It’s time to move down below, however we’re not speaking about Australia, New Zealand is the place it’s at. It was the new spot to journey through the days of the Lord of the Rings, and whereas it hasn’t been on folks’s radar as a lot lately, New Zealand is among the most lovely locations on earth. One of many high locations to go to the land of Kiwis is Queenstown. Situated on the South Island of New Zealand, this vacation spot was as soon as referred to as the journey capital of the world. It’s the place industrial Bunjy leaping started and the place thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies are sport 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.
Greatest Issues to do in Queenstown
Now we have visited New Zealand 3 times and have spent practically two months exploring its snow capped peaks and vigorous cities. Visiting Queenstown was one among our favourite locations in New Zealand. Ciaran Coughland initially wrote this submit, however after studying nearer, we realized we did practically all of the adventures in Queenstown ourselves. So, together with his experiences and ours mixed, that is essentially the most complete information to Queenstown you’ll discover.
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 perfect issues to do in Queenstown so you may profit from your go to and create reminiscences that may 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 industrial bungy leap is an exciting expertise. With three bungy websites to select from, it must be on the high of the listing of greatest issues to do in Queenstown. For those who actually wish 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’ll mix them with the Nevis Swing for a really memorable expertise. The spherical journey takes roughly 3.5 hours.
2. Kawarau Bridge Bungy
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is situated simply 25 minutes from Queenstown in Gibbston. Step off of a little bit of historical past because it was the bridge the place the world’s first industrial bungy leap occurred. Leap 43m above the Kawarau River and plunge into the canyon. You may leap solo or tandem, with water touches being a must-try. Complimentary transfers from Queenstown can be found.
3. Go Skydiving
Leaping from an plane at 16000ft requires bravery! You might be 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 may ebook your Skydive Journey in Queenstown prematurely by way of GetYour Information. Cancel as much as 24 hours prematurely for a full refund. You may 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.
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 mountains and Lake Wakatipu. On the high, there’s additionally a restaurant, a luge monitor, and numerous actions akin to scenic walks, paragliding, and mountain biking. Skyline Queenstown is a well-liked spot for locals and guests and is thought for its breathtaking views and outside adventures.
You should purchase from totally different actions when you attain the highest. The 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 quite a lot of actions, together with mountain biking, star gazing, eating, and the luge.
5. The Luge
Situated 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 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 monitor, taking in gorgeous views of the encompassing mountains and valleys. The Luge is appropriate for all ages and ability ranges, making it a fantastic exercise for households and teams of buddies.
This exercise is ideal for thrill-seekers, households, and anybody searching for a enjoyable and memorable expertise in Queenstown. Whether or not you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply searching for 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 top-of-the-line issues to do in Queenstown. It too is an journey that may be executed 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 top-of-the-line adventures in New Zealand. This thrill begins with a brief coaching session after which you’re strapped to a certified teacher who will take you on a tandem flight to soak up the views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Vary.
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 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 searching for 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 situated at Skyline Queenstown, you’ll discover New Zealand’s first-ever Gondola assisted bike park. Your bike will likely 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 world affords quite a lot of trails, starting from straightforward scenic rides to difficult technical tracks and downhill mountain biking. With over 30 world-class downhill MTB trails 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.
8. Queenstown Hill Time Stroll
One other common space for hikers is Queenstown Hill, which is situated close to the middle of Queenstown. The most well-liked path to the summit is the Queenstown Hill Time Stroll, which takes roughly 2-3 hours to finish. The path begins on the finish of Belfast Terrace, only a quick stroll from central Queenstown. Alongside the best way, walkers move by way of a pine forest and open grassy slopes, with a number of viewpoints providing gorgeous views of the encompassing space.
On the summit of Queenstown Hill, there’s a stone sculpture referred to as the “Basket of Goals,” which was erected in 2000 to commemorate the brand new millennium. The sculpture affords a singular perspective on the encompassing panorama and is a well-liked spot for photographs.
9. Eat a FerBurger
The second you see the lengthy line snaking alongside Shotover Avenue in Queenstown, you already know Fergburger isn’t any unusual burger restaurant. Since its opening in 2001, it has turn into 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 each day, cooked to perfection, expertly assembled, and delectable.
At Fergburger, all the pieces 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 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 comfy spot stocked with all of the necessities.
10. Shotover River Jet Boat Tour
The Queenstown Shotover River Jet Boat Tour is an expertise that’s most likely the most well-liked jet boat trip in the whole nation. This jet boat trip takes you thru the Shotover River and Kawarau Rivers canyons. We did plenty of jet boating in New Zealand. The Kiwis actually love their thrills and jet boats on the water, and belief me, a jetboat tour is one adventurous trip.
You may ebook 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
11. Cruise Lake Wakatipu
There’s nothing higher than getting on the water when visiting any vacation spot and a cruise on Lake Wakatipu is a should. It’s an effective way to see the pure great thing about the Queenstown space. Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s third-largest lake that’s surrounded by mountains, together with the Remarkables, Cecil, and Walter Peaks.
There are numerous varieties of cruises accessible, from classic steamship cruises to trendy catamarans. We suggest The TSS Earnslaw, a classic steamship, affords a nostalgic and historic cruising expertise. It’s one of many few remaining coal-fired passenger-carrying vessels working within the southern hemisphere.
12. TSS Earnslaw – Walter’s Peak
Some cruises supply stops at native farms, the place you may have interaction in actions like sheep shearing and canine demonstrations. Now wouldn’t that be cool to get an immersive farming expertise? Walter Peak within the excessive nation is an idyllic farm on the southwestern shores of Lake Wakatipu.
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. 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 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 in your return cruise to Queenstown. Ebook this extremely rated tour to see why farming in New Zealand’s excessive nation is a lifestyle you don’t wish to miss.
13. Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown Gardens is a stupendous park situated within the coronary heart of Queenstown, providing a peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. The park options well-manicured lawns, mature bushes, and a shocking lakefront setting, making it a well-liked spot for picnics, enjoyable, and taking within the views.
14. Disc Golf in Queenstown Gardens
I’d suggest taking part in a sport of disc golf when in Queenstown. The disc golf course affords a enjoyable and difficult 18 basket expertise amidst the park’s gorgeous surroundings. Appropriate for all ability ranges, from learners to skilled gamers, the course winds its means by way of the gardens and is an effective way to get pleasure from the great thing about the park whereas getting some train. This family-friendly course is ideal for households visiting Queenstown. Small Planet within the city heart rents frisbees for under $5 per day!
15. Craft Beer Tour
Craft beers have taken over the world, and Queenstown isn’t any totally different. With this tour, you may expertise Queenstown’s Craft Beer scene that may take you off the overwhelmed monitor. You’ll tour consists of 3 stops the place you’ll pattern 13 totally different craft beers, and a scrumptious lunch. Or you may ebook this tour the place you’ll style the native craft beer from Central Otago as you pattern shared platters. Journey in type in a Mercedes van as you hearken to your information share tales and enjoyable.
16. Wine Tour
New Zealand wines have come a great distance, child, and you’ll take guided excursions by way of wine nation from Queenstown. The encircling area of Queenstown is especially famend for its Central Otago wines. Its Pinot Noir is taken into account among the many greatest on the planet. It additionally produces glorious Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling.
17. 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 among 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 affords close-up views of towering waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and numerous wildlife. Together with Kea birds and Seals.
Don’t neglect to ebook a cruise operator earlier than you go to make sure you get an area. You may additionally wish to take into account flying to Milford Sound as a substitute of driving, it should take a fraction of the time though it might be costlier. You may ebook 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 hen’s eye view of the encompassing 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.
18. 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 among New Zealand’s most gorgeous pure wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Web site. As part of Fiordland Nationwide Park, see Milford Sound’s famed cliffs, rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. It’s one of the crucial 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 surroundings.
Some excursions embody a cease at Lake Erskine, a shocking alpine lake, offering a possibility for a brief stroll and photograph session.
- Length: Half-day excursions are widespread, though the precise flight time is normally about 1.5 to 2 hours, together with stops.
- Value: The value 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.
19. Go to Arrowtown
Visiting Arrowtown, New Zealand, is like entering into a captivating and picturesque piece of historical past. This small, historic gold mining city is nestled within the coronary heart of the Otago area, close to Queenstown. Established through the gold rush of the 1860s and has retained a lot of its historic ch
There’s a restored Chinese language settlement on the fringe of the city and most of the buildings from the gold mining period nonetheless standing. Plus, quite a few strolling and biking trails round Arrowtown, together with paths alongside the Arrow River and the close by hills. The city is surrounded by mountain ranges, together with the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak, providing a shocking backdrop.
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 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.
Attending 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 heart in minutes.
With quite a lot of ski move 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 accessible. You may lease your whole gear from newbie snowboards to snowboard boots within the city heart.
Coronet Peak is among the hottest ski areas in Queenstown, Coronet Peak boasts well-groomed trails and terrain parks, making it very best for learners and intermediates. It additionally affords night time 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 affords 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 check their abilities on a ramp.
Cardron is situated an hour away from Queenstown and boasts a variety of terrain and is taken into account the perfect ski resort in New Zealand for learners.
21. Go Climbing
Climbing in Queenstown is a well-liked exercise that gives guests the possibility to expertise the pure great thing about the realm and get some train on the similar time. With quite a lot 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 have been price it! This is among 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.
Mount Crichton Loop Monitor: This can be a reasonable hike that takes you thru the beech forest and previous outdated mining ruins. It affords gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu and takes round 2-4 hours to finish.
Routeburn Monitor: Whereas technically not in Queenstown, that is one among 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’ll 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 wish to do. A minimum of 2-3 days in Queenstown is really helpful to get a style of what the city has to supply and expertise a couple of of the highest points of interest.
If you wish to totally immerse your self in journey sports activities and outside actions, an extended keep of 5-7 days is really helpful. This gives you sufficient time to expertise all the high points of interest, in addition to participate in a few of 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 Protected for vacationers?
Queenstown is usually thought-about secure for vacationers. Crime charges in Queenstown are low, and the native police are recognized to be pleasant and useful to vacationers.
Nevertheless, as with all vacation spot, it’s at all times a good suggestion to be conscious of your private security and take acceptable measures to guard your self and your belongings.
As well as, in case you’re collaborating in journey sports activities, it’s necessary to comply with security pointers and use respected suppliers who prioritize the protection of their prospects.
What’s the Greatest Time to Go to Queenstown?
One of the best time to go to Queenstown relies on your private preferences and the actions you wish to do.
Summer season (December to February) is the warmest time of 12 months and is good for outside actions akin 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. 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 Could) are additionally nice instances to go to Queenstown. The temperatures are gentle, and the surroundings is gorgeous, with the altering colours of the bushes and the encompassing hills. These seasons are additionally much less crowded than the summer season and winter months, making them a good time to discover the city at a extra relaxed tempo.
One of the best time to go to Queenstown will rely in your private preferences and the kind of journey you’re searching for. Irrespective of if you go to, this gorgeous vacation spot is certain to depart a long-lasting impression.
What’s the Greatest Approach to Get Round Queenstown?
One of the simplest ways to get round Queenstown relies on your private preferences and the actions you intend to do. Listed here are a couple of 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. This can be 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 searching for 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 often to and from the city heart, and there are additionally providers to the encompassing areas, together with the ski resorts.
Rental Vehicles: Rental vehicles are a well-liked choice for many who wish to discover the encompassing areas and take day journeys from Queenstown. There are a number of rental automotive firms situated within the city heart, and it is a nice choice in case you’re searching for flexibility and independence whereas exploring the realm. You may examine charges right here.
Is Queenstown Costly?
Queenstown might 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 satisfying journey.
Lodging: There’s a variety of lodging choices accessible 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 supply value-for-money choices.
Actions: Most 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, akin to climbing and exploring the city heart, to save cash in your journey.
Transportation: Renting a automotive 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 automotive 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 satisfying journey. With slightly planning and budgeting, you may profit from your go to to this gorgeous vacation spot.
The place to Keep in Queenstown
Queenstown affords all kinds of lodging choices to swimsuit totally different budgets and preferences. Listed here are some recommendations 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, outlets, 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 a captivating historic city only a quick drive from Queenstown, take into account Arrowtown. This city is thought for its gold mining historical past, tree-lined streets, and picturesque buildings.
- Ski Resorts: For those who’re visiting Queenstown within the winter for snowboarding or snowboarding, staying at one of many ski resorts is a good choice. There are a number of resorts situated 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 seek 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.
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