Queenstown is full of hidden treasures
It might be bursting with crazy dorm prices and endless activities that’ll drain your wallet fast—but guess what? You don’t need to spend big to have an epic time here. If you’re hunting for the best free things to do in Queenstown, you’re in the right spot! From lakeside strolls to stargazing escapes, there are plenty of unforgettable adventures that won’t cost you a cent.
Saving a buck here goes a long way for your backpacking budget. If you don’t keep an eye on things, you’ll blink and wonder where your money went. Queenstown! That’s where! We’ve stayed here a few times, and let me tell you—the amount you pay for a night in an 8-bed dorm will leave you questioning your life choices.
But—fear not fearless explorers! We’re going to share our personal faves with you—so you can grin like an insider. Let’s dive into Queenstown’s hidden treasures—guaranteed to make your trip amazing, even on a backpacker budget.
1. Bob’s Cove Track and Ithilien Lookout (Lord of the Rings fame)
If you’re hunting for free things to do in Queenstown with serious scenery, this is it. The Bob’s Cove Track and Nature Walk is a laid-back, 3.5 km loop that punches way above its weight in terms of views. It’s a quick 15 minute drive out of Queenstown along the scenic Glenorchy–Queenstown Road, with the trail starting at a tucked-away carpark.
As you walk, you’ll descend through lush native bush before arriving at a stunning turquoise inlet—Bob’s Cove itself. There’s also a short detour up to a historic lime kiln, offering a glimpse into the region’s 1800s heritage.
But the real kicker? You can extend the adventure with the Twelve Mile Delta to Bob’s Cove track and reach the Ithilien Lookout, a location used in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Yup, this is where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum spied on the oliphants.
Expect peaceful bush tracks, lakeside picnic spots, and unbeatable vistas across Lake Whakatipu. It’s quiet, photogenic, and 100% free (yus!). Just bring water, a snack, and your best Gollum impression.
🌄 Bonus: Come early in the morning or around golden hour for calm water and fewer people. The reflections are unreal here.
2. Queenstown Hill Time Walk (sunsets, sculptures, and summit goals)
One of the best things to do in Queenstown for free, this short-but-steep hike delivers massive bang for no bucks. The Queenstown Hill Time Walk starts just a few blocks from town, climbing through pine forest before opening up to wide alpine views.
It’s around 2.5 km to the summit (4.5 km return), with plenty of benches and interpretive signs along the way. The trail tells stories of Queenstown’s history, which is a cool way to learn as you climb. Near the top, you’ll find the iconic Basket of Dreams sculpture—a popular photo spot with next-level views across Lake Whakatipu, the Remarkables, and beyond.
Give yourself 2–3 hours for the full return trip, or just hike to the Basket of Dreams if you’re short on time. The summit is 907 m high, and while the climb is real, it’s totally doable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. For more insight check out our dedicated page about Queenstown Hill.
🌅 Pro tip: Time your walk for sunset—even the Queenstown lights look cool!
3. Tiki Trail to Bob’s Peak (ditch the gondola and hike it!)
Skyline Gondola? Cool. But $50+ for a ride up? Not so cool when you’re on a budget. Thankfully, the Tiki Trail offers a free alternative route to the same stunning views from Bob’s Peak—and it’s one of the top free things to do in Queenstown for hikers.
The trail starts right at the base of the gondola station and winds its way up through pine forest. It’s about 2.1 km one-way and takes most people 45–60 minutes. The path is shaded and well-marked, with occasional glimpses of the town below as you climb.
Once at the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. You can chill at the lookout, snap some shots, and even bring a snack for a DIY summit picnic. There’s also a bar and café up top if you want to treat yourself without the gondola ride.
🥾 Still want more? For keen hikers, the Ben Lomond Track picks up right from Bob’s Peak. Follow the signs to the Ben Lomond Saddle, then push on to the summit for next-level panoramic views. Fair warning: this hike is no walk in the park—it’s steep, with serious elevation gain, and best tackled in summer when conditions are clear.
4. Queenstown Gardens and Lakefront Loop (pretty and peaceful)
Need a break from hills and hikes? Head to the peaceful Queenstown Gardens, just a short stroll from the town centre. It’s one of the best free things to do in Queenstown when you’re after something relaxed but still beautiful.
The gardens sit on a scenic peninsula jutting into Lake Whakatipu, with walking paths weaving through exotic heritage trees and native species, manicured lawns, rose gardens, and lakefront views. The full loop is around 2 km and takes 30–40 minutes, with benches and photo ops everywhere.
If you’re up for a bit of fun, grab a frisbee and try out the 18-hole disc golf course. It’s free to play, and features chain baskets as targets. If you wanna go pro you can hire a disc from town (around NZD $5). Warning: it’s surprisingly addictive (plus a great way to meet other backpackers).
🌸 Pro tip: The gardens are especially beautiful in spring and autumn when those colours be poppin yo.
5. Frankton Arm Walkway (lakeside vibes for days)
One of the easiest ways to get off the main tourist drag and soak in local views is the Frankton Arm Walkway. This flat, scenic lakeside trail starts near Queenstown Gardens and follows the shoreline all the way to Frankton Marina.
It’s about 8.5 km one-way, but you can walk as little or as much as you like. Allow 1.5-2 hours for the full length. The path is well-paved, mostly flat, and perfect for walking, biking, or jogging. Along the way, you’ll pass little beaches, picnic areas, local houses, and lots of epic lake views.
It’s a local fave for good reason—calm, peaceful, and far from the crowds. And yes, it’s one of the most underrated things to do in Queenstown for free.
🚴♀️ Pro tip: Rent a bike, and cycle across the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge to link up with the Kelvin Peninsula Trail and the Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail.
6. Moke Lake Loop Track and stargazing spot (perfect escape)
Want to feel a million miles from town without going far? Moke Lake is the perfect escape. Just 20 minutes from Queenstown by car, this small alpine lake is surrounded by dramatic peaks and peaceful valleys.
The Moke Lake Loop Track is about 6.5 km long and takes around 2–3 hours at a chill pace. It loops the entire lake, crossing meadows, marshes, and boardwalks, with reflections on calm days that’ll have your camera working overtime.
What makes Moke Lake extra special? At night, it becomes one of the best stargazing spots in Queenstown. The light pollution is minimal, and on a clear night, you’ll see constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way (during winter).
It’s also a great place to potentially see the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)—March through to September. Bring a torch and warm gear if you plan to stay late!
🚗 Getting there: The 7 km road to Moke Lake (off Glenorchy Road) is gravel and can get rough. In winter conditions it’s only suitable for 4WD vehicles.
7. Scenic drive to Glenorchy (+ Bennett’s Bluff Lookout)
One of the absolute best things to do in Queenstown for free is to just hit the road. The Queenstown to Glenorchy drive is often called the most beautiful road trip in New Zealand—and you’ll see why within minutes! The journey takes about 45 minutes each way, with panoramic lake views, alpine peaks, and hidden beaches along the route.
Stop at Bennett’s Bluff Lookout for iconic, breathtaking vistas over Lake Whakatipu, Mount Earnslaw, and the Humboldt ranges. It’s a short 5-minute detour with a big payoff. Here you can do the Bennetts Bluff Viewpoint Walk, 15 minutes return.
You can also stop at places like Bob’s Cove (listed earlier), Wilson Bay, or the Glenorchy Wharf. There’s no shortage of trails and picnic spots along the way, so make a day of it. This drive is all about the journey.
🚙 Pro tip: Leave early in the morning and combine with Bob’s Cove for a full day adventure.
8. Kawarau Bridge Bungy Viewing (+ Arrow River Bridges Trail)
Sure, bungy jumping is hard to beat—but if it’s not in your budget, watching others do it is almost as fun (and it won’t cost you). Head out to the Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre, where entry is free and you can cheer on jumpers from viewing platforms.
Right nearby is the Arrow River Bridges Trail, part of the wider Queenstown Trail network. This gravel path takes you across swing bridges, along the riverside, and through stunning gold rush-era scenery. If you’re into peaceful rides or long walks, this route is ideal—and it’s one of the quieter free things to do in Queenstown.
For those tempted by the Kawarau Bridge Bungy (seriously, who can blame you?!)—see our dedicated page about AJ Hackett Bungy.
🎥 LOTR fans: Pair this with a visit to Arrowtown—a historic gold rush-era village just 20 minutes away. Get out your Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook, the Arrowtown River might look familiar to you 😉
Queenstown is full of free adventures
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a working holiday, there’s no excuse not to explore the wild beauty that surrounds Queenstown—free of charge! And when you’re paying top dollar for hostels and everything else, you’d better do just that! We had a blast doing them ourselves—now it’s your turn. You can thank us later. ✌🏼
⭐ Hungry for more top recs? Check out our insider guide to the 25 best things to do in New Zealand: South Island highlights.
