Adventure Capital of the World
Queenstown, New Zealand, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit. Here are some activities you can enjoy in Queenstown:
Hiking and Walking Trails
Explore the diverse network of hiking trails around Queenstown. From easy lakeside strolls to challenging alpine hikes, there are options for all skill levels. Popular trails include the Queenstown Hill Time Walk and Ben Lomond Track.
Lake Cruises
Take a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu to soak in the breathtaking scenery. Cruises often include informative commentary about the surrounding landscapes and can include stops at points of interest.
Jet Boating
Jet boating on the Shotover or Kawarau River is a high-speed adventure that combines adrenaline with the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Skim over shallow waters and experience exhilarating spins and turns.
Mountain Biking
Explore Queenstown’s extensive network of mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. The terrain varies from scenic lakeside paths to challenging downhill descents.
Golfing
Tee off at one of Queenstown’s picturesque golf courses. The area boasts several world-class courses, offering golfers stunning views as they play a round in the crisp summer air.
Wine Tours
Explore the Central Otago wine region during the summer months. Join a wine tour to visit vineyards, taste exquisite wines, and learn about the winemaking process against the backdrop of sunny vine-covered landscapes.
Scenic Flights
Take to the skies on a scenic flight for a bird’s-eye view of the Southern Alps, lakes, and fjords. Helicopter or fixed-wing plane tours offer a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty.
Water Activities
Embrace the summer sunshine with water activities on Lake Wakatipu. Options include kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Rentals and guided tours are available for all skill levels.
Hot Pools and Spas
Relax and unwind in the region’s hot pools and spas. Onsen Hot Pools, in particular, offers a unique experience with private, geothermally heated pools overlooking the Shotover River.
Bungee Jumping
Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping. Experience the thrill of jumping off the Kawarau Bridge or the Nevis Highwire, which is one of the highest bungee jumps in the world.
Skydiving
Take in breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps as you freefall from an airplane. Tandem skydiving is a popular choice for adrenaline junkies.
White-water Rafting
Navigate the challenging rapids of the Shotover or Kawarau River on a white-water rafting excursion. The pristine rivers and stunning scenery make for an unforgettable adventure.
Ziplining
Soar through the treetops and enjoy panoramic views on a ziplining adventure. Choose from various courses, such as the Ziptrek Ecotours, which combine thrills with an ecological perspective.
Paragliding
Take to the skies and paraglide over Queenstown for a unique perspective of the landscapes below. Tandem flights with experienced instructors are available for those new to paragliding.
Canyoning
Descend through narrow canyons, slide down waterfalls, and leap into crystal-clear pools on a canyoning expedition. This thrilling activity combines elements of rock climbing, abseiling, and swimming.
Helicopter Tours
Get a bird’s-eye view of Queenstown’s breathtaking scenery by taking a helicopter tour. Some tours even include landings on remote mountain peaks or glaciers for a truly immersive experience.
Winter Activities
Skiing and Snowboarding
Queenstown is surrounded by world-class ski resorts, including Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona. Enjoy pristine alpine slopes suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned powder hounds.
Snowshoeing
Explore the serene winter landscapes surrounding Queenstown with snowshoeing. Guided tours take you through snow-covered forests and open fields, providing a peaceful and invigorating experience.
Ice Skating
Embrace the winter spirit by gliding across the ice at an outdoor ice skating rink. The Queenstown Ice Arena provides a fun and family-friendly atmosphere for skaters of all ages.
Snowmobiling
For an exhilarating winter adventure, try snowmobiling through snow-covered landscapes. Guided tours take you into the backcountry, offering a unique perspective of the winter wilderness.
Snow Tubing
Enjoy the thrill of sliding down snowy slopes on an inflatable tube. Snow tubing parks offer family-friendly fun, and the scenic surroundings add to the excitement.