On this page 6 sections
What makes a good first date
Keep it public, easy and short enough that it can end politely, with the option to keep going if it's going well. Queenstown is busy with visitors, so book anything popular, and keep the big adventures for a later date.
Easy and low key
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Queenstown Gardens
A peninsula park on Lake Wakatipu, a few minutes from town, with lakeside paths and a frisbee golf course.
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The lakefront and Steamer Wharf
Walk the waterfront, then find somewhere for a drink with a view across the lake.
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A burger on the beach
Queenstown's famous burger spots often have a queue, but waiting together is part of it. Take your food down to the lake.
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Onsen Hot Pools
Private hot tubs looking over the Shotover River canyon. Book ahead.
Get outside
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Skyline Gondola and luge
Ride up for the view over the lake and mountains, then race each other on the luge.
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Queenstown Hill
A steady climb from town to big views and the Basket of Dreams sculpture. Allow a couple of hours.
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The Frankton Track
A flat lakeside walk or cycle between town and Frankton, with plenty of places to stop.
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Moke Lake
A short drive from town on Google Maps
A quiet lake in the hills, with a loop walk around the water.
Bigger plans for a second date
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Arrowtown
About 20 minutes away on Google Maps
A historic gold-mining town with cafés, a restored Chinese settlement and beautiful autumn colours.
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TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak
A steamship that has crossed the lake for over a century, out to a high country farm. Book ahead.
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Gibbston cellar doors
Gibbston Valley on Google Maps
Wineries in the gorge east of town. Sort out a sober driver or a tour first.
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The road to Glenorchy
One of the most scenic drives in the country, along the lake to the small town at its head.
Tips for dating in Queenstown
- Meet in the middle. Coming from Frankton, Arrowtown or Wānaka? Matcha's meet in the middle planner suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, open when you want to go, without either of you sharing where you live.
- Book ahead. Popular activities and restaurants fill up, especially in summer and the ski season.
- Dress for the mountains. It can be cold even on a sunny day, and the weather changes fast.
- Keep it simple first. A walk and a drink is plenty for a first date. Save the gondola and the wineries for later.
Common questions
What's a good free first date in Queenstown?
Try Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown Hill or the Frankton Track. They cost nothing, so add a coffee or an ice cream and you've got an easy first date.
Where can you go for an evening first date in Queenstown?
For an evening date, try the lakefront and Steamer Wharf, a burger on the beach, or Onsen Hot Pools.
How do you pick a first date spot halfway between you in Queenstown?
Use Meet in the middle in Matcha. Choose coffee, drinks or food and a time, and it suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, without either of you sharing where you live.