The small resort city of Queenstown has the fame of being the journey capital of New Zealand — and perhaps of the entire world! Positioned on New Zealand’s South Island on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this metropolis gives scenic views and proximity to nature, adrenaline-pumping journey actions, and loads of low-key choices if you happen to’re in search of a extra relaxed keep.
It is normally on each vacationer’s must-see listing when visiting New Zealand, and is understandably typically named as a favourite spot. I have been to Queenstown a number of occasions myself throughout many journeys (I’ve misplaced rely of what number of occasions I’ve visited, however it’s at the least half a dozen!), and am right here to share with you all of the stuff you will not wish to miss.
A fast historical past of Queenstown
Queenstown was first settled in 1860 by a Welshman named William Gilbert Rees. Rees, a sheep farmer on the time, was in search of a spot to determine a excessive nation farm, and picked Queenstown’s present location.
Rees and his household settled alongside Lake Wakatipu, however solely had peace and quiet for a few years. In 1861, gold was found within the close by Arrow River, which led to an inflow of males who have been now out of the blue within the southern Central Otago area. And every part sort of snowballed from there!
Right now, Queenstown has grown into certainly one of New Zealand’s hottest cities. Roughly 30,000 individuals can the city itself dwelling, however the Queenstown-Lakes District is constantly one of many fastest-growing in New Zealand. And through peak tourism seasons? The inhabitants of Queenstown greater than doubles.
Queenstown is the house of a number of adrenaline-focused “innovations,” together with business bungy leaping and jetboating. However as you will see from the listing under, there’s LOTS to do in Queenstown — together with loads of issues that do not require you to be a daredevil in any respect.
25+ epic issues to do in Queenstown
Whether or not’s you are spending every week in Queenstown by itself or simply visiting briefly as a part of an extended New Zealand street journey, right here’s a have a look at the very best issues to do while you go to Queenstown, divided up by what you could be most inquisitive about:
Journey issues to do in Queenstown
1. Go bungy leaping
Trendy bungy leaping as we all know it right this moment was invented proper right here in New Zealand by a person named A.J. Hackett. The primary business bungy leap occurred within the Eighties in Queenstown, and the remainder, as they are saying, is historical past.
Right now, Queenstown boasts 3 distinctive bungy places, all operated by AJ Hackett): the Kawarau Bridge (the birthplace of bungy), The Ledge (a scenic leap close to the Skyline Gondola), and the Nevis Highwire (a 134-meter behemoth within the canyons exterior of town). If you happen to’re planning to bungy leap in New Zealand, do it in Queenstown!
(AJ Hackett additionally has epic swings at each their Kawarau and Nevis places, which might be enjoyable to do with buddies — however bungy is the traditional right here!)
2. Expertise jetboating
One other New Zealand authentic invented within the Nineteen Fifties, jetboating is a enjoyable, quick journey appropriate for the entire household. Jetboats are distinctive in that they’re shallow-bottomed and haven’t any propellers, and so can function within the shallow rivers round Queenstown.
Whereas there are lots of choices on this space of the nation, I like to recommend the Shotover Jet, the place jetboat drivers will zip by way of the slender Shotover Canyon, getting inside inches of the canyon partitions and pulling 360-degree turns that can take your breath away.
3. Take a helicopter tour
You will get loads of nice views in Queenstown on the bottom, however if you happen to’re seeking to get a very distinctive perspective of town, the lake, and the encircling mountains, take into account reserving your self on a helicopter tour.
You’ll soar as much as the Remarkables mountain vary above Queenstown, getting a hen’s-eye view of every part under. You’ll even make an alpine touchdown and have an opportunity to hop out and take some unforgettable pictures of the dramatic surroundings.
There are a number of choices in Queenstown relying in your price range, however these are those I would advocate:
4. Go skydiving
You possibly can leap out of a airplane throughout New Zealand, however there’s no arguing that skydiving in Queenstown is fairly epic. The one draw back is that it’s dearer to leap in Queenstown than nearly wherever else within the nation as a result of it’s such a preferred vacationer vacation spot.
If you happen to select to go skydiving right here, NZONE Queenstown gives a tremendous expertise skydiving over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain vary.
5. Go tandem paragliding
If you happen to’re not fairly sufficient of a daredevil for leaping out of an airplane, tandem paragliding is an exercise you would possibly get pleasure from extra. It’s a bit gentler, however make no mistake, that is nonetheless an enormous journey and you may’t be afraid of heights!
In your tandem paragliding expertise, you’ll launch from Coronet Peak, gliding serenely over the gorgeous surroundings, with views of Lake Wakatipu and the encircling mountains. It’s peaceable, but exhilarating on the similar time.
6. Go whitewater rafting
One other adventurous exercise to attempt in Queenstown if you happen to go to through the summer season is whitewater rafting. You possibly can go rafting on class II and III rapids on both the Kawarau River or Shotover River from Queenstown. These are each appropriate for first-timers, although it’s best to in fact be ready to get moist!
7. Go riverboarding
Yet one more distinctive journey exercise you’ll be able to attempt in Queenstown is riverboarding. Also called whitewater browsing, this adrenaline-pumping exercise is much more intense than whitewater rafting as a result of it places you proper *in* the water.
You’ll don a wetsuit and be geared up with a bodyboard so you’ll be able to paddle down the river, testing your talent at browsing on rapids or whirlpools. That is an intense however actually enjoyable journey!
8. Expertise the journey of canyoning
You too can attempt canyoning (or canyoneering) close to Queenstown. This exercise is ideal for thrill-seeking lovers of the outside, combining a number of parts together with zip lining by way of an historic forest, rappelling down waterfalls, and leaping into pure swimming pools.
No expertise is critical for this one, both, although a average stage of health will allow you to out since you will be doing loads of climbing and scrambling throughout this half-day journey.
9. Zipline by way of the forest
With breathtaking surroundings throughout, Queenstown is the proper vacation spot for ziplining. This enjoyable, fast-paced exercise can have you hovering by way of the forest and taking in epic vistas of the lake and the mountains past on a number of ziplines as much as 1,500 toes above Queenstown.
That is adventurous, however barely extra sedate than issues like skydiving or whitewater rafting. They’ve three totally different programs to select from primarily based in your group make-up and affinity for thrills.
10. Go mountain biking
With mountains surrounding Queenstown, there are many alternatives for biking, from beginner-friendly paths to technical downhill runs. The city has a number of bike parks, as nicely, like Ben Lomond Reserve. If you happen to’re visiting and wish to lease a mountain bike, you’ll be able to lease from native corporations like Across the Basin or Vertigo Bikes.
If you happen to aren’t comfy going mountain biking by yourself, there are a variety of guided excursions you’ll be able to e book, too. This e-bike tour gives wonderful views as you “experience to the sky” as much as Grant Peak, with 360-degree views of the panorama.
11. Go climbing
Mountaineering is a enjoyable and free exercise you are able to do in Queenstown, which generally is a reduction in a vacation spot as expensive as New Zealand. Round Queenstown, there are a number of nice trails to take a look at. You possibly can stroll alongside Lake Wakatipu or hike as much as Queenstown Hill if you happen to’re in search of one thing scenic and never too difficult. Listed below are some extra quick walks in Queenstown, in addition to a listing of good day hikes.
You too can hike a portion of the Routeburn Monitor. This usually takes three days to finish, however you are able to do segments of the trek as a day hike — together with even on a guided hike!
12. Ski or snowboard within the winter
Through the winter months (June by way of September, as a result of bear in mind New Zealand is within the Southern Hemisphere!), Queenstown turns right into a ski resort. Native ski fields open up in mid-June every year, drawing snow sport lovers from everywhere in the world to their slopes. Some ski fields keep open as late as October, relying on snow.
There are 4 ski resorts round Queenstown, together with Coronet Peak Ski Space, The Remarkables Ski Space, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and Treble Cone. All of the resorts supply gear rental, and there are ski shuttle companies that go away from central Queenstown to get you out to the slopes.
Stress-free issues to do in Queenstown
1. Journey the Skyline Gondola
One of the crucial iconic issues to do in Queenstown is to take a experience on the Skyline Gondola. Purchase a return ticket and hop aboard to be whisked away to nearly 800 meters (2600+ toes) above town. On the high, viewing decks supply an almost-360-degree view over town, lake, and Remarkables mountain vary.
If you wish to splurge, get pleasure from a sprawling buffet dinner, or e book a stargazing package deal. You too can purchase separate tickets to check out the Skyline Luge. I can extremely advocate the luge right here, which sends you careening down twisting mountain paths in little sled-like contraptions with wheels.
(The luging is certainly extra adventure-leaning!)
2. Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown is located straight on the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu, but when strolling alongside the pebbly shore of the lake isn’t fairly sufficient for you, e book your self onto a Lake Wakatipu cruise. Attempt the TSS Earnslaw, a century-old steamship, or go along with this sightseeing cruise.
You too can pair up a sightseeing cruise with lunch at excessive nation farm, similar to this enjoyable tour that features a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw after which a go to to the Walter Peak Excessive Nation Farm with a BBQ lunch and an opportunity to look at sheep herding and sheep shearing.
3. Go to Queenstown Gardens
The Queenstown Gardens are a bit gem proper on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. Based in 1866, the tranquil botanical backyard is dwelling to a number of timber, a rose backyard, shady lawns with benches, and extra. There are good strolling paths right here which can be stunning to walk round at any time of yr, however it’s notably lush through the spring and summer season seasons
There are additionally some sports activities amenities inside the gardens, together with a Frisbee golf course (the primary in New Zealand!). You possibly can lease disc golf gear from the Queenstown Ice Enviornment (data right here).
4. Calm down at a spa with a view
If enjoyable in a sizzling tub with an unbelievable view feels like a pleasant strategy to spend a day, head over to the Onsen Sizzling Swimming pools, an indoor-outdoor location simply exterior of Queenstown that can make everybody at dwelling jealous. Overlooking a beautiful valley (the place you’ll be able to typically watch jetboats zip by way of!), these non-public sizzling tubs are high luxurious.
My husband Elliot and I booked a type of on our New Zealand honeymoon! (You do wish to e book these prematurely, although, as they do are likely to promote out.)
5. Sit back at Minus 5 Ice Bar
The Minus 5 Ice Bar is without doubt one of the coolest (pun meant) issues to do in Queenstown. Because the title suggests, every part inside is manufactured from ice!
Upon arrival, you’ll obtain winter jackets, heat boots, and gloves so you’ll be able to comfortably discover the house, which options ice sculptures and ice furnishings. This can be a family-friendly spot, with mocktails out there for the youngsters (and the adults), in addition to a full bar menu.
6. Get pleasure from wine tasting on the Vineyard
Though it’s doable to go wine tasting at vineyards within the Central Otago area on a day journey from Queenstown, you additionally don’t have to go away town for a enjoyable wine tasting expertise. The Vineyard in Queenstown gives greater than 80 wines from round New Zealand multi function place, so you’ll be able to discover the nation’s high wines in a single night right here.
This is a great spot to spend a while on a wet day in Queenstown!
Greatest Queenstown day journeys
1. Go to Deer Park Heights
Deer Park Heights is a scenic drive and animal encounter positioned on a working deer farm 550 meters above Queenstown. For followers of Lord of the Rings, visiting Deer Park Heights is a should as a result of it was a film filming location (most famously the place Aragorn “took a bit tumble off the cliff”)!
You too can absorb wonderful views of the Lake Wakatipu basin, see the film units, and feed and work together with deer. You’ll want your personal automobile to go to Deer Park Heights, however it’s nicely well worth the journey. It is beneficial that you just e book forward to go to.
2. Day journey to Glenorchy
Positioned on the northern finish of Lake Wakatipu about 45 minutes from Queenstown, Glenorchy is simply as scenically gorgeous as Queenstown, however a lot less-visited.
If you happen to’re in search of high quality horseback using excursions, head to Glenorchy. Dart River Stables gives a wide range of horse treks, all of which supply stunning alpine views.
If you happen to’re a Lord of the Rings fan, many epic scenes have been filmed in and round Glenorchy. Guide a half-day Lord of the Rings tour to see some, or a full-day model that additionally consists of spots in Glenorchy.
3. Day journey to Mount Aspiring Nationwide Park
Mount Aspiring Nationwide Park is the proper day journey if you wish to immerse your self in nature and discover the fantastic thing about the Southern Alps.
One of the best ways to get to Mount Aspiring is by taking a day journey with Dart River Adventures — I extremely advocate their Wilderness Safari, which features a jetboat experience, a brief hike, and a bus experience by way of a spot actually named Paradise. That is certainly one of my favourite day journeys I’ve executed from Queenstown!
4. Day journey to Skipper’s Canyon
Take a half-day journey out to Skipper’s Canyon, the place gold was found again within the 1860s. Attending to this canyon is half the enjoyable, as you are taking a nail-biting experience in a 4-wheel-drive automobile alongside a treacherous mountain street. (It is really kinda scary in elements, so beware.)
The street is so tough that it’s a must to have a allow to drive on it, so one of the best ways to go to Skipper’s Canyon is on a tour like this one.
5. Day journey to Arrowtown
Drive or catch a bus to this little gold mining city, about half an hour from Queenstown. Now dotted with artwork galleries and little cafes, Arrowtown nonetheless pays homage to its gold mining roots.
You’ll really feel a bit bit such as you’re stepping again in time right here, and if you happen to can catch it within the autumn months, the autumn colours are attractive. Arrowtown additionally combines nicely with a go to to Wanaka, one other stunning city a bit additional afield. This tour will take you to each locations.
6. Go on a wine tour
The Central Otago area produces a number of the finest wine in New Zealand. If you happen to’re in search of one thing relaxed to do after a bunch of journey actions in Queenstown, a tour of some boutique wineries could be the proper strategy to spend a day.
7. Go to gorgeous Milford Sound
Often called New Zealand’s high vacationer attraction (and referred to at the least as soon as as “the eighth surprise of the world”), Milford Sound is a must-see for many guests to New Zealand.
This picturesque fjord is lined with towering peaks and full of deep blue water, cascading waterfalls, and loads of wildlife. It’s reached by the spectacular Milford Highway, which winds by way of the mountains and Fiordland Nationwide Park.
Numerous day journeys might be booked from Queenstown, which embody a 5-hour bus experience to Milford Sound, a 1.5-hour cruise by way of the fjord, and one other 5-hour bus experience again to town. You too can e book a scenic flight between Queenstown and Milford, which I extremely advocate on a transparent day.
8. Uncertain Sound
Not up for vying with different vacationers for that good shot of Mitre Peak at Milford Sound? Take into account Uncertain Sound, as a substitute, Milford’s severely underrated little brother.
Uncertain Sound is simply as spectacular as Milford in any climate, however it’s far much less touristed. Day journeys from Queenstown might be booked by way of RealNZ, and embody a 2-hour bus experience to Lake Manapouri, a 1-hour cruise throughout the lake, a 30-minute bus experience to Uncertain Sound, after which a 3-hour cruise on the fjord.
Coming again (the identical route, however in reverse order), you’ll additionally get to cease briefly on the underground Lake Manapouri Energy Station. This tour could also be a bit dearer (and it makes for a LONG day), however it’s value it for the smaller crowd and fewer time spent on a bus.
When to go to Queenstown
Queenstown is a year-round vacation spot. It is busiest in the summertime months (December-February), when you’ll be able to entry all of the out of doors and journey actions you’ll be able to dream of. It is also fashionable through the winter (June-September) for snowboarding and snowboarding.
I personally love Queenstown probably the most through the shoulder season in spring and autumn, particularly in October/early November and March/April. There’s nonetheless loads to do in these months, however you will encounter barely much less crowds and higher lodge costs.
The place to remain in Queenstown
Talking of resorts, this is the place I like to recommend staying in Queenstown:
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 international locations on 6 continents from her dwelling base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by way of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!