There are a number of operators that provide half or full day trips into Skippers Canyon, all with informative commentary about the canyon's history, early settlers and its gold mining past.

Skippers Canyon tour with Nomad Safaris

2. Take a Queenstown winery tour through Gibbston 

Learn about the region's wine-making history on one of the many wine tours available, and taste the world-famous Central Otago pinot noir. Just 30 minutes from Queenstown to Gibbston and home to some of the region's oldest vineyards, a trip to Gibbston is must-do on your Queenstown adventure, no matter the weather.

Winetasting at Kinross

3. Book a quad biking or motorcycle trip

Prepare to get wet and muddy with one of the local tour providers. Conquer steep mountains, creek crossings and mountain tracks, your guides are the best in the business and will show you the most thrilling tracks Queenstown has to offer.

Quad biking with Off Road Adventures

4. Hop on a boat and explore Milford Sound

The BEST time to experience Milford Sound is in the rain, whether you self-drive yourself, or take a tour, the waterfalls and scenery come to life in when it's raining.

More information on tour providers can be found here.

Milford Sound on a rainy day

5. Visit the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown

The museum has a strong hands-on focus, presenting an authentic picture of early Māori life and the harsh pioneering days of the European settlers and goldminers through working displays covering two floors and incorporating three historic buildings.

The Lakes District Museum in historic Arrowtown

6. Book a cooking lesson with one of Queenstown’s private chefs

Book a cooking lesson with French chef Fabien Simon either at your apartment or in his dedicated teaching kitchen. Learn a few new dishes to add to your repertoire or perfect something you've been trying on your own. Fabien offers a wide range of classes from rustic Italian to sweet treats, and he even offer culinary basics for beginners.

Private cooking lesson with Chef Fabien Simon

7. Try canyoning for the first time.

You're going to get wet anyway! Try your hand at abseiling down a waterfall, jumping into white water pools, or sliding down natural water slides with one of Queenstown's incredible canyoning tours. They'll provide the gear, you bring the excitement. 

Canyoning with Canyoning New Zealand

8. Book yourself a spa day

Queenstown has a plethora of day spas to suit your relaxation needs. Soak your stress away in a luxurious day spa, enjoy a massage, or treat yourself to a selection of therapies, all of which will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.  

Relaxing facial with Body Sanctum Day Spa

9. Indoor fun to keep you dry

Getting wet and muddy not on your to-do list? From Thrillzone, Escape Rooms to our own Haunted House, Queenstown has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained and dry. Check out Kingpin, kitted with a full arcade, bowling alley, bar & restaurant there's something for all ages. Or want to try your hand at skydiving without jumping out of the plane, head over to iFly for their wind tunnel. 

For something unique, try your hand at creating your own bespoke fragrance at Miller Road Fragrances on Beech Street. Their perfume workshops will teach you to make a balanced fragrance from over 60 perfumery materials, and you'll get a 30ml bottle of your handmade scent to take home with you.

iFly indoor skydiving