Queenstown

All of our South Island trips have at least one free day in Queenstown because there is so much to do here! This glamorous town is nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the majestic Remarkables mountain range. Today this premier visitor destination is known as the "adrenaline capital of the world," but Queenstown originally got its name because "it was fit for Queen Victoria".

Queenstown has more than its share of breathtaking scenery and a diverse range of attractions, but it's the "cruisy" locals whom international visitors find most enchanting. We located our main office in Queenstown because our staff enjoy the outdoor lifestyle so much - but we're not the only ones who like it here. In 1998, Queenstown was again voted "Friendliest Foreign City" in a poll of 37,000 readers of Conde Nast Traveler, a top US travel publication. In the same publication, we were positioned as the 14th best city in the world (the only New Zealand destination to rank in the top 20) alongside others such as Vienna, London, Paris and Hong Kong. In the winter, Queenstown transforms into a popular ski resort to rival its glamorous sister city, Aspen, Colorado. If you'd like to read more about skiing in New Zealand click here.

For adrenaline junkies who live for the next rush, Queenstown is the perfect place to spend a few days bungy jumping, white water rafting, jetboating, or trying whatever the newest craze happens to be. Others who prefer a more relaxed pace can take one of the many scenic walks, join a wine tasting tour, ride up the gondola, or relax by a warm fire at one of the local pubs. There's also plenty of bars and clubs to choose from if you'd like to go out for a night on the town.

Your guides can help you plan your free day in Queenstown when you arrive and even make bookings for you, but we'll try to cover some of the many activities, walks, tours and trips available here. Don't worry, most tours can be booked when you get to town and there are lots of "combo" packages available if you can't choose just one! There's enough to keep even the most active person busy, and it's the perfect place to just sip a latte at an outdoor cafe and do some world-class people watching.

Activities

Hiking

Although there's plenty of opportunity to, you don't have to spend money to have a good time in Queenstown. There are about a dozen well-marked hikes in town that you can explore on your own, and many more just a short taxi ride away (and hitchhike back like we locals do!). Ask your guide for a map or pick one up at the Department of Conservation (DOC) office when you get into town. Our favorite is up to Ben Lomond for amazing views of the lake, town and surrounding mountains. Start at the Fernhill roundabout just past the youth hostel, and take One Mile Creek Track up to Lomond Crescent via Skyline Road, then Bobs Peak at Skyline Chalet. The last hour up to the summit is pretty steep, but worth the climb (Moderate, 3 hours to Saddle one way; Moderate/Challenging, 4 hours to Summit one way). For a head start or a quick ride back down, you can take the gondola one or both ways. For an easier hike, take the Sunshine Bay walking track that starts/finishes about 1km past the Fernhill roundabout on Glenorchy Road (Easy, 1 hour return). Or stroll along the lakefront in Queenstown Gardens and learn to play frisbee golf (Easy, 15 to 45 minutes).

Mountain Biking

You can often borrow one of our bikes or rent a mountain bike in town to explore some of the famous single tracks in the area. Charge down Skipper's Canyon if you dare, or ride up to Moke Lake with a picnic on a nice day. For a gentler ride, try the Frankton track or the Sunshine Bay track.

Fat Tyre Adventures

Bungy Jumping

Queenstown is the home of Bungy jumping. AJ Hackett created the very first commercially available jump, the Kawarau bridge, which is still in use today. Since that first site in 1988, bungy jumping has become a worldwide phenomenon and there are now numerous sites to choose from in town.

Links:
AJ Hackett

Jet Boating

Jet boating is also very popular for a real-life rollercoaster ride. Just imagine what you can do in a very powerful, highly maneuverable craft that only requires 2 inches of water! The most famous ride is through the dramatic Shotover Canyon where you'll skim across the river inches away from the cliff face. There's a multitude of jet boating trips available in and around Queenstown including the following.

Links:
Shotover Jet
Kawarau Jet
Dart River Safaris

Whitewater Rafting

Many people choose to go rafting while in Queenstown, and once again there are lots of rivers (Class II-V) and operators to choose from, ranging from novice-friendly to experienced paddlers only. Depending on the time of year and river, you could enjoy a scenic helicopter ride to the put-in.

Links:
Queenstown Rafting

Skydiving

Want something even more extreme? How about flying to high altitude over stunning scenery. As the anticipation builds, the countdown begins, your tandem instructor gives the signal - and together you make "the Ultimate Jump." Free fall at awesome speeds of up to 200kph. The speed, the sensation of flying and the sheer excitement make skydiving an adrenaline rush that cannot be equalled.

Tandem skydive

Golf

Arguably New Zealand's most scenic golf course, Kelvin Heights was opened in 1975 and is located on a peninsula overlooking Lake Wakatipu, close to picturesque Queenstown. The magnificent setting ensures that this is a course much sought out by local and overseas golfers. The sheer beauty of the surroundings make it a delightful course to play in any season. The snowcapped peaks of the nearby mountains, together with the ever-changing colours of the lake will ensure a round you'll long remember and cherish. Millbrook, away from town is a very prestigious "Country Club" resort and world-class golf course.

Millbrook Resort

Fishing

If you want fresh fish for dinner, it's not far from your plate. New Zealand has some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the world, and Queenstown is a renowned fishery and popular base for anglers in the South Island. From a few hours fishing from a boat charter on Lake Wakatipu with an experienced guide to helicopter-accessed fly fishing in a remote area for the more experienced fisherman, there are options for every level angler. Or bring your own rod and try your luck in some of the numerous lakes and rivers around Queenstown.

Born to Fish

Wine Tasting

The Queenstown and Central Otago wine region is the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand. This area is renowned for it’s Pinot Noir and has won more gold medals for this variety than any other New Zealand Region. This region is also achieving recognition for quality Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc varietals. Wine tours of the vineyards in the area are available and there's a new tasting room overlooking Lake Hayes featuring the best of the bunch.

Central Otago Wine Tours

Other things to do

High-country Horses
Spend an hour, two hours or a whole day in the saddle, soaking up the stunning scenery in nearby Glenorchy.

Accommodation

Blue Peaks Apartments & Lodge - Quality visitor accommodation and true Southern hospitality - we stay here on our trips.
A-Line Hotel and Aurum Apartments - very nice, centrally located - another place we stay.
Heritage Hotel - very nice, located on Lake Wakatipu.
Colonial Village Motel and Apartment Accommodation - Queenstown Motel Accommodation offering character, charm and stunning views.

A few great examples of some of the 'boutique' accommodations to be found around Queenstown:

The Dairy Guesthouse - provides luxury bed and breakfast accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand. Experience fine lodging in the heart of Queenstown.
Brown's Boutique Hotel - Designed along traditional European lines, this small intimate Hotel is only three minutes walk to the center of town and features stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range from every room.