Queenstown

Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand’s South Island. It is the seat and largest town in the Queenstown-Lakes District. The town located on the northwestern edge of Lake Wakatipu, a long, thin, Z-shaped lake formed by glacial processes, and has views of nearby mountains such as The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, Walter Peak and just above the town, Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill. Queenstown is known for its tourism businesses, especially adventure and ski tourism.

Places to go

Perfect Destinations In Queenstown

Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu, a glacier-carved lake in Queenstown, is New Zealand’s longest lake, stretching 80 km in a lightning-bolt shape. Surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, it’s renowned for its scenic beauty and the unique rhythmic rise and fall of its water level, known as the lake’s “heartbeat.”

Skyline Gondola

The Skyline Gondola in Queenstown, located at Brecon Street, transports visitors to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and the surrounding alpine scenery. Known as the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere, it offers access to activities such as luge rides, mountain biking, and stargazing. Opened in 1967, the gondola is a key attraction for adventure and scenic experiences in Queenstown.

Shotover River Jet Boat Ride

The Shotover River Jet Boat Ride, located 7 km from Queenstown, offers a high-speed adventure through the narrow Shotover River canyons, featuring thrilling 360-degree spins and close passes to sheer rock walls. Operated exclusively by Shotover Jet since 1970, the rides depart from Arthurs Point and can be booked directly through their website or at booking centres in Queenstown.

Kawarau Bridge

The Kawarau Bridge, located 23 km from Queenstown on State Highway 6, is renowned as the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, established by AJ Hackett in 1988. Spanning the Kawarau River, the 43-meter-high bridge offers an iconic jump experience with the option to touch the water.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning fjord located 287 km from Queenstown, accessible by a scenic drive or flight. Known for its towering Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, it offers boat cruises and kayaking to explore its dramatic landscapes. Day trips from Queenstown often include stops at Mirror Lakes and The Chasm, adding to the journey’s appeal.

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak, located 16 km from Queenstown, is New Zealand’s first commercial ski field, established in 1947. Known for its diverse terrain, excellent facilities, and breathtaking alpine views, it offers skiing, snowboarding, and night skiing during the winter season.

Queenstown Gardens

Queenstown Gardens is a famous attraction located in Queenstown, New Zealand. It is a Botanical Garden renowned for its wide variety of plant species. The garden facilities, events, celebrations, and many visitors annually. This is the place to be for tourists searching for a place where they can participate in several sports and rejuvenating activities and find an equal amount of serenity.

Kiwi Birdlife Park

A trip to New Zealand would be incomplete without viewing its national bird, the kiwi. The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a not-for-profit conservation park which hosts over 20 species of local birds and reptiles. It takes special care to provide the birds with the closest to a natural habitat possible by keeping the nocturnal kiwi in the dark space. The kiwi is also not visible in the open, and this is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can observe them from such a close distance.

Gibbston Valley Winery

One of the founding and most famous wineries of the Central Otago region of New Zealand, the Gibbston Valley Winery produces the most flavourful handmade wines. Also known as the “Valley of Wines”, this place is nestled between the beautiful, lush mountains and is known for its outstanding Pinot Noir. It offers a variety of wine tours and tastings, which take you through the world’s largest wine cave and to the sprawling vineyards.

Bob's Peak

Bob’s Peak in Queenstown, New Zealand, is a popular spot in the city which offers exciting and stunning views of the entire place and is accessible through two routes – the Tiki Trail and the Gondola ride from Queenstown to the summit. The Gondola ride is the most sought-after route here as it gives out a panoramic view of the city along with various activities like the Ledge Bungy and Swing and the stargazing tours, which attract a vast number of tourists.

The Remarkables

A famous mountain range for skiing, the Remarkables is 45 minutes away from central Queenstown and is open from June to October. The stats for the official trail are 30% black, 40% intermediate and 30% beginner. Well suited for beginners and easy terrain for the intermediates, it also has steep chutes and advanced slopes for expert skiers. It has a 357-meter vertical drop, and a landscape spread across 220 hectares.zZ

Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa

The Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa is a quaint facility known for its luxurious services and breathtaking views from within the cedar-lined hot tubs. The facility is located on a cliffside that overlooks the Shotover River Canyon, offering visitors a clear picture of the alpine forests and the water sports on the waters below.