Queenstown is arguably New Zealand’s best year-round holiday destination for adventure, adrenalin, dining, partying and nature. This lakeside South Island town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains with world-class skiing, but also boasts a range of hikes, family activities and dynamic culinary experiences.
Things to do in Queenstown
Queenstown is one of the world’s premier adventure capitals, home to numerous blood-pumping activities, such as bungy jumping off Kawarau Bridge and hang gliding over Lake Wakatipu. Hold on tight while the Shotover Jet shoots across the water, twisting and turning past rocky outcrops and down tight gorges. Adrenalin junkies will also love skydiving over the mountains or white-water rafting down the Shotover River rapids.
All that excitement will no doubt leave you starving. Fortunately, Queenstown’s 23-hour burger joint, Fergburger, has the gourmet burgers to appease any hunger. Multiple restaurants abide by a garden-to-plate mentality, serving fresh local ingredients behind historic facades. Drink in English-style pubs and jazzy clubs or take a tour of Central Otago’s wineries, where you can taste some of the world’s best Pinot Noir.
Queenstown is packed in winter when countless travellers flock to the town’s four incredible ski areas. Enjoy untouched off-piste terrain at Treble Cone, family-friendly runs at The Remarkables, night skiing at Coronet Peak and the Southern Hemisphere’s best terrain parks at Cardrona.
If you’re more focused on rest and relaxation, visit one of Queenstown’s hot pools or book a rejuvenating massage at Makoha Spa or the award-winning The Spa. Discover New Zealand history and culture at the Central Art Gallery, weekend craft markets and the live Kiwi Haka show.
Getting around Queenstown
Queenstown is easily navigated on foot or with a bicycle. You can also use the public bus, which services all suburbs and outer regions. You’ll need to hire a car or jump on one of the shuttle buses to reach the slopes for skiing or snowboarding.