Queenstown, positioned on the South Island of New Zealand, is a panoramic vacation spot that gives a novel mix of pure magnificence and journey. With gorgeous landscapes and crystal-clear lakes, it’s no surprise that Queenstown is taken into account one of the lovely locations on earth. But this city is greater than only a fairly face. Known as the journey capital of the world, Queenstown is a hub for thrill-seekers, and adrenaline junkies. If you’re searching for issues to do in Queenstown to get the adrenaline pumping, you will have come to the suitable place.
Top Things to do in Queenstown
Get prepared to soar via the sky with a skydive, really feel the frenzy of a bungee leap, or just absorb the gorgeous views, Queenstown has it. In this text, we’ll take a more in-depth have a look at the most effective issues to do in Queenstown, so you may benefit from your go to and create reminiscences that can final a lifetime.
1. Bungy Jump
Experience the fun of bungy leaping in the birthplace of the world’s first industrial bungy leap. With three bungy websites to select from it has to be on the high of the most effective issues to do in Queenstown. All of the websites function each day year-round, and Queenstown is the final word vacation spot for daredevils. Read extra: 8 Great Places to Go Bungee Jumping in New Zealand
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
Located 25 minutes from Queenstown in Gibbston, is the world’s first industrial bungy leap, the place you may leap 43m above the Kawarau River. Jump solo or tandem, with water touches being a must-try. Free transfers from Queenstown can be found.
Ledge Bungy
At 43m excessive, it feels even larger because the bungy platform is perched on the sting of a cliff on the high of the Skyline advanced in central Queenstown. With a superb viewing space, it’s additionally an awesome possibility for spectators.
Nevis Bungy
Standing 134m (440ft) above the gorgeous Nevis valley. Test your bravery and willpower with this excessive expertise. Round-trip transfers from Queenstown are included, and you may mix them with the Nevis Swing for a very memorable expertise. The spherical journey takes roughly 3.5 hours.
2. Skydiving
Jumping from an plane at 15,000ft requires bravery! You are tied to a seasoned tandem grasp, brace your self for a sensory overload as you hit 200 kmph. The private problem is large. Soar above breathtaking landscapes, together with alpine resorts, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. You can e book your Skydive Adventure in Queenstown in advance via GetYour Guide. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
You can select to freefall from the next peak choices:
From 15,000ft you’ll freefall for up to 60 seconds. From 12,000ft you’ll freefall for up to 45 seconds. From 9,000ft you’ll freefall for up to 25 seconds. Book in advance.
I gave this primary place on the record as everybody I’ve traveled to Queenstown with has carried out this exercise, it’s nearly a ceremony of passage. The views of the encircling landscapes can’t be overwhelmed. Your tandem grasp will report the entire expertise which will probably be obtainable for you to buy after the dive.
3. Skiing and Snowboarding
Queenstown is famend for its distinctive ski fields, making it the right winter vacation vacation spot for skiers and snowboarders of all ranges. Boasting 4 ski areas inside attain and providing top-notch snow and terrain, Queenstown is positioned in the Southern Alps and guarantees an unforgettable snowboarding expertise. With a prolonged ski season working from June to October, you may hit the slopes for months on finish.
Getting to Queenstown is straightforward with direct flights from main cities in Australia and New Zealand, permitting you to be on the mountain or in the bustling city heart in minutes.
With quite a lot of ski move choices, together with single-day passes and season passes, you may select the one which fits you finest. Daily mountain transport can also be obtainable. You can hire all your gear from newbie snowboards to snowboard boots in the city heart.
Ski and Snowboard Resorts
Coronet Peak
One of the most well-liked ski areas in Queenstown, Coronet Peak boasts well-groomed trails and terrain parks, making it superb for learners and intermediates. It additionally gives night time snowboarding from 4-9 PM, maximizing your time on the mountain.
Treble Cone
A ski space that gives a tougher terrain, Treble Cone is understood for its lengthy, uncrowded, and well-groomed runs.
The Remarkables
Another well-loved ski space, The Remarkables gives terrain appropriate for skiers and snowboarders of all talent ranges, whereas additionally offering breathtaking views and a family-friendly environment. It additionally has a leap park for these trying to check their expertise on a ramp.
Cardrona
Located an hour away from Queenstown, Cardrona is a ski resort that boasts a variety of terrain and is taken into account the most effective ski resort in New Zealand for learners.
4. Hiking
Hiking in Queenstown is a well-liked exercise that gives guests the possibility to expertise the pure fantastic thing about the world and get some train on the similar time. With quite a lot of trails starting from simple walks to difficult multi-day hikes.
I’d advocate the Ben Lomond Track. This took us about 4 hours (a technique) and we definitely confronted our demons, however the views from the highest had been value it! This is without doubt one of the hottest hikes in Queenstown, providing spectacular views of the Remarkables mountain vary and Lake Wakatipu. The monitor is a difficult 6-8 hour return hike, with an elevation achieve of 1,438 m.
Other advisable hikes in Queenstown
Bob’s Peak: This hike takes you up to the highest of Skyline Queenstown, the place you may get pleasure from panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. The hike takes round 1-2 hours, and you may take the gondola again down for those who favor.
Mount Crichton Loop Track: This is a average hike that takes you thru the beech forest and previous previous mining ruins. It gives gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu and takes round 2-4 hours to full.
Routeburn Track: While technically not in Queenstown, that is considered one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is definitely accessible from Queenstown. The monitor is a difficult 3-4 day hike that takes you thru gorgeous alpine surroundings and ends at Milford Sound.
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
Another in style space for hikers is Queenstown Hill positioned close to the middle of Queenstown. The hottest path to the summit is the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, which takes roughly 2-3 hours to full. The path begins on the finish of Belfast Terrace, only a quick stroll from central Queenstown. Along the way in which, walkers move via a pine forest and open grassy slopes, with a number of viewpoints providing gorgeous views of the encircling space.
At the summit of Queenstown Hill, there’s a stone sculpture referred to as the “Basket of Dreams,” which was erected in 2000 to commemorate the brand new millennium. The sculpture gives a novel perspective on the encircling panorama and is a well-liked spot for pictures.
5. Milford Sound
The Milford Sound scenic drive and cruise is a well-liked time out that gives guests the possibility to expertise the gorgeous fantastic thing about considered one of New Zealand’s most well-known pure sights.
Once you arrive at Milford Sound, you’ll embark on a cruise that takes you thru the fjord and gives close-up views of towering waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and numerous wildlife. Including Kea birds and Seals.
Don’t overlook to e book a cruise operator earlier than you go to make sure you get an area. You might also need to think about flying to Milford Sound as an alternative of driving, it would take a fraction of the time though it could be costlier. You can e book a scenic cruise in advance.
This extremely rated full day tour consists of not solely a scenic cruise however a return flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Enjoy a fowl’s eye view of the encircling mountains, waterfalls, and lakes of the Fiordland National Park. Once you land in Milford Sound board the cruise to get pleasure from a ship tour out to the Tasman Sea.
6. Skyline Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown is the Adventure Capital of the Adventure Capital of the world. Take the Skyline Gondola to the highest of Bob’s Peak, the place you may get pleasure from panoramic views of the encircling mountains and Lake Wakatipu. At the highest, there’s additionally a restaurant, a luge monitor, and varied actions resembling scenic walks, paragliding, and mountain biking. Skyline Queenstown is a well-liked spot for each locals and guests and is understood for its breathtaking views and out of doors adventures.
You should purchase from completely different actions when you attain the highest. The most important characteristic of Skyline Queenstown is the Skyline Gondola, which takes guests on a scenic journey to the highest of Bob’s Peak. At the highest, guests can get pleasure from quite a lot of actions, together with mountain biking, star gazing, eating, and the luge.
7. The Luge
Located at Skyline Queenstown, the Luge in Queenstown is an thrilling and distinctive exercise that gives guests the possibility to expertise the fun of racing down a purpose-built monitor. Make your manner up the Skyline Gondola to the highest of Bob’s Peak for a enjoyable journey down the mountain.
Riders sit on a three-wheeled cart and management their pace as they wind their manner down the monitor, taking in gorgeous views of the encircling mountains and valleys. The Luge is appropriate for all ages and talent ranges, making it an awesome exercise for households and teams of associates.
This exercise is ideal for thrill-seekers, households, and anybody searching for a enjoyable and memorable expertise in Queenstown. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply searching for a enjoyable exercise to attempt, the Luge is a must-do expertise.
8. G-Force Paragliding
This is an addition by Dave and Deb as it’s one other among the finest issues to do in Queenstown. It too is an journey that may be carried out on the high of Skyline Queenstown. Taking the Skyline Gondola up to the highest of Bob’s Peak, make your manner to G-Force Paragliding for among the finest adventures in New Zealand. This thrill begins with a brief coaching session after which you might be strapped to a professional teacher who will take you on a tandem flight to take in the views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range.
The flight lasts round 20 minutes, relying on climate situations, and after a working begin off the sting of Bob’s Peak, you float via the air having fun with the views whereas letting your information do some enjoyable maneuvers in the air.
Paragliding at Skyline Queenstown is a novel and unforgettable expertise for anybody searching for an adrenaline-fueled journey with out having to leap off a ledge or out of an airplane. Whether you’re a seasoned paraglider or a first-timer, the breathtaking views and exhilarating flight will stick with you for a lifetime.
9. Mountain Bike
Also positioned at Skyline Queenstown, you’ll discover New Zealand’s first-ever Gondola assisted bike park. Your bike will probably be connected to the Gondola cabin on the base, and when you attain the highest, you’ll be prepared to hit the paths for some downhill mountain biking.
The space gives quite a lot of trails, starting from simple scenic rides to difficult technical tracks and downhill mountain biking. With over 30 world-class downhill MTB trails masking greater than 30 km and providing 450 meters of vertical descent, it’s a must-visit vacation spot for mountain bikers.
With quite a lot of terrains starting from inexperienced to black, there’s one thing for riders of all ranges. With an elevation of 790m and the longest run stretching for six km, the Queenstown Bike Park guarantees an unforgettable mountain biking expertise.
10. FerBurger
The second you notice the lengthy line snaking alongside Shotover Street in Queenstown, you understand Fergburger isn’t any abnormal burger restaurant. Since its opening in 2001, it has turn out to be a staple, and for good purpose. Offering a various menu of burgers, together with 3/4lb meat patties and tofu choices, all are freshly made each day, cooked to perfection, expertly assembled, and delectable.
At Fergburger, every little thing is made in-house, from buns to sauces, and the standard shines via. The burger joint has gained international recognition and ready in line has turn out to be a must-do Queenstown expertise. The locally-owned enterprise has expanded with three sister institutions: Mrs Ferg (ice cream and gelato), Fergbaker, and the newly-added Ferg’s Bar, a comfy spot stocked with all of the necessities.
11. TSS Earnslaw – Walter’s Peak
Get an immersive expertise of farming in the New Zealand excessive nation at Walter Peak. This idyllic farm on the southwestern shores of Lake Wakatipu guarantees a calming go to stuffed with enjoyable and academic actions.
Your host will welcome you upon arrival and take you to the amphitheater to witness the unimaginable expertise of the farm canines as they herd sheep from the paddocks. Enjoy a strolling tour of the farmyard, the place you may help with feeding sheep and deer and even get shut to the Scottish Highland Cattle.
Take a leisurely stroll to the charming previous woolshed for a tea break, and possibly even go to the lakeside gardens earlier than you depart on the TSS Earnslaw in your return cruise to Queenstown. Come see why farming in New Zealand’s excessive nation is a lifestyle you don’t need to miss.
12. Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown Gardens is a fantastic park positioned in the guts of Queenstown, providing a peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. The park options well-manicured lawns, mature bushes, and a surprising lakefront setting, making it a well-liked spot for picnics, enjoyable, and taking in the views.
Disc Golf in Queenstown Gardens
I’d advocate taking part in a recreation of disc golf when in Queenstown. The disc golf course gives a enjoyable and difficult 18 basket expertise amidst the park’s gorgeous surroundings. Suitable for all talent ranges, from learners to skilled gamers, the course winds its manner via the gardens and is an effective way to get pleasure from the fantastic thing about the park whereas getting some train. This family-friendly course is ideal for households visiting Queenstown. Small Planet in the city heart rents frisbees for less than $5 per day!
13. Shotover River Jet Boat Tour
Another addition by Dave and Deb. The Queenstown Shotover River Jet Boat Tour Jetboat expertise might be the most well-liked jet boat journey in New Zealand going via the canyons of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. We appeared to do a variety of jet boating in New Zealand. The Kiwis actually love their thrills on the water and jet boating is without doubt one of the finest adventures you’ll have.
You can e book this extremely rated tour that takes you on a high-speed adrenaline rush via Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau rivers with 360° spins as you get pleasure from one more thrill journey in Queenstown New Zealand.
How Long Should I Spend in Queenstown?
The size of your keep in Queenstown will rely in your pursuits and the actions you need to do. At least 2-3 days in Queenstown is advisable to get a style of what the city has to supply and expertise a couple of of the highest sights.
If you need to absolutely immerse your self in journey sports activities and out of doors actions, an extended keep of 5-7 days is advisable. This provides you with sufficient time to expertise all the high sights, in addition to participate in a few of the extra time-intensive actions, resembling a multi-day hike or a scenic flight. The size of your keep in Queenstown will rely in your private preferences and the kind of journey you’re searching for.
Is Queenstown Safe for vacationers?
Queenstown is mostly thought of protected for vacationers. Crime charges in Queenstown are low, and the native police are identified to be pleasant and useful to vacationers.
However, as with every vacation spot, it’s all the time a good suggestion to be aware of your private security and take acceptable measures to shield your self and your belongings.
In addition, for those who’re taking part in journey sports activities, it’s essential to comply with security tips and use respected suppliers who prioritize the protection of their clients.
What is the Best Time to Visit Queenstown?
The finest time to go to Queenstown is dependent upon your private preferences and the actions you need to do.
Summer (December to February) is the warmest time of 12 months and is good for out of doors actions resembling climbing, biking, and water sports activities. The climate is mostly sunny and heat, making it a good time to discover the city and its environment.
Winter (June to August) is the ski season in Queenstown, and the city transforms right into a winter wonderland. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, that is the right time to go to. The ski resorts in the world are world-class, and the city is bustling with guests from everywhere in the world.
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are additionally nice instances to go to Queenstown. The temperatures are gentle, and the surroundings is gorgeous, with the altering colours of the bushes and the encircling hills. These seasons are additionally much less crowded than the summer season and winter months, making them a good time to discover the city at a extra relaxed tempo.
The finest time to go to Queenstown will rely in your private preferences and the kind of journey you’re searching for. No matter while you go to, this gorgeous vacation spot is bound to depart an enduring impression.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Queenstown?
The finest manner to get round Queenstown is dependent upon your private preferences and the actions you propose to do. Here are a couple of choices:
Walking: Queenstown is a small city, and most of the high sights and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another. This is a superb possibility for those who’re trying to discover the city on foot and take in the sights and sounds of the native space.
Taxis and Uber: Taxis and ride-sharing providers are available in Queenstown and are a handy possibility for getting round city. possibility for those who’re searching for a fast and straightforward manner to get from one place to one other.
Buses: The native bus system is a budget-friendly possibility for getting round Queenstown. Buses run commonly to and from the city heart, and there are additionally providers to the encircling areas, together with the ski resorts.
Rental Cars: Rental vehicles are a well-liked possibility for many who need to discover the encircling areas and take day journeys from Queenstown. There are a number of rental automobile corporations positioned in the city heart, and this can be a nice possibility for those who’re searching for flexibility and independence whereas exploring the world. You can examine charges right here.
Is Queenstown Expensive?
Queenstown might be thought of an costly vacation spot, particularly in contrast to different cities in New Zealand. The price of meals, lodging and actions can add up shortly, however there are methods to lower your expenses and nonetheless have an pleasing journey.
Accommodation: There is a variety of lodging choices obtainable in Queenstown, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious inns. Consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb to lower your expenses in your lodging prices.
Food: Eating out in Queenstown might be costly, however there are methods to lower your expenses on meals prices. Consider cooking your personal meals, or consuming at native cafes and eating places that supply value-for-money choices.
Activities: Many of the highest sights and actions in Queenstown include a excessive price ticket, however there are additionally many free actions to get pleasure from. Consider making the most of the various free actions, resembling climbing and exploring the city heart, to lower your expenses in your journey.
Transportation: Renting a automobile or utilizing public transportation might be less expensive than taking taxis or ride-sharing providers. Consider utilizing the native bus system, or renting a automobile for those who plan to take day journeys from Queenstown.
While Queenstown might be costly, there are methods to lower your expenses and nonetheless have an pleasing journey. With somewhat planning and budgeting, you may benefit from your go to to this gorgeous vacation spot.
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Queenstown gives all kinds of lodging choices to go well with completely different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations on the place to keep in Queenstown:
Central Queenstown: If you need to be in the guts of the motion, staying in central Queenstown is your finest guess. This space is shut to eating places, bars, retailers, and the waterfront. There are loads of choices for all budgets, together with inns, motels, flats, and hostels. Lakefront: If you need to get up to gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu, think about staying in the lakefront space. This space is barely quieter than central Queenstown however nonetheless inside strolling distance to the city heart. Arrowtown: If you need to keep in an enthralling historic city only a quick drive from Queenstown, think about Arrowtown. This city is understood for its gold mining historical past, tree-lined streets, and picturesque buildings. Ski Resorts: If you’re visiting Queenstown in the winter for snowboarding or snowboarding, staying at one of many ski resorts is a superb possibility. There are a number of resorts positioned inside a brief drive of Queenstown, together with Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona.
Wrap Up
Queenstown is a surprising vacation spot that gives a variety of actions and sights for guests to get pleasure from. From adrenaline-fueled adventures to scenic hikes and enjoyable seashore days, there’s something for everybody in this vibrant city. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, you’re certain to discover loads of issues to see and do in Queenstown.
With its gorgeous surroundings, vibrant tradition, and pleasant locals, it’s a must-visit vacation spot for anybody touring to New Zealand.
Plan your travels to New Zealand with these guides