Things to do in Queenstown

Queenstown offers the perfect setting for adventure, relaxation and fun all year round. With a buzzing atmosphere and stunning scenery, travellers will find there is no other place in the world quite like Queenstown. For iconic views of the city and Lake Wakatipu, visitors should take a ride on the Skyline Gondola, which climbs its way to Bob's Peak. From there, visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk or visit the Kiwi and Birdlife Park when reaching the bottom terminal.

Around town, travellers can take a leisurely stroll through Queenstown Gardens or take in the view from the Ben Lomond walkway. For the golfer, there are plenty of world-renowned courses to choose from around Queenstown, while the wine fanatic can sample some of New Zealand's finest vineyards around which they can plan a day of excellent wine tasting. For something truly special, visitors to Queenstown should not miss out on a visit to Lake Wanaka, which was voted as one of the world's top 10 most romantic destinations in the world and sports the most photographed tree in New Zealand.

As part of the Southern Scenic Route, Queenstown is ideally located on a tourist highway in New Zealand linking Queenstown, Fjordland, Te Anau and the iconic Milford Road to Dunedin via Riverton, Invercargill, and The Catlins. Also, an Australian travel magazine labelled the Southern Scenic Route as 'one of the world's great undiscovered drives' in 2008. If visitors have the time and an adventurous spirit, renting a car and exploring the most beautiful scenery that can be found in New Zealand is a must.

Queenstown has been branded the Adventure Capital of the World for good reason. Thrill-seeking opportunities include bungee jumping, white water rafting and jet boating on Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River while soaking up the spectacular scenery.

Skyline Gondola photo

Skyline Gondola

The Queenstown Gondola takes visitors up to Bob's Peak above the town, and has incredible views over Queenstown, the lake, and the Remarkables Range. At the top of the gondola is t…

Skyline Gondola

The Queenstown Gondola takes visitors up to Bob's Peak above the town, and has incredible views over Queenstown, the lake, and the Remarkables Range. At the top of the gondola is the Luge offering three-wheel cart rides for all different ages and abilities, or there are numerous walks on the mountain with beautiful views of the area. At the bottom terminal is the Kiwi and Birdlife Park featuring nocturnal kiwi houses and other endangered species of New Zealand.

Website www.skyline.co.nz

Arrowtown photo

Arrowtown

Arrowtown sits at the edge of the Otago Goldfields and was one of New Zealand's biggest gold towns in its day. It still has reminders of the gold rush days with little miners' cott…

Arrowtown

Arrowtown sits at the edge of the Otago Goldfields and was one of New Zealand's biggest gold towns in its day. It still has reminders of the gold rush days with little miners' cottages along the tree lined streets, historic wooden buildings, and 19th century-style shops. There are the interesting remains of a Chinese settlement, with interpretive signs, nestled along the banks of Bush Creek where gold was panned. The Chinese diggers often worked through the remains of previous miner's claims in search of undetected fine gold. The Visitors Centre contains the excellent Lake District Museum that has a small display on local history and gold mining.

Website www.arrowtown.org.nz

Lake Wanaka photo

Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka was voted as one of the world's top 10 most romantic destinations. It is a picture-perfect alpine lake located in the Otago region of the South Island. It is New Zealan…

Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka was voted as one of the world's top 10 most romantic destinations. It is a picture-perfect alpine lake located in the Otago region of the South Island. It is New Zealand's fourth-largest lake and certainly one of its most beautiful. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming and the temperate climate ensures that this is a year-round destination. The nearby Harris Mountains provide ample opportunity for skiing in winter as well.