1 Day in Queenstown Itinerary: Best Things to See & Do

If you’re wondering how to make the most of just 1 day in Queenstown, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is designed for those who want to enjoy the city’s laid-back vibe without feeling like they’re missing out.

Wondering if one day is enough? It absolutely is. We spent one day in Queenstown at the end of our NZ road trip and it was enough time to experience the city.

Queenstown may not have a long list of must-see attractions, but its charm lies in the simple pleasures—like a peaceful walk through town and unwinding by the lake.

Keep reading, and I’ll share how to make your single day in Queenstown a truly enjoyable one.

1 day in Queenstown itinerary

Morning: Take a photography tour

Starting your day with a photography tour in Queenstown is a great choice, especially if Queenstown is your first stop on a New Zealand road trip. You’ll learn valuable photography skills you can use for the rest of your holiday.

An amazing bonus point of taking a photography tour is that you’ll have a local guide show you the best places in the countryside surrounding Queenstown. This stunning scenery is one of the best in the South Island of New Zealand.

Queenstown is surrounded by natural beauty that could easily belong in a “Lord of the Rings” movie and some movie scenes were actually filmed in the surrounding area of Queenstown.

But if you’re looking for the full Lord of the Rings experience you should head to the North Island, where you can visit the Hobbiton movie set. And walking through the Shire was one of my favourite things to do in New Zealand.

It’s a win-win—you get to see the beautiful area around Queenstown and improve your photo-taking skills.

Here’s some advice: Choose a tour that starts early in the morning. The light is just right, and there are fewer people around. This means you’ll get clear, beautiful shots and still have the rest of the day for more fun.

🤩 I love this photography tour for the excellent guide

Afternoon: Ride the Skyline Gondola

The only must-do thing in Queenstown is to take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Queenstown Hill. From the gondola and the top, you have amazing panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

The best way back down is on the Skyline Luge. When you go downhill in one of the gravity-fuelled Luge carts you can see why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand.

If this is not adventure enough you can also try skydiving or paragliding to get an adrenaline rush and the best views of Queenstown. (But to be honest, neither of those things is for me, I tried bungee jumping once and I hated it 🙈)

🤩 Add a quad ride to your Skyline trip

Evening: Go for a stroll on the Queenstown Wharf Walk

A stroll along the Wharf Walk is the perfect way to wrap up your day in Queenstown.

When I was there, the atmosphere was buzzing with life, a street vendor sold popcorn and a street musician was playing the piano.

You’ve got a couple of options at the Wharf Walk:

You can walk past the Queenstown Bay Beach and head to the Queenstown Gardens for some greenery and tranquillity. It’s a lovely spot to relax after your action pact day.

But if you’re in the mood for something a bit more lively, the area is dotted with restaurants and bars.

One of the most unusual bars in Queenstown is without a doubt the Minus 5° ICE BAR. The entire place is made of ice, from the walls to the glasses you drink from. It’s a unique experience that’s worth checking out.

So whether you’re in the mood for nature, music, or a chill drink (literally), the Wharf Walk has something for everyone. It’s the ideal way to round off your one-day Queenstown adventure.

Best time to visit Queenstown

The best time to visit Queenstown really depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip.

If winter sports are your thing, June to August is your window. The ski slopes are in prime condition, and the winter vibe is magical.

But if you’re more into water activities and hiking, the warmer months from December to February are ideal. The weather is pleasant, and the outdoor options are endless. I visited during this period and enjoyed the warm weather while I was relaxing next to the lake.

There’s also the shoulder seasons—spring and autumn. These months offer a balance of moderate weather and fewer crowds, making it easier to explore without feeling rushed.

Getting around Queenstown

Queenstown is quite small, less than 16,000 people live there, so it’s a very walkable city. So, you don’t need to worry about public transportation, just walk.

FAQs about a day in Queenstown

Final thoughts: One day in Queenstown

From starting your morning with a photography tour to riding the Skyline Gondola and Luge, and finally unwinding at the Wharf Walk, this itinerary lets you experience the city’s laid-back vibe to the fullest.

And the best part? You don’t need more than a day to soak in all that Queenstown has to offer.

I only recommend spending longer in Queenstown if you want to take advantage of the adventure capital and want to try some more thrilling activities like rafting.

Still wondering how to capture those picture-perfect moments during your trip? Don’t miss out on my blog post about the best photography tours from Queenstown.

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