Queenstown, positioned 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 marvel that Queenstown is taken into account some 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 in search of issues to do in Queenstown to get the adrenaline pumping, you might have come to the appropriate place.
Top Things to do in Queenstown
Get prepared to soar by the sky with a skydive, really feel the push of a bungee leap, or just take in the beautiful views, Queenstown has it. In this text, we’ll take a more in-depth have a look at the perfect 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 in the birthplace of the world’s first business bungy leap. With three bungy websites to select from it has to be on the prime of the perfect issues to do in Queenstown. All of the websites function every day year-round, and Queenstown is the last 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 business bungy leap, 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 advanced in central Queenstown. With a wonderful viewing space, it’s additionally an ideal 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’ll 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 big. Soar above breathtaking landscapes, together with alpine resorts, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. You can guide your Skydive Adventure in Queenstown in advance by GetYour Guide. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
You can select to freefall from the next top 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 checklist as everybody I’ve traveled to Queenstown with has executed this exercise, it’s nearly a ceremony of passage. The views of the encircling landscapes can’t be overwhelmed. Your tandem grasp will document the entire expertise which can be accessible 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’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 in the bustling city middle in minutes.
With a wide range of ski go 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 hire all your gear from newbie snowboards to snowboard boots in 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 supreme for rookies and intermediates. It additionally affords 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
Another well-loved ski space, The Remarkables affords terrain appropriate for skiers and snowboarders of all talent ranges, whereas additionally offering breathtaking views and a family-friendly ambiance. It additionally has a leap park for these trying to take a look at 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 perfect ski resort in New Zealand for rookies.
4. Hiking
Hiking in Queenstown is a well-liked exercise that provides guests the possibility to expertise the pure fantastic thing about the realm 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 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 observe is a difficult 6-8 hour return hike, with an elevation acquire 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’ll be able to take pleasure in panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. The hike takes round 1-2 hours, and you’ll take the gondola again down in case you want.
Mount Crichton Loop Track: This is a reasonable hike that takes you thru the beech forest and previous previous mining ruins. It affords beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and takes round 2-4 hours to full.
Routeburn Track: While technically not in Queenstown, that is one among New Zealand’s Great Walks and is well 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 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 full. The path begins on the finish of Belfast Terrace, only a quick stroll from central Queenstown. Along the way in which, walkers go by 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 referred to as the “Basket of Dreams,” which was erected in 2000 to commemorate the brand new millennium. The sculpture affords a singular 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 day trip that provides guests the possibility to expertise the beautiful fantastic thing about one among 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 affords close-up views of towering waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and numerous wildlife. Including Kea birds and Seals.
Don’t neglect to guide a cruise operator earlier than you go to make sure you get an area. You might also need to contemplate flying to Milford Sound as an alternative of driving, it’ll take a fraction of the time though it might be dearer. You can guide 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 chicken’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 take pleasure in 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 take pleasure in panoramic views of the encircling mountains and Lake Wakatipu. At the highest, there’s additionally a restaurant, a luge observe, and varied actions similar 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 can buy from completely different actions when you attain the highest. The essential characteristic of Skyline Queenstown is the Skyline Gondola, which takes guests on a scenic experience to the highest of Bob’s Peak. At the highest, guests can take pleasure in a wide range 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 possibility to expertise the joys 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 pace 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 talent ranges, making it an ideal exercise for households and teams of associates.
This exercise is ideal for thrill-seekers, households, and anybody in search of a enjoyable and memorable expertise in Queenstown. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply in search of 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 the most effective issues to do in Queenstown. It too is an journey that may be executed on the prime of Skyline Queenstown. Taking the Skyline Gondola up to the highest of Bob’s Peak, make your means to G-Force Paragliding for the most effective 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 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 by the air having fun with the views whereas letting your information do some enjoyable maneuvers in 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 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 can be hooked up 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 affords 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 masking 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.
10. FerBurger
The second you see the lengthy line snaking alongside Shotover Street in Queenstown, you already know Fergburger is not any peculiar burger restaurant. Since its opening in 2001, it has grow 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 every 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. The burger joint has gained world recognition and ready in line has grow 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 soothing go to full of enjoyable and academic actions.
Your host will welcome you upon arrival and take you to the amphitheater to witness the unbelievable 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 shut to 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 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 gorgeous park positioned in the guts of Queenstown, providing a peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of 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 suggest enjoying a recreation of disc golf when in Queenstown. The disc golf course affords a enjoyable and difficult 18 basket expertise amidst the park’s beautiful surroundings. Suitable for all talent ranges, from rookies to skilled gamers, the course winds its means by the gardens and is a good way to take pleasure in the great thing about the park whereas getting some train. This family-friendly course is ideal for households visiting Queenstown. Small Planet in the city middle 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 experience in New Zealand going by 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 likely one of the greatest adventures you’ll have.
You can guide this extremely rated tour that takes you on a high-speed adrenaline rush by Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau rivers with 360° spins as you take pleasure in one more thrill experience 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 just a few of the highest points of interest.
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 gives you sufficient time to expertise all the prime points of interest, in addition to participate in a few of the extra time-intensive actions, similar 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 Safe 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.
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 shield your self and your belongings.
In addition, in case you’re collaborating in journey sports activities, it’s necessary to observe security pointers and use respected suppliers who prioritize the security of their prospects.
What is the Best Time to Visit Queenstown?
The greatest time to go to Queenstown depends 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 similar to mountaineering, 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 realm are world-class, and the city is bustling with guests from all around the world.
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are additionally nice occasions to go to Queenstown. The temperatures are gentle, and the surroundings is beautiful, with the altering colours of the bushes and the encircling hills. These seasons are additionally much less crowded than the summer time 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 in search of. No matter whenever you go to, this beautiful vacation spot is certain to depart a long-lasting impression.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Queenstown?
The greatest means to get round Queenstown depends upon your private preferences and the actions you intend to do. Here are just a few choices:
Walking: Queenstown is a small city, and most of the prime points of interest and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another. This is a superb possibility in case you’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. A superb possibility in case you’re in search of a fast and straightforward means to get from one place to one other.
Buses: The native bus system is a budget-friendly possibility for getting round Queenstown. Buses run frequently to and from the city middle, and there are additionally providers to the encircling areas, together with the ski resorts.
Rental Cars: Rental automobiles 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 middle, and it is a nice possibility in case you’re in search of flexibility and independence whereas exploring the realm. You can examine charges right here.
Is Queenstown Expensive?
Queenstown could 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 pleasant journey.
Accommodation: There is a variety of lodging choices accessible in Queenstown, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious accommodations. Consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb to lower your expenses in your lodging prices.
Food: Eating out in Queenstown could 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 points of interest and actions in Queenstown include a excessive price ticket, however there are additionally many free actions to take pleasure in. Consider profiting from the numerous free actions, similar to mountaineering and exploring the city middle, to lower your expenses in your journey.
Transportation: Renting a automobile or utilizing public transportation could be less expensive than taking taxis or ride-sharing providers. Consider utilizing the native bus system, or renting a automobile in case you plan to take day journeys from Queenstown.
While Queenstown could be costly, there are methods to lower your expenses and nonetheless have an pleasant 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 affords all kinds of lodging choices to swimsuit 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 greatest wager. This space is shut to eating places, bars, retailers, and the waterfront. There are loads of choices for all budgets, together with accommodations, motels, flats, and hostels. Lakefront: If you need to get up to beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu, contemplate staying in the lakefront space. This space is barely quieter than central Queenstown however nonetheless inside strolling distance to the city middle. Arrowtown: If you need to keep in an enthralling 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 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 provides a variety of actions and points of interest for guests to take pleasure in. 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 positive to discover 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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