Queenstown in summer is an adventure playground, with endless options packed into long, sunny days. Start with an iconic thrill, such as bungy jumping, then try jet boating or winery tours. Cool off with Lake Whakatipu activities or stroll the historic streets of Arrowtown and try the award-winning restaurants.
This article provides insider tips to set you up for an unforgettable Queenstown summer.
So, first things first. What kind of weather can you expect? Here is the weather low-down from the locals.
If you’re coming over from Australia, you can expect milder temperatures than the blistering heat. However, those coming from wintery countries in the Northern Hemisphere will find it balmy. Summer in Queenstown (December–February) brings warm days, long evenings, and that signature alpine brightness.
Expect daytime highs between 20 °C and 30 °C. With daylight stretching until 10 pm, this means you’ve got extra hours to squeeze in adventures. Mornings and evenings can feel brisk, so pack a light layer for added warmth.
Now we get into the real saucy secrets…
What to Do in Queenstown Over Summer: Tourist Favourites and Local Only Tips
1. Bungy jump (a must-do!)
Yes, yes, we know we’re the ones making this list. But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our jumpers had to say: “The most amazing, awesome, mind-blowing first bungy experience,” and simply, “Bloody awesome experience.”
In a town built on adrenaline innovations, one of the most famous world firsts was the launch of commercial bungy jumping in 1988 at the historic Kawarau Bridge. Fast forward to today, and the jump attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.
The activity is easily accessible by car or via the unmissable “Live More. Fear Less.” Bungy Bus. With world-renowned safety standards, it’s the perfect challenge for both froth-chasers and first-timers ready to conquer their fears.
Whether it’s your first leap or your fiftieth, bungy belongs at the very top of your Queenstown summer checklist.
Good to know: Summer is one of the peak periods, so be sure to book in advance. Look out for packaged combos to save.
2. Hiking and walks (it’s beautiful and it’s free…)
“Not all those who wander are lost…” is a line from a poem featured in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring.
Queenstown is a wanderer’s paradise in summer, with trails to suit every level. However, it can sometimes be challenging to locate these hidden loops and hikes, so here is an option for everyone.
For a relaxed stroll, the Queenstown Gardens loop offers lakefront views. The Ben Lomond Track is a must for keen trampers, with a challenging climb that rewards you with sweeping panoramas across Lake Whakatipu and the Southern Alps.
Families, casual walkers, and travelling pooches will love the Lake Hayes Loop, an easy trail circling a sparkling alpine lake. For a shorter but rewarding experience, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk leads to a summit that offers stunning views of the sunrise or sunset.
Whichever you choose, every trail captures Queenstown’s summer magic.
Good to know: Queenstown is committed to regenerative tourism. We want to keep our special region beautiful for years to come. Bring reusable water bottles, avoid single-use plastics, stick to trails, and most importantly, slow down and appreciate the beauty of our special place.
3. Lake and water play (how the locals spend summer)
There’s no better way to soak up Queenstown’s summer than on the sparkling waters of Lake Whakatipu. From paddleboarding at sunrise to boating across its turquoise surface, the lake is a playground for every type of adventurer. Hire a kayak and glide past hidden coves, or dive in for a refreshing swim after a hot day. For a faster experience, consider hiring a jet ski; scenic cruises, on the other hand, allow you to relax and take in the alpine backdrop.
Whether you’re chasing thrills or laid-back vibes, Queenstown’s lake activities capture the essence of our summer.
Insider tip: Locals cool off in Lake Whakatipu at favourite spots like Queenstown Bay, Frankton Beach, and Kelvin Heights. These are all easily accessible and equipped with excellent facilities for a summer swim.
Good to know: Don’t be fooled by Queenstown’s cool lake breezes in summer; UV rays are intense, so always slip, slop, slap, and wrap.
- Wine and food detours (Because wine not…?)
Just outside Queenstown lies some of the world’s best wine country. Journey 40 minutes to Bannockburn in Cromwell, where grapes thrive in conditions similar to Burgundy, France.
No car? No worries. An array of wine tour companies, like Appellation Wine Tours, can whisk you through cellar doors, share local stories, and even guide you to secret boutique wineries you might never stumble upon alone. From world-class Pinot Noir to breathtaking vineyard views, a day spent exploring this wine trail strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and adventure.
Inside tip: Don’t miss the famous frozen fruit ice creams from the roadside stalls. For the best flavour, choose something grown locally, such as juicy Central Otago cherries.
5. Jet Boating (Queenstown… celebrity style)
Shotover Jet is another of Queenstown’s iconic adrenaline experiences. Strapped into a bright red jet boat, you’ll race across shallow braided rivers at speeds of up to 85 km/h, skimming just centimetres from canyon walls. The expert drivers throw in 360-degree spins, making every ride feel like an action movie sequence.
Insider scoop: Celebrities who have visited Shotover Jet include members of the Royal Family, such as Queen Elizabeth, as well as entertainers like Kenny Rogers, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and James Cameron.
6. Kawarau Swing (swing into Summer – literally)
If you’ve ever wanted to share a scream with your mates, the brand-new Kawarau Swing is your chance. Introducing the South Island’s first three-person swing…
Suspended high above the turquoise Kawarau River, this experience lets you soar solo, tandem, or as a trio up to 43 metres high across the gorge before being winched back to the platform. With AJ Hackett’s world-class safety systems and Queenstown’s stunning alpine scenery, it’s the perfect way to make unforgettable summer memories.
Insider tip: It’s the only three-person swing in the South Island, so round up your crew and make it a group adventure worth bragging about.
7. Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park (magic exists here!)
Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, the Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park offers a breathtaking journey into the cosmos. Recognised for its clear alpine skies, this reserve is one of the best stargazing spots in the Southern Hemisphere. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way stretching across the valley, constellations unique to the southern skies, and even shooting stars. Wrap up warm, bring your curiosity, and prepare to feel both small and awestruck by the magic of our universe under one of New Zealand’s darkest skies.
The park is just moments from the Kawarau bungy site, so you could continue on after taking the leap.
Insider tip: We recommend staying at Gibbston Valley Lodge or Kinross Estate Vineyard Cottages to experience the best of Gibbston’s wine and stay up to admire the stars.
Good to know: Be respectful in dark-sky areas at night; refrain from using bright lights or using flash photography.
8. Wait in line for an hour for a burger… ( yes, you heard us correctly)
Yes, the line snakes down Shotover Street, and yes, you’ll probably spend an hour shuffling forward, but trust us, it’s all part of the Queenstown experience.
Fergburger isn’t just food; it’s a rite of passage. The burgers are legendary: perfectly toasted buns stacked high with juicy patties, fresh local ingredients, and sauces that drip down your wrist in the best possible way. While you wait, you’ll meet fellow travellers swapping ski stories or comparing bungy jumps; it’s a social event as much as a meal. By the time you unwrap your burger, you’ll know the wait was absolutely worth it.
Inside scoop: These burgers are so legendary that celebrities like Orlando Bloom, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Bieber have all lined up for one.
9. Visit Walter Peak Station (dogs, sheep, and… pudding)
When visiting New Zealand, it is imperative that you see at least one sheep, and you can do this at Walter Peak High Country Station
Accessible by a scenic cruise across Lake Whakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, a visit to this station is like stepping back in time into Queenstown’s pastoral heritage. Once at the station, you’ll be welcomed into an idyllic farm setting with rolling pastures and views of the Remarkables. Visitors can enjoy farm tours with sheep-shearing demonstrations, watch sheepdogs in action, or simply wander the gardens. The highlight for many is the gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner, featuring fresh local produce.
Insider tip: Make sure you try the sticky date pudding while you’re there. Take it from a few locals who have tried it that it’s worth making the trip for!
10. Stroll the streets of Arrowtown (travel back to the gold rush!)
Ever wondered what time travel feels like? In Queenstown, you can get pretty close. You might not come back any younger, but you’ll step into places where the past has been perfectly preserved.
Arrowtown is a charming step into New Zealand’s gold rush past, and strolling its streets feels like wandering through history with a modern twist. Cobbled lanes and restored miners’ cottages line the town, set against a backdrop of alpine peaks. Along Buckingham Street, you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, and cosy cafés.
Insider tip: Escape the heat and slip into Dorothy Browns, a boutique cinema.
So, there you have it: ten epic things to do in Queenstown this summer. And if you still have energy left, wrap up the day with dinner at one of Queenstown’s award-winning restaurants like Amisfield or Nest, followed by cocktails at Bunker or Sundeck.
Feeling a little wild? Saddle up at Cowboys Bar, grab a drink, and see how long you can last on the mechanical bull. After all, they say, “You haven’t really been to Queenstown until you’ve ridden the Cowboys bull.”
Queenstown summer offers a perfect blend of high-octane adventures and relaxed alpine vibes. Whether you’re here to throw yourself off a bridge (safely), wander trails, sip world-class wine, or just watch the stars light up the valley, you’ll find something to love every moment.
Book your Queenstown adventure today! Try the new Kawarau Swing or other Bungy Adventures with AJ Hackett.
FAQ’s
What’s the best time of year to visit Queenstown for outdoor adventures?
Summer (December to February) is ideal for experiencing Queenstown’s adrenaline-filled and scenic offerings. With daytime temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 30 °C and daylight lasting until 10 pm, you’ll have plenty of time to try bungy jumping, jet boating, hiking, lake activities, and winery tours. Mornings and evenings can be cooler, so pack a light layer
Do I need to book Queenstown activities in advance during summer?
Yes, summer is a peak travel season in Queenstown, so booking in advance is recommended – especially for popular experiences like bungy jumping, wine tours, jet boating, and the Kawarau Swing. Booking early ensures you won’t miss out on your must-do adventures during this busy season.