Five Conveniently Free Things To Do In Queenstown

Skiing fresh powder, dining on the fine side and adrenaline-charged adventure activities all have a cost. And rightly so. However, when looking to see if the best things in life really are free and a wallet-less day is in order, check out the following free things to do in Queenstown.

Stretch the legs

Some of New Zealand’s most beautiful chunks of lands are in Queenstown. So needless to say, some of New Zealand’s most scenic walks are also in Queenstown. From Queenstown Hill to the Moke Lake Loop, Bob’s Cove, Lake Alta and Bob’s Peak, there are an abundance of trails to stretch the legs on that range from 30 minutes to three hours in duration.

Spot Paragliders

Pack a picnic and a mini chilly bin with some drinks and head out to Flight Park (along Malaghans Road to Arrowtown) in spring, summer and autumn to watch paragliders and hang gliders soar across the sky and land in the green fields. Even if you stay in Queenstown, you can see paragliders slowly heading for the ground from the top of the gondola.

Take a dip

What’s cooler than being cool? ICE COLD! And so is the water in Lake Wakatipu. You can swim though, so be brave, young Padawan. Jump in at Wilson Bay or the north end of Lake Hayes, Clutha River, Emerald Bluffs at Lake Wanaka, Moke Lake or Lake Hawea.

Stay dry, but enjoy the water

There’s a pontoon at the far end of the beach at Queenstown Bay with paddleboards and kayaks available for hire. And if staying completely out of the water is the call, you can watch the jet boats, iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship and state of the art catamaran rip through the bay.

Hit the Markets

Strolling around markets doesn’t cost a cent … it’s up to you if you want to splurge on some artisan food or wares. If you fancy hitting the markets, you can choose from Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market in Earnslaw Park, Remarkables Market in Frankton, and Wanaka Farmers Market.

words by niall roeder