Best Things to Do in Queenstown: Adventure & Scenic Drives

Kia ora, thrill-seekers and road trip lovers! If you’re dreaming of a New Zealand getaway that blends jaw-dropping adventure with world-class scenery, Queenstown is your ultimate playground. As the locals say, “You haven’t really seen New Zealand until you’ve done Queenstown properly”—and by “properly,” we mean behind the wheel of a trusty RaD Car Hire rental, ready to explore every mountain pass, lakeside lookout, and adrenaline-pumping activity this legendary town has to offer.

Buckle up as we take you on a whirlwind tour of Queenstown’s best adventures and scenic drives, peppered with local tips and must-do stops. Whether you’re here for heart-thumping action or to cruise the most beautiful roads in the country, you’ll find all the inspiration you need right here!

Queenstown: Adventure Capital of the World

Queenstown isn’t called the adventure capital of the world for nothing. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the buzz—this is a place where locals and visitors alike chase thrills, breathe in the mountain air, and swap stories over a cold one at the end of an epic day.

Bungy Jumping: Where Legends Leap

No trip to Queenstown is complete without a bungy jump. AJ Hackett’s Kawarau Bridge is the world’s first commercial bungy site, and locals say the rush is just as epic today as it was in 1987. You’ll free-fall 43 meters, touch the icy Kawarau River (if you dare), and bounce back up with a grin that’ll last all week. These guys get through hundreds of jumps a day during the high season, and their safety ratings are just as strong as their bungy cords. If you’re feeling brave, you can even jump tandem or (for the truly bold) go for the “naked jump”—a rite of passage for some!

Local tip: Book your jump early, especially in summer. And don’t forget to have your mates film your best scream-face!

Whilst the Kawarau Bridge site was the first commercial bungy site in the world, AJ Hackett never stopped looking for bigger and better and in Queenstown, you will find two other amazing locations for a bungy jump – The Nevis and The Ledge. The Nevis is New Zealand’s highest bungy at a staggering 134m, giving you 8.5 seconds of freefall plunge before the rope kicks in!

Jet Boating: Shotover and Beyond

Queenstown’s rivers are legendary, and there’s no better way to experience them than by jet boat. The Shotover Jet whips you through narrow canyons at breakneck speeds, spinning 360 degrees and skimming just centimetres from the rocks. Locals love it for the unbeatable combo of adrenaline and scenery—plus, you’ll get a whole new perspective on the region’s wild beauty.

Local tip: Wear sunglasses and a big smile. You will get splashed!

The Shotover Jet is perhaps the most well known of New Zealand’s jet boats, however, it is not the only one and there are lots of options in Queenstown, including the Kawarau Jet (or Kjet) and the Skippers Canyon Jet so do some research and pick the one that suits you the best in terms of action and budget.

Ziplining: Soar Above the Trees

If you want a bird’s-eye view without the free-fall, ziplining at Bob’s Peak is a must. Choose from four, six, or even the world’s steepest zipline, and fly through the treetops with Lake Wakatipu sparkling below. The tours are guided, so you’ll get local stories and nature facts as you zip along.

Local tip: Take the Skyline Gondola up for easy access—or hike the Tiki Trail for a heart-pumping warm-up!

Ziplining is definitely a favourite with locals and tourists alike, however, a trip up the Skyline Gondola will also give you lots of other options for adventure, including two amazing luge tracks (it’s like real-life Mario Carts!), mountain biking, and some pretty epic hiking trails to explore.

Quad Biking: Off-Road Adventure

For those who like their adventure with a side of mud, quad biking on Queenstown Hill is a blast. Guided tours take you up rugged trails, across rivers, and to panoramic viewpoints. Even first-timers will feel like pros with expert guides and all-weather gear.

Local tip: Don’t wear your best clothes—Queenstown mud has a way of sticking around!

Off-roading in and around Queenstown is a great way to explore this stunning landscape – whether it’s on a quad bike, mountain bike or on foot. Getting off the beaten track is a rite of passage in Queenstown so choose your adventure and get stuck in!

Canyoning: The Ultimate Water Adventure

Canyoning is a local favourite—imagine abseiling down waterfalls, leaping into crystal-clear pools, and ziplining through gorges. Half-day and full-day options are available, with all gear provided. It’s the perfect mix of thrill and teamwork, and you’ll leave with stories (and photos) to make your friends jealous.

Local tip: Canyoning is best in summer. Bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to get wet!

Whilst the mountains that provide such a stunning backdrop to nearly every activity in Queenstown stick long in the memory, it’s also a city that is fuelled by water-based activities. Canyoning is a great way to jump in at the deep end and another firm favourite of the team down in Queenstown is Riverboarding – take a bodyboard and surf down grade 2-3 rapids and when you’ve done it once, they’ll take you back for a second time around!

Hydro Attack: Ride the Shark

Ever wanted to feel like James Bond? The Hydro Attack is a jet-powered “shark” that dives, leaps, and spins across Lake Wakatipu. It’s unique to Queenstown, and locals say it’s the most fun you can have in 15 minutes on the water.

Local tip: Book ahead—this one fills up fast, especially on weekends.

Of all the activities to try out on Lake Wakatipu, including relaxing cruise boat rides like the TSS Earnslaw or jet boating, this one is perhaps the most spectacular. Even if you don’t give it a whirl yourself, grab a late afternoon drink and watch on as others try this very cool activity.

Other Activities

Queenstown is full of amazing activities and not all of them will raise your pulse above the levels that are considered normal! If you have had enough adrenaline rushes and you are looking for something a bit more relaxing, then here are some activities you should try:

Golf - Queenstown is home to some of the world's most stunning golf courses, including Millbrook, Jack's Point and Arrowtown. If a relaxing afternoon on the links is what you enjoy, make sure you pack your clubs for a trip to Queenstown
Wine Tours - Queenstown is located in the Central Otago region, home to some of the best Pinot Noirs in the world. There are plenty of guided wine tour options, but if you are out and about in your RaD rental, take a drive out to the Gibbston Valley Winery, where you will be able to sample some of the best local wines and cheeses.
Shotover River - whilst you can enjoy plenty of adrenaline-fuelled adventures on the Shotover River, it's also pretty relaxing just to take it all in. With magnificent views of the Southern Alps as your backdrop, the mix of lakes and mountains, all fuelled by the rivers that run into Lake Wakatipu, make this one of the best ways to relax and simply soak it all in.

Scenic Drives & Day Trips: Queenstown’s Greatest Hits

With your RaD Car Hire rental, the best of the Southern Lakes is yours to explore. Here are the top scenic drives and day trips locals swear by:

Glenorchy: The Road to Paradise

The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is often called one of the most beautiful in the world. In just 45 minutes (46km), you’ll hug the edge of Lake Wakatipu, with every bend revealing new vistas—towering mountains, deep blue water, and forested hills.

Top stops along the way:

Sunshine Bay: Perfect for a picnic or a quick swim.
Moke Lake: A local favourite for kayaking and reflective photos.
Bob’s Cove: Short walks and unbeatable lake views.
Bennett’s Bluff Lookout: The ultimate Instagram spot.

Once in Glenorchy, stretch your legs on one of the many hikes or just soak in the peaceful, end-of-the-road vibe. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll recognise the landscapes instantly.

Local tip: Pack snacks and a camera—every stop is photo-worthy!

Arrowtown: Gold Rush Charm

Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a historic gold mining village that feels like a step back in time. Wander the quaint streets, visit the Chinese Settlement, and sample local honey at Buzzstop. The autumn colours here are legendary, but locals love Arrowtown year-round for its boutique shops, cafes, and riverside walks.

Must-dos:

Lake Hayes: Known as the Mirror Lake—bring your camera!
Historic Gaol and Chinese Settlement: Learn about Arrowtown’s gold rush past.
Kawarau Bridge: Watch (or join) the bungy jumpers in action.

Local tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and snag a table at one of the cosy cafes.

Milford Sound: The Ultimate Day Trip

Milford Sound is a bucket-list destination, and the drive there is half the adventure. From Queenstown, it’s a full day (about 4 hours each way), but the route takes you through Fiordland National Park—think rainforests, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Once there, hop on a cruise to see the Sound’s towering cliffs and resident dolphins.

Local tip: Leave before dawn to beat the tour buses, or better yet, stay overnight in Te Anau for a more relaxed pace.

Why Rent with RaD Car Hire?

Let’s be honest: Queenstown is best explored with the freedom of your own wheels. RaD Car Hire’s fleet is built for New Zealand roads—whether you’re zipping up to Glenorchy, winding through the Crown Range, or parking up for a lakeside picnic, you’ll find the perfect car for your adventure.

Why locals love RaD Car Hire:

Wide range of vehicles, from compact runarounds to spacious SUVs.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff who’ll share their own favourite Queenstown activity tips.
Affordable rates, so you can spend more on adventure and less on getting there.
Easy pick-up and drop-off in close to Queenstown Airport—no waiting, no fuss.

Local tip: Ask the RaD team for their favourite hidden gems—they know all the best detours!

Final Tips for Your Queenstown Adventure

Book activities in advance: Queenstown is popular year-round, so lock in your must-dos early.
Check the weather: Mountain weather changes fast—bring layers and be ready for anything.
Drive safe: NZ roads are stunning but can be winding and narrow. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
Respect the land: Queenstown’s beauty is precious—leave no trace and tread lightly.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Queenstown, New Zealand is a choose-your-own-adventure paradise, and with a RaD Car Hire rental, the whole region is yours to explore. Whether you’re leaping off bridges, cruising scenic highways, or discovering hidden lakes, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime.

So what are you waiting for? Grab the keys, round up your mates, and get ready for the best road trip of your life. Queenstown adventures are calling—see you out there!