New Zealand Queenstown – The Adventure Capital of New Zealand

New Zealand Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by dramatic Southern Alps. The city is renowned for adventure sports, but it’s also a great base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns.

Embark on a culinary journey at Blue Kanu, where dishes like seared southern ocean scallops and loin of Bannockburn hare are served alongside Otago wines. The upscale venue is tucked away down an alley and has a clubby vibe with a crackling log fire.

Skiing

With snow-capped mountain peaks, shimmering lakes and crisp alpine air Queenstown is the perfect winter destination for skiing or snowboarding. Choose from four international-standard ski fields within a 90-minute drive of town or take a day trip to Cardrona or Wanaka – home to the famous crooked tree and New Zealand’s most advanced terrain park.

June is a great time to visit if you are after a cheaper holiday as this is considered shoulder season and the weather can be very good. The Remarkables ski field opens around this time and is a 40-minute drive from town with an excellent variety of runs including a good beginner area.

You can hire your ski gear downtown or on-mountain and you can also book a tour that includes ski passes, gear rental and transport all in one. For ultimate convenience you can choose to be picked up and dropped off from your hotel and this can save you a lot of queuing up at the start and end of the day.

Lake Cruises

A lake cruise is one of the quintessential Queenstown experiences. Board the TSS Earnshaw or Spirit of Queenstown to admire the grand mountains of The Remarkables and Walter Peak on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu.

Alternatively, opt for a scenic flight to Milford Sound to see the splendor of World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park from the air and from the water. Soar past dramatic waterfalls and Mitre Peak, then cruise Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. On your return to Queenstown, soar over the Southern Alps.

If you prefer to enjoy the views with a meal, opt for a dinner cruise on the lake. This popular option sails year-round on a modern catamaran operated by Southern Discoveries. The dining experience includes a delicious menu that features local produce and meals prepared by one of Queenstown’s best chefs. Guests are treated to stunning scenery and spectacular sunsets with the magnificent Alps as a backdrop.

Wine Tasting

As the adventure capital of New Zealand Queenstown is surrounded by stunning scenery and world-famous wineries. This makes a wine tour one of the most popular activities in Queenstown.

You can find a range of wine tours in Queenstown from budget to luxury. Some of them even include a delicious meal!

A great option is the Gibbston Valley Wine Tour. This private tour takes you to three vineyards including a wine cave tour and sample tasting.

Another good choice is the hop-on, hop-off wine bus. This bus runs an hourly circuit 6 times a day and stops at several wineries in the area.

If you want something really special try a scenic helicopter wine tasting tour. This is a bucket-list experience that combines amazing wine with spectacular views of the stunning Central Otago region.

Adventure Sports

Dubbed ‘The Adventure Capital of New Zealand’ Queenstown is famous for its jaw-dropping alpine scenery, but there are plenty of other adventures to take on here. You can try ski jumping, snowboarding and heli-skiing in winter and hiking or mountain biking in summer, or challenge your nerves by taking part in one of the region’s many adrenaline-inducing activities.

The craggy terrain around Queenstown makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and climbing. You can also ride a helicopter to reach untouched snowy peaks and enjoy the view from Queenstown New Zealand high up in the air. Alternatively, you can go mountain biking on the trails and miner’s roads that wind across the rugged landscape.

The Queenstown area is home to the world’s highest and most diverse bungy jumping sites, including the Nevis Bungy, which propels travelers in an arc of 984 feet. Visitors can also test their nerves by attempting the Kawarau Bridge ledge jump. Other height-scaling adventures include paragliding and rock climbing.