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Queenstown! This fantastic resort town is one of the most desirable ‘adventure capital of the world’. It’s famously the birthplace of bungee jumping, and the list of adventures you can throw yourself into are simply epic – from alpine heli-skiing to zip-lining. Here, any traveller will be satisfied with the great outdoors, culture and a good nightlife!
Expect big crowds, especially in summer and winter, but also big experiences while exploring Queenstown.
It’s rare that a visitor leaves without having tried something that ups their heart rate, but to pigeonhole Queenstown as just a playground is to overlook its cosmopolitan dining and arts scene, it’s fine vineyards, and the diverse range of bars that can make evenings as fun-filled as the days.
We’ve selected the most fun, diverse and unmissable things to do in Queenstown New Zealand, read on!
Milford Sound
Get up close and personal with Milford Sound. The journey there is just as magical as the destination itself!
On your way to the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, discover Milford Road with stops in the best places for magnificent views and photos.
At Milford Sound, board your cruise and travel the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble into the sea. Lush native forest clings to steep cliffs, towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and spot amazing wildlife including seals, penguins and dolphins as regular visitors to the icy waters.
You can tick Milford Sound off your bucket list now.
Skyline Gondola
The Skyline Gondola is a Queenstown icon. Head up the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere to the summit of Bob’s Peak. Here, meet the 2-man chairlift that accesses the luge course. At the top, pick up your specialized cart, and prepare to propel yourself down the mountain where you can launch your luge into the turns and tunnels of the thrilling trail.
And finally, enjoy the breathtaking views of Queenstown. Perfect for that instagram shot!
Lake Hayes
A short 15 minute drive from Queenstown, Lake Hayes is a stunning Lake with 360° mountain views. A footpath around the lake offers a three hour loop walk to enjoy the incredible scenery.
Lake Hayes is a favourite spot with locals who enjoy the serene qualities that the lake and views provide. Lake Hayes is also a popular spot of cyclists and joggers.
The Lake Hayes Scenic Reserve leads to a picnic area where you can park up and enjoy lunch while admiring the beauty in front of you. During the warmer summer months you’ll often see families enjoying a BBQ in front of the lake.
Lake Hayes also plays host to the Lake Hayes A&P Show. Held in January, it’s a popular event that features show jumping, sheep shearing, dog trials, petting zoos and children’s entertainment.
A trip here will not be forgotten. That’s a promise.
Skycity
If you feel like a spot of gambling, then definitely head over to Skycity Casino and try your luck.
Whatever your game, chances are they are playing it right now at Skycity Queenstown Casino. All your favourite table games, including Blackjack, Roulette, Midi Baccarat and Caribbean Stud Poker, as well as 86 gaming machines in an exciting range of games and denominations. It’s all here.
If you’ve never played before, or want to brush up on your skills, Skycity offers a unique boutique gaming experience.
Shotover River
This fast flowing river is fantastic for thrill seeking tourists who love adventure tours. Swim, jet boat, dog walk, mountain bike, trail run, it’s all on this river, & more! Also still the second richest “gold” river in the world.
A lot of the Lord of the Rings scenes filmed around here, the jet boat trips on it are an unusual and exciting experience.
This historic and scenic gorge was once home to New Zealand’s richest gold-bearing river, the Shotover River. The river still exists, of course, but the gold is no more.
There we have it, a round up of Queenstown, one of the most relaxing and scenic cities in New Zealand. What are you waiting for? Let’s go exploring!
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