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Queenstown can also be called the capital of adventure in New Zealand. The town is situated on the banks of the Wakatipu Lake and offers the best things to do in Queenstown like the stunning snow-capped mountains referred to as the Southern Alps. With such dramatic views, no wonder, that tourism in Queenstown is a diverse and fascinating experience ranging from outdoor activities to clubbing and within community interactions as well. Whether you are a thrill seeker or just want to relax in a nice, beautiful place, there are things to explore in Queenstown for everyone.
Top 10 Things To Do In Queenstown
Let’s explore interesting things to do in Queenstown that will help you get the most out of your stay in this wonderful place.
1. Explore Lake Wakatipu
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand, known for its natural grandeur and other fun activities. The Z-shaped Lake dates up to about 15,000 years ago as formed by glacier movements for 84 kilometers. Another unique aspect of this lake is its characteristic, which is a seiche that causes the water level to rise and fall every 27 minutes. There are many ways for visitors to the lake to engage in tasks that allow them to experience the lake, from taking cruise rides on the historic TSS Earnslaw, to jet boating on the Shotover River.
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
2. Experience The Thrill Of Bungee Jumping
Photo: Arun Mathew / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One adventure that cannot miss the attention of any fun-loving person visiting Queenstown is that of bungee jumping. It is a great adventure that has attracted many people in the world. The Kawarau Bridge, which is located near Queenstown at the Kawarau River, is the place where they carried out the first commercial bungee jumping in the world, which is 43 meters high above the river. The jump allows the free fall of a massive 8.5 seconds, which comes with an exhilarating thrill.
Location: Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre
3. Visit Milford Sound
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons
The presence of the natural marvel called the Milford Sound adds elegance and beauty to every travel itinerary in New Zealand. Often considered among the finest sights of Mother Nature on the globe, this fjord lies in Fiordland National Park and is characterized by steep rocks, numerous waterfalls, and green, dense forests. Furthermore, the trip to reach the Milford Sound is pleasant, as the trip includes various scenic spots such as Mirror Lake and the Eglinton Valley.
Location: Milford Sound
4. Take The Skyline Gondola
Photo: Skyline Enterprises NZ / Wikimedia Commons
Take a ride up the Skyline Gondola while in Queenstown, as it is a thrilling adventure providing sweeping views and exciting undertakings. The Gondola, which lifts upwards 450 meters above the town, is actually the steepest cable car lift in the southern hemisphere. As you ascend Bob’s Peak, be sure to look down at the stunning Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables, along with other mountain ranges that stretch 220 degrees to the right.
Location: Brecon Street, Queenstown
5. Relax At Onsen Hot Pools
Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown offers a blissful getaway to its guests, giving them a chance to relax while soaking in the spectacular beauty of the mountains. Perched on a cliff that faces the Shotover River Canyon, this lavish getaway boasts of private cedar hot tubs filled with mountain fresh water, making it a perfect spot for unwinding. Moreover, each hot tub has a view of the beautiful scenery, enabling the visitors to enjoy the hot tub soaking without a rush of time.
Location: 162 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown
6. Discover Arrowtown
Photo: Michelle Maria / Wikimedia Commons
Arrowtown, a charming historic gold mining town, is located within a 20-minute drive to Queenstown, New Zealand. Tourists can wander through the romantic streets equipped with restored miners’ homes and diverse shops, bistros, and cafes. The Lakes District Museum is among the highlights of the town, where you can immerse yourself in the history of Arrowtown and the Gold Rush that made it famous. Other than that, visitors who love the outdoors will find well-maintained walking and biking tracks around the Arrowtown area.
Location: 20-minute drive from Queenstown
7. Hike Queenstown Hill
Photo: edwin.11 / Wikimedia Commons
Walking up Queenstown Hill is an exciting and fulfilling experience as one gets a captivating view of the whole region with Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. The distance of the trail is about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) in a single direction, with an elevation gain of approximately 400 meters (1,312 feet); therefore, this is a moderately difficult trek that can be attempted by people with basic fitness levels. The natives begin the trek from the suburb, which is in a short distance transformed into an excellent path paved with green beech trees.
Location: Trailhead on Belfast Terrace, Queenstown
8. Go Wine Tasting In Gibbston Valley
Photo: Jan Helebrant / Wikimedia Commons
The Gibbston Valley, christened as the ‘Valley of Wines’, is a top-notch wine-producing area situated only about 25 minutes from Queenstown and identified with supremely excellent Pinot Noir and lovely vineyard panoramas. The weather elements and soil of the valley benefit the growing of grapes to the fullest; hence, it is one place any lover of wines would not want to miss. Tourists can visit some of the prominent wineries, such as Gibbston Valley Winery, which has the biggest wine cave in the world and offers activities like tours and tastings.
Location: Gibbston Valley, Queenstown
9. Enjoy Scenic Flights
Photo: Oleksandr P / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There is no better way to relish the magnificent landscapes of the Queenstown region than by going on a scenic flight. There are different flight packages, such as helicopter rides and fixed-wing aeroplane rides, that are made to fly over the beautiful Southern Alps, clear water lakes, and green valleys. One such flight is the Milford Sound flight, which has a breathtaking view of the fjords, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains and also provides a nature cruise over the sound as well. Hot air ballooning grants another experience as you rise above the beautiful farmlands at dawn.
Location: Flights depart from Queenstown Airport
10. Visit Kiwi Birdlife Park
Photo: DickDaniels / Wikimedia Commons
Kiwi Birdlife Park is in Queenstown and is a great place where one can observe the native animals of New Zealand, even the shy Kiwi bird. This Conservation Park is a non-profit organization that works to conserve such native plants and animals and houses several native birds and reptiles, over twenty species in total. The park has interesting conservation programs and audio-guided tours for their guests where they explain what efforts are being put into the conservation of wildlife and why.
Location: 118 Robins Road, Queenstown
Queenstown boasts breathtaking views and a variety of activities that include bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating all set in a very beautiful environment. Regardless of what one enjoys—be it experiencing the thrills of adventures or indulging in the calm of a laid-back lifestyle—things to do in Queenstown will leave one with amazing memories. Plan a trip with TripXL to make the most of this remarkable place.
Cover Photo: Michael Amadeus / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
