Queenstown, positioned on the South Island of New Zealand, is a panoramic vacation spot that gives a novel mix of pure magnificence and journey. With beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear lakes, it’s no surprise that Queenstown is taken into account one of many most stunning locations on earth. However this city is greater than only a fairly face. Generally known as the journey capital of the world, Queenstown is a hub for thrill-seekers, and adrenaline junkies. If you happen to’re on the lookout for issues to do in Queenstown to get the adrenaline pumping, you will have come to the proper place.
Prime Issues to do in Queenstown
Get able to soar by the sky with a skydive, really feel the push of a bungee soar, or just absorb the beautiful views, Queenstown has it. On this article, we’ll take a more in-depth take a look at the perfect issues to do in Queenstown, so you’ll be able to benefit from your go to and create reminiscences that can final a lifetime.
1. Bungy Soar
Expertise the fun of bungy leaping within the birthplace of the world’s first industrial bungy soar. With three bungy websites to select from it must be on the high of the perfect issues to do in Queenstown. All the websites function day by day year-round, and Queenstown is the final word vacation spot for daredevils. Learn extra: 8 Nice Locations to Go Bungee Leaping in New Zealand
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
Positioned 25 minutes from Queenstown in Gibbston, is the world’s first industrial bungy soar, the place you’ll be able to 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 increased because the bungy platform is perched on the sting of a cliff on the high of the Skyline complicated in central Queenstown. With a wonderful viewing space, it’s additionally an amazing possibility for spectators.
Nevis Bungy
Standing 134m (440ft) above the beautiful 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 really memorable expertise. The spherical journey takes roughly 3.5 hours.
2. Skydiving
Leaping from an plane at 15,000ft requires bravery! You might be tied to a seasoned tandem grasp, brace your self for a sensory overload as you hit 200 kmph. The private problem is big. Soar above breathtaking landscapes, together with alpine resorts, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. You may e-book your Skydive Journey 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.
- Guide upfront.
I gave this primary place on the record as everybody I’ve traveled to Queenstown with has accomplished this exercise, it’s nearly a ceremony of passage. The views of the encompassing landscapes can’t be overwhelmed. Your tandem grasp will document the entire expertise which might be obtainable 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 working from June to October, you’ll be able to hit the slopes for months on finish.
Attending to Queenstown is straightforward with direct flights from main cities in Australia and New Zealand, permitting you to be on the mountain or within the bustling city middle in minutes.
With quite a lot of ski go choices, together with single-day passes and season passes, you’ll be able to select the one which fits you finest. Every day mountain transport can also be obtainable. You may lease your whole gear from newbie snowboards to snowboard boots within the city middle.
Ski and Snowboard Resorts
Coronet Peak
One of the well-liked ski areas in Queenstown, Coronet Peak boasts well-groomed trails and terrain parks, making it very best for rookies and intermediates. It additionally presents evening 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 understood for its lengthy, uncrowded, and well-groomed runs.
The Remarkables
One other well-loved ski space, The Remarkables presents terrain appropriate for skiers and snowboarders of all ability ranges, whereas additionally offering breathtaking views and a family-friendly environment. It additionally has a soar park for these seeking 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 perfect ski resort in New Zealand for rookies.
4. Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing in Queenstown is a well-liked exercise that gives guests the prospect to expertise the pure great thing about the world and get some train on the identical time. With quite a lot of trails starting from straightforward walks to difficult multi-day hikes.
I’d suggest the Ben Lomond Monitor. This took us about 4 hours (a technique) and we definitely confronted our demons, however the views from the highest have been value it! This is without doubt one of the hottest hikes in Queenstown, providing spectacular views of the Remarkables mountain vary and Lake Wakatipu. The observe is a difficult 6-8 hour return hike, with an elevation acquire of 1,438 m.
Different beneficial hikes in Queenstown
Bob’s Peak: This hike takes you as much as the highest of Skyline Queenstown, the place you’ll be able to 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 should you favor.
Mount Crichton Loop Monitor: This can be a average hike that takes you thru the beech forest and previous previous mining ruins. It presents beautiful 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 well accessible from Queenstown. The observe is a difficult 3-4 day hike that takes you thru beautiful 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 preferred 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 brief stroll from central Queenstown. Alongside the best way, walkers go by a pine forest and open grassy slopes, with a number of viewpoints providing beautiful views of the encompassing 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 presents a novel perspective on the encompassing panorama and is a well-liked spot for images.
5. Milford Sound
The Milford Sound scenic drive and cruise is a well-liked day trip that gives guests the prospect to expertise the beautiful great 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 presents close-up views of towering waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and various wildlife. Together with Kea birds and Seals.
Don’t neglect to e-book a cruise operator earlier than you go to make sure you get an area. You may additionally wish to contemplate flying to Milford Sound as an alternative of driving, it would take a fraction of the time though it might be costlier. You may e-book a scenic cruise upfront.
This extremely rated full day tour consists of not solely a scenic cruise however a return flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Take pleasure in a fowl’s eye view of the encompassing 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’ll be able to get pleasure from panoramic views of the encompassing mountains and Lake Wakatipu. On the high, there’s additionally a restaurant, a luge observe, and varied actions corresponding to scenic walks, paragliding, and mountain biking. Skyline Queenstown is a well-liked spot for each locals and guests and is understood for its breathtaking views and outside adventures.
You should buy from totally different actions when you attain the highest. The principle characteristic of Skyline Queenstown is the Skyline Gondola, which takes guests on a scenic journey to the highest of Bob’s Peak. On the high, guests can get pleasure from quite a lot 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 observe. Make your method 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 method down the observe, taking in beautiful views of the encompassing mountains and valleys. The Luge is appropriate for all ages and ability ranges, making it an amazing exercise for households and teams of associates.
This exercise is ideal for thrill-seekers, households, and anybody on the lookout for a enjoyable and memorable expertise in Queenstown. Whether or not you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply on the lookout for a enjoyable exercise to strive, the Luge is a must-do expertise.
8. G-Pressure Paragliding
That is an addition by Dave and Deb as it’s one other the most effective issues to do in Queenstown. It too is an journey that may be accomplished on the high of Skyline Queenstown. Taking the Skyline Gondola as much as the highest of Bob’s Peak, make your technique to G-Pressure Paragliding for the most effective adventures in New Zealand. This thrill begins with a brief coaching session after which you’re strapped to a certified teacher who will take you on a tandem flight to absorb the views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Vary.
The flight lasts round 20 minutes, relying on climate circumstances, and after a working 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 on the lookout for 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 might be connected 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 world presents quite a lot of trails, starting from straightforward scenic rides to difficult technical tracks and downhill mountain biking. With over 30 world-class downhill MTB trails masking greater than 30 km and providing 450 meters of vertical descent, it’s a must-visit vacation spot for mountain bikers.
With quite a lot 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 Road in Queenstown, you recognize Fergburger is not any atypical burger restaurant. Since its opening in 2001, it has develop into a staple, and for good motive. 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, all the pieces is made in-house, from buns to sauces, and the standard shines by. The burger joint has gained world recognition and ready in line has develop into 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 soothing go to full of enjoyable and academic actions.
Your host will welcome you upon arrival and take you to the amphitheater to witness the unimaginable expertise of the farm canine as they herd sheep from the paddocks. Take pleasure in a strolling tour of the farmyard, the place you’ll be able to 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 to your return cruise to Queenstown. Come see why farming in New Zealand’s excessive nation is a lifestyle you don’t wish to miss.
12. Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown Gardens is a stupendous 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 preferred spot for picnics, stress-free, and taking within the views.
Disc Golf in Queenstown Gardens
I’d suggest enjoying a sport of disc golf when in Queenstown. The disc golf course presents a enjoyable and difficult 18 basket expertise amidst the park’s beautiful surroundings. Appropriate for all ability ranges, from rookies to skilled gamers, the course winds its method by the gardens and is an effective 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 middle 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 journey in New Zealand going by the canyons of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. We appeared to do loads of jet boating in New Zealand. The Kiwis actually love their thrills on the water and jet boating is without doubt one of the finest adventures you’ll have.
You may e-book this extremely 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 one more thrill journey 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 wish to do. No less than 2-3 days in Queenstown is beneficial 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 beneficial. This offers you sufficient time to expertise all the high points of interest, in addition to participate in a number of the extra time-intensive actions, corresponding 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 on the lookout for.
Is Queenstown Protected for vacationers?
Queenstown is usually thought-about secure for vacationers. Crime charges in Queenstown are low, and the native police are identified to be pleasant and useful to vacationers.
Nevertheless, as with every vacation spot, it’s all the time a good suggestion to be conscious of your private security and take acceptable measures to guard your self and your belongings.
As well as, should you’re collaborating in journey sports activities, it’s vital to observe security pointers and use respected suppliers who prioritize the protection of their clients.
What’s the Greatest Time to Go to Queenstown?
The perfect time to go to Queenstown is dependent upon your private preferences and the actions you wish to do.
Summer season (December to February) is the warmest time of yr and is good for outside actions corresponding to 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. If you happen to’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 all around 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 beautiful, with the altering colours of the timber and the encompassing 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 on the lookout for. Irrespective of whenever you go to, this beautiful vacation spot is bound to go away a long-lasting impression.
What’s the Greatest Strategy to Get Round Queenstown?
The easiest way to get round Queenstown is dependent upon your private preferences and the actions you propose to do. Listed below are just a few choices:
Strolling: Queenstown is a small city, and most of the high points of interest and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another. This can be a nice possibility should you’re seeking to discover the city on foot and take within the sights and sounds of the native space.
Taxis and Uber: Taxis and ride-sharing companies are available in Queenstown and are a handy possibility for getting round city. A very good possibility should you’re on the lookout for a fast and straightforward technique to get from one place to a different.
Buses: The native bus system is a budget-friendly possibility for getting round Queenstown. Buses run often to and from the city middle, and there are additionally companies to the encompassing areas, together with the ski resorts.
Rental Vehicles: Rental automobiles are a preferred possibility for individuals who wish to discover the encompassing areas and take day journeys from Queenstown. There are a number of rental automobile corporations positioned within the city middle, and it is a nice possibility should you’re on the lookout for flexibility and independence whereas exploring the world. You may examine charges right here.
Is Queenstown Costly?
Queenstown will 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 save cash and nonetheless have an pleasant journey.
Lodging: There may be a variety of lodging choices obtainable in Queenstown, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Contemplate staying in a hostel or Airbnb to save cash in your lodging prices.
Meals: Consuming out in Queenstown will be costly, however there are methods to save cash on meals prices. Contemplate cooking your individual meals, or consuming at native cafes and eating places that provide value-for-money choices.
Actions: Lots of the high points of interest and actions in Queenstown include a excessive price ticket, however there are additionally many free actions to get pleasure from. Contemplate profiting from the numerous free actions, corresponding to climbing and exploring the city middle, to save cash in your journey.
Transportation: Renting a automobile or utilizing public transportation will be more cost effective than taking taxis or ride-sharing companies. Think about using the native bus system, or renting a automobile should you plan to take day journeys from Queenstown.
Whereas Queenstown will be costly, there are methods to save cash and nonetheless have an pleasant journey. With a bit of planning and budgeting, you’ll be able to benefit from your go to to this beautiful vacation spot.
The place to Keep in Queenstown
Queenstown presents all kinds of lodging choices to swimsuit totally different budgets and preferences. Listed below are some ideas 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, retailers, and the waterfront. There are many choices for all budgets, together with resorts, motels, flats, and hostels.
- Lakefront: If you wish to get up to beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu, contemplate staying within the lakefront space. This space is barely quieter than central Queenstown however nonetheless inside strolling distance to the city middle.
- Arrowtown: If you wish to keep in an enthralling historic city only a brief drive from Queenstown, contemplate Arrowtown. This city is understood for its gold mining historical past, tree-lined streets, and picturesque buildings.
- Ski Resorts: If you happen to’re visiting Queenstown within the winter for snowboarding or snowboarding, staying at one of many ski resorts is a superb 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 stress-free 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 beautiful surroundings, vibrant tradition, and pleasant locals, it’s a must-visit vacation spot for anybody touring to New Zealand.
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