Home to extreme sports like bungee jumping or ziplining, there's no surprise that Queenstown in New Zealand is known as the adventure capital of the world. While many other NZ destinations like Auckland or Wanaka also offer so many scenic views with endless outdoor activities, it's worth including Queenstown to your New Zealand itinerary.
The downside? Those activities are not always cheap, they may not be suitable if you're looking for budget-friendly things to do in Queenstown, NZ.
Dan and Bailey from Destinationless Travel got a chance to travel to Queenstown in New Zealand to share their experience on how to make the most of your visit to Queenstown on a budget. From free hiking to indulging in the city's most famous burger chain, here are some things to see and do in Queenstown, NZ on a budget!
Top 4 Budget-Friendly Things to See and Do in Queenstown, NZ
Queenstown is the most popular tourist spot in all of New Zealand, and for good reason – it is simply stunning!
Sitting right on the lake with mountains surrounding it, this gorgeous town is the perfect place for visitors to see some of the most breathtaking spots in New Zealand.
But, all of this beauty comes with a price tag. Queenstown is known to be expensive and overpriced, but luckily, I've discovered Budget Travel Plans, an insightful website that teaches you how to travel the globe without breaking the bank.
However, I have been living in Queenstown for 6 months now and have discovered lots of things that are possible to buy and to do for less than $10 USD!
These are my recommendations.
1. Eat Fergburger
Fergburger is likely the most famous restaurant in all of New Zealand. This small little shop sells hundreds of burgers every hour, and they are delicious!
During the busy seasons, the line to order a burger will stretch for blocks, but the wait is worth it.
Fergburger – Credit: Destinationless Travel
Not only is Fergburger delicious, but it is a famous thing for tourists to do. If you walk by Fergburger on any give day, you will see tons of tourists taking selfies with the burgers. A classic Fergburger rings in at only $8 USD!
2. Visit the Underwater Observatory
Right in the center of town along the lake, there is the Underwater Observatory.
For only $7 USD, you walk down a staircase and you will find yourself underneath the lake's surface. Through the glass windows, you can see all of the underwater life around you.
Mind you, this is not Loch Ness Monster. This is New Zealand! – Credit: Destinationless Travel
The last time I was there, I actually saw an eel swimming right up to the glass!
3. Have Drinks with a View
Queenstown boasts some of the best sunsets!
Get yourself set up in one of the many bars with a view of the lake and mountains, and enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand. It is common during happy hours to get a pint of beer or a glass of wine for less than $4 USD!
There is actually even a “floating bar”, which is a bar on a boat that offers drinks for that price!
4. Take Public Transit to Access Literally Dozens of Hikes
In Queenstown, you can get the local bus for less than $2 USD, and it takes you all over Queenstown and neighboring towns. In this area, there are so many incredible hikes that you can do for FREE!
Some of the most famous day hikes that you can get to easily with public transport are “The Big Hill” in Arrowtown, “Tiki Trail” in Queenstown, and the Moonlight Track in Arthurs Point.
For a full list of hikes around Queenstown, just visit the Department of Conservation tourist office right in town, they are a free service that will tell you where all the best spots are and how to get there with public transport.
The best way to experience Queenstown is to get out and enjoy your surroundings. And the best part is, everything in nature is free… Queenstown is a gorgeous place, and it is possible to explore it on a budget!
Queenstown Hill Hike – Credit: Destinationless Travel
Dan and Bailey are from different corners of the world, naturally met while traveling. Daniel is from Australia and Bailey is from Canada. As a couple, their biggest common interest has always been travel and their sense of adventure. They travel on a budget, like a good party, and they definitely are suckers for a funny travel story.
Pingback: One Week Itinerary: Road Trip in New Zealand’s South Island