Hen’s Do
Queenstown is famous not only for its world-class wine but also its activities and scenery. If you’re planning a fabulous trip to Queenstown to celebrate the bride-to-be on her hens do, here’s a selection of top activities to make it a day, night, or weekend to remember.
Relax and rejuvenate with a: spa and pamper day
Pamper the bride-to-be with a day of relaxation at one of Queenstown’s many indulgent spas. From massage to sauna, you will all leave feeling refreshed and ready for the evening’s plans. Why not craft your own personalised perfume for the special day with Miller Road.
Wine & Dine
Save yourselves the stress of planning which vineyards to visit by booking a tour with one of Queenstown’s excellent local wine tour operators. Choose a half or full-day wine tour through the iconic Gibbston region and taste the best Central Otago offers. Have it all booked and planned for you with Appellation Tours, a local wine tour company that has recently introduced electric vehicles to its transport fleet. By booking with Appellation, you'll be supporting their commitment to long-term sustainability.
For the more active bride, hire bikes (or e-bikes for more pedal power) and bike the wineries, starting in Arrowtown or the beginning of Gibbston and cycle along the Gibbston River Trail stopping at the wineries dotted along the way. Don’t worry, there’s no need to pedal back! Bike transport operators can pick you up along the way.
Bike out to Mt Rosa in Gibbston
Get adventurous
If your hen is more of an adventure gal, there’s plenty of exciting group activities to satisfy her adventurous spirit. Try your hand at clay bird shooting, bubble soccer, zipline, or going on a horse trek. Race up the river on a jetboat, be careful not to get wet, or practice your best pirouette by ice skating in the Queenstown Ice Arena.
Cruise Lake Whakatipu
Soak up Lake Whakatipu on a leisurely cruise with a glass of bubbles in hand. Head over to Walter Peak, Mt Nicholas Station, take in the Whakatipu bays, or explore secluded bays and turquoise waters as you cruise towards Glenorchy. Alternatively, book a private charter and party the day away with your nearest and dearest. Turn it up a notch and book a party boat, inspired by the 70’s, this four-levelled party boat is fully kitted out with a bar, BBQ, games, and two sun decks to relax on.
A Foodies Dream
Foodies are spoilt for choice in Queenstown, with many dining options and cuisines, finding the perfect spot isn’t hard. Book in for an elegant degustation dinner and savour the tastes of Queenstown produce paired with the finest Central Otago wines, or opt for a fun and quirky dining experience at Margo's. Stay on after dinner and experience Queenstown's vibrant nightlife scene, including three ice bars, world-class cocktails, and even a bar with a mechanical bull, there’s plenty to experience on a night out.
Cocktails and dining at Rata, Queenstown
Let someone else do the cooking and book a private chef
If you’re looking for more of a personal dining experience, book private chef Fabien Simon and have a night in with the girls. Fabien will take care of everything from sourcing premium local produce to cooking and cleaning, you and your guests will have a night of award-winning indulgence.
Stag's Do
Get the heart racing
Let’s face it, every great Stag’s party must have something that gives the groom a bit of a scare. And what better place to do that than Queenstown! Throw him off a bridge, catapult or swing him through a canyon, or push him out of a plane. For the lesser extreme, check out Oxbow jetsprint boats, white water rafting or amazing quadbike adventures all on offer.
Nevis Catapult, Queenstown
Get out into the great outdoors
No matter what time of year you visit there's always some thing exciting to do outdoors. Queenstown is home to New Zealand’s best ski fields and an epic après scene to match. Powder lovers are spoilt or choice with four ski areas on our doorstep and there’s no need to bring your own gear either, with plenty of ski and snowboard hire options available.
In summer we have an incredible mountain biking scene, from pump tracks to downhill thrills, we have three lift assisted mountain bike parks creating so many options for you to pick from. Bring your gear down with you or hire from town and get riding.
Take to the water on the Luanda Party Boat for a day in the sun. With full bar facilities, amazing staff, beanbags and games it's a great way to see Lake Whakatipu. Or book a fishing charter and see who can catch the fish of the day. Reel in some delicious salmon or rainbow trout to grill after your cruise before you head into town and explore the fantastic cocktail bars.
Sneak in a round of golf
If your stag considers himself handy with a golf club, Queenstown has seven stunning golf courses just 20 minutes from town, including four championship courses. Or if you’re short on time, hit up the driving range at Frankton Golf Course or Golf Federation's indoor golf simulator and see who has the better swing. Try your hand at something new and pick up some frisbees from the Queenstown Ice Arena or Small Planet for a spot of frisbee golf in the Queenstown Gardens. With 18 'holes' across varying terrain it’s a challenge for even the most athletic.
Jack's Point Golf Club
Dining/Evening & Night Out
With a walkable town centre and over 150+ restaurants and bars, Queenstown is the place to be for an evening of wining and dining. From classic pubs and steak houses to beer halls and Italian. Finish up the night with drinks at Rhinos or Zephyr, or cocktails at The Ballarat.
Explore Queenstown's Craft Brewery Scene
Craft beer tours are the perfect stag do activity, jump on a guided tour and travel around Queenstown visiting at a mix of local breweries and stopping for a crafted lunch and beer pairing. Queenstown is lucky to have a number of fantastic breweries with plenty on offer around the basin from Altitude in Frankton, to Searchlight Brewing on Gorge Road, and Canyon Brewing out in Arthurs Point. Alternatively we've got the wonderful Smiths craft beer house and Beech Tree craft beer which host many local brews on tap, Beech Tree even has a fantastic collection of board games to keep you entertained while you work your way through the list.
Altitude Brewing
Take the hassle out of planning your hen’s or stag do and get someone else to do it for you, Altitude Tours offers some amazing options for the whole group. They do all the work, you just need to turn up!
