Summer in Queenstown is the best time to experience the adventurous side of the South Island. Here’s the ultimate list of activities not to miss in Queenstown and its surroundings during the summer months.

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Summer in Queenstown: Top things to do

What is the best month to visit Queenstown?

Queenstown is an epic destination year-round. The best month to visit Queenstown depends on the experience you’re seeking. Summer (December to February) is ideal for outdoor adventures and enjoying warm weather, while winter (June to August) is perfect for skiing and snow sports. Summer in Queenstown is a popular season for travelers, but the wide range of unique and adventurous activities makes it one of the most epic destinations in New Zealand. My Queenstown trip took place in January, and I felt like it was the perfect time to make the most of the whole region.

Weather in Queenstown in Summer

Summer in Queenstown runs from December to February, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The climate is perfect for outdoor activities like bungee jumping, hiking, jet boating, and wine tasting. The evenings can be cooler, so it’s a good idea to pack layers and bring hiking essentials.

How many days to spend in Queenstown?

Most travelers spend 3 to 5 days in Queenstown. There is no ideal number of days, as Queenstown in the summer is bursting with adventurous activities and stunning day tours. It’s easy to stay in Queenstown for a week to explore the city and its surroundings. During our 10-day South Island itinerary, we stayed 4 days in Queenstown, which allowed us to experience some of its most iconic day trips. However, if my time in New Zealand weren’t limited to two weeks, I wouldn’t mind staying in this city longer.

How often does it rain during summer in Queenstown?

During the summer months (December to February), Queenstown generally experiences mild and pleasant weather, with around 7-9 rainy days per month. December is the rainiest of the three months, with rainfall on 11 days. However, during our 4 days in Queenstown in January, we were quite lucky with the weather (except for one day when the Milford Sound cruise was canceled due to rain).

Epic Summer Activities in Queenstown

There’s no shortage of things to do in the area surrounding Queenstown, especially with the warm weather during the summer months. Whether you’re a fan of extreme sports or just want to enjoy the beautiful nature, Queenstown has something to offer every visitor. While Queenstown is often called the adrenaline-pumping capital of New Zealand (if not the world), visiting in summer could be a great excuse to step out of your comfort zone and try things you’ve never considered before. In my experience, these are the kinds of activities that make the best travel memories.

1. Kawarau Bridge Bungee Jumping

Kawarau Bridge is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, operating since 1988 with a 100% safety record (which is definitely important) so, no wonder it is one of the most popular summer activities in Queenstown. On a more persona note, it was my first bungee jump, so I couldn’t compare it to other locations, but I was really impressed with AJ Hackett’s quality of service. They did everything to prepare me for the jump and made me feel as safe as possible (as much as you can feel safe in that situation!). The company offers a variety of adventurous options near Queenstown, including skywalks, bridge climbs, zip rides, catapults, and bungee jumps, across several locations (Kawarau Bridge, Ledge, Nevis, and Auckland Bridge). I chose the Kawarau Bridge for its historic significance, the stunning views, and its height – at 43m (141ft), it seemed like a more manageable option for a first-timer. However, if you’re looking for something more intense, you can try the Nevis Bungy, which stands at a heart-pounding 134m (439ft). There, you’ll experience free fall for 8.5 seconds at 120km/h (75mph) – I get goosebumps just thinking about it!

Pro tip: avoid weekends and try to get there as early as possible to avoid waiting time

bungee jumping new zealand Summer Activities in Queenstown
Bungee jumping near Queenstown

2. Milford Sound Day Trip

Milford Sound is one of the most unique Queenstown day trips during the summer months. Rudyard Kipling once called it the eighth wonder of the world, and I can’t argue with that. It’s truly a majestic fjord that makes you realize just how powerful and inspiring nature can be. There are two ways to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown: a 4-hour scenic road trip or a 40-minute scenic flight. I chose the flight option to save time (even though it’s more expensive) and to see the fjord from the sky. The trip lived up to – and even exceeded – my expectations. I was mesmerized by the views for the entire flight. The pilot was also fantastic, offering highlights of the places we passed over. I didn’t take many photos because I knew it would be impossible to capture that kind of beauty. I had also pre-booked a cruise in Milford Sound, but unfortunately, the weather wasn’t ideal, so the cruise was canceled. However, I still managed to see the fjord from the ground, and it was just as awe-inspiring as it had been from the sky.

Pro tip: A day trip to Milford Sound is one of the most epic New Zealand´s must-dos. Keep in mind, it’s better to have two days saved for Milford Sound, in case one day the weather is bad, you can go there on another day. If you choose to go by car, then at least two days are also needed for a comfortable experience.

Milford sound views in summer
Milford Sound one of the most unique summer day trips from Queenstown
Queenstown holidays flight milford sound
Ready to fly over Milford Sound
Queenstown in summer views
I was mesmerized by the views for the entire flight

3. Shotover Jet

Shotover Jet is such a fun activity for any traveler. You ride on a jet boat over a river canyon at 85 km (52 miles) per hour and experience thrilling 360-degree spins along the way. Sounds exciting, right? There are several companies that offer this activity, but I chose Shotover Jet because of their great reviews. I took the ride with my family, and we all had so much fun – we laughed so hard (even though my mom isn’t usually a fan of such things). It’s not scary, and you have plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.

Pro tip: if it’s cold outside, better take a raincoat or a change of clothes, cause depending on where you sit (especially first row), you might get wet. The safest seats (in terms of water getting to you) are the middle ones.

Shotover Jet New Zealand Queenstown
Shotover Jet – a must-do summer activity in Queenstown

4. Hiking in Glenorchy

Glenorchy is just 45 minutes from Queenstown and serves as the gateway to several stunning hiking trails, including those that Lord of the Rings fans will recognize as part of Middle-earth. Summer is the perfect season to enjoy hiking in Glenorchy. Whether you’re looking for a short 30-minute stroll or an 8-hour hike, you’ll easily find the perfect trail to explore and discover why so many people fall in love with this beautiful region.

Pro tip: since there are so many options for hiking in the area, it would be helpful to prepare for the trip in advance and choose the tracks you like.

Glenorchy Hiking in Summer New Zealand
Nature in Glenorchy during the summer months

5. Visit Paradise

Paradise truly comes to life in New Zealand. This day trip from Queenstown is a must for fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Wolverine (Hollywood certainly loves this location). The jaw-dropping scenery will make you want to stop every few minutes, and that’s exactly what you should do. Take your time enjoying nature and discovering the iconic locations from your favorite movies.

Pro tip: half of the road from Glenorchy to Paradise is unsealed. If it’s raining, then maybe the best decision would be to only drive until the point where the road is still sealed.

6. Explore Arrowtown

Arrowtown is an absolutely charming village, just 15 minutes from Queenstown. Once a gold-mining settlement, its perfectly restored cottages make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Arrowtown is considered one of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, and summer is a great time to take a leisurely stroll through its streets. Wander around the historical buildings and immerse yourself in the gold rush era, as if it’s the 1860s all over again.

Pro tip: Arrowtown is also captivating during fall foliage (April) when you can experience all the colors of the season.

Arrowtown New Zealand from Queenstown
Exploring Arrowtown in Summer

7. Visit Queenstown Gardens

For a peaceful morning or evening, head to the Queenstown Gardens, a botanical garden filled with both native and exotic trees from different parts of the world. Despite being just a few minutes from the city center, it offers tranquility and serenity. You can bring a picnic and enjoy quality time with your family and friends while taking in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu.

Pro tip: It’s one of my favorite locations in town for a quiet sunset, perfect for relaxation and meditation.

queenstown gardens sunset in summer
Views from The Queenstown Gardens at sunset

8. Explore Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is the third-largest lake in New Zealand, stretching 80 km (50 miles) in length. While in Queenstown, head to Fernhill to experience the lake in all its glory. According to Maori legend, a giant monster named Matau sleeps at the bottom of the lake. His heartbeat is said to be the cause of the water’s rise and fall every 25 minutes. I must say, it truly feels like the lake has a life of its own.

Pro tip: Take the cruise across Lake Wakatipu to understand how splendid this region is and how tiny and lovely Queenstown looks from the lake.

Rent an apartment with the view over Lake Wakatipu
The views of Lake Wakatipu

9. Take a wine tour from Queenstown

Summer is a great time to go on a guided wine tour in the Gibbston Valley wine region. You can taste a variety of wines while enjoying the stunning New Zealand scenery, surrounded by beautiful wineries and sunny weather.

10. Eat the famous Fergburger by the lake

As one of the most popular foods in New Zealand, Fergburger offers epic burgers that are perfect for grabbing to go. With the pleasan summer weather you can take your delicious meal to a scenic spot by Lake Wakatipu and enjoy stunning views while savoring one of the best burgers in the country.

Pro tip: The queue always looks long but they move through the burgers really quickly – it’s certainly worth the wait.

Queenstown holiday summer
Fergburger by the lake

Other unique activities to enjoy summer in Queenstown:

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Unique activities to enjoy summer in Queenstown

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