It’s time to go down beneath, however we’re not speaking about Australia, New Zealand is the place it’s at. It was the recent spot to journey in the course of the days of the Lord of the Rings, and whereas it hasn’t been on individuals’s radar as a lot lately, New Zealand is without doubt one of the most stunning locations on earth. One of many high locations to go to the land of Kiwis is Queenstown. Positioned on the South Island of New Zealand, this vacation spot was as soon as often known as the journey capital of the world. It’s the place business Bunjy leaping started and the place thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies are recreation to attempt something as soon as. So are you able to discover the highest issues to do in Queenstown, New Zealand? Let’s get began.
High Issues to do in Queenstown
Get able to soar by way of the sky with a skydive, really feel the frenzy of a bungee leap, or take in the gorgeous views; Queenstown has it. On this article, we’ll look nearer at the very best issues to do in Queenstown so you may benefit from your go to and create reminiscences that can final a lifetime.
1. Nevis Bungy
If there’s one place on earth to go bungee leaping it’s in New Zealand. Bungy leaping within the birthplace of the world’s first business bungy leap is an exciting expertise. With three bungy websites to select from, it needs to be on the high of the listing of greatest issues to do in Queenstown. For those who actually need to make an announcement, the Nevis Bunjy is the one to do!
Standing 134m (440ft) above the gorgeous Nevis valley. Check your bravery and willpower with this excessive expertise. Spherical-trip transfers from Queenstown are included, and you may mix them with the Nevis Swing for a really memorable expertise. The spherical journey takes roughly 3.5 hours.
2. Kawarau Bridge Bungy
You possibly can make your solution to Kawarau Bridge Bungy that’s positioned simply 25 minutes from Queenstown in Gibbston. Step off of a bit little bit of historical past because it was the bridge the place the world’s first business bungy leap came about. Leap 43m above the Kawarau River and plunge into the canyon. You possibly can leap solo or tandem, with water touches being a must-try. Complimentary transfers from Queenstown can be found.
For those who don’t need to go away city, the Ledge Bungy is perched on the sting of a cliff on the high of the Skyline advanced in central Queenstown. With a wonderful viewing space, it’s additionally an ideal choice for spectators. Sadly it’s briefly closed resulting from employees shortages, but when extra individuals begin touring to Queenstown once more, it simply would possibly reopen! All websites function day by day year-round, and Queenstown is the last word vacation spot for daredevils. Learn extra: Nice Locations to Go Bungee Leaping in New Zealand
3. Skydiving
Leaping from an plane at 156000ft requires bravery! You’re tied to a seasoned tandem grasp, brace your self for a sensory overload as you hit 200 kmph. The non-public problem is big. Soar above breathtaking landscapes, together with alpine resorts, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. You possibly can guide your Skydive Journey in Queenstown prematurely by way of GetYour Information. Cancel as much as 24 hours prematurely for a full refund. You possibly can select to freefall from the next top 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.
4. 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 may get pleasure from panoramic views of the encircling mountains and Lake Wakatipu. On the high, there’s additionally a restaurant, a luge monitor, and numerous actions equivalent to 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 primary function of Skyline Queenstown is the Skyline Gondola, which takes guests on a scenic trip to the highest of Bob’s Peak. On the high, guests can get pleasure from a wide range of actions, together with mountain biking, star gazing, eating, and the luge.
5. The Luge
Positioned 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 velocity 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 ability ranges, making it an ideal 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 attempt, the Luge is a must-do expertise.
6. G-Drive 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 carried out on the high of Skyline Queenstown. Taking the Skyline Gondola as much as the highest of Bob’s Peak, make your solution to G-Drive Paragliding for among the best adventures in New Zealand. This thrill begins with a brief coaching session after which you might be strapped to a certified 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 way 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.
7. Mountain Bike
Additionally positioned at Skyline Queenstown, you’ll discover New Zealand’s first-ever Gondola assisted bike park. Your bike shall be hooked up 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 world provides a wide range of trails, starting from straightforward scenic rides to difficult technical tracks and downhill mountain biking. With over 30 world-class downhill MTB trails protecting greater than 30 km and providing 450 meters of vertical descent, it’s a must-visit vacation spot for mountain bikers.
With a wide range 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.
8. Queenstown Hill Time Stroll
One other widespread space for hikers is Queenstown Hill, which is positioned 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 best way, walkers cross by way of a pine forest and open grassy slopes, with a number of viewpoints providing gorgeous views of the encircling space.
On the summit of Queenstown Hill, there’s a stone sculpture referred to 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 photographs.
9. Eat a FerBurger
The second you notice the lengthy line snaking alongside Shotover Road in Queenstown, Fergburger is not any unusual 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, every little thing is made in-house, from buns to sauces, and the standard shines by way 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 comfy spot stocked with all of the necessities.
10. 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 trip in New Zealand going by way of the canyons of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. We appeared to do quite a lot of jet boating in New Zealand. The Kiwis actually love their thrills on the water and jet boating is without doubt one of the greatest adventures you’ll have.
You possibly can guide this extremely rated tour that takes you on a high-speed adrenaline rush by way of Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau rivers with 360° spins as you get pleasure from yet one more thrill trip in Queenstown New Zealand.
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 canines as they herd sheep from the paddocks. Take pleasure in a strolling tour of the farmyard, the place you may help with feeding sheep and deer and even get near the Scottish Highland Cattle.
Take a leisurely stroll to the charming outdated woolshed for a tea break, and perhaps even go to the lakeside gardens earlier than you depart on the TSS Earnslaw on 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 wonderful park positioned within the coronary heart of Queenstown, providing a peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of town. The park options well-manicured lawns, mature bushes, and a shocking lakefront setting, making it a well-liked spot for picnics, enjoyable, and taking within the views.
13. Disc Golf in Queenstown Gardens
I’d suggest 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 gorgeous surroundings. Appropriate for all ability ranges, from freshmen to skilled gamers, the course winds its manner by way of the gardens and is a good 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 heart rents frisbees for less than $5 per day!
14. Craft Beer Tour
15. Wine Tour
16. Milford Sound
The Milford Sound scenic drive and cruise is a well-liked day trip that gives guests the possibility to expertise the gorgeous great thing about one in every of New Zealand’s most well-known pure points of interest.
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 neglect to guide a cruise operator earlier than you go to make sure you get an area. You may additionally need to take into account flying to Milford Sound as a substitute of driving, it’ll take a fraction of the time though it might be dearer. You possibly can guide a scenic cruise prematurely.
This extremely rated full day tour consists of not solely a scenic cruise however a return flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Take pleasure in a chicken’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.
17. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight
We had the possibility to do a number of flights in New Zealand and a helicopter tour to Milford Sound is a unprecedented expertise to see of one in every of New Zealand’s most gorgeous pure wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Website. As part of Fiordland Nationwide Park, see Milford Sound’s famed cliffs, rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. It’s probably the most picturesque and iconic landscapes in New Zealand.
The journey begins at Queenstown airport and takes you over alpine lakes, highland forests, and rugged mountain terrains, providing spectacular views of the Southern Alps. Flying over Milford Sound, you’ll see the majestic Mitre Peak and the fjord’s steep cliffs and deep waters. A spotlight is commonly touchdown on a glacier, the place you may step out, expertise the crisp alpine air, and take within the surreal atmosphere.
Some excursions embody a cease at Lake Erskine, a shocking alpine lake, offering a possibility for a brief stroll and picture session.
- Length: Half-day excursions are widespread, though the precise flight time is often about 1.5 to 2 hours, together with stops.
- Value: The worth varies relying on the tour operator and the size of the tour, starting from NZD $245 to over $1000. It’s a premium expertise, reflecting the exclusivity and distinctive nature of the journey.
18. Cruise Lake Wakatipu
19. Go to Arrowtown
20. 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 positioned within the Southern Alps and guarantees an unforgettable snowboarding expertise. With a prolonged ski season operating from June to October, you may 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 heart in minutes.
With a wide range of ski cross choices, together with single-day passes and season passes, you may select the one which fits you greatest. Each day mountain transport can also be obtainable. You possibly can hire your whole gear from newbie snowboards to snowboard boots within the city heart.
Coronet Peak is without doubt one of the hottest ski areas in Queenstown, Coronet Peak boasts well-groomed trails and terrain parks, making it supreme for freshmen and intermediates. It additionally provides evening snowboarding from 4-9 PM, maximizing your time on the mountain.
Treble Cone gives a more difficult terrain. It isn’t crowded and has lengthy well-groomed runs.
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 leap park for these seeking to take a look at their expertise on a ramp.
Cardron is positioned an hour away from Queenstown and boasts a variety of terrain and is taken into account the very best ski resort in New Zealand for freshmen.
21. Go Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing in Queenstown is a well-liked exercise that gives guests the possibility to expertise the pure great thing about the world and get some train on the identical time. With a wide range of trails starting from straightforward walks to difficult multi-day hikes.
I’d suggest the Ben Lomond Monitor. This took us about 4 hours (a technique) and we definitely confronted our demons, however the views from the highest had been price 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 acquire of 1,438 m.
Mount Crichton Loop Monitor: It is a average hike that takes you thru the beech forest and previous outdated mining ruins. It provides gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu and takes round 2-4 hours to finish.
Routeburn Monitor: Whereas technically not in Queenstown, that is one in every of New Zealand’s Nice Walks and is well accessible from Queenstown. The monitor is a difficult 3-4 day hike that takes you thru gorgeous alpine surroundings and ends at Milford Sound.
22. Bobs Peak
Bob’s Peak: This hike takes you as much as 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 in case you choose.
23. Go {Golfing}
How Lengthy Ought to I Spend in Queenstown?
The size of your keep in Queenstown will rely in your pursuits and the actions you need to do. At the least 2-3 days in Queenstown is really helpful to get a style of what the city has to supply and expertise just a few of the highest points of interest.
If you wish to absolutely immerse your self in journey sports activities and out of doors actions, an extended keep of 5-7 days is really helpful. This gives you sufficient time to expertise the entire high points of interest, in addition to participate in a few of the extra time-intensive actions, equivalent 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 Protected for vacationers?
Queenstown is mostly thought of protected for vacationers. Crime charges in Queenstown are low, and the native police are recognized 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 case you’re collaborating in journey sports activities, it’s essential to comply with security pointers and use respected suppliers who prioritize the security of their prospects.
What’s the Finest Time to Go to Queenstown?
The very best time to go to Queenstown will depend on your private preferences and the actions you need to do.
Summer time (December to February) is the warmest time of yr and is right for out of doors actions equivalent 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. For those who’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 instances to go to Queenstown. The temperatures are delicate, 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 very best time to go to Queenstown will rely in your private preferences and the kind of journey you’re in search of. Irrespective of whenever you go to, this gorgeous vacation spot is bound to depart an enduring impression.
What’s the Finest Approach to Get Round Queenstown?
One of the best ways to get round Queenstown will depend on your private preferences and the actions you intend to do. Listed below are just a few choices:
Strolling: Queenstown is a small city, and most of the high points of interest and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another. It is a nice choice in case you’re seeking to discover the city on foot and take within the sights and sounds of the native space.
Taxis and Uber: Taxis and ride-sharing providers are available in Queenstown and are a handy choice for getting round city. A very good choice in case you’re in search of a fast and simple solution to get from one place to a different.
Buses: The native bus system is a budget-friendly choice for getting round Queenstown. Buses run recurrently to and from the city heart, and there are additionally providers to the encircling areas, together with the ski resorts.
Rental Vehicles: Rental automobiles are a well-liked choice for individuals who need to discover the encircling areas and take day journeys from Queenstown. There are a number of rental automobile corporations positioned within the city heart, and it is a nice choice in case you’re in search of flexibility and independence whereas exploring the world. You possibly can examine charges right here.
Is Queenstown Costly?
Queenstown might 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 save cash and nonetheless have an pleasurable journey.
Lodging: There’s a variety of lodging choices obtainable in Queenstown, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious inns. Take into account staying in a hostel or Airbnb to save cash in your lodging prices.
Meals: Consuming out in Queenstown might be costly, however there are methods to save cash 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 points of interest and actions in Queenstown include a excessive price ticket, however there are additionally many free actions to get pleasure from. Take into account making the most of the various free actions, equivalent to mountain climbing and exploring the city heart, to save cash in your journey.
Transportation: Renting a automobile or utilizing public transportation might be more cost effective than taking taxis or ride-sharing providers. Think about using the native bus system, or renting a automobile in case you plan to take day journeys from Queenstown.
Whereas Queenstown might be costly, there are methods to save cash and nonetheless have an pleasurable journey. With a bit planning and budgeting, you may benefit from your go to to this gorgeous vacation spot.
The place to Keep in Queenstown
Queenstown provides all kinds of lodging choices to swimsuit completely different budgets and preferences. Listed below are some ideas 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 wager. This space is near eating places, bars, retailers, and the waterfront. There are many choices for all budgets, together with inns, motels, residences, and hostels.
- Lakefront: If you wish to get up to gorgeous 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 heart.
- Arrowtown: If you wish to keep in an enthralling historic city only a quick drive from Queenstown, take into account Arrowtown. This city is understood for its gold mining historical past, tree-lined streets, and picturesque buildings.
- Ski Resorts: For those who’re visiting Queenstown within the winter for snowboarding or snowboarding, staying at one of many ski resorts is a superb choice. There are a number of resorts positioned inside a brief drive of Queenstown, together with Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona.
Queenstown is a shocking vacation spot that gives a variety of actions and points of interest 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 positive to search out 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