Cheap things to do in Queenstown this summer
With so many epic places to visit in New Zealand, we understand the benefit of saving a few dollars here and there so you can make a little go a long way! We’ve shared our suggestions for a budget-friendly trip to Queenstown below.
Sunset mountain biking
If you are keen to experience some world-class mountain biking in Queenstown, a Sunset Pass or Single Lap Pass at Coronet Peak is a must.
The $30 sunset pass gives you unlimited up-lifts on the chairlift between 4.30pm and 6.30pm from Thursday to Sunday. On Friday’s you get an even better deal with the lift running until 8.30pm.
For $25 you can get a single up-lift before hitting either the DH or XC track. Both tracks link up to other trails which can either take you to the valley floor below Coronet Peak or all the way to Arrowtown. That’s some impressive vertical!
Sunset Pass: $30
Single Lap Pass: $25
Frisbee golf at Coronet peak
Gather your mates or family for an epic game of frisbee golf at Coronet Peak! You can tee off at the top of Coronet Express gondola and play your way down the mountain across the 9 hole course. Discs can be rented from guest services and there are scoresheets available for those who want to get really competitive. This challenging course has some of the best views around, so add it to your Queenstown budget bucket list.
Gondola to the top of Coronet Peak: $30
Disc hire: $5 deposit (get the money back when you return it)
The laughs: complimentary
Hiking at The Remarkables
Schist rock, native tussocks, and wetland areas mean hiking at The Remarkables is a true alpine experience. Don’t miss out on these amazing tracks:
- Lake Alta Track
This 1,5 hour hike takes to you to a beautiful glacial lake. Start walking at the ski area base building (1600m) and follow the Alta chairlift most of the way up. From the top of the chairlift, markers guide you up to the lake at 1800m.
- The Remarkables lookout
This 2 hour walk also starts at the ski area base building but follows the Shadow Basin chairlift route. At the top of the chairlift, a track is marked up to the lookout where you will truly get the most impressive views over Queenstown.
The Remarkables access road: $10 or free with a 2020 winter season pass
The views: priceless
Sunrise/sunset from the mountains
Experiencing a sunrise from one of the carparks at Coronet Peak is a must while you are in Queenstown. The pink hues over the Wakatipu basin will leave you speechless.
If you’re not an early riser, head ¼ of the way up The Remarkables to Windy Point for sunset. Enjoy a picnic while watching the sun go down over Lake Wakatipu. If it’s a clear night, stay a while and bask in the glow of the Milky Way.
Coronet Peak: free
The Remarkables access road: $10 or free with a 2020 winter season pass
The epic Instagram shot: zip