Top Things to Do in Queenstown
Are you planning to pop in to Queenstown, the picturesque New Zealand town, set on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu? Then this article is for you!
There is a wealth of adventures to enjoy in Queenstown, from exploring wineries, to viewing film locations, indulging in adventure activities or spoiling yourself with a trip to the spa.
Explore the Queenstown Skyline
You could enjoy a one-of-a-kind way to experience Queenstown with a Gondola ride up Bob’s Peak, high up above Queenstown to the Skyline Complex. You will be enjoying a striking 220-degree panorama with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, the aptly-named Remarkables mountain range, and views across Lake Wakatipu to the Cecil and Walter Peaks.
De-Stress, Queenstown-Style
While you may enjoy a game of online bingo or two to relax while you are at home, there are some great options for relaxing when you are in Queenstown, too. Book a massage, pay one of the great day spas a visit, soak away your stresses in the hot pools, or follow the Queenstown Wine Trails, savouring local foods and wines.
Take The Queenstown Trail
Queenstown offers visitors a good range of beautiful cycling and hiking trails and tracks. Be sure and explore the Queenstown Cycle Trail, which will have you winding past the superb scenery of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, down to Arrowtown, a relic from the Gold Rush era, the bungy jump Kawarau bridge and more.
Pay Arrowtown a Visit
Arrowtown, situated on the banks of the Arrow River, was established during the Gold Rush in the 1860s. Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, you can explore the Lakes District Museum while you’re in Arrowtown too, named the best small museum in New Zealand by those in the know! There is also a preserved village from the Gold Rush period, an internationally-acclaimed golf course, and Four-Wheel drive tours for you to enjoy.
Cycle Around the Valley of the Vines
Gibbston Valley is situated only 20 minutes from Queenstown, and hosts a range of restaurants, cafes, and vineyards. You can rent a bicycle for a fun way to explore this enchanting region, and pay the vineyards a visit while you’re at it. Meet the winemakers, sip award-winning Central Otago pinot noir, and don’t forget to check out the biggest Wine Cave in New Zealand.
See the Landscapes from Above
Queenstown’s landscapes are well-known, but you really need to experience them from above to truly witness the natural splendour and variety the region has to offer. Board a light plane or hop on a helicopter and take in the lush forests and grasslands, snow-capped mountain peaks, and expansive lakes. If you want to take the experience up a notch you can even choose to land on one of the glaciers in the region, and make a hard-to-beat holiday memory when you do.
Discover the Magic of Glenorchy
Glenorchy is less than an hour from Queenstown, and the background of native beech forests and looming mountain ranges has seen it appearing in The Lord of the Rings. See if you can recognise Ithilien, The Misty Mountains, Lothlorien Forest, Amon Hen, and Isengard while you’re there!