Let’s get real for a second: 48 hours isn’t a lot of time! It can be difficult to decide what to pack into each day when you only have two days in a city—especially a city as exciting as Queenstown! Since most of us aren’t able to take months off of work, we have to make do with the time we have to explore. This guide to 48 hours in Queenstown will give you the proper mix of food, culture, adventure, and downtime. Instead of creating a daily itinerary, we’ll give you the top things to see, eat, and do. Sleep in one morning and wander around the town, and then wake up early the next day to get out on the slopes! Whatever your travel style, there is something in Queenstown for you. The question isn’t what to do in Queenstown, it’s how to choose!
Queenstown: The adrenaline capital of the world
New Zealand as a whole is stunningly beautiful, with landscapes that change drastically in short amounts of time. One hour you’re driving along a coast, gazing at crystal-clear waters, and the next thing you know you’re on winding roads deep in the mountains. Queenstown, New Zealand is one of the most popular cities in the whole country, and for good reason. This majestic city in the mountains is known for its high-adrenaline activities such as paragliding, canyoning, skydiving, and bungee jumping! If you visit in the winter, you can even try out your skills on the slopes.
What sort of adventure junkie are you? Are you up for a kayaking adventure, or would you rather enjoy the sites from the inside of a helicopter?
Spend some time in nature
Although this city thrives on adrenaline, you can still have a wonderful time without that rush. With beautiful mountains and lakes so blue they don’t even look real, there’s no shortage of incredible landscapes in Queenstown. If you aren’t up for jumping out of a plane, you can spend an entire afternoon just wandering and taking in all the beautiful scenery. Sip a cocktail at the edge of the lake, or curl up with a book under a tree. There is no shortage of breathtaking trails, so choose one that fits your fitness level! Whether you want a short, meandering stroll or a longer, full-day hike, there’s something for everyone.
Get immersed in the local culture
Diving deep into the local culture will be one of the most incredible experiences of your entire New Zealand journey. If you need a break from sight-seeing, why not wander into a local gallery or museum? Milford Galleries houses contemporary New Zealand art, from ceramics to glassworks to paintings. You may also enjoy the Central Art Gallery, Artbay Gallery, or the Queenstown Arts Centre.
If you’re not interested in art galleries, you can visit the local markets, wander through the Queenstown gardens, or even check out a few vintage and secondhand stores!
Eat great food!
No trip to Queenstown is complete without eating tons of great, local dishes. If you’re looking for a quick bite without spending the afternoon at a sit-down restaurant, grab a burger at Fergburger. This spot is a huge hit with both tourists and locals alike, and if you’re brave enough to wait in the long line, you’ll understand why. Those with dietary restrictions can rejoice! Fergburger offers gluten-free buns and both vegetarian and vegan options.
For a more classic dining experience, try The Exchange or The Boatshed Cafe for brunch and either The Bunker, Rata, or Stratosphare Restaurant for dinner.
Experience the local nightlife
If you aren’t too exhausted from your day’s activities, it’s time to grab a pint and experience the local nightlife. Queenstown has a range of bars to choose from depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, check out the Minus 5° Ice Bar! This bar is completely carved out of ice, with over 18 tons of crystal clear ice architecture. Just be sure to bundle up!
If you’re looking for more of a traditional experience, pop on over to Bardeaux, Little Blackwood, or the Pig & Whistle Pub. Bardeaux has great cocktails and mood lighting, Little Blackwood is located right on Lake Wakatipu with incredible views, and the Pig & Whistle Pub is a no-nonsense British-style pub.
Start planning your 48 hours in Queenstown
Although the state of the world is unpredictable, this shouldn’t stop you from planning your dream trip! Start making a list of everything you want to do when you finally make it to Queenstown. Will you extend your trip to include both the North and South islands? Will you hop over to Australia as well? Take a look at both our New Zealand and Australia packages to get inspired. With so much time to plan, your 48 hours in Queenstown will be unforgettable.
This post was written by Kiri Rowan
Check out more of her adventures on Instagram at @kirirowan