Soak up the lake and the town

Queenstown is made for slowing down by the water. The lakefront is free to stroll, with gardens, beaches and benches framing the mountain views, and it's the perfect spot for a picnic or a lazy afternoon. For a gentle splurge, a cruise on Lake Wakatipu (including the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw) takes you out onto the water for a different perspective. And the town itself, compact and walkable, is full of cafés, bars and the famous Fergburger (expect a queue). It's the relaxed counterpoint to the adrenaline. We'll point you to the best free lakefront spots and the cruise options worth considering.