Queenstown, positioned on the South Island of New Zealand, is a wide ranging vacation spot that gives a novel mix of pure magnificence and journey. With gorgeous landscapes and crystal-clear lakes, it’s no surprise that Queenstown is taken into account one of many most beautiful places on earth. However this city is greater than only a fairly face. Often known as the journey capital of the world, Queenstown is a hub for thrill-seekers, and adrenaline junkies. In case you’re in search of issues to do in Queenstown to get the adrenaline pumping, you have got come to the precise place.
Prime Issues to do in Queenstown
Get able to soar by the sky with a skydive, really feel the frenzy of a bungee bounce, or just absorb the gorgeous views, Queenstown has it. On this article, we’ll take a more in-depth take a look at the very best issues to do in Queenstown, so you possibly can profit from your go to and create recollections that may final a lifetime.
1. Bungy Soar
Expertise the fun of bungy leaping within the birthplace of the world’s first industrial bungy bounce. With three bungy websites to select from it needs to be on the prime of the very best issues to do in Queenstown. All the websites function day by day year-round, and Queenstown is the last word vacation spot for daredevils. Learn extra: 8 Great Places to Go Bungee Jumping in New Zealand
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
Positioned 25 minutes from Queenstown in Gibbston, is the world’s first industrial bungy bounce, the place you possibly can leap 43m above the Kawarau River. Soar solo or tandem, with water touches being a must-try. Free transfers from Queenstown can be found.
Ledge Bungy
At 43m excessive, it feels even larger because the bungy platform is perched on the sting of a cliff on the prime of the Skyline complicated in central Queenstown. With a superb viewing space, it’s additionally an ideal possibility for spectators.
Nevis Bungy
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 may mix them with the Nevis Swing for a very memorable expertise. The spherical journey takes roughly 3.5 hours.
2. Skydiving
Leaping from an plane at 15,000ft requires bravery! You’re tied to a seasoned tandem grasp, brace your self for a sensory overload as you hit 200 kmph. The non-public problem is large. Soar above breathtaking landscapes, together with alpine resorts, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. You may guide your Skydive Adventure in Queenstown upfront by GetYour Information. Cancel as much as 24 hours upfront 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.
- E book upfront.
I gave this primary place on the listing as everybody I’ve traveled to Queenstown with has executed this exercise, it’s nearly a ceremony of passage. The views of the encircling landscapes can’t be crushed. Your tandem grasp will document the entire expertise which will probably be accessible so that you can buy after the dive.
3. Snowboarding and Snowboarding
Queenstown is famend for its distinctive ski fields, making it the right 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 positioned within the Southern Alps and guarantees an unforgettable snowboarding expertise. With a prolonged ski season operating from June to October, you possibly can hit the slopes for months on finish.
Attending to Queenstown is easy 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 a wide range of ski go choices, together with single-day passes and season passes, you possibly can select the one which fits you finest. Every day mountain transport can be accessible. You may lease all your gear from beginner snowboards to snowboard boots within the city heart.
Ski and Snowboard Resorts
Coronet Peak
One of the vital well-liked ski areas in Queenstown, Coronet Peak boasts well-groomed trails and terrain parks, making it supreme for freshmen and intermediates. It additionally provides night time snowboarding from 4-9 PM, maximizing your time on the mountain.
Treble Cone
A ski space that gives a more difficult terrain, Treble Cone is thought for its lengthy, uncrowded, and well-groomed runs.
The Remarkables
One other well-loved ski space, The Remarkables provides terrain appropriate for skiers and snowboarders of all ability ranges, whereas additionally offering breathtaking views and a family-friendly ambiance. It additionally has a bounce park for these trying to check their expertise on a ramp.
Cardrona
Positioned an hour away from Queenstown, Cardrona is a ski resort that boasts a variety of terrain and is taken into account the very best ski resort in New Zealand for freshmen.
4. Climbing
Climbing in Queenstown is a well-liked exercise that gives guests the prospect to expertise the pure fantastic thing about the world and get some train on the identical time. With a wide range of trails starting from simple walks to difficult multi-day hikes.
I’d suggest the Ben Lomond Monitor. This took us about 4 hours (a method) and we actually confronted our demons, however the views from the highest had been price it! This is likely one of 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.
Different advisable hikes in Queenstown
Bob’s Peak: This hike takes you as much as the highest of Skyline Queenstown, the place you possibly can get pleasure from panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. The hike takes round 1-2 hours, and you may take the gondola again down for those who desire.
Mount Crichton Loop Monitor: It is a average hike that takes you thru the beech forest and previous previous mining ruins. It provides gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu and takes round 2-4 hours to finish.
Routeburn Monitor: Whereas technically not in Queenstown, that is certainly one of New Zealand’s Nice Walks and is definitely accessible from Queenstown. The monitor is a difficult 3-4 day hike that takes you thru gorgeous alpine surroundings and ends at Milford Sound.
Queenstown Hill Time Stroll
One other well-liked space for hikers is Queenstown Hill positioned 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 way in which, walkers go by a pine forest and open grassy slopes, with a number of viewpoints providing gorgeous views of the encircling space.
On the summit of Queenstown Hill, there’s a stone sculpture referred to as the “Basket of Desires,” which was erected in 2000 to commemorate the brand new millennium. The sculpture provides a novel perspective on the encircling panorama and is a well-liked spot for photographs.
5. Milford Sound
The Milford Sound scenic drive and cruise is a well-liked time out that gives guests the prospect to expertise the gorgeous fantastic thing about certainly one of 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 provides close-up views of towering waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and numerous wildlife. Together with Kea birds and Seals.
Don’t overlook to guide a cruise operator earlier than you go to make sure you get an area. You may additionally need to take into account flying to Milford Sound as an alternative of driving, it would take a fraction of the time though it might be costlier. You may guide a scenic cruise upfront.
This highly rated full day tour contains not solely a scenic cruise however a return flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Get pleasure from a chicken’s eye view of the encircling 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.
6. 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 possibly can get pleasure from panoramic views of the encircling mountains and Lake Wakatipu. On the prime, there’s additionally a restaurant, a luge monitor, and varied actions akin to scenic walks, paragliding, and mountain biking. Skyline Queenstown is a well-liked spot for each locals and guests and is thought for its breathtaking views and outside adventures.
You should purchase from completely 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 prime, guests can get pleasure from a wide range of actions, together with mountain biking, star gazing, eating, and the luge.
7. The Luge
Positioned at Skyline Queenstown, the Luge in Queenstown is an thrilling and distinctive exercise that gives guests the prospect to expertise the fun of racing down a purpose-built monitor. Make your approach 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 approach down the monitor, taking in gorgeous views of the encircling mountains and valleys. The Luge is appropriate for all ages and ability ranges, making it an ideal exercise for households and teams of buddies.
This exercise is ideal for thrill-seekers, households, and anybody in search of a enjoyable and memorable expertise in Queenstown. Whether or not you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply in search of a enjoyable exercise to attempt, the Luge is a must-do expertise.
8. G-Pressure Paragliding
That is an addition by Dave and Deb as it’s one other probably the greatest issues to do in Queenstown. It too is an journey that may be executed on the prime of Skyline Queenstown. Taking the Skyline Gondola as much as the highest of Bob’s Peak, make your solution to G-Pressure Paragliding for probably the greatest adventures in New Zealand. This thrill begins with a brief coaching session after which you might be 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 circumstances, and after a operating begin off the sting of Bob’s Peak, you float by the air having fun with the views whereas letting your information do some enjoyable maneuvers within the air.
Paragliding at Skyline Queenstown is a novel and unforgettable expertise for anybody in search of 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.
9. Mountain Bike
Additionally positioned at Skyline Queenstown, you’ll discover New Zealand’s first-ever Gondola assisted bike park. Your bike will probably be hooked up 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 realm provides a wide range of trails, starting from simple 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 a wide range 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.
10. FerBurger
The second you see the lengthy line snaking alongside Shotover Avenue in Queenstown, Fergburger isn’t any strange burger restaurant. Since its opening in 2001, it has grow to be a staple, and for good cause. Providing a various menu of burgers, together with 3/4lb meat patties and tofu choices, all are freshly made day by day, cooked to perfection, expertly assembled, and delectable.
At Fergburger, every thing is made in-house, from buns to sauces, and the standard shines by. The burger joint has gained international recognition and ready in line has grow to be 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 comfortable spot stocked with all of the necessities.
11. TSS Earnslaw – Walter’s Peak
Get an immersive expertise of farming within the New Zealand excessive nation at Walter Peak. This idyllic farm on the southwestern shores of Lake Wakatipu guarantees a calming go to full of enjoyable and academic actions.
Your host will welcome you upon arrival and take you to the amphitheater to witness the unbelievable expertise of the farm canine as they herd sheep from the paddocks. Get pleasure from a strolling tour of the farmyard, the place you possibly can help with feeding sheep and deer and even get near the Scottish Highland Cattle.
Take a leisurely stroll to the charming previous woolshed for a tea break, and possibly even go to the lakeside gardens earlier than you depart on the TSS Earnslaw on your return cruise to Queenstown. Come see why farming in New Zealand’s excessive nation is a lifestyle you don’t need to miss.
12. Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown Gardens is a wonderful park positioned within the coronary heart of Queenstown, providing a peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of town. The park options well-manicured lawns, mature timber, and a surprising lakefront setting, making it a well-liked spot for picnics, enjoyable, and taking within the views.
Disc Golf in Queenstown Gardens
I’d suggest taking part in a sport of disc golf when in Queenstown. The disc golf course provides a enjoyable and difficult 18 basket expertise amidst the park’s gorgeous surroundings. Appropriate for all ability ranges, from freshmen to skilled gamers, the course winds its approach by the gardens and is a good way to get pleasure from the fantastic 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 less than $5 per day!
13. Shotover River Jet Boat Tour
One other addition by Dave and Deb. The Queenstown Shotover River Jet Boat Tour Jetboat expertise might be the most well-liked jet boat trip in New Zealand going by the canyons of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. We appeared to do a number of jet boating in New Zealand. The Kiwis actually love their thrills on the water and jet boating is likely one of the finest adventures you’ll have.
You may guide this highly rated tour that takes you on a high-speed adrenaline rush by Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau rivers with 360° spins as you get pleasure from yet one more thrill trip in Queenstown New Zealand.
How Lengthy Ought to I Spend in Queenstown?
The size of your keep in Queenstown will rely in your pursuits and the actions you need to do. At the least 2-3 days in Queenstown is advisable to get a style of what the city has to supply and expertise just a few 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 advisable. This offers you sufficient time to expertise all the prime 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 in search of.
Is Queenstown Protected for vacationers?
Queenstown is usually thought-about protected for vacationers. Crime rates in Queenstown are low, and the native police are recognized to be pleasant and useful to vacationers.
Nevertheless, as with every vacation spot, it’s at all times a good suggestion to be aware of your private security and take applicable measures to guard your self and your belongings.
As well as, for those who’re collaborating in journey sports activities, it’s essential to observe security pointers and use respected suppliers who prioritize the security of their prospects.
What’s the Greatest Time to Go to Queenstown?
The perfect time to go to Queenstown depends upon your private preferences and the actions you need to do.
Summer time (December to February) is the warmest time of yr and is good for outside actions akin to mountain 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. In case you’re a skier or snowboarder, that is the right 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 Might) are additionally nice occasions to go to Queenstown. The temperatures are delicate, and the surroundings is gorgeous, with the altering colours of the timber and the encircling 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.
The perfect time to go to Queenstown will rely in your private preferences and the kind of journey you’re in search of. Regardless of whenever you go to, this gorgeous vacation spot is certain to go away a long-lasting impression.
What’s the Greatest Approach to Get Round Queenstown?
One of the simplest ways to get round Queenstown depends upon your private preferences and the actions you propose to do. Listed here are just a few choices:
Strolling: Queenstown is a small city, and most of the prime points of interest and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another. It is a nice possibility for those who’re trying 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 possibility for getting round city. possibility for those who’re in search of a fast and simple solution to get from one place to a different.
Buses: The native bus system is a budget-friendly possibility for getting round Queenstown. Buses run commonly to and from the city heart, and there are additionally providers to the encircling areas, together with the ski resorts.
Rental Vehicles: Rental automobiles are a well-liked possibility for many who need to discover the encircling areas and take day journeys from Queenstown. There are a number of rental automotive corporations positioned within the city heart, and it is a nice possibility for those who’re in search of flexibility and independence whereas exploring the world. You can compare rates 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 rapidly, however there are methods to economize and nonetheless have an fulfilling journey.
Lodging: There’s a variety of lodging choices accessible in Queenstown, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious motels. Think about staying in a hostel or Airbnb to economize in your lodging prices.
Meals: Consuming out in Queenstown might be costly, however there are methods to economize on meals prices. Think about cooking your personal meals, or consuming at native cafes and eating places that supply value-for-money choices.
Actions: Most of the prime points of interest and actions in Queenstown include a excessive price ticket, however there are additionally many free actions to get pleasure from. Think about profiting from the numerous free actions, akin to mountain climbing and exploring the city heart, to economize in your journey.
Transportation: Renting a automotive or utilizing public transportation might be cheaper than taking taxis or ride-sharing providers. Think about using the native bus system, or renting a automotive for those who plan to take day journeys from Queenstown.
Whereas Queenstown might be costly, there are methods to economize and nonetheless have an fulfilling journey. With just a little planning and budgeting, you possibly can profit from your go to to this gorgeous vacation spot.
The place to Keep in Queenstown
Queenstown provides all kinds of lodging choices to swimsuit completely 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 finest guess. This space is near eating places, bars, outlets, and the waterfront. There are many choices for all budgets, together with motels, 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 an enthralling 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: In case you’re visiting Queenstown within the winter for snowboarding or snowboarding, staying at one of many ski resorts is a good possibility. There are a number of resorts positioned inside a brief drive of Queenstown, together with Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona.
Wrap Up
Queenstown is a surprising 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 certain 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 traveling to New Zealand.
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