavours
- Botswana Butchery – warm, indulgent and perfect for a relaxed slow meal
- Or grab takeaway pizza or tacos and have a lakeside picnic at sunset — locals do it all the time
Finish the night with a peaceful stroll through the Queenstown Gardens, an easy, calming loop that gives one last look at those mountain views.
If You’ve Got Extra Time…
A bonus half-day opens up even more options:
- Arrowtown – boutique shops, tree-lined streets and small eateries
- Glenorchy – one of the most beautiful drives in the South Island
- Wānaka or Kingston – perfect scenic road trip extensions
Make the Most of Your Queenstown Weekend
From jet-boating thrills to lakefront dining, relaxed hikes and unforgettable views, Queenstown is the perfect destination for a short, adventure-filled getaway. Start strong with the Shotover Jet, build in a little exploration, and leave room for spontaneous moments - because in Queenstown, those are always the best ones.