Built on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and at the foot of the Southern Alps, the Otago town is overflowing with sights to see. Let’s take a look at a few that don’t involve jumping off a bridge or chucking yourself down a hill…

See Famous Peaks and Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown Beach

When arriving in Queenstown by plane or car, Lake Wakatipu is one of the first things to catch your eye and is often acknowledged with ooooohhhs and aaaahhhs. It’s sometimes forgotten about in light of the endless activities available all around it, but a closer look at this simple wonder is essential to your Queenstown visit. Queenstown Beach is only a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town and rewards visitors with epic views across the lake to Cecil and Walter Peaks.

The View from Bob’s Peak

Get your camera out for the mind-boggling views from Bob’s Peak, 450 metres above Queenstown. This is where all those inviting photos of Lake Wakatipu are taken from, so prepare for a visual feast. If you’re moderately fit you can walk up the Tiki Trail to the summit in around an hour, or if you’d prefer a more comfortable and quick mode of transport, take the Queenstown Gondola.

Queenstown Gardens

Particularly beautiful in full spring bloom are the Queenstown Gardens. Positioned a short walk along the Queenstown Trail from Queenstown Beach, the botanical gardens are home to Tui, one of our most handsome native birds. Listen for their call and see if you can spot them in between the pretty flora, or see some energetic action courtesy of frisbee golfers and the adjacent skatepark users.

Arrowtown and The Arrow River

A 20-minute drive from Queenstown lies Arrowtown. A goldminer’s paradise during the Otago gold rush circa the 1860s, Arrowtown hasn’t forgotten its history and a gander around the picturesque settlement is like looking back in time. Whilst the town is impressive year-round, the trees in the village take on unforgettable autumnal hues in April and May.