Queenstown, a sophisticated holiday resort set in the magnificent landscapes of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, is probably one of the prettiest places in the world. Lush mountains rising from turquoise waters may seem too good to be true, but you will just have to trust your eyes! Queenstown is the party capital of New Zealand but most importantly the adrenaline capital of the World. It offers over 200 activities for those seeking a thrill. Activities include jet boating, white water rafting, bungy jumping, sky diving, fly boarding, hot air ballooning canyoning, horse-riding, skiing, snowboarding and many more. Get started with our Top 11 Things To Do In Queenstown.
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Skyline Queenstown
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Located an easy 5-minute walk from central Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic Gondola (the steepest Gondola in the Southern Hemisphere), Skyline Queenstown is a ‘must-see’ attraction during your visit. The best views in the region are found here spread out in a spectacular 220-degree panorama. It’s truly magnificent and awe-inspiring. Skyline also offers access to scenic Queenstown activities such as walking tracks in the Ben Lomond Reserve. mountain bike trails in the Queenstown Bike Park and the thrilling multi-track Luge attraction.
Bungy Jumping
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If you’re visiting the adventure capital of New Zealand, you have to at least think of throwing yourself off a bridge or high ledge attached only by a piece of elastic, right. Queenstown has a bunch of bungy jumping options to choose from, including the infamous and terrifying Nevis Bungy. The Nevis is the highest of all New Zealand Bungy Jumps and the 134 meters (440 ft) drop offers an epic 8.5-second free fall.
Milford Sound
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Take a day trip to Milford Sound, yet another spectacular landscape in the heart of Fiordland National Park. If you don’t want to drive the four-five hour-long journey, take a day tour with Intercity where you will spend time on a bus, hike through a short trail and cruise around Milford Sound watching dolphins, if you are lucky. We recommend taking the guided dive trips, they are offering a unique diving experience in this world heritage marine reserve with viewings of seals, penguins and over 150 species of fish. Milford Sound is breathtakingly beautiful both above and below the water.
Skydiving
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As the birthplace of tandem skydiving in New Zealand, Queenstown serves as the ideal destination for a drop zone, which is located at the base of the majestic Remarkables mountain range, further adding to the panorama that unfolds below as you drop from a maximum height of 4,570 meters (15,000 ft) over Lake Wakatipu.
Shotover Jet
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Shotover Jet, the first commercial jet boat operator in the world, is one hour fast paced, adrenaline packed jet boat ride that will have you speeding, gliding and 360 degrees spinning through the spectacular Shotover River Canyons, Kawarau Falls, Tucker Beach and Lake Wakatipu. At 85 km/h (53 mph) your skipper skillfully whips the powerful boat past rocky outcrops, skim around crags and boulders, and speed through the dramatic and narrow canyons. The Shotover Jet was
Fergburger
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Fergburger is a gourmet burger place in the heart of Queenstown. It is the single most popular restaurant in New Zealand and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions here – as you will see from the lines of customers that often from outside. Fergburger is absolutely as good as everyone says it is. Every burger is a masterpiece, but you should go for the massive Big Al, – 1/2 lb of New Zealand beef, bacon, cheese, two eggs, beetrootת and veggies.
Lake Wanaka
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Lake Wanaka is located in the Otago region of New Zealand, at an altitude of 300 meters (984 ft). It is New Zealand’s fourth largest lake and estimated to be more than 300 meters (984 ft) deep. If walking along the pebbly shore of the lake isn’t quite enough for you, book yourself onto a Lake Wanaka cruise. Try the TSS Earnslaw, a century-old steamship, or perhaps check out the Million Dollar Cruise. Both have multiple sailings each day.
White Water Rafting
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Graded between 3 to 5 (5 is the highest grade commercially rafted in the world) the rivers around Queenstown will definitely get your heart pumping. The Shotover River has the best rapids and Queenstown Rafting will take you up river to your rafts either by bus or a helicopter depending on how much money you pay them. And then you jump in a raft with 5 others and make your way back to town. In the summer you will be warmer but in the winter you will have bigger rapids, but no matter when you go you will have fun. Source: travelnation
Heli-Skiing
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If you are a skier and are visiting Queenstown in winters, you must go for an exclusive Heli-skiing experience. Heli-skiing is off-trail, downhill skiing or snowboarding that is accessed by a helicopter, as opposed to a ski lift. Though it may seem a little more expensive than other activities, the experience will surely be worth it.
Beach
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Why not take some time out and enjoy some of the many beaches located around the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. If you want to be where all the action is head to the main beach in Queenstown Bay. Here you’ll be captivated by many of the wonderful activities that Queenstown has on offer. If a little peace and quiet mixed with some sun and a good book is what you are after then maybe try Sunshine Bay (just 5mins drive along the Glenorchy road from Queenstown).
Arrowtown
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Arrowtown, about 20 minutes outside of Queenstown, is a former gold rush village which will have you falling in love with its quaint little shops and traditional architecture – this place literally looks like it hasn’t been touched in years, in the best possible way. There are lots of shopping and dining opportunities as well.
Just So You Know…
- Queenstown has a resident population of about 18,000 and welcomes more than 100 times that number (1.89 million) visitors per year.
- The Remarkables mountain range is one of only two mountain ranges in the world to run directly north to south (the other is the Rockies).
- There are over 80 wineries in Central Otago with 77% of products being devoted to Pinot Noir.
- Visit Queenstown’s Original Arts & Crafts Market – Every Saturday there is a street fair in the small park by the docks with local artisans selling their wares and jewelry.
- If you visit during winter time, don’t miss the multi award-winning Queenstown Winter Festival. It is a 10-day action-packed program with plenty of entertainment and celebration events.
- Plan your trip even better by booking your accommodation in advance. Check out our 11 Best Hotels in Queenstown NZ.
Grab A Bite:
- Fat Badgers – THE place for extra large pizzas and extra large beer.
- Skyline Queenstown Stratosfare Restaurant – An iconic New Zealand cuisine infused with international influences. Located at the top of the Gondola with the amazing views of the surrounding area.
