Perfect 2 Day Queenstown Itinerary with Milford Sound

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Note that this itinerary is jam-packed with activities to see as much as you can in a short amount of time. So feel free to tailor this itinerary to fit your own interests, pace, and/or schedule.

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QUEENSTOWN 2 DAY ITINERARY

The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Queenstown itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:

• Day 1 Points of Interest → DARK BLUE
• Day 2 Points of Interest → LIGHT ORANGE
• Day 3 Points of Interest → PURPLE

HOW TO USE THE ABOVE QUEENSTOWN MAP:

Action	Description
Click a Colored Point of Interest	Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest
Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right	Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account
On Larger Map view, click the STAR ☆ under “Queenstown, New Zealand“	Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account to access anytime on Computer* or on Phone App**
* On Computer: In your Google Maps, Click “Saved” on left bar → Click “Maps” → Click “Queenstown, New Zealand“	** On Phone App: In your Google Maps app, Click “You” on bottom bar → Scroll to bottom → Click “Maps” → Click “Queenstown, New Zealand“

Day 1: Skyline Views & A Scenic Dinner

Explore Queenstown

In the morning, head to Queenstown city center and explore the area. Why not stroll along the waterfront, stop by the Queenstown Bay Beach, check out the Aquarium and get some Ice Cream at Patagonia Chocolate. You can even rent a kayak, or a bike, or hike along the Harbour View Walk. There’s plenty to keep you busy this morning before you head up to Bob’s Peak. Additionally, right near the Skyline Queenstown Gondola is Kiwi Park Queenstown, a wildlife refuge for endangered birds and reptiles.

Ride the Skyline Queenstown Gondola

Start your trip with one of the most iconic experiences in Queenstown, riding the Skyline Gondola! It brings you up ~1,476 feet (450 meters) above Lake Wakatipu to a mountaintop lookout where you’ll get breathtaking views of The Remarkables mountain range, the lake, and the charming alpine town below.

At the mountaintop lookout, you can roam around the land and get some incredible photos. You can use a photo card (that they provide) to get some wide shot photos of you and the amazing views behind, available for purchase.

Take on the Skyline Luge

While at the mountaintop lookout, why not go on a fun joyride and ride the Skyline Luge! You can purchase multiple rides, or get them a la carte, online or at the gift shop. The luge tracks are carved into the mountainside and you’ll get to ride the luge cars through every twist and turn with amazing scenery as your backdrop.

I recommend purchasing at least 2 rides because trust me, you will want to ride it more than once! It’s thrilling, fun, and suitable for all ages.

Dinner at the Stratosphere Skyline Buffet

Stay at the top for dinner at the Stratosphere Restaurant & Bar. They serve buffet-style dining with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city and lake. They serve fresh seafood, delicious meats, and decadent desserts, all paired with the dreamiest view. During my visit, they also had live music playing that added a nice touch to the atmosphere.

I recommend making a reservation in advance so that you can snag the sunset time.

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Day 2: Milford Sound Day Trip Tour

Today is a full-day adventure to one of the most breathtaking places on Earth: Milford Sound.

Full-Day Tour to Milford Sound (Transport & Lunch Included)

Wake up early — today is the star of the trip! Milford Sound is often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world,” and this day trip makes it effortless. A coach picks you up from Queenstown and you’ll enjoy a scenic journey through Fiordland National Park with multiple stops before boarding a cruise that takes you through Milford Sound

Expect to see soaring peaks, dramatic waterfalls, mirror-like water, rainforest valleys, and, if you’re lucky, seals or dolphins! Most tours include a picnic-style lunch onboard.

Sit back, relax, and soak in every view. It’s a long day, but absolutely worth it.

Dinner at Steamer Wharf

Once you’re back in Queenstown in the evening, stroll down to the lakefront Steamer Wharf area and explore a bit before settling on a spot for dinner. There’s cozy pubs, waterfront dining, and restaurants with a lively atmosphere.

Drinks at Minus 5 degree Ice Bar

End the night experiencing an Ice bar. At Minus 5 Ice Bar, everything inside is carved from ice. The sculptures, the seats, the tables, and even the cups you drink out of! You’re suited up in warm gear before heading into the frosty wonderland, where you get to enjoy music, an icy cocktail, and the overall chilly atmosphere. It’s fun and memorable and is worth a visit if you’ve never been to an Ice Bar before.

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Day 3 Option: Thrills, Hot Pools & Wine

If you have 3 days in option, then consider doing the below day itinerary:

Morning: Jet Boat Ride (Other Options: Bungy or Paragliding)

Kick off your morning with a signature Queenstown thrill. Choose your adventure:

Jet Boat Ride

A thrilling high-speed jet boat ride. There are two options in Queenstown: Kjet offers a longer ride in open waters as well as river valleys, or Shotover Jet which offers a shorter ride in more narrower canyons.

I’ve linked both options in the below widgets. Click “Book Now” to book your jet boat ride in Queenstown:

Ziplining, Paragliding, Hang Gliding, or Sky diving above Lake Wakatipu

Ziplining, paragliding and hangliding are scenic, peaceful and great for photos!

But if you want an even bigger thrill in the skies, then try Skydiving!

I’ve linked all options in the below widgets:

Klook.com

Bungy Jumping

Bungy jumping was invented in New Zealand, so why not experience the world’s first commercial bungy jump while in Queenstown! There’s two locations you can Bungy jump: at the Kawarau Bridge or at the Nevis location (located next to Skyline Queenstown)

I’ve linked both options in the below widgets:

Klook.com

Anyways, if you want adrenaline without free-fall terror though then the jet boat is a winner! Warning: you WILL get wet.

Afternoon Option: Relax at Onsen Hot Pools

After all that excitement, retreat to the luxe Onsen Hot Pools overlooking the Shotover River. Private cedar hot tubs, mountain views, and optional champagne. It’s the perfect calm-down moment.

Afternoon Option: Wine Tasting in Gibbston Valley

If you’re up for wine tasting, head to the nearby Gibbston Valley wine region, famous for its award-winning Pinot Noir. You can:

• Join a wine tour
• Hire a private driver
• Or self-drive for a few tastings

Dinner at a Lakefront Restaurant

Return to town and enjoy dinner by the lake. Some popular picks include:

• Botswana Butchery (elegant & delicious)
• Public Kitchen & Bar (cozy Kiwi fare)
• Blue Kanu (Pacific-Island fusion)

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