2-Day Queenstown Adventure: Must-See Gems

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by Ethan

May 7, 2024 · 2 min read

Queenstown 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a thrilling 2-day journey through Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Day one kicks off with panoramic views from Skyline Queenstown, reached by a scenic cable car ride. Allocate an hour to soak in the vistas before heading to the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship for a 2-hour cruise that offers a unique perspective of the town. Conclude your first day with a tranquil stroll through the lush Queenstown Gardens. Day two heats up with a rejuvenating soak at Onsen Hot Pools, followed by a quick visit to the iconic Edith Cavell Bridge. The excitement peaks with a heart-pounding ride on the Shotover Jet, zipping through the canyons of the Shotover River. After the adrenaline rush, wind down with a leisurely exploration of Lake Wakatipu's serene shores. This itinerary promises a blend of relaxation and adventure, showcasing the best of Queenstown in just 48 hours.

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Cheap Flights
Top 6 Hotels in Queenstown
TOP 1
Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort
Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort
hotelStar
4/5
134 reviews
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TOP 2
Swiss-Belresort Coronet Peak
Swiss-Belresort Coronet Peak
hotelStar
3/5
47 reviews
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TOP 3
Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park, an IHG Hotel
hotelStar
4/5
97 reviews
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The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences
The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences
hotelStar
5/5
68 reviews
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Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
hotelStar
4/5
88 reviews
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Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
hotelStar
4/5
54 reviews
View Hotel Info

2 Days in Queenstown Itinerary: Day 1

1

Skyline Queenstown

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Begin your Queenstown adventure by ascending to breathtaking views with Skyline Queenstown. As the first stop of the day, the cable car ropeway offers a gentle yet thrilling start, lifting you above the city for a panoramic embrace of the region's majestic landscapes. Spend an hour marveling at the vistas from 53 Brecon Street, and perhaps indulge in a hilltop breakfast to fuel the day ahead.

Attraction Info

  • 53 Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open from 9:30am-9:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Fergbaker
Fergbaker
4.3/5 · 18 reviews
0.4 km from attraction
Memories Of Hong Kong
Memories Of Hong Kong
3.4/5 · 16 reviews
0.5 km from attraction
Rata
Rata
4.2/5 · 26 reviews
0.6 km from attraction
Blue Kanu
Blue Kanu
4.7/5 · 6 reviews
0.7 km from attraction
Bespoke Kitchen
Bespoke Kitchen
4.2/5 · 6 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
Jervois Steak House(Queenstown)
Jervois Steak House(Queenstown)
4.5/5 · 15 reviews
0.4 km from attraction
9 min,0.7 km
2

TSS Earnslaw - RealNZ

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After descending from the Skyline, set sail on a historical journey aboard the TSS Earnslaw with RealNZ. This iconic boat trip, lasting about two hours, is a voyage through time and beauty on Lake Wakatipu. Departing from Steamer Wharf on Beach Street, the vintage steamship glides past stunning alpine scenery, offering a unique perspective of Queenstown's tranquil waters and rugged shores.

Attraction Info

  • Steamer Wharf, Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open from 8:00am-6:00pm
11 min,0.83 km
3

Queenstown Gardens

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Conclude your day with a peaceful stroll through the verdant oasis of Queenstown Gardens. Nestled within an easy walk from the town center, this city park is an idyllic retreat for your final hour of exploration. Meander along the paths of this unnamed road, surrounded by meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant floral displays, and the serene backdrop of the surrounding mountains – a perfect end to a day filled with Queenstown's natural grandeur.

Attraction Info

  • Unnamed Road, 9300, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours
4.4/573 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent73 Reviews
Queenstown
|0.45km from Queenstown Gardens
3.6/522 Reviews
3.6/522 Reviews
Queenstown
|0.46km from Queenstown Gardens

2 Days in Queenstown Itinerary: Day 2

1

Onsen Hot Pools

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Begin your second day in Queenstown with a serene soak at the Onsen Hot Pools, nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of Arthurs Point. As the first stop of the day, indulge in an hour of tranquility, where the fusion of natural hot springs and stunning vistas create a rejuvenating experience. The pools, perched on the edge of a cliff, offer a unique vantage point to gaze upon the surrounding alpine landscape, making it a perfect preamble to the adventures ahead.

Attraction Info

  • 162 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-11:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Canyon Food & Brew Co.
Canyon Food & Brew Co.
4.5/5 · 0 reviews
1.3 km from attraction
Gin Garden
Gin Garden
/5 · 0 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
Awa Restaurant and Bar
Awa Restaurant and Bar
/5 · 0 reviews
0.1 km from attraction
The Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi Tree
/5 · 0 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
The Stash
The Stash
/5 · 0 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
Kanuka Kitchen and Bar
Kanuka Kitchen and Bar
/5 · 0 reviews
0.1 km from attraction
3 min,1.75 km
2

Edith Cavell Bridge

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Next, take a short journey to the historic Edith Cavell Bridge, an iconic structure that spans the Shotover River. Spend half an hour marveling at this engineering marvel, which stands as a monument to the pioneering spirit of Queenstown. The bridge offers a picturesque backdrop for photos and a moment to appreciate the intertwining of natural beauty and human craftsmanship.

Attraction Info

  • Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
3 min,0.21 km
3

Shotover Jet Queenstown

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Elevate your adrenaline levels at the Shotover Jet Queenstown, just a stone's throw from the Edith Cavell Bridge. Here, you'll have the chance to speed through the Shotover River Canyons on a thrilling one-hour jet boat ride. The Shotover Jet is a quintessential Queenstown experience, delivering heart-pumping excitement as you twist and turn through the narrow river at breakneck speeds, all while surrounded by the majestic landscape.

Attraction Info

  • 3 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-4:00pm,There is one shift per hour, and the time may vary daily. Please refer to the official website for details.
7 min,0.5 km
4

Shotover River

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Continue your exploration of the Shotover River by spending an hour along its banks after your jet boat adventure. The river itself is a natural monument, with its powerful currents and rich gold mining history. Take the time to stroll along the river's edge, reflect on the area's historical significance, and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the flowing water.

Attraction Info

  • Arthurs Point, Gorge Road, Queenstown
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours
19 min,13.29 km
5

Lake Wakatipu

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Conclude your Queenstown journey with a leisurely two-hour visit to the serene Lake Wakatipu. As the longest lake in New Zealand, its shores provide a tranquil city park setting where you can unwind, take a leisurely walk, or simply sit and absorb the panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range. The lake's crystal-clear waters and the surrounding landscapes offer a serene finale to your action-packed day.

Attraction Info

  • Otago, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open 24 hours
5/521 Reviews
5/5Perfect21 Reviews
Closeburn
|5.28km from Lake Wakatipu
4.8/519 Reviews
4.8/5Outstanding19 Reviews
Fern Hill
Sunshine Bay
|8.38km from Lake Wakatipu

Top Things to Do in Queenstown-2024

TOP 3
NZONE Skydive Queenstown
NZONE Skydive Queenstown
4.8/5 · 85 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,406 review
Highlights:
Queenstown is a paradise for extreme sports, how can you miss skydiving here. Skydive Queenstown Skydive is an exhilarating activity to enjoy the thrilling feeling. Let you have a unique and unforgettable experience.
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TOP 5
Shotover Jet Queenstown
Shotover Jet Queenstown
4.7/5 · 63 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 6,066 review
Highlights:
ShotoverJet is located in the famous Shotover Canyon, and is also the jet boat that traverses the river, which has welcomed 3 million tourists since 1970. The 'Red Passion' yachts built in Queenstown are specifically designed for production in the Chateauva River Valley, each with a capacity of 14 passengers. This high-speed and maneuverable speedboat is powered by two 350Mercruiser V8 supercharged engines to provide 700 horsepower, and is propelled, steered and controlled by two Hamilton 212 jets. These unique devices and designs allow the speedboat to gallop on a river with a depth of only 10 cm at a speed of 85 kilometers per hour, allowing you to experience a unique and difficult 360-degree circle on the spot. From the moment you step on the accelerator, the adrenaline will be at its peak as you're cruising through the water at breakneck speeds and it feels like the boat is out of the water. With clear white water rapids crashing against the precipitous rocks, skilled professional drivers will traverse the various rapids of the Shotover River at high speed, perform various stunts against rock walls, and do 85 kilometers at high speed. A difficult 360-degree turn.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Queenstown 2 Days Itinerary