The legendary scenery and unbridled adventure sports that make Queenstown famous have long drawn tourists from around the world. This doesn’t mean, however, that one has to break the bank in order to enjoy this gem of the South Island. There are many free or cheap things to do in Queenstown that give visitors a true taste of the region’s beauty, fun, and charm. Check out the list below of six of the best budget-friendly activities Queenstown has to offer.
1. Stargazing on Lake Wakatipu
The shores of Lake Wakatipu (or Lake Hayes!) offer prime spots for some of the South Island’s spectacular star-gazing. What makes looking into the night sky special in this area, however, is the chance to see the Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights. If you get the timing right, and with a little help from the Aurora Australis Queenstown Facebook group, it’s possible to see the night sky light up in dazzling colours. Since the colder months have longer and darker nights, spotting the Southern Lights is one of the best things to do in Queenstown in winter.
Liking what you see? Check out all of the Best Places to see the Southern Lights in New Zealand!
2. Play Disc Golf
As it turns out, you don’t need clubs, balls, or carts to golf in Queenstown. Even better, you don’t need a lot of money! If you’ve got a frisbee, or $5 to rent one, then you can jump in and see who among you is the best disc golfer. The Queenstown Ice Arena rents discs and score cards, making for a cheap afternoon of fun on the 18 basket tournament course. Entry to the course itself is free, so only those who play will pay. This is one of the best free or cheap things to do in Queenstown whether you’ve got a group of friends, a competitive significant other, or a few hours to kill.
3. Explore the Underwater Observatory
The fun doesn’t have to stop at the surface of Lake Wakatipu, even for visitors with a tight budget. The lake’s underwater observatory gives tourists a subaquatic experience for only $10 ($5 for kids). Watch the lake’s long-finned eels and brown trout swim by from a magical underwater viewpoint, open to the public year round. This is an excellent way for kids to discover the lake, and for tourists to learn about the local history.
4. Visit Lord of the Rings Locations
The Lord of the Rings franchise is responsible for bringing tourists to New Zealand for the last 20 years. This was helped in no small part by the series heavily showcasing New Zealand’s diverse and dramatic landscape. The good news for fans and Queenstown tourists alike is that many of the nearby locations can be visited for free. In summer, it’s possible to hike up to the frigid Lake Alta, where Aragorn strove through the Dimrill Dale stream. You can even walk through Skipper’s Canyon, where Arwen summoned a river of horses to bring down the Ringwraiths.
5. Do the Queenstown Hill Time Walk
One of the most beloved yet accessible scenic places in the area is the summit of the Queenstown Hill Time Walk. The track takes you on a 500 metre journey through time (and pine forests) to the Te Tapu-nui, or “mountain of intense sacredness” summit. Along the walk, visitors get the chance to observe the past, present, and future of Queenstown. For those who like to learn, six informative plates explain the various epochs of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. If you prefer art to science, then the stunning sculpture, “Basket of Dreams” could be a highlight of your hike.
Check out our list of the Top 6 Queenstown Walks here!
6. Peruse the Weekend Markets
If perusing local markets is your idea of getting to know a town, then the market that takes over the marina every weekend could be an experience you’ll love. Stalls selling the area’s local art, produce, trinkets, and food offer a chance to get to know the real Queenstown. Strolling through won’t cost you anything, and neither will enjoying the live music. If you do have a few dollars on you, a little can go a long way to support the local stalls or pick up something to remember your time in Queenstown by.
