Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital, and yes — it’ll happily relieve you of $500 for a skydive, a jet boat and a bungy in one afternoon. But here’s the secret backpackers learn fast: the setting itself is free, and some of the best things to do here don’t cost a cent. You don’t need to pay for the famous attractions to have an incredible time.
Free things to do
- Queenstown Hill (Time Walk): A 2–3 hour return climb straight from town to a panorama over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. The best free view in town.
- Bob’s Cove: A short, gorgeous lakeside walk west of town with impossibly clear turquoise water — bring your togs for a (freezing) swim.
- Queenstown Gardens: A free peninsula of big trees, a frisbee-golf course and lake views right by the centre.
- Lakefront and beaches: Grab a cheap feed and watch the sunset hit the Remarkables for free.
- Tobins Track / Arrowtown: Free trails just out of town (see our Arrowtown post).
Cheap, not free
- The Skyline luge is paid, but skip it and hike the Tiki Trail up the same hill for the view for nothing.
- Fergburger is a rite of passage — not cheap, but cheaper than a jet boat.
Hidden gem
Drive out to Moke Lake, 20 minutes from town — a serene, mountain-ringed lake with a DOC campsite, a flat loop walk, and a fraction of the crowds.
Camping — important
Queenstown Lakes is strict. Under the 2025 bylaw, freedom camping is self-contained vehicles only, in 15 designated car-park sites (first-come, no booking), with urban streets banned. Carry a Green Warrant and check the QLDC Responsible Camping map plus CamperMate.
A self-contained Campervanz van is the cheapest comfortable way to do Queenstown — sleep legally, spend your money on the one thrill you actually want.
