What to do in Devils Staircase

Activities, attractions and tours

A winding mountain road with a view of a lake and mountains.
A mountain range silhouetted against a twilight sky.
A lake with mountains in the background and a bush with red berries in the foreground.
A winding road beside a lake with mountains in the background.
A mountainous landscape with a clear blue sky, a road, and a body of water.

Devils Staircase Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Devils Staircase has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Devils Staircase, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Devils Staircase with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Devils Staircase

Devils Staircase is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Devils Staircase, and make it a breeze to explore Devils Staircase and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Devils Staircase to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Devils Staircase, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Devils Staircase.

Devils Staircase attractions

Devils Staircase has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Devils Staircase to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Devils Staircase.

Looking for things to do in Devils Staircase can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Devils Staircase or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Devils Staircase attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise

£77
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise
Landscape view of a boat touring the Milford Sound

Milford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown

£166
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Milford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

£96
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

£52
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

£70
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

£35
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)
Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

£43
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

£157
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch

£96
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch
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Top places to visit

1. Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens occupy a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu, on the outskirts of Queenstown. Since 1867 the gardens have been a central feature of the town, and provide a tranquil break from the busy streets. Visit the gardens to see historic, heritage-listed trees, marvel at the views of The Remarkables mountain range, or enjoy sporting and leisure activities.
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A stone bridge over a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and red flowers.

2. Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is a lightning bolt-shaped lake set in the shadow of dramatic mountain peaks and alpine forests. The lake is the ideal setting for outdoor pursuits such as biking, fishing, kayaking and walking. Lake Wakatipu is 84 kilometres (52 miles) long and extends for 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) at its widest point. Māori legend states that the lake formed after a giant was burnt to death and thus scorched a huge hole by melting the ice of the nearby mountains.
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A lake surrounded by mountains with a winding road.

3. Skyline Queenstown

Winding up the side of Bob’s Peak is the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 1967, the Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the summit of Bob’s Peak for views across the Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu area. Skyline also operates a number of adventure activities on the mountain. The gondola is the best way to access the mountain biking, hiking and paragliding that takes place on Bob’s Peak.
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A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

4. Coronet Peak Ski Area

Traverse ski and snowboard runs for all skill levels at Coronet Peak, a 691-acre (280-hectare) ski field to the northeast of Queenstown. Take on moguls and off-piste areas, then recharge at one of the many cafés and restaurants that serve hot food and drinks throughout the day.
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A skier in mid-air performing a jump on a snowy slope with a mountainous backdrop.

5. The Remarkables Ski Area

Enjoy 543 acres (220 hectares) of slopes less than an hour’s drive from central Queenstown at the Remarkables. Test yourself at the terrain parks or watch the action from the warmth of a café while sipping a hot chocolate.
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A ski lift with passengers against a snowy mountain backdrop.

6. Kiwi Park

The national symbol of New Zealand, the kiwi, is a timid and elusive bird that few have the chance to see in the wild. The Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown offers visitors the opportunity to get up-close with this at-risk species, and to learn about the birds in the process. The Kiwi Birdlife Park’s grounds are leafy and expansive, and are a popular destination for visitors to Queenstown for the peaceful escape they provide.
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A bird with a wing injury perched on a fence next to a sign reading "T.C. THE KEA".

What to do in Devils Staircase

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Devils Staircase worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or try regional foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Devils Staircase.
How do I spend a day in Devils Staircase?
Begin your sightseeing adventures with a visit to the top attractions. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Devils Staircase while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Devils Staircase?
Scroll up to find a range of recommended things to do in Devils Staircase, including affordable tours, family-friendly ideas and other highlights you can't miss.
Is three days enough to stay in Devils Staircase?
Three days is plenty for a quick getaway to Devils Staircase — you'll hit the main sights and get a good feel for the place. But if you truly want to soak it all in, hang around for at least seven to ten days to explore some nearby hotspots too.
What are some activities to do in Devils Staircase with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all of your group, here are some terrific ideas for what to do in Devils Staircase with kids.

What to do in Devils Staircase for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural gems to thrilling excursions and unique experiences, there are loads of fascinating things to do in Devils Staircase for adults.
Are there free things to do in Devils Staircase?
You don't need to spend a small fortune to have a great holiday here. There are lots of free things to do in Devils Staircase for the budget-conscious traveller. Roam the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask for ideas from a local tour guide.