Queenstown Attractions
To experience every single one of Queenstown’s attractions you would need to have a spare month or three!!! Queenstown has the reputation 'Adventure Capital of the World' to uphold so there is sure to be something for everyone, and if you have the time then we thoroughly recommend squeezing in as much as possible so you don’t miss a thing!
Many attractions are within easy walking distance from Queenstown accommodation but if not then when you book your excursion ask if they can arrange a pick up from your accommodation and deliver you to your destination.
Queenstown is home to unquestionably some of the most incredible ski fields and mountain ranges in the world. During the ski season regular bus services operate from your Queenstown accommodation to Coronet Peak, Cardrona, Treble Cone and The Remarkables. Fantastic slopes are available for skiing, snowboarding or for something a little more extreme…try Heli-skiing!
Bungy Jumping – there are several Bungy Jumping venues and unbelievably there are even different styles/methods of jumping, including Night Jumping; a 'run and jump' style of Bungy and there is even a Bungy package which involves a 4WD, a shuttle, and then the jump!
The Skyline Gondola – no trip to Queenstown would be complete without a ride on the Skyline Gondola – and depending on your adrenaline requirements – you could have an exhilarating dash back down to the bottom on the Luge. Just a 5 minute easy walk from the centre of Queenstown, you can fit this attraction into your itinerary anytime of day or night. The views from the skyline restaurant are truly spectacular and will surely help to make your dining experience the most pleasurable if not memorable meal of your life. You will also find the Skyline Café is available during the day.
The Shotover River supplies some of the best rafting, kayaking and jet boating experiences you can ever hope to enjoy. From a heart-pumping ride on a jet boat to a peaceful cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw your water requirements will be easily met!
Air activities – skydiving; hang gliding; helicopter rides; paragliding; hot air balloons – if it’s an air activity you are looking for then you name it, Queenstown has it!
If mountain bike riding is what you are after then be sure to take in a cycling tour of Skippers Canyon. There are also a variety of bike riding combos available which can be tailored to meet your needs. Make your own jam-packed, adrenalin-fuelled day by choosing from a combination of Mountain Biking, Helicopter Rides, Rafting, Bungy Jumping, and Jet Boating.
Horse-riding – enjoy a tranquil ride through farm land, spotting deer and sheep as you ride upon gentle horses is a leisurely way to spend a few hours.
You can take a drive to any one of the many splendid wineries or book to join the Wine Trail and be escorted from your accommodation into the wine country of the beautiful Wakatipu Region.
Golf in Queenstown takes the meaning 'driven to distraction' to a whole new level. Each Golf Course rivals the other for the glorious surroundings and imposing backdrops – so much so that you may have trouble focusing and although you may not score your best round of golf the scenery will MORE than make up for it! Can you imagine anything more surreal than a round of golf on a course perched on the peninsula surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Wakatipu and the imposing mountain range? Or maybe you only have time to squeeze in a quick 9-hole round at the nearby Frankton course, either way you wont be disappointed.
Fishing, fishing, and more fishing – whether you are a keen fisherman or you just fancy yourself as one, make sure you find time to have a go at snaring your own dinner! Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Salmon are what you will be hoping to put on the menu! Choose from one of the fully chartered fishing day trips including skipper or perhaps just grab your own personal guide for a spot of one-on-one tuition and head to either the magnificent Lake Wakatipu or surrounding rivers.
Enjoy a rare opportunity to take a trip on an authentic America's Cup yacht – sit back, relax and let the crew do the work or roll up your sleeves, muck-in and experience the excitement of actually sailing this incredible world class craft.
Queenstown's Kiwi Birdlife Park has something for everyone: nature, native forest and birdlife, traditional Maori culture, fabulous dining featuring the best New Zealand fare, and real conservation in action. The park is a well hidden sanctuary of bush, trees, and native trails nestled in the middle of this busy resort town. The Kiwi Birdlife Park will occupy and inform both young and old.
There's even something for the train enthusiasts – The Kingston Flyer is New Zealand's famous vintage steam train, based in Kingston on the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu, a 40-minute drive south of Queenstown. The Flyer's history spans over 125 years and it still departs Kingston Station twice daily during its running season (October to April).
So as you can see, Queenstown attractions are in abundance – all that's left for you to do is take some time planning your holiday and let the pleasure begin!
