Blog
QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND
QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND
Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges. It is a natural playground and offers the perfect setting for adventure, relaxation and fun all year around.There’s skiing in the winter and activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round and many more other outdoor activities to offer.
TOP 8 PLACES TO SEE
1.SKIING IN THE REMARKABLES
The Remarkables is one of New Zealand’s best loved winter-fun destinations. It offers 47 ski and snowboard trails and three terrain parks. It boast excellent, ultra modern ski facilities for learners as well as experienced skiers. A shuttle bus services run from Queenstown as there is no accommodation on the ski slopes. Childcare facilities, a ski and snowboard shop with equipment rentals and lockers for ski gear is also available. During summer times you can still drive or hike to the top to take in the stunning views.
2.SKYLINE GONDOLA
The countryside surrounding Queenstown from Lake Wakatipu to the jagged peaks of the Remarkables is full of magnificent and scenic panoramas. Take a journey up to Bob’s Peak with the cable car where a number of lookout platforms for those to soak up the spectacular view awaits.
3.AJ HACKETT BUNGY
The company first started this worldwide adrenaline craze and their Kawarau Bridge 43- meter jump bungee is the original location where it all started in 1988. The historic suspension bridge was first built over the Kawarau Gorge with the Kawarau River below in 1880. For the more daring there is the 134-meter jump from Nevis Point which is the highest bungee in New Zealand.
4.KIWI BIRDLIFE PARK
The park allows you a rare opportunity to view the kiwi’s in special designed nocturnal kiwi houses. The park also houses New Zealand’s endemic reptile the see tuataras. The park offers daily animal conservation talks, kiwi feeding encounters, and a five-acre forest where plenty of other native birdlife can be spotted.
5.PARAGLIDING
Jaw-dropping views are a given when you paraglide in Queenstown. While floating with your pilot you can catch bird's-eye views of iconic Queenstown landmarks like Coronet Peak, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.For the thrill-seakers the pilots offer some acrobatic moves.
6.SKYDIVING
Skydiving is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Queenstown. As you free-fall you will see breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. Operators only offers a limited of jumps each day if the weather allows that. High winds or poor visibility can result in skydiving cancellations.
7.ZIPTEK ZIP-LINE
The Ziptrek zip-lines offer an alternative adrenaline-fueled sightseeing option in Queenstown. The zip-line network includes the worlds steepest tree-to-tree zip-line that plummets down the hill for one kilometer from the top of Bob’s Peak.
8.JET BOATING ON THE SHOTOVER RIVER
Operating since 1965 the Shotover Jet is one of Queenstown's longest running adventure activities. Described as the worlds most exciting jet boat ride, the Shotover Jet operate amid the narrow canyon section of the waterway hemmed in by dramatic canyon cliffs in the Shotover River.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- Onsen Hot Pools
- Coronet Peak
- Lake Wanaka
- Queenstown Gardens
- Mount Crichton Scenic Reserve
- Ben Lomond Track
- Queenstown Trail
- Mount Aspiring National Park
- Skipper’s Canyon
- Lake Wakatipu
- Milford Sound
- Routeburn Track
- Lake Wanaka
- Shotover Canyon Swing & Canyon
- Go Orange!
- KJet Queenstown
- Hydro Attack
- Queenstown Beach
- Saint Omer Park
- Canyoning New Zealand
The best way to get around Queenstown is by car, otherwise you can either walk, take a bus or taxi.
The best time to visit Queenstown from December to February when the long, sunny days make outdoor excursions enjoyable.