Nestled by Lake Wakatipu, this New Zealand town is known for extreme sports like bungee jumping and skydiving. It also has hiking trails and a lively nightlife scene.
Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand's South Island, is a hub for adventure and natural beauty. You'll find yourself plunging 43 meters from the Kawarau Bridge on a bungee jump, carving through fresh powder at Coronet Peak ski resort, or sailing across the lake on the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship from 1912. Just a short drive away, the Central Otago wine region invites you to taste locally-produced Pinot Noir while taking in views of the Southern Alps.
Thrilling Adventures in Queenstown
Queenstown is where commercial bungee jumping began. At the Kawarau Bridge, you'll leap 43 meters towards the turquoise waters below. If you prefer staying in the air, try skydiving from 15,000 feet, where you'll see panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. For water-based excitement, hop on a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, zipping through narrow canyons at high speeds.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Winter transforms Queenstown into a snow sports center. Four ski resorts within easy reach cater to all skill levels. Coronet Peak, just 20 minutes from town, has night skiing and extensive snowmaking. The Remarkables, with their jagged peaks, are popular among freestyle riders for their terrain parks. Cardrona and Treble Cone, both about an hour's drive away, have wide, uncrowded runs and off-piste areas.
Exploring Lake Wakatipu and Surroundings
Lake Wakatipu, shaped like a lightning bolt, forms the center of Queenstown's landscape. You can cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 vintage steamship, to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a taste of rural New Zealand life. Ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak, where you'll find a restaurant with expansive views and the starting point for paragliding flights and downhill mountain biking trails.
Wine Tasting in Central Otago
The Central Otago wine region, a short drive from Queenstown, is the world's southernmost wine-producing area. Pinot Noir is the primary grape variety grown here. Visit cellar doors in the Gibbston Valley, often called the 'Valley of Vines'. At Chard Farm, perched on a dramatic cliff, and Peregrine, with its wing-shaped roof, you can taste wines while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains. Many wineries also have restaurants featuring local produce.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Queenstown's landscapes offer numerous hiking and biking routes. The Queenstown Trail network covers over 130 kilometers of off-road trails. You can cycle along Lake Wakatipu, through former gold mining areas, and past local wineries. For hikers, the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, starts near Glenorchy, a 45-minute drive from Queenstown. The track leads you through alpine meadows, past reflective tarns, and under canopies of beech forests.
Getting to and Around Queenstown
Queenstown Airport has flights from major New Zealand cities and some Australian destinations. In town, you can walk to many points of interest. Local buses connect Queenstown with nearby towns and ski fields. Renting a car allows you to explore the region independently, but be prepared for winding mountain roads and possible winter driving conditions.
