Queenstown - Activity Highlights

Queenstown | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

As the Southern Hemisphere's premiere four season alpine and lake resort, Queenstown has a huge range of activities for the young and old alike.

Featured Tourism Operators in Queenstown

Queenstown Activity Highlights Overview

While Queenstown is renowned for adventure, you'll also find mellow, relaxing attractions. In recent years, the region has acquired wineries, golf courses, art galleries, exceptional restaurants and fabulous day spas.

A Shot of Adrenaline

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. The Ledge bungy jumping, Queenstown, New Zealand

The Ledge, Bungy Jumping
Queenstown
Photographer: AJ Hackett Bungy
(www.ajhackett.co.nz)

Queenstown is adventure town. There are lots of different ways to get your thrills.

Take a trip into Skippers Canyon to enjoy a mix of history and high adventure including bungy jumping, rafting, flying fox and jet boating
Go jet boating on the Shotover, Kawarau and Dart Rivers
Experience white-water rafting on the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers
Drift over Queenstown at dawn in a hot air balloon
Bungy Jump the Southern Hemisphere's highest land based bungy jump—The Nevis Highwire Bungy
Ride the gondola 450 metres above Queenstown to Bob's Peak to enjoy views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
While there ride the luge (a short raised toboggan for one person seated)

Enjoy a Leisurely Kind of Luxury

Taking it easy isn't difficult. Relax and soak up the beautiful alpine landscape.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Camping at Moke Lake Reserve, Queenstown, New Zealand

Camping, Moke Lake Reserve
Queenstown
Photographer: Ben Crawford
(www.bencrawford.co.nz)

Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard TSS Earnslaw, a 100 year old steamboat
Visit Gibbston Valley and Chard Farm vineyards or follow the Wakatipu Arts trail
Meet the feathered locals at Kiwi and Birdlife Park
Go horse trekking in Glenorchy
Spend a day at Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town that provides an interesting journey back in time. Don't miss the Lakes District Museum
Enjoy a Maori concert and traditional 'hangi' meal
Fish for trout and salmon at any time of the year
Experience high country farm life—horse trekking, sheep shearing, dog trials

The Wonderful Ways of Winter

With the first snowfall of winter, Queenstown shrugs off its red and gold autumn leaves and prepares for alpine fun.

The internationally acclaimed ski fields of the Remarkables and Coronet Peak offer great runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Coronet Peak is New Zealand's only night skiing area. Enjoy the open terrain, half pipes and fresh snow at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

Heli-skiing and heli-boarding will get you high on virgin snow. Get on board a snowmobile adventure across the wintry landscape.

Vineyards

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Wine Cave, Gibston Valley, Queenstown, New Zealand

Wine Cave, Gibbston Valley
Queenstown
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)

Queenstown is part of the Central Otago region, the fastest growing wine district in the country. The local wines frequently win awards.

Book a wine tour or hire a car and visit the vineyards in Gibbston Valley, Queenstown's main wine producing area.

Gibbston Valley Wines, Queenstown's first commercial vineyard, is known for seriously good lunches and wine tasting. You can also tour their wine cave and cheese factory

Forests and Walks

The dramatic landscape of high peaks, hanging valleys and clear water is gentle, quiet and stunningly beautiful. Leave the town and take to the hills and trails. You can pick up maps and trail information from any information centre.

The national parks of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring are within easy reach. Both parks offer a range of half or full day walks.

Journey through primordial forests, dramatic valleys and vast tussock fields on multi-day walks.

Local guides can explain the geography and geology as you hike, or you can hike independently.