Queenstown, situated on the South Island of New Zealand, is a panoramic vacation spot that provides a novel mix of pure magnificence and journey. With beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear lakes, it’s no marvel that Queenstown is taken into account one of many most stunning 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’ve got come to the fitting 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 absorb the beautiful views, Queenstown has it. In this text, we’ll take a better have a look at one of the best issues to do in Queenstown, so you may profit from your go to and create recollections that can final a lifetime.
1. Bungy Jump
Experience the joys of bungy leaping within the birthplace of the world’s first business bungy soar. With three bungy websites to select from it must be on the prime of one of the best issues to do in Queenstown. All of the websites function each day year-round, and Queenstown is the final word vacation spot for daredevils. Read extra: 8 Great Places to Go Bungee Jumping in New Zealand
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
Located 25 minutes from Queenstown in Gibbston, is the world’s first business bungy soar, the place you may leap 43m above the Kawarau River. Jump solo or tandem, with water touches being a must-try. Free transfers from Queenstown can be found.
Ledge Bungy
At 43m excessive, it feels even increased 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 a fantastic choice 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 large. Soar above breathtaking landscapes, together with alpine resorts, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. You can guide your Skydive Adventure in Queenstown prematurely via GetYour Guide. Cancel as much as 24 hours prematurely for a full refund.
You 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.
- Book prematurely.
I gave this primary place on the record as everybody I’ve traveled to Queenstown with has finished this exercise, it’s virtually a ceremony of passage. The views of the encircling landscapes can’t be crushed. Your tandem grasp will document the entire expertise which will likely be obtainable so that you can 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 situated within the Southern Alps and guarantees an unforgettable snowboarding expertise. With a prolonged ski season working from June to October, you may hit the slopes for months on finish.
Getting to Queenstown is 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 go choices, together with single-day passes and season passes, you may select the one which fits you finest. Daily mountain transport can also be obtainable. You can lease your whole 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 supreme for newbies and intermediates. It additionally presents 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 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 trying to check 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 one of the best ski resort in New Zealand for newbies.
4. Hiking
Hiking in Queenstown is a well-liked exercise that provides guests the prospect to expertise the pure fantastic thing about the realm and get some train on the identical time. With quite a lot of trails starting from simple walks to difficult multi-day hikes.
I’d advocate the Ben Lomond Track. This took us about 4 hours (a technique) and we definitely confronted our demons, however the views from the highest had been value it! This is without doubt one of the hottest hikes in Queenstown, providing spectacular views of the Remarkables mountain vary and Lake Wakatipu. The observe is a difficult 6-8 hour return hike, with an elevation acquire of 1,438 m.
Other beneficial hikes in Queenstown
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’ll take the gondola again down in case you want.
Mount Crichton Loop Track: This is a average 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 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 well-liked space for hikers is Queenstown Hill situated 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 way in which, walkers go 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 images.
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 sights.
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 guide a cruise operator earlier than you go to make sure you get an area. You might also wish to think about flying to Milford Sound as an alternative of driving, it’s going to take a fraction of the time though it could be dearer. You can guide 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. Enjoy a chook’s eye view of the encircling mountains, waterfalls, and lakes of the Fiordland National Park. Once you land in Milford Sound board the cruise to get pleasure from a ship tour out to the Tasman Sea.
6. Skyline Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown is the Adventure Capital of the Adventure Capital of the world. Take the Skyline Gondola to the highest of Bob’s Peak, the place you may get pleasure from panoramic views of the encircling mountains and Lake Wakatipu. At the highest, there may be additionally a restaurant, a luge observe, and numerous 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 outside adventures.
You should purchase from completely different actions when you attain the highest. The fundamental characteristic of Skyline Queenstown is the Skyline Gondola, which takes guests on a scenic journey to the highest of Bob’s Peak. At the highest, guests can get pleasure from quite a lot of actions, together with mountain biking, star gazing, eating, and the luge.
7. The Luge
Located at Skyline Queenstown, the Luge in Queenstown is an thrilling and distinctive exercise that provides guests the prospect to expertise the joys of racing down a purpose-built observe. Make your approach 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 approach 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 a fantastic 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 finished 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 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 absorb the views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range.
The flight lasts round 20 minutes, relying on climate circumstances, and after a working begin off the sting of Bob’s Peak, you float via the air having fun with the views whereas letting your information do some enjoyable maneuvers within the air.
Paragliding at Skyline Queenstown is a novel 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 situated at Skyline Queenstown, you’ll discover New Zealand’s first-ever Gondola assisted bike park. Your bike will likely 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 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 protecting greater than 30 km and providing 450 meters of vertical descent, it’s a must-visit vacation spot for mountain bikers.
With quite a lot of terrains starting from inexperienced to black, there’s one thing for riders of all ranges. With an elevation of 790m and the longest run stretching for six km, the Queenstown Bike Park guarantees an unforgettable mountain biking expertise.
10. FerBurger
The second you notice the lengthy line snaking alongside Shotover Street in Queenstown, you understand Fergburger is not any extraordinary burger restaurant. Since its opening in 2001, it has turn into 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 each day, cooked to perfection, expertly assembled, and delectable.
At Fergburger, every thing is made in-house, from buns to sauces, and the standard shines via. The burger joint has gained world recognition and ready in line has turn into 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 stuffed with enjoyable and academic actions.
Your host will welcome you upon arrival and take you to the amphitheater to witness the unimaginable expertise of the farm canine as they herd sheep from the paddocks. Enjoy a strolling tour of the farmyard, the place you may help with feeding sheep and deer and even get 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 lovely park situated within the coronary heart of Queenstown, providing a peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of town. The park options well-manicured lawns, mature timber, and a shocking lakefront setting, making it a well-liked spot for picnics, enjoyable, and taking within the views.
Disc Golf in Queenstown Gardens
I’d advocate 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 newbies to skilled gamers, the course winds its approach via 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 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 journey in New Zealand going via the canyons of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. We appeared to do plenty of jet boating in New Zealand. The Kiwis actually love their thrills on the water and jet boating is without doubt one of the finest adventures you’ll have.
You can guide 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 journey in Queenstown New Zealand.
How Long Should I Spend in Queenstown?
The size of your keep in Queenstown will rely in your pursuits and the actions you wish to do. At least 2-3 days in Queenstown is beneficial to get a style of what the city has to supply and expertise just a few of the highest sights.
If you wish to totally immerse your self in journey sports activities and outside actions, an extended keep of 5-7 days is beneficial. This gives you sufficient time to expertise all the prime sights, in addition to participate in among 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 usually thought of secure 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 conscious of your private security and take acceptable measures to guard your self and your belongings.
In addition, in case you’re collaborating in journey sports activities, it’s essential to observe security tips and use respected suppliers who prioritize the protection of their clients.
What is the Best Time to Visit Queenstown?
The finest time to go to Queenstown will depend on your private preferences and the actions you wish to do.
Summer (December to February) is the warmest time of yr and is good for outside actions similar to climbing, 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 right time to go to. The ski resorts within the space 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 timber 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 finest time to go to Queenstown will rely in your private preferences and the kind of journey you’re in search of. No matter while you go to, this beautiful vacation spot is bound to go away a long-lasting impression.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Queenstown?
The finest solution to get round Queenstown will depend on your private preferences and the actions you propose to do. Here are just a few choices:
Walking: Queenstown is a small city, and most of the prime sights and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another. This is a superb choice in case 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 choice for getting round city. A great choice in case you’re in search of a fast and straightforward 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 middle, and there are additionally companies to the encircling areas, together with the ski resorts.
Rental Cars: Rental vehicles are a well-liked choice for individuals who wish to discover the encircling areas and take day journeys from Queenstown. There are a number of rental automotive corporations situated within the city middle, and it is a nice choice in case you’re in search of flexibility and independence whereas exploring the realm. You can evaluate charges right here.
Is Queenstown Expensive?
Queenstown could be thought of an costly vacation spot, particularly in comparison with different cities in New Zealand. The value of meals, lodging and actions can add up shortly, however there are methods to save cash and nonetheless have an pleasurable journey.
Accommodation: There is a variety of lodging choices obtainable in Queenstown, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious accommodations. Consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb to save cash in your lodging prices.
Food: Eating out in Queenstown could be costly, however there are methods to save cash on meals prices. Consider cooking your individual meals, or consuming at native cafes and eating places that provide value-for-money choices.
Activities: Many of the highest sights and actions in Queenstown include a excessive price ticket, however there are additionally many free actions to get pleasure from. Consider making the most of the numerous free actions, similar to climbing and exploring the city middle, to save cash in your journey.
Transportation: Renting a automotive or utilizing public transportation could be cheaper than taking taxis or ride-sharing companies. Consider utilizing the native bus system, or renting a automotive in case you plan to take day journeys from Queenstown.
While Queenstown could be costly, there are methods to save cash and nonetheless have an pleasurable journey. With a little bit planning and budgeting, you may profit from your go to to this beautiful vacation spot.
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Queenstown presents all kinds of lodging choices to swimsuit completely different budgets and preferences. Here are some options 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 finest guess. This space is near eating places, bars, outlets, and the waterfront. There are loads of choices for all budgets, together with accommodations, motels, residences, and hostels.
- Lakefront: If you wish to get up to beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu, think about 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, think about 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 superb choice. 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 seashore days, there’s something for everybody on this vibrant city. Whether 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 beautiful surroundings, vibrant tradition, and pleasant locals, it’s a must-visit vacation spot for anybody traveling to New Zealand.
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