Here's our selection of Queenstowns Best Free things to do

Okay, so you've done some of the big ticket attractions in Queenstown and now you're looking for Queenstowns best free things to do?

Here are some great money saving ideas that we hope you will love as much as we do.

stargazing has to be one of Queenstowns best free things to do

Stargazing conditions here are as good as anywhere on the planet.

With very little human-made light, the heavens come to life, and on a clear night, who needs a TV when you have the sky? The Kawarau Gibston Dark Sky Park at 2328 Gibbston Highway has IDA (International Dark Sky Association) "Dark Sky" recognition, and covers around 25 square kilometres. There's lots of spots here to stargaze, with the terrain blocking any artificial light.

But the region has lots of great places to study the stars. Just pick a road out of town and find a safe place to stop. We love the Queenstown - Glenorchy road.

sit almost anywhere and admire the view

At the top of our Queenstowns best free things to do list, this is something that  we devote a lot of time to. We simply sit and enjoy the view.

If you come to Queenstown we strongly recommend finding some accommodation with a lake view, and preferably with a deck or balcony. You can see our recommendations and search options here.

Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables have constantly changing vistas. There's always activity on the lake, like the historic TSS Earnslaw, jet boats, or the diving Hydro Attack, constantly grabbing your attention. And changes in the weather bring mist and cloud to the mountains, and in the cooler months, dustings of snow.

We love taking a drive along the lake to Glenorchy or Kingston, or heading to Arrowtown to see the changes in Autumn. The Skyline Gondola is a favourite, and the drive over the Crown Range is awe-inspiring.

Yes, Queenstown is known as New Zealand's "Adventure Capital", but it's also a place where there is so much enjoyment in just sitting back and taking in the views.

Walk to the top of Queenstown hill

If you are looking for a healthy free activity in Queenstown, then the Queenstown Hill Time Walk should be on your short list.

The Queenstown Hill Time Walk takes you through the forest for around 500 metres to the top of what we know as Te Tapu-nui, or "the mountain of intense sacredness".

On the way there are several plaques with information about your walk and some regional features, and on to the "Basket of Dreams" sculpture.

The summit views are stunning, and we highly recommend taking a snack and a drink to enjoy at the top.

As our tagline reads, "Adventure awaits, serenity beckons".

The walk begins at a car park in Belfast Terrace neart the town centre. It is steep in places, and takes 3-4 hours return, so you will need an intermediate fitness level. See map below.

Watch/cheer/laugh at people Bungy jumping at the old kawarau bridge

We bungy jumped off the historic Kawarau Bridge many years ago and loved it (see Kim in the grainy picture below). But we've also had a lot of fun over the years watching from the observation deck as other brave souls have taken the leap. Of course we've also seen our share of people that changed their minds once they got to the edge of the platform and looked down! It's great fun watching, and as you can see from the image below, attracts a crowd.

The Kawarau Bungy Centre is located on State Highway 6 in the Gibbston Valley around 30 minutes from town, and entry is free.

Have a swim in Lake Wakatipu

We have to admit that swimming in cold water is not our idea of fun, BUT, in the warmer months from around November to March, Lake Wakatipu attracts a lot of brave souls. The average water temperature in summer is around 15 degrees celsius, but in winter, drops to around 5 degrees. The beach area on Marine Parade in the town centre is a popular spot to gather, sunbake, and  launch into the lake. A dip in the lake is certainly invigorating, and a great appetiser for your day ahead exploring all that the region has to offer.

Enjoy the queenstown gardens

Queenstown Gardens are centrally located and can be accessed from the end of the beach on Marine Parade.

These historic gardens feature a range of exotic species including Douglas Fir, Black Oak, Red Oak, Grand Fir, Algerian Fir, Monkey Puzzle and Wellingtonia. There's also a rose garden.

The gardens have some nice level walking and riding trails, and a variety of family activities, including disc golf (free if you have a frisbee, or these can be purchased from gift shops in town), an ice-arena, tennis courts and the local bowling club.

It's a nice spot to have a picnic, taking in the incredible mountain and lake views.

Take a drive to Glenorchy, Arrowtown, or Wanaka

Within a one hour drive of town, there are three wonderful towns, each with their own unique attraction.

Glenorchy sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is well worth a visit. Highlights are some picturesque lakeside walks, the famous red shed and jetty, Mrs. Woolley's General Store, and the nearby Dart River Adventures.

In the opposite direction from town, historic Arrowtown has a charm all it's own. Wander the streets exploring the local gift shops, restaurants and pubs. Try your hand at gold panning, visit the Lakes District Museum, or explore the many local trails.

If you head over the Crown Range, Wanaka is a beautiful, buzzing lakeside town with much to see and do. There's lots of lakeside walks, a skate park, "That Wanaka Tree", and the Lismore Jump Park and Sticky Forest (for bike riders). Buy some fish food from the i-SITE Visitor Centre then head down to the lakefront in town and feed the huge eels and trout. Take a dip in Lake Wanaka, or for something really unexpected, surfers can head to the Hawea Wave, for an exhilarating ride on the Hawea River. On the way back to Queenstown stop off at Bradrona (at Cardrona) to view the fence lined with hundreds of bras. The historic Cardrona Hotel is a great place to stop for a refreshment.

take a stroll around our markets

There are two excellent markets in Queenstown, and both are well worth visiting.

The Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Markets are located on the lakefront in downtown Queenstown, and are on every Saturday (with a few additional Fridays thrown in), and feature arts and crafts from a wide range of local and South Island artists and crafters.

The Remarkables Markets are located at the Red Barn at the Remarkables Park shopping centre at Frankton (near Queenstown Airport). They operate on Saturdays between April and October.

If you want to pick up some local produce or a special memento to remind you of Queenstown, both markets have a wide range to choose from.

There's also some tasty food, and local musicians feature, creating a relaxing vibe.

Thanks for taking the time to read our Queenstowns Best Free things to do page. Please Contact Us if you have any questions.