Things to do in Queenstown

Queenstown is a scenic city in New Zealand , located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and in the shadow of the Southern Alps. Queenstown caters for tourist of all budget ranges. Anyone can find something to do here. Known for the many outdoor activities which are practiced in the town and close to it, Queenstown is also the gateway into two of the best wine regions in the country.

See the view from the Skyline Gondola

It’s one of the best ways to see the lovely views of Queenstown and the surrounding areas. It is located about 5 minutes walk from the city center. Tickets cost NZ$25 for an adult and NZ$14 for a child.

Hurtle down the Skyline Luge

It is a fun filled gravity ride for all ages. It offers two tracks: the scenic track and the adventure track. It is located in the Skyline complex and offers incredible views of Queenstown.
You can only buy combined tickets (Gondola and Skyline Luge); Gondola and 1 Luge ride costs NZ$33 for an adult and NZ$23 for a child.

Enjoy the Queenstown Wine Trail tour

It is a personalized wine tour of vineyards and wineries in the best wine regions in the country: Queenstown and Central Otago. You can try a day tour or choose a combination of tours. The original tour costs NZ$129 per person and includes tastings at four wineries and other interesting things to do.

Get out in the nature: hiking, biking and walking

There are plenty of tracks which start right from the city center. You can choose short, easy walks or more challenging ones, depending on your fitness level.
Lovely walks can be found around Lake Wakatipu, complete with stunning views. You can do a section of the Routeburn Track (which is 3 days in total). A list of walks can be found here .

Go extreme: try bungy jumping

Kawarau is home to the original 43 meter Bungy Jump , the world’s first leap. The minimum age is 10 years. The jumper needs to be at least 1.20 meters tall and weigh 35 kg.
Plenty other bungy jumping spots are available in Queenstown and close to the city, such as the Nevis Bungy which is 134 m high above the river Nevis.

Tubing on the Remarkables

The Remarkables are an icon of Queenstown and the place to go if you are after fun in the snow. Tubing is an excellent way to enjoy winter sports if skiing or snowboarding doesn’t appeal to you.

White water rafting

You can paddle down the tamer Kawarau River or the wilder Shotover River.

A day at the Botanical Garden

Stroll through the garden, among beautiful trees and with views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown.

Skydiving anyone?

Tandem skydiving is a great choice for those who seek the adrenaline rush but haven’t yet taken skydiving lessons. One of the skydiving spots is over Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks.

Day trip to Milford Sound

The scenery on the way to Milford Sound is amazing. Milford Sound is located within the Fiorldland National Park and is a World Heritage site. The mountains carved by glaciers and the spectacular waterfalls are the highlights of this day trip.

Take the scenic drive to Glenorchy

It is a 50 minutes drive north up Lake Wakatipu. So rent a car and drive on one of the best scenic drives in the world.

Photo credits: Skyline Gondola , Vineyard , Hiking and baking track , The Remarkables winter sports , Botanical Garden , Milford Sound