Located in the South of the South Island of New Zealand, is the picturesque city of Queenstown. With a population of around 29,000, Queenstown feels like more like a large town than a bustling city. The majority of the activities, restaurants, bars, and accommodation options are within a 10-15 minute walk of one another.
Known as the “adrenaline capital of New Zealand”, Queenstown is bustling with activities. As if that isn’t enough, the city quite literally looks like it was taken directly from a movie screen.
Sit on the “beach” of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables hovering in the distance, and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Queenstown is one of my favorite cities in the entire world and it is the perfect place to base yourself if you’re looking to explore more of the Otago Region.
Adrenaline Activities
Queenstown is literally known as the “adrenaline capital” of New Zealand… and it’s no wonder why. The city has it all. These are some of the BEST adrenaline based activities available for thrill seekers in the city.
Bungee Jumping
If Queenstown is know for one activity, it is bungee jumping.
For those seeking the highest jump in the country, head over to the Nevis Bungee where you will plummet a whopping 134 meters. You plunge for 8.5 seconds!
Though the Kawarau Bridge Bungee is a mere 43 meters, it packs its own punch when it comes to adrenaline seekers. So why Kawarau?… You can jump all kinds of different ways! You can go backwards, flip, ride off on a bicycle, and more. It also happens to be the World’s very first commercial bungee jump!
Prices:
Nevis Bungee: $345 NZD
Kawarau Bridge Bungee: $265 NZD
Combo Nevis and Kawarau Bridge: $510 NZD
Skydiving
Queenstown is one of the best places to skydive.
With views over The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, the slow journey down after free fall is one of the most beautiful you’ll get on your trip to Queenstown.
Prices:
9,000 Feet: $335 NZD
12,000 Feet: $415 NZD
15,000 Feet: $515 NZD
Photos and Videos: Wrist GoPro Cam $199, Freefall $299, Combo $369
Canyon Swinging
Canyon Swinging is one of the BEST activities in Queenstown for thrill seekers. It’s so popular, that you have a plethora of options to choose from to make the experience exactly as you like.
Option one let’s you experience the world’s biggest cliff jump, offered by the Shotover Canyon Swing. Choose from a solo or tandem swing and whichever style suits your fancy and then enjoy the 60 meters of free fall over the canyon.
You can choose to swing upside down or backwards, to fall off while sitting in a chair or riding a bike, to go down a slide, and more!
Alternatively, you may choose to do the Nevis Swing. The arc is a whopping 300 meters and you can choose to fall forwards, backwards, or upside down!
Both options have their own perks and will give thrill seekers more than their needed dose of adrenaline!
Prices:
Shotover Canyon Swing
Solo: $259 NZD OR $324 NZD for photos & video
Tandem (2 people): $518 NZD OR $583 NZD for photos and video
Nevis Swing
Solo: $280 NZD OR $345 NZD for photos and videos
Tandem (2 people): $560 NZD OR $625 NZD for photos and videos
Skyline Luge
Take the Gondola up to the skyline complex and you’ll find the skyline luge. Here you can go racing down the tracks spanning 1,600 meters with plenty of twists, turns, and tunnels. From the tracks, there is a stunning view of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and Coronet Peak.
There are two tracks to choose from: The Arrow Track which is the more leisurely of the two and the Dart Track which has sharper turns and greater dips. Each of the tracks deserves a couple rides as there are different paths you can take to reach the end. This is one of my favorite activities in all of Queenstown!
Prices:
Adults: 3 Rides for $73 NZD, 5 for $77 NZD, 6 for $79 NZD, and Unlimited for $99 NZD
Children: 3 Rides for $51 NZD, 5 for $54 NZD, 6 for $55 NZD, Unlimited for $69 NZD
Paragliding
Spend any time in Queenstown at all and you will see people paragliding out over the town.
Take off from the top of the Skyline Gondola and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over Lake Wakatipu, the surrounding mountains, and the forest of the Queenstown Gardens.
Prices:
Tandem Flight $320 NZD
Tandem Early Morning Flight $285 NZD
Skiing
Queenstown is known for having some pretty incredible ski fields not far from town. Spend the season skiing or snowboarding at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, or Treble Cone.
The ski season runs from mid June to early October and you can grab either day or season passes to the Queenstown Ski Fields.
Coronet is just 20 minutes away and the closest ski field to town. The Remarkables and Cardrona are 30-45 min and Treble Cone is the furthest field at around 1.5 hours away. There are buses that make frequent trips during ski season to each of the four ski fields.
Prices:
Prices vary greatly depending on what how often and where you’d like to go.
Check out prices here.
Jet Boating
Jet Boating is one of the more unique activities to do in Queenstown. Go spinning and skidding at speeds of up to 95kph in a small jet boat through the Queenstown lakes. The activity is so popular that there are several companies to choose from.
The Shotover Jet takes you to the Shotover Canyon and lasts just 25 minutes. While you have access to the amazing canyon, I think there are better companies to go with that operate longer rides for a cheaper price.
Queenstown Jet Boat has an option for a 25 minute or 60 minute ride. This company takes you spinning through Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River.
K Jet takes you on a 60 minute ride through Lake Wakatipu, the Karawau River, and Shotover River. This is the option I would select to get the longest ride for the cheapest price with access to the best locations!
Prices:
Shotover Jet
Adult $159 NZD, Child $89 NZD
Queenstown Jet Boat
25 min: Adult $99 NZD, Child $49 NZD
60 min: Adult $139 NZD, Child $69 NZD
K Jet
Adult $135 NZD, Child $69 NZD
Hiking
Ben Lomond
The Ben Lomond day hike is the best and most iconic hike in Queenstown.
This day hike begins at the bottom of the Skyline Gondola with the Tiki Trail. The trail is 2.1 km or 1.3 miles and has a 450m, 1,476ft elevation gain. Choose to either begin the hike to Ben Lomond here or skip this part by taking the Skyline Gondola up to the top of the Tiki Trail to begin from there.
From the top of the gondola, the hike to the summit is 11km or 6.8 miles. Expect the total hiking time to range from 6-8 hours.
The hike is steep and challenging, but the views from the top are SO worth the effort.
Queenstown Hill
The Queenstown Hill Walkway is 4.8km or 3 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 400 m or 1,309 ft. The route is considered challenging and generally takes between 2 and 2.5 hours.
You can begin the hike right in town. Queenstown Hill is a great way to practice for the longer and more challenging hike to Ben Lomond. You’ll be rewarded with some incredible views over Queenstown.
Bob’s Cove
Bob’s Cove is just a 15 minute drive from downtown. The 3km (1.9 mile) tracks loops around the secluded cove on Lake Wakatipu and takes around 1.5 hours.
Lake Hayes
The Lake Hayes loop is easily accessible by way of a 20 minute bus ride. The 7.9km (4.9 miles) loop is easy and largely flat with some slight incline. Bring a bathing suit to take a dip in the lake if weather permits!
Queenstown Gardens
The Queenstown Gardens is one of my absolute favorite places in the city. The loop through the gardens is short and sweet, yet there is so much beauty to be seen!
You’ll wander along Lake Wakatipu, through a pine tree forest, and past the botanical gardens. The loop is easy and should take around 25 minutes.
Within the gardens there is a frisbee golf course… so bring a frisbee and play a few rounds!
Sunshine Bay
Sunshine Bay is one of my favorite hikes in Queenstown because you can walk right to the start of the trail from downtown. This out and back loop is 4km (2.5 miles) and is a fairly easy hike.
You’ll be rewarded towards the end with a secluded little beach along Lake Wakatipu. Bring some food and have a picnic or head over towards sunset time to catch the sun go down over the lake!
Moke Lake
Moke Lake is a place that not many travels make it too due to its remote location. Accessible by a narrow, gravel road, Moke Lake lies just 20 minutes outside of Queenstown and is one of the most peaceful places I visited.
Moke Lake Trail is an easy 6.5km (4 miles) and takes between 1.5-2 hours.
Activities
Kiwi Park
A trip to New Zealand is not complete without seeing a Kiwi! Luckily, the Kiwi Park is just a 5 minute walk from central Queenstown.
On your visit, you’ll explore the 5 acres of nature and learn about the wildlife with a self guided audio tour, visit the nocturnal kiwi birds in their dark habitat, and then catch one of the conservation shows.
There are three Conservation Shows each day that take place at 11am, 1:30pm, and 4pm. Each show lasts for 30 minutes and you’ll meet and learn about several native animals to New Zealand and the conservation efforts of the park.
Saturday Market
There’s nothing better than a warm morning down by Wakatpu strolling through the Saturday Market.
Right on the lakefront, you’ll find all kinds of stalls with handmade jewelry, knitwear, homeware, local art, and more!
The market is open from 9-4 and often includes live singers in the square. So, grab a bite to eat from one of the local vendors, do a bit of shopping, and relax on the grass to enjoy the live music!
Relax by Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is the focal point of Queenstown and makes this little city in the South Island one of the most charming places in all of New Zesland.
It is the third largest lake in the country and has dazzling blue water (scientists have actually rated it as 99.9% pure)!
You’ll find people relaxing and hanging out on the beach in front of the lake at all hours of the day. You’ll watch Jet boats and hydro boats disguised as sharks racing through the lake, musicians playing on the banks, and people eating the famous Fergburger on the shores.
Wakatipu is the center point of human connection in Queenstown and offers endless opportunities for relaxing and adrenaline based activities for visitors and locals alike.
The Bead Shop
The Bead Shop is tiny little shop on the edge of town where you can make very own handmade jewelry.
First you’ll choose which type of jewelry you want to make. Then, select from the walls of beads and charms before sitting down to begin. The shop keepers will help to make sure your piece comes out exactly as you wish!
You’ll pay by which materials you use and how many. The Bead Shop is a perfect place to visit on a rainy or chilly day for a relaxing and hands on experience.
Wineries
New Zealand has some amazing wineries, and Queenstown is no exception. There are 75 wineries within a 20 minute drive of Queenstown!
There are all kinds of tours offered. Choose to bike the wineries, take a shuttle tour, do a combination of the two, or drive there yourself!
Iceskating
The Queenstown Ice Arena is tucked away on the outskirts of the Queenstown Gardens.
Tickets cost $20 NZD and you can find free skate times here.
Hostels
Adventure Q1
Adventure Q1 is one of the best hostels in Queenstown.
Pros: Right in the center of town, balcony with amazing views, social events each night, curtained beds.
Cons: More expensive than other hostels, pretty small kitchen.
Adventure Q2
Adventure Q2 is the sister hostel to Q1 and is one of my favorites in the city.
Pros: Amazing location, curtained beds, tons of bathrooms, nightly social events.
Cons: More expensive than other options, pretty small kitchen.
Nomads
Nomads is THE backpackers hostel. If you are looking for a party huge, hostel… head to Nomads.
Pros: Best location in town, super social, huge common room.
Cons: Super loud, no curtains, crowded kitchen.
Hacka Lodge
Hacka Lodge is one of my favorite hostels in Queenstown for longer term stays.
Pros: Multiple kitchens, cozy common room, curtains, gorgeous gondola view, outdoor space.
Cons: Not the cheapest option, lack of social events.
Black Sheep
Blacksheep is one of the cheaper options in Queenstown and has some of the best outdoor spaces of all the hostels in the city.
Pros: Cheaper option, hot tub, nice outdoor space, curtains, huge kitchen.
Cons: Common spaces & kitchen get locked at night, access bathrooms and common spaces outdoors (not fun during winter), further from town than the other hostels.
Day Trips
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is known as the “8th wonder of the world” and is just under 4 hours away from Queenstown. While it is far for a day trip, if you’re short on time, it’s completely worth it. There are a number of tours from the city that will take you there and back and organize a boat trip out into the sound.
I visited as part of the kiwi experience, but you may also check out the GreatSights tour. If you’re looking to book in person, there are all sorts of tours offered in the lobby of Nomads Hostel.
Wanaka
Wanaka is just an hour away from Queenstown and offers so many amazing things to do. Hike Roy’s Peak, visit the Wanaka Tree, hangout by Lake Wanaka, visit the Lavender Farm, and explore the small town.
If time allots, spend a few days in Wanaka to enjoy all it has to offer, however, for those short on time, a day trip is 100% worth it.
Arrowtown
Arrowtown is just 20 minutes from Queenstown and easily accessible by bus. This tiny town looks like it is straight from a movie.
Visit the Lakes District Museum, the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, and catch a film at the Dorothy Brown Arrowtown Cinema (a tiny, old movie theater).
Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a tiny town just a 40 minute drive from the city. Enjoy the walking trails, small town shops, and plenty of good restaurants. While there isn’t a ton to do, Glenorchy makes for a great 1/2 day trip from Queenstown.