Queenstown, positioned on the South Island of New Zealand, is a wide ranging vacation spot that provides a novel mix of pure magnificence and journey. With beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear lakes, it’s no surprise that Queenstown is taken into account one of many most 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’ve gotten come to the appropriate place.
Top Things to do in Queenstown
Get able to soar via the sky with a skydive, really feel the frenzy of a bungee soar, or just take in the beautiful views, Queenstown has it. In this text, we’ll take a better have a look at the very best issues to do in Queenstown, so you’ll be able to take advantage of your go to and create reminiscences that may final a lifetime.
1. Bungy Jump
Experience the joys of bungy leaping within the birthplace of the world’s first industrial bungy soar. With three bungy websites to select from it must be on the prime of the very best issues to do in Queenstown. All of the websites function day by 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 soar, the place you’ll be able to 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 prime of the Skyline complicated in central Queenstown. With a wonderful viewing space, it’s additionally a terrific possibility for spectators.
Nevis Bungy
Standing 134m (440ft) above the beautiful 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 really 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 big. Soar above breathtaking landscapes, together with alpine resorts, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. You can e-book your Skydive Adventure in Queenstown upfront via GetYour Guide. Cancel as much as 24 hours upfront for a full refund.
You can 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.
- Book upfront.
I gave this primary place on the record as everybody I’ve traveled to Queenstown with has carried out this exercise, it’s virtually a ceremony of passage. The views of the encircling landscapes can’t be overwhelmed. Your tandem grasp will document the entire expertise which might be accessible so that you can buy after the dive.
3. Skiing 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’ll be able to 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 within the bustling city middle in minutes.
With quite a lot of ski cross choices, together with single-day passes and season passes, you’ll be able to select the one which fits you greatest. Daily mountain transport can be accessible. You can lease your entire gear from newbie snowboards to snowboard boots within the city middle.
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 inexperienced persons and intermediates. It additionally presents night time snowboarding from 4-9 PM, maximizing your time on the mountain.
Treble Cone
A ski space that gives a more difficult terrain, Treble Cone is thought for its lengthy, uncrowded, and well-groomed runs.
The Remarkables
Another well-loved ski space, The Remarkables presents terrain appropriate for skiers and snowboarders of all talent ranges, whereas additionally offering breathtaking views and a family-friendly environment. It additionally has a soar park for these seeking to take a look at their abilities 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 very best ski resort in New Zealand for inexperienced persons.
4. Hiking
Hiking in Queenstown is a well-liked exercise that provides guests the prospect 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 suggest the Ben Lomond Track. This took us about 4 hours (a method) and we actually confronted our demons, however the views from the highest have been value it! This is likely 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 really useful hikes in Queenstown
Bob’s Peak: This hike takes you as much as the highest of Skyline Queenstown, the place you’ll be able to 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 want.
Mount Crichton Loop Track: This is a reasonable hike that takes you thru the beech forest and previous previous mining ruins. It presents beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and takes round 2-4 hours to finish.
Routeburn Track: While technically not in Queenstown, that is certainly 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 beautiful alpine surroundings and ends at Milford Sound.
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
Another common 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 finish. The path begins on the finish of Belfast Terrace, only a quick stroll from central Queenstown. Along the best way, walkers cross via a pine forest and open grassy slopes, with a number of viewpoints providing beautiful views of the encircling space.
At the summit of Queenstown Hill, there’s a stone sculpture known as the “Basket of Dreams,” which was erected in 2000 to commemorate the brand new millennium. The sculpture presents a novel perspective on the encircling panorama and is a well-liked spot for photographs.
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 fantastic thing about certainly one of New Zealand’s most well-known pure points of interest.
Once you arrive at Milford Sound, you’ll embark on a cruise that takes you thru the fjord and presents close-up views of towering waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and various 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 can also wish to contemplate flying to Milford Sound as a substitute of driving, it should take a fraction of the time though it could be dearer. You can e-book a scenic cruise upfront.
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’ll be able to get pleasure from panoramic views of the encircling mountains and Lake Wakatipu. At the highest, there may be additionally a restaurant, a luge monitor, and varied actions akin 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 out of doors adventures.
You should purchase from totally different actions when you attain the highest. The primary characteristic of Skyline Queenstown is the Skyline Gondola, which takes guests on a scenic trip 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 provides guests the prospect to expertise the joys of racing down a purpose-built monitor. Make your method 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 method down the monitor, taking in beautiful views of the encircling mountains and valleys. The Luge is appropriate for all ages and talent ranges, making it a terrific exercise for households and teams of mates.
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 best issues to do in Queenstown. It too is an journey that may be carried out on the prime of Skyline Queenstown. Taking the Skyline Gondola as much as the highest of Bob’s Peak, make your solution to G-Force 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 professional teacher who will take you on a tandem flight to absorb the views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range.
The flight lasts round 20 minutes, relying on climate situations, and after a operating 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 within 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 might 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 space presents 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 see the lengthy line snaking alongside Shotover Street in Queenstown, you realize Fergburger is not any unusual burger restaurant. Since its opening in 2001, it has turn out to be a staple, and for good cause. Offering 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 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 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 soothing go to crammed 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’ll be able to 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 possibly even go to the lakeside gardens earlier than you depart on the TSS Earnslaw to 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 wonderful park positioned 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 surprising lakefront setting, making it a preferred spot for picnics, enjoyable, and taking within the views.
Disc Golf in Queenstown Gardens
I’d suggest taking part in a sport of disc golf when in Queenstown. The disc golf course presents a enjoyable and difficult 18 basket expertise amidst the park’s beautiful surroundings. Suitable for all talent ranges, from inexperienced persons to skilled gamers, the course winds its method via the gardens and is a good 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 within the city middle rents frisbees for under $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 trip in New Zealand going via 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 likely one of the greatest 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 yet one more thrill trip 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 wish to do. At least 2-3 days in Queenstown is really useful to get a style of what the city has to supply and expertise a number of of the highest points of interest.
If you wish to totally immerse your self in journey sports activities and out of doors actions, an extended keep of 5-7 days is really useful. This gives you sufficient time to expertise the entire prime points of interest, in addition to participate in among the extra time-intensive actions, akin 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 searching for.
Is Queenstown Safe for vacationers?
Queenstown is usually thought-about protected for vacationers. Crime charges in Queenstown are low, and the native police are recognized to be pleasant and useful to vacationers.
However, as with all vacation spot, it’s all the time a good suggestion to be aware of your private security and take applicable measures to guard your self and your belongings.
In addition, for those who’re taking part in journey sports activities, it’s vital to observe security pointers and use respected suppliers who prioritize the security of their clients.
What is the Best Time to Visit Queenstown?
The greatest time to go to Queenstown relies on your private preferences and the actions you wish to do.
Summer (December to February) is the warmest time of 12 months and is good for out of doors actions akin to mountaineering, biking, and water sports activities. The climate is usually 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 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 May) 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.
The greatest time to go to Queenstown will rely in your private preferences and the kind of journey you’re searching for. No matter if you go to, this beautiful vacation spot is bound to go away an enduring impression.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Queenstown?
The greatest solution to get round Queenstown relies on your private preferences and the actions you intend to do. Here are a number of choices:
Walking: Queenstown is a small city, and lots of the prime points of interest and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another. This is a good possibility for those who’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 possibility for getting round city. A superb possibility for those who’re searching for a fast and simple solution to get from one place to a different.
Buses: The native bus system is a budget-friendly possibility for getting round Queenstown. Buses run often to and from the city middle, and there are additionally providers to the encircling areas, together with the ski resorts.
Rental Cars: Rental vehicles are a preferred possibility for individuals who wish to discover the encircling areas and take day journeys from Queenstown. There are a number of rental automotive firms positioned within the city middle, 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 may be thought-about an costly vacation spot, particularly in comparison with different cities in New Zealand. The price of meals, lodging and actions can add up shortly, however there are methods to save cash and nonetheless have an gratifying journey.
Accommodation: There is a variety of lodging choices accessible in Queenstown, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious inns. Consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb to save cash in your lodging prices.
Food: Eating out in Queenstown may be costly, however there are methods to save cash 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 points of interest 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 numerous free actions, akin to mountaineering and exploring the city middle, to save cash in your journey.
Transportation: Renting a automotive or utilizing public transportation may be cheaper than taking taxis or ride-sharing providers. Consider utilizing the native bus system, or renting a automotive for those who plan to take day journeys from Queenstown.
While Queenstown may be costly, there are methods to save cash and nonetheless have an gratifying journey. With a little bit planning and budgeting, you’ll be able to take advantage of your go to to this beautiful vacation spot.
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Queenstown presents all kinds of lodging choices to swimsuit totally different budgets and preferences. Here are some strategies 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 loads of choices for all budgets, together with inns, motels, residences, and hostels.
- Lakefront: If you wish to get up to beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu, contemplate 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, contemplate Arrowtown. This city is thought for its gold mining historical past, tree-lined streets, and picturesque buildings.
- Ski Resorts: If 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 positioned inside a brief drive of Queenstown, together with Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona.
Wrap Up
Queenstown is a surprising vacation spot that provides 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 you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, you’re positive 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 traveling to New Zealand.
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