If New Zealand has a crown jewel, Queenstown takes the spot, and for good reason. Tucked into the heart of Central Otago, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to amble in awe, whether that’s down its cobbled streets, through surrounding native bush and towering mountain ranges, or across a world class golf course.
Queenstown is a place that both invigorates and relaxes, charms and inspires. It’s the adventure capital of the globe, sure, and home to the world’s best burgers, but there’s so much more to the mountain town than cortisol-fueled activities and patties. Although, if that’s what you’re after, there’s plenty to go around.
City life
Queenstown city centre
There are few spots more magical than the streets of Queenstown, New Zealand in the early evening, with a backdrop view of the soaring Remarkables, the sound of street music and the smell of your next juicy meal. Queenstown city centre is right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, with sweeping views down its length, flanked by the Southern Alps mountain range. For just a wee town it’s got a whole lot going on, too, with art galleries, boutique stores, and endless outdoor gear and rental shops to kit you out for the many things to do in Queenstown. Then, of course, there are the cafes and restaurants. Hope you’re hungry.
Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown is a place of adventure activities, and the botanical gardens provide the yin to that yang. With ancient trees whose trunks offer the perfect backrest, a serene duckpond and a gorgeous rose garden, this is a place where time becomes dreamy and the day slips by. The view may not be as far reaching as a mountain-top, but it’s just as beautiful. Bring your book, or, if you’ve got some energy to burn, a frisbee and a buddy and give the Queenstown Frisbee Golf course a whirl.
Queenstown walks
Queenstown is quite literally a hikers paradise, whether you want to disappear into the wild for three days or go for a morning walk that lands you in town in time for brunch. If you like some vertical but want to keep it short, Queenstown Hill or the Tiki Trail up to Skyline are both great ways to start your blood pumping and soak up the view of the Remarkables and down the lake towards Glenorchy. For a gentle stroll, head out to 7 mile and walk along the lake to to Bob s Cove, or take a drive out to Arrowtown for the day and pick one of the many trails that wind along the Arrow River. For a solid day mission, pack your snacks and hit the 6-7 hour Ben Lomond track – the panoramic views are unbeatable.
We need your help
READ MORE
If waking up in a remote backcountry hut is more your thing, and you’ve got some time, Queenstown is one of the best places to access world class multi day hikes. It’s the gateway to three of New Zealand’s Great Walks: the Routeburn, the Milford Track and the Kepler. Aside from those, there are endless other trail options around Queenstown, so pack your hiking boots and your scroggin (trail mix) and get out there. For more detailed information on multi day hikes in the area, visit the DOC or Destination Queenstown websites.
Action in the adventure capital
Bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge
For its title as the world’s adventure capital, Queenstown has one true ringleader to thank: AJ Hackett. The ingenious (and crazy) Kiwi was the first in the world to offer commercial bungy jumping, and nowadays it’s a must for those who love adrenaline activities. There are now multiple spots throughout Queenstown and New Zealand where you can bind your feet together and throw yourself off a bridge. If that sentence got you going, head for the historic Kawarau Bridge, where you can leap to your heart’s content – 43m, to be exact.
Ziplining
Zoom through the pine forest canopy at speeds of up to 70km/h, with a view at every turn across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. This is New Zealand’s original Ziptrek experience, and one of Queenstown s coolest things to do.
Jet boating on the Shotover River
Queenstown just wouldn’t be Queenstown without the background sound of people shrieking as the Shotover River Jet roars by. Shrieking with joy of course – or at least, joyful terror. Even in the ski season, this activity goes off. Your face might freeze, but it’s still good fun.
Get your nature fix
Kiwi Birdlife Park
Take a step into the Jurassic era and get up close and personal with some of the unique native birds of New Zealand. The Kiwi Birdlife Park is home to kiwi, kea, kāka, falcon and a whole bunch of other endangered birds and reptiles. Find the park at the bottom of the Skyline Gondola, and if you’re looking for fun things to do in Queenstown on a rainy day (or with the kids), these incredible birds are the best company.
Tiki Trail
The Tiki Trail is a brilliant way to get a sweat on and see cracking views of Queenstown in under 90 minutes. Starting at the base of the gondola right next to Queenstown town center, head straight up through the pines and enjoy the hush of the forest as you zig zag your way up to Bob s peak. Look out for the mushroom sculptures tucked about the place. If you’re up for a bigger mission, continue on from Bob s peak on the Ben Lomond track right up to the Saddle, but remember to bring water and food, and always check the weather.
Coronet Peak
One of the best things about Queenstown and its Central Otago location is its distinct seasons. Snow covered mountains make for magical winters at the ski fields, while summer time brings long, hot days, perfect for exploring. Coronet Peak makes the most of both, offering a top ski resort during the winter and epic mountain biking trails during the summer. Plus, this outdoor activities mecca is 20 minutes drive from Queenstown. Watch out, you just might have to stay in Queenstown all year round!
Go Scenic
Heli-trip to Middle Earth
Yep, that’s right. You can get dropped by chopper to picnic right by Middle Earth Falls. Fly high over the Richardson Mountains and Moonlight Saddle, before following Bilbo’s footsteps to the soaring waterfalls and overhanging glaciers. Not a Lord of the Rings fan? Don’t worry, the scenery will still floor you.
Skyline Queenstown
The Skyline gondola is a bit of an icon of Queenstown, if not New Zealand, popping you out at the top of Bob’s peak with a crazy view across to the Remarkables and a whole buffet of activities to choose from. Hit the mountain bike park or rip round the luge track – a luge, for those who aren’t sure, is part go-cart, part taboggan. It’s pure chaos, in the best way, and impossible to leave without a grin.
Remember Mr Hackett, king of adrenaline activities? Well, there’s a bungy from the top of the Queenstown gondola now, too.
Milford Sound
Everybody has heard of Milford Sound, and there’s a reason why. Well, actually, there are a few. Found deep in the Fiordland National Park, this fiord is banked by soaring peaks, steep cliffs of dense New Zealand rainforest and thundering waterfalls. The Milford Sound Track, once dubbed ‘the finest walk in the world’, is often reason enough alone for people to visit the South Island.
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is the nucleus of Queenstown, the shimmering center next to which the town is nestled and the mountains are reflected. If you’re game, take a dip, though being the South Island, it stays pretty chilly all year round. If not, simply sit on its shores, fish and chips at the ready, and bask in the views.
Stay long enough, and you may start to see the gentle rise and fall of the lake, or its ‘heartbeat’. According to Maori legend, star-crossed lovers Manata and Matakauri once lived in the area. One night, a giant Taniwha named Matau snuck into the village and stole the beautiful Matakauri. Manata embarked on a journey to save his lover, and, though he was successful, he lived in fear of it happening again.
So, once he plucked up the courage, he went back to the mountains where Matau lived and set fire to the creature, leaving a crater hundreds of kilometers deep and 75km long. When the rains came, the trough was filled with water, and the lake became known as Wakatipu, ‘the trough of the giant’. Though dead, the giant’s heartbeat can still be seen as a rise and fall in the lake.
Onsen Hot Pools
Keen for a slice of Japan in Queenstown, New Zealand? Take a trip to the Onsen Hot Pools, where time slows down and relaxation is the name of the game. Soak in private, cedar-lined hot pools with a view of the Shotover River, or even better, indulge in one of their many spa offerings.
Wine Tours
If you like wine, Central Otago has made New Zealand world famous for its pinot noir, and a trip to Gibbston Valley from Queenstown is a top option for a day exploring the area. Better yet, make it a trip by two wheels and cycle out. The ride from Queenstown is about 40km, taking you past Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estate. It may take more time, but trust us, the wine tastes infinitely sweeter when you’re bright red with helmet hair. There are plenty of shuttles that can offer you a ride back to Queenstown, and if you need a pick me up on the way out there, call into The Hayes at Lake Hayes Estate for a coffee or a bite to eat.
If you’re taking the vehicular option, continue your exploration after you’ve had your fill of Gibbston Valley pinot noir. Follow the road towards Cromwell through the Kawerau Gorge and see the old Chinese miners huts, relics from the 1860’s Gold Rush.
That famous gold rush may have been what brought the first hoard of settlers to Otago, but it’s the infinite ways to enjoy glorious Queenstown that keeps people coming. If New Zealand is a cake, Queenstown is the cherry on top, and there’s a slice here waiting – just for you.
