Queenstown on a budget

The beauty about Queenstown is no matter whether your looking for a luxury holiday experience or travelling on a budget, you really can make beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
 
If you are travelling on a budget, here are some of our top suggestions for cheap or free things to do in Queenstown.

Take in the sunrise or sunset over Lake Whakatipu

Queenstown is a picturesque place at any time of day, but it becomes particularly mesmerising at sunrise and sunset. There’s arguably no better spot to appreciate it than Lake Wakatipu. The purple skies, the calm and peaceful waters, the snow-capped mountains – it’s a sight that’ll leave you lost for words and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
 
Lucky for our Driftaway guests – You don’t even have to leave our Holiday Park to capture these amazing moments if you don’t want to! Tag @DriftawayQueenstown in your snaps!

Explore the Queenstown Gardens and try your hand at frisbee golf. 

Tip: The Queenstown Ice Arena hires discs for $6.00 each, and you can add a scorecard & map for $3.50.

Explore the Queenstown Gardens through a friendly game of Frisbee Golf. Established in 1866 the gardens are a tranquil lakeside sanctuary so make sure you take in your surroundings whilst you play.

Walking Tracks

There are so many lovely walks in the area and they range from family friendly all the way to an experienced hikers dream. The good thing is that the majority of walks in the area include picturesque surroundings and wonderful views of the rivers, mountains, flora & fauna.

Visit Moke Lake

Just 15 minutes short drive from Queenstown, this 2 hour easy loop track takes you right around the edge of Moke Lake. This spot is absolutely epic and it will be hard to believe you’re so close to town. Take a picnic with you to enjoy along with your stunning panoramic views!

Queenstown Hill Time Walk

Though this one is short at only 1.5km, don’t be fooled, it is steep! You’ll be rewarded for your effort though with 360* panoramic views which feature The Remarkables, Cecile Peak and of course Lake Wakatipu. You may be wondering why the name “time walk”, we’ll i'm glad you asked. It was designed to portray the past, present and future of Queenstown. There are 6 information stations about Queenstown's history which includes the present day status as adventure capital of the world, right back to Maori settlements and the Gold Rush.

Queenstown's Lakefront Market

Summer Hours: November - April 9am - 4:30pm 
Winter Hours:  May - October  9.30am - 3:30pm

Who doesn’t love a local market? Embrace the talents of many artists and crafters from around the South Island and browse their own quality handmade Art and Craft. Enjoy Queenstown's wonderfully relaxed weekends along with some free local musical entertainment. Every Saturday on the lake front at Earnslaw Park in Queenstown.
 

Take a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola

Take in the stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere!
You’ll be carried 480 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular 220-degree panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.
 
Relax with a drink at the Bar, take a ride on the Luge, refuel with a sumptuous buffet lunch or dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant.

Time Tripper- New Zealand's only underwater movie

Adult $10 / Child $5

Queenstown’s only underwater experience takes you on a journey through time and legend beginning many millions of years ago. The famous fish, diving ducks and slinky eels are visible until a large cinema screen descends, and you begin your time travel journey. As you wait for the next time jump window to open, you’ll get to see the beautiful love story and Māori Legend of Lake Wakatipu.