Free things to do · Queenstown · New Zealand
6 free things to do in Queenstown
Queenstown without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: fr:Utilisateur:FRED The original uploader was FRED at French Wikipedia ., CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Queenstown without paying an entry fee: Queenstown Gardens, Arrowtown and the Chinese Settlement, Ben Lomond Track and Queenstown Hill Time Walk are all free. Hike Queenstown Hill or the lakefront instead of paying for every viewpoint; many of the best views are free.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 6
- Low-cost extras
- 0
- Cost level
- Expensive
- Lowest hotel prices
- May and October
Free sights and experiences
Garden · Queenstown Town Centre
1.Queenstown Gardens
Walk the shoreline loop around the peninsula at sunset, then continue along the lakefront to Frankton on the Queenstown Trail.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Views
Historic site · Arrowtown
2.Arrowtown and the Chinese Settlement
Visit in late April for the gold and red autumn trees, and borrow a gold pan to try your luck in the Arrow River.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Kids
Nature · Bob's Peak
3.Ben Lomond Track
Start early, carry plenty of water and warm layers, and check the mountain forecast; snow can linger near the summit into spring.
- Time needed
- 6–8 hours return from town
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Active
- Views
- Nature
- Outdoors
Viewpoint · Queenstown Hill
4.Queenstown Hill Time Walk
Allow two to three hours return and go in the late afternoon for softer light on the lake.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Active
- Outdoors
Nature · Arrowtown
5.Lake Hayes walk
Go early on a windless morning for the reflections photographers come for.
- Time needed
- 2–2.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
- Nature
- Kids
Nature · Moke Lake Road
6.Moke Lake
Come at dawn or dusk for still water and fewer people; there are no facilities beyond the campsite toilets.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown Town Centre | Queenstown Gardens | 1 hour |
| Arrowtown | Arrowtown and the Chinese Settlement and Lake Hayes walk | Half a day + 2–2.5 hours |
| Bob's Peak | Ben Lomond Track | 6–8 hours return from town |
| Queenstown Hill | Queenstown Hill Time Walk | 2–3 hours |
| Moke Lake Road | Moke Lake | 2–3 hours |
More ways to save
- Hike Queenstown Hill or the lakefront instead of paying for every viewpoint; many of the best views are free.
- Adventure combo tickets can save money if you plan several activities.
- Self-catering apartments in Frankton or Fernhill cut costs for families and groups.
- Shoulder months such as May and October have noticeably lower accommodation rates.
- Ride the Orbus with a Bee Card rather than taking taxis between town, Frankton and Arrowtown.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Queenstown expensive to visit?
Queenstown is expensive for most visitors, but 6 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Queenstown?
Queenstown Gardens: Walk the shoreline loop around the peninsula at sunset, then continue along the lakefront to Frankton on the Queenstown Trail.