A Local's Guide To Romantic Things To Do In Queenstown

Queenstown may be a little more famous for getting your heart-rate up with activities like jet boating and bungy jumping, but the self-proclaimed Adventure Capital of the World is also, perhaps unexpectedly, the South Island’s most ruthlessly effective romantic destination too.

When the landscape itself is this dramatic, everything else follows suit.

You can spend the morning staring down a 134-metre chasm together, and the afternoon soaking in a private cedar hot tub overlooking that same turquoise river. That juxtaposition of high-octane thrill and absolute, pin-drop stillness is Queenstown’s superpower.

This is your guide to the electric, and unforgettable moments that make a Queenstown escape a truly epic romantic getaway.

The classic Queenstown romantic experience, one you need to book weeks, if not months, in advance, is an hour spent at the Onsen Hot Pools. Perched precariously above the Shotover River canyon at Arthurs Point, these aren't your typical communal spa pools. These are private cedar hot tubs housed in individual, Japanese-inspired rooms, all with fully retractable roofs and walls.

While the views of the Shotover River, home to the famed jet boats that shoot past in a soft spray of white, are spectacular during the day, the real magic happens at twilight or late at night. The roof is rolled back, the Central Otago air is crisp and cold, and you're surrounded by steam, looking up at a sky so black it feels like velvet, riddled with the Milky Way. The experience is intimate, restorative, and quintessentially Queenstown.

Onsen offers a free hourly shuttle service from The Station building in central Queenstown, or it's an easy self-drive. Bookings often require a 4–6 week lead time during peak season.

While the Skyline Gondola offers a fantastic, accessible view and is a staple of any visit, for a truly special occasion, you need to get properly airborne.

Queenstown is the hub for scenic aviation, and nothing says "I fancy you" quite like being dropped off on a remote, snow-capped peak accessible only by air. This is how you escape the crowds and make the panoramic vista genuinely yours.

Companies like The Helicopter Line or Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters offer bespoke 'mountain landing' tours. They fly you over Lake Wakatipu, past Cecil and Walter Peaks, and land you gently on a tussock ridgeline or a glacier high up in the mountains. You and your partner, feeling utterly minuscule against a ginormous landscape, sipping Central Otago pinot noir with a gourmet platter. 

A proper romantic dinner in Queenstown requires two things: exceptional Central Otago produce and a jaw-dropping view.

Many establishments nail one or the other, but few combine them with the relaxed confidence of the South Eatery at Mercure Queenstown Resort.

Tucked into the hillside on Sainsbury Road in Fernhill, just a short drive from the buzz of town, the resort’s restaurant is specifically designed to leverage its position with floor-to-ceiling windows serving up an unobstructed, dynamic view of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.

The focus here is on the provenance of the food with modern New Zealand fare built on sustainable, local ingredients. This is quality, authentic cooking that lets the ingredients sing, like tender Southland lamb or fresh alpine salmon paired perfectly with the region's famous pinot noir.

It’s a great meal, great wine, and a view that turns eating into an event and the adjacent bar is perfect for a nightcap overlooking the shimmering lake.

Central Otago is pinot noir country. It boasts over 80 wineries and produces some of the world's best cool-climate drops.

The Gibbston Valley, known as the "Valley of the Vines," is a gorge just outside of Queenstown that concentrates the best cellar doors into an accessible area, making it perfect for a couple's excursion.

While guided bus tours are an option, the most charming way to experience this region is by e-bike. Hiring e-bikes allows you to traverse the scenic Gibbston River Trail at your own pace, stopping at cellar doors like Kinross, which acts as a cellar door for multiple boutique wineries, or Gibbston Valley Winery, famous for its historic wine cave tasting.

It’s practical, slightly adventurous, and utterly self-directed. Just remember, pinot noir has a kick, so the e-bike assists your legs, but you still need to keep your wits about you for the ride back.

Take a shuttle or bus out to the start of the trail from Arrowtown, or a designated rental spot, and many bike hire companies include return transport from Queenstown. Summer and autumn offer the best weather and scenery, but winter brings a stark, beautiful contrast to the red vines.

You came to the Adventure Capital, so why not bond over a tiny bit of mutual terror? The shared adrenaline experience is Queenstown’s ultimate test of partnership, and the classic choice is the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first commercial bungy site.

The real romantic Queenstown move here is the tandem jump. Standing on the edge, locked together with your partner, is a genuinely unique moment of trust, fear, and high-stakes commitment. Whether you plummet towards the impossibly blue Kawarau River together, or opt for a scenic paraglide off Coronet Peak, the science is simple: shared fear releases powerful endorphins.

Operators like GForce Paragliding also launch from the Skyline Gondola lookout on Bob's Peak, giving you a shared float over the town and lake before landing gently in the park below. This offers high views with slightly lower intensity terror than a bungy.

Sometimes, the most romantic thing to do is absolutely nothing, but in a place that looks like a screensaver.

The Queenstown Gardens are a short stroll from the town centre, sitting on a small peninsula jutting into Lake Wakatipu. They were donated to the public in 1866 by Queenstown's first businessman, Bendix Hallenstein. Rent a frisbee for the frisbee golf course (NZ’s first) for a playful date, or simply find a bench overlooking the water.

Alternatively, if you have wheels the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, often dubbed the "most beautiful drive in the world," is 45 minutes of lakeside bliss. Stop at a secluded spot like Bob's Cove (about 12km from town) for a picnic. Bob's Cove has a short, easy loop track, a small jetty, and clear water perfect for a swim on a hot day.

At night, escape the (admittedly very low) Queenstown light pollution with a bit of stargazing at Moke Lake. About 20 minutes outside of town, Moke is famous for its sheltered, still waters that reflect the stars. Bring a warm blanket and a bottle of wine (perhaps that Pinot you bought in Gibbston) and look up. In winter, you might even catch a faint hint of the Aurora Australis.

The best spots for a special moment often depend on the mood. For panoramic views that are easy to access, take the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak. The observation deck offers the classic postcard shot of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and The Remarkables, making it an ideal pre-dinner drinks location. For secluded lakeside serenity, head to Bob’s Cove or drive further out on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road to Bennett’s Bluff Lookout for a dramatically framed view that feels far more remote. For a unique night-time experience, drive to Moke Lake to see the staggering glitz of the Southern Hemisphere’s stars, a true romantic spectacle.

For a special occasion, you want a place that combines atmosphere, local wine, and a stellar view. South Eatery at Mercure Queenstown Resort on Sainsbury Road is highly recommended, offering attentive service and exceptional local, seasonal cuisine with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling vistas across Lake Wakatipu. In town, options like Rātā (sophisticated fine dining using New Zealand ingredients) or the intimate, underground ambiance of The Bunker (a cocktail bar and restaurant tucked away in a back alley) provide an atmospheric, hidden-away feel perfect for candlelit conversation.

Queenstown is the place to test the bounds of your relationship. For a mutual adrenaline spike, consider a Tandem Bungy Jump at the historic Kawarau Bridge. If you prefer horizontal speed over vertical drops, the Shotover Jet boat ride through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating activity that requires you to hold on tight together. For something slightly less terrifying but equally scenic, a tandem paraglide off Coronet Peak allows you to soar silently over the valley and lake, sharing a moment of quiet, breathtaking flight.

The best romantic things to do in Queenstown blend thrill with luxury. The top-tier experiences are booking an evening session at Onsen Hot Pools for a secluded, star-gazing experience over the Shotover River. You can also book a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, such as the iconic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Or indulge in a gourmet wine day by renting e-bikes to self-guide a wine tour through the Gibbston Valley for cellar door tastings of Central Otago pinot noir.

For a comfortable, view-driven, and well-located stay, Mercure Queenstown Resort is an excellent choice. Located slightly elevated on the hillside in Fernhill, it provides unparalleled views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables from many of its rooms. The resort features a full complement of wellness facilities including a pool, gym, and sauna. Crucially, it houses the South Eatery restaurant and an onsite bar, with dramatic views for memorable dining. Its slightly removed location makes it feel like a private retreat, while still being just a short, convenient trip from the heart of Queenstown's action.