10 Top Things To Do In Queenstown, New Zealand
Set on the shores of the stunning Lake Wakatipu against the brooding silhouette of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s major travel destinations.
Offering plenty of sites, attractions and notable landmarks for tourists to explore, this part of the Southern Island is known for its breathtaking landscapes that time seems to have forgotten.
It’s also the ‘Adventure capital of New Zealand’, which means it’s packed full of adrenaline-fueled, high-octane activities, such as bungee jumping, zip lining and extreme jet boating, that will have you questioning your own sanity if you decide to do them.
Overall, there is so much to see and do here that you’ll need to get organised if you want to make the most of your time.
You’ll also need to hire a vehicle from Go Rentals’ Queenstown car rentals to provide you with the best opportunity of doing so.
Once you’ve procured your ride, here are the top 10 things you should do.
Check out Lake Wakatipu
One of the first things you should do in Queenstown is to check out the beautiful Lake Wakatipu.
This shimmering inland lake covers an area of 291 km² and is best viewed on a scenic cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a coal-fired steamship that has been operational for over a hundred years.
If that mode of transport is too serene for you, why not embark on a Hydro Attack Queenstown? This unique submersible boat travels at up to 80 km per hour underwater, a speed similar to that of sharks.
Take in the splendid views from Bob’s Peak
For an amazing view of Queenstown, take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak. This 450-metre incline takes you to a viewing point where you can enjoy magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. Make sure you have your camera ready!
If you are game enough, try the Queenstown Luge, which will zip you at high speed down a course of tunnels, dippers, and banked corners.
Do a bungee jump
Queenstown is home to the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first and undoubtedly most famous bungy jump.
Should you fancy testing your limits, you can do a single or tandem jump. However, the river levels must be low or normal in order to do the latter.
You can even do it nude if you want. But, this is probably not the best idea in the colder months of the year.
Enjoy a game of golf
If the thought of bungy jumping breaks you out into a cold sweat, perhaps a nice relaxing game of golf might be more to your liking?
Queenstown is home to three championship courses: The Hills, Millbrook Resort, and Jack’s Point. All three feature spectacular fairways and greens.
Overall, you can choose to play on six different courses, all within a 20-minute drive from the CBD.
Explore the Gibbston Wine Region
If you love wine, you should take the opportunity to visit any of the cellar doors around the Gibbston wine region.
There, you will be able to enjoy award-winning Pinot Noir and check out the largest wine cave in New Zealand at the Gibbston Valley Winery.
Take a scenic flight
Queenstown is stunning from ground level, but it is even more impressive when viewed from a bird’s eye view.
If your budget allows, you should book a helicopter, hot air balloon, or light plane ride to take in jaw-dropping views of a landscape that includes massive lakes, verdant grasslands, notable tussocks, and breathtaking snow-capped mountains.
Tackle a walking trail
If you would prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can attempt several walking trails throughout Queenstown.
Two of the most challenging yet rewarding paths are the Ben Lomond Walkway and Queenstown Hill Walking Track, both of which showcase superb panoramic alpine views.
You can find out more information about the different walks and hikes you can go on in the town here.
Relax at Onsen Hot Pools
For a far gentler pursuit, consider partaking in a relaxing session at the Onsen Hot Pools.
You’ll sink into a state of sheer bliss at this fabulous boutique day spa and retreat as you unwind in one of the 14 incredible cedar-tree-lined hot pools on site.
Choose between a one-hour soak in the Original Onsen or indulge in their Ultimate Relaxation Experience, which will leave you feeling so laid-back you’ll virtually be horizontal.
Head on over to Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a fascinating, historic town about 20 km northeast of Queenstown. It is located on the banks of Arrow River and is notable for being a gold rush town whose roots date back to the 1860s.
The town is home to the Lakes District Museum and Gallery, which displays interesting relics and exhibits on its gold mining history.
If you are feeling lucky, rent out a Gold Pan and take it down by the river to try mining.
Visit the Lord of the Rings sites at Glenorchy
About a 45-minute drive from Queenstown is Glenorchy, which is a beautiful town set among soaring mountain ranges and native beech forests.
The area is a haven for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with everything from fishing, horse riding, photography and walking tracks on offer.
It is also renowned for hosting several filming locations for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, including places like the Lothlorien Forest, Ithilien, Amon Hen, Isengard, and The Misty Mountains.
*This is a collaborative post
