13 Greatest Issues to do in Queenstown New Zealand
Queenstown, situated on the South Island of New Zealand, is a wide ranging vacation spot that provides a singular mix of pure magnificence and journey. With beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear lakes, it’s no surprise that Queenstown is taken into account some of the stunning locations on earth. However this city is greater than only a fairly face. Generally known as the journey capital of the world, Queenstown is a hub for thrill-seekers, and adrenaline junkies. In case you’re in search of issues to do in Queenstown to get the adrenaline pumping, you will have come to the precise place.
High Issues to do in Queenstown
Get able to soar by means of the sky with a skydive, really feel the frenzy of a bungee soar, or just take in the beautiful views, Queenstown has it. On this article, we’ll take a more in-depth have a look at the very best issues to do in Queenstown, so you possibly can benefit from your go to and create recollections that may final a lifetime.
1. Bungy Soar
Expertise the fun of bungy leaping within the birthplace of the world’s first industrial bungy soar. With three bungy websites to select from it needs to be on the high of the very best issues to do in Queenstown. All the websites function day by day year-round, and Queenstown is the last word vacation spot for daredevils. Learn extra: 8 Nice Locations to Go Bungee Leaping in New Zealand
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
Positioned 25 minutes from Queenstown in Gibbston, is the world’s first industrial bungy soar, the place you possibly can leap 43m above the Kawarau River. Soar 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 beautiful Nevis valley. Check your bravery and willpower with this excessive expertise. Spherical-trip transfers from Queenstown are included, and you’ll mix them with the Nevis Swing for a very memorable expertise. The spherical journey takes roughly 3.5 hours.
2. Skydiving

Leaping from an plane at 15,000ft requires bravery! You’re 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’ll be able to e book your Skydive Journey in Queenstown prematurely by means of GetYour Information. Cancel as much as 24 hours prematurely for a full refund.
You’ll be able to select to freefall from the next peak choices:
- From 15,000ft you’ll freefall for as much as 60 seconds.
- From 12,000ft you’ll freefall for as much as 45 seconds.
- From 9,000ft you’ll freefall for as much as 25 seconds.
- Guide prematurely.
I gave this primary place on the record as everybody I’ve traveled to Queenstown with has performed this exercise, it’s virtually a ceremony of passage. The views of the encircling landscapes can’t be crushed. Your tandem grasp will report the entire expertise which shall be out there so that you can buy after the dive.
3. Snowboarding and Snowboarding

Queenstown is famend for its distinctive ski fields, making it the proper 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 situated within the Southern Alps and guarantees an unforgettable snowboarding expertise. With a prolonged ski season operating from June to October, you possibly can hit the slopes for months on finish.
Attending to Queenstown is easy with direct flights from main cities in Australia and New Zealand, permitting you to be on the mountain or within the bustling city middle in minutes.
With quite a lot of ski move choices, together with single-day passes and season passes, you possibly can select the one which fits you greatest. Every day mountain transport can also be out there. You’ll be able to lease all your gear from newbie snowboards to snowboard boots within the city middle.
Ski and Snowboard Resorts

Coronet Peak
Some of the widespread ski areas in Queenstown, Coronet Peak boasts well-groomed trails and terrain parks, making it perfect for rookies and intermediates. It additionally provides evening snowboarding from 4-9 PM, maximizing your time on the mountain.
Treble Cone
A ski space that gives a tougher terrain, Treble Cone is thought for its lengthy, uncrowded, and well-groomed runs.
The Remarkables
One other well-loved ski space, The Remarkables provides terrain appropriate for skiers and snowboarders of all ability ranges, whereas additionally offering breathtaking views and a family-friendly environment. It additionally has a soar park for these trying to take a look at their abilities on a ramp.
Cardrona
Positioned an hour away from Queenstown, Cardrona is a ski resort that boasts a variety of terrain and is taken into account the very best ski resort in New Zealand for rookies.
4. Climbing

Climbing in Queenstown is a well-liked exercise that provides guests the prospect to expertise the pure great thing about the realm and get some train on the identical time. With quite a lot of trails starting from straightforward walks to difficult multi-day hikes.
I’d advocate the Ben Lomond Observe. This took us about 4 hours (a method) and we actually confronted our demons, however the views from the highest had been value it! This is among the hottest hikes in Queenstown, providing spectacular views of the Remarkables mountain vary and Lake Wakatipu. The observe is a difficult 6-8 hour return hike, with an elevation achieve of 1,438 m.
Different really useful hikes in Queenstown

Bob’s Peak: This hike takes you as much as the highest of Skyline Queenstown, the place you possibly can get pleasure from panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. The hike takes round 1-2 hours, and you’ll take the gondola again down in the event you favor.
Mount Crichton Loop Observe: This can be a reasonable hike that takes you thru the beech forest and previous previous mining ruins. It provides beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and takes round 2-4 hours to finish.
Routeburn Observe: Whereas technically not in Queenstown, that is one in every of New Zealand’s Nice Walks and is definitely accessible from Queenstown. The observe is a difficult 3-4 day hike that takes you thru beautiful alpine surroundings and ends at Milford Sound.
Queenstown Hill Time Stroll

One other widespread space for hikers is Queenstown Hill situated close to the middle of Queenstown. The most well-liked path to the summit is the Queenstown Hill Time Stroll, which takes roughly 2-3 hours to finish. The path begins on the finish of Belfast Terrace, only a quick stroll from central Queenstown. Alongside the way in which, walkers move by means of a pine forest and open grassy slopes, with a number of viewpoints providing beautiful views of the encircling space.
On the summit of Queenstown Hill, there’s a stone sculpture known as the “Basket of Desires,” which was erected in 2000 to commemorate the brand new millennium. The sculpture provides a singular 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 provides guests the prospect to expertise the beautiful great thing about one in every of New Zealand’s most well-known pure sights.
When you arrive at Milford Sound, you’ll embark on a cruise that takes you thru the fjord and provides close-up views of towering waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and numerous wildlife. Together with 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 may additionally wish to take into account flying to Milford Sound as an alternative of driving, it’ll take a fraction of the time though it could be costlier. You’ll be able to e book a scenic cruise prematurely.
This extremely rated full day tour contains not solely a scenic cruise however a return flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Take pleasure in a chook’s eye view of the encircling mountains, waterfalls, and lakes of the Fiordland Nationwide Park. When 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 Journey Capital of the Journey Capital of the world. Take the Skyline Gondola to the highest of Bob’s Peak, the place you possibly can get pleasure from panoramic views of the encircling mountains and Lake Wakatipu. On the high, there’s additionally a restaurant, a luge observe, and varied actions corresponding to scenic walks, paragliding, and mountain biking. Skyline Queenstown is a well-liked spot for each locals and guests and is thought for its breathtaking views and outside adventures.
You should purchase from totally different actions when you attain the highest. The principle function of Skyline Queenstown is the Skyline Gondola, which takes guests on a scenic experience to the highest of Bob’s Peak. On the high, guests can get pleasure from quite a lot of actions, together with mountain biking, star gazing, eating, and the luge.
7. The Luge

Positioned at Skyline Queenstown, the Luge in Queenstown is an thrilling and distinctive exercise that provides guests the prospect to expertise the fun of racing down a purpose-built observe. Make your means 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 velocity as they wind their means down the observe, taking in beautiful views of the encircling mountains and valleys. The Luge is appropriate for all ages and ability ranges, making it an awesome exercise for households and teams of pals.
This exercise is ideal for thrill-seekers, households, and anybody in search of a enjoyable and memorable expertise in Queenstown. Whether or not you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply in search of a enjoyable exercise to strive, the Luge is a must-do expertise.
8. G-Pressure Paragliding

That is an addition by Dave and Deb as it’s one other among the best issues to do in Queenstown. It too is an journey that may be performed on the high of Skyline Queenstown. Taking the Skyline Gondola as much as the highest of Bob’s Peak, make your option to G-Pressure Paragliding for among the best adventures in New Zealand. This thrill begins with a brief coaching session after which you’re strapped to a professional teacher who will take you on a tandem flight to absorb the views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Vary.
The flight lasts round 20 minutes, relying on climate situations, and after a operating begin off the sting of Bob’s Peak, you float by means of the air having fun with the views whereas letting your information do some enjoyable maneuvers within the air.
Paragliding at Skyline Queenstown is a singular and unforgettable expertise for anybody in search of an adrenaline-fueled journey with out having to leap off a ledge or out of an airplane. Whether or not 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
Additionally situated at Skyline Queenstown, you’ll discover New Zealand’s first-ever Gondola assisted bike park. Your bike shall be connected to the Gondola cabin on the base, and when you attain the highest, you’ll be able to hit the paths for some downhill mountain biking.
The realm provides quite a lot of trails, starting from straightforward 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 Road in Queenstown, Fergburger is not any bizarre burger restaurant. Since its opening in 2001, it has turn out to be a staple, and for good motive. Providing a various menu of burgers, together with 3/4lb meat patties and tofu choices, all are freshly made day by day, cooked to perfection, expertly assembled, and delectable.
At Fergburger, all the things is made in-house, from buns to sauces, and the standard shines by means of. 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 comfortable spot stocked with all of the necessities.
11. TSS Earnslaw – Walter’s Peak

Get an immersive expertise of farming within the New Zealand excessive nation at Walter Peak. This idyllic farm on the southwestern shores of Lake Wakatipu guarantees a calming go to full of 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 canine as they herd sheep from the paddocks. Take pleasure in a strolling tour of the farmyard, the place you possibly can help with feeding sheep and deer and even get near the Scottish Highland Cattle.
Take a leisurely stroll to the charming previous woolshed for a tea break, and perhaps 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 wish to miss.
12. Queenstown Gardens

Queenstown Gardens is a phenomenal park situated within the coronary heart of Queenstown, providing a peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. The park options well-manicured lawns, mature timber, and a shocking lakefront setting, making it a preferred spot for picnics, enjoyable, and taking within the views.
Disc Golf in Queenstown Gardens
I’d advocate enjoying a recreation of disc golf when in Queenstown. The disc golf course provides a enjoyable and difficult 18 basket expertise amidst the park’s beautiful surroundings. Appropriate for all ability ranges, from rookies to skilled gamers, the course winds its means by means of the gardens and is an effective way to get pleasure from the great thing about the park whereas getting some train. This family-friendly course is ideal for households visiting Queenstown. Small Planet within the city middle rents frisbees for less than $5 per day!
13. Shotover River Jet Boat Tour

One other addition by Dave and Deb. The Queenstown Shotover River Jet Boat Tour Jetboat expertise might be the preferred jet boat experience in New Zealand going by means of the canyons of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. We appeared to do numerous jet boating in New Zealand. The Kiwis actually love their thrills on the water and jet boating is among the greatest adventures you’ll have.
You’ll be able to e book this extremely rated tour that takes you on a high-speed adrenaline rush by means of Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau rivers with 360° spins as you get pleasure from one more thrill experience in Queenstown New Zealand.
How Lengthy Ought to I Spend in Queenstown?

The size of your keep in Queenstown will rely in your pursuits and the actions you wish to do. At the least 2-3 days in Queenstown is really useful to get a style of what the city has to supply and expertise a couple of of the highest sights.
If you wish to absolutely immerse your self in journey sports activities and outside actions, an extended keep of 5-7 days is really useful. 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, corresponding to 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 in search of.
Is Queenstown Secure 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.
Nonetheless, as with all vacation spot, it’s at all times a good suggestion to be aware of your private security and take applicable measures to guard your self and your belongings.
As well as, in the event you’re collaborating in journey sports activities, it’s vital to comply with security tips and use respected suppliers who prioritize the protection of their clients.
What’s the Greatest Time to Go to Queenstown?

One of the best time to go to Queenstown depends upon your private preferences and the actions you wish to do.
Summer time (December to February) is the warmest time of 12 months and is good for outside actions corresponding to mountain 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. In case you’re a skier or snowboarder, that is the proper time to go to. The ski resorts within the space are world-class, and the city is bustling with guests from everywhere in the world.
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to Might) are additionally nice occasions to go to Queenstown. The temperatures are delicate, and the surroundings is beautiful, with the altering colours of the timber 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.
One of the best time to go to Queenstown will rely in your private preferences and the kind of journey you’re in search of. Regardless of once you go to, this beautiful vacation spot is certain to go away a long-lasting impression.
What’s the Greatest Solution to Get Round Queenstown?

One of the simplest ways to get round Queenstown depends upon your private preferences and the actions you intend to do. Listed here are a couple of choices:
Strolling: Queenstown is a small city, and lots of the high sights and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another. This can be a nice possibility in the event you’re trying to discover the city on foot and take within the sights and sounds of the native space.
Taxis and Uber: Taxis and ride-sharing companies are available in Queenstown and are a handy possibility for getting round city. An excellent possibility in the event you’re in search of a fast and simple option to get from one place to a different.
Buses: The native bus system is a budget-friendly possibility for getting round Queenstown. Buses run repeatedly to and from the city middle, and there are additionally companies to the encircling areas, together with the ski resorts.
Rental Automobiles: Rental automobiles are a preferred possibility for many who wish to discover the encircling areas and take day journeys from Queenstown. There are a number of rental automobile firms situated within the city middle, and it is a nice possibility in the event you’re in search of flexibility and independence whereas exploring the realm. You’ll be able to examine charges right here.
Is Queenstown Costly?

Queenstown will be thought of an costly vacation spot, particularly in comparison with different cities in New Zealand. The price of meals, lodging and actions can add up rapidly, however there are methods to economize and nonetheless have an fulfilling journey.
Lodging: There may be a variety of lodging choices out there in Queenstown, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious lodges. Take into account staying in a hostel or Airbnb to economize in your lodging prices.
Meals: Consuming out in Queenstown will be costly, however there are methods to economize on meals prices. Take into account cooking your personal meals, or consuming at native cafes and eating places that provide value-for-money choices.
Actions: Lots of the high sights and actions in Queenstown include a excessive price ticket, however there are additionally many free actions to get pleasure from. Take into account benefiting from the numerous free actions, corresponding to mountain climbing and exploring the city middle, to economize in your journey.
Transportation: Renting a automobile or utilizing public transportation will be more cost effective than taking taxis or ride-sharing companies. Think about using the native bus system, or renting a automobile in the event you plan to take day journeys from Queenstown.
Whereas Queenstown will be costly, there are methods to economize and nonetheless have an fulfilling journey. With just a little planning and budgeting, you possibly can benefit from your go to to this beautiful vacation spot.
The place to Keep in Queenstown
Queenstown provides all kinds of lodging choices to go well with totally different budgets and preferences. Listed here are some solutions on the place to remain in Queenstown:
- Central Queenstown: If you wish to be within the coronary heart of the motion, staying in central Queenstown is your greatest guess. This space is near eating places, bars, outlets, and the waterfront. There are many choices for all budgets, together with lodges, motels, residences, and hostels.
- Lakefront: If you wish to get up to beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu, take into account staying within the lakefront space. This space is barely quieter than central Queenstown however nonetheless inside strolling distance to the city middle.
- Arrowtown: If you wish to keep in a captivating historic city only a quick drive from Queenstown, take into account Arrowtown. This city is thought for its gold mining historical past, tree-lined streets, and picturesque buildings.
- Ski Resorts: In case you’re visiting Queenstown within the winter for snowboarding or snowboarding, staying at one of many ski resorts is a good possibility. There are a number of resorts situated inside a brief drive of Queenstown, together with Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona.
Wrap Up
Queenstown is a shocking vacation spot that provides a variety of actions and sights for guests to get pleasure from. From adrenaline-fueled adventures to scenic hikes and enjoyable seaside days, there’s something for everybody on this vibrant city. Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, you’re certain to seek out loads of issues to see and do in Queenstown.
With its beautiful surroundings, vibrant tradition, and pleasant locals, it’s a must-visit vacation spot for anybody touring to New Zealand.
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