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Our 143 most popular Queenstown trips. Compare tour itineraries from 47 tour companies. 303 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.
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Top Queenstown Attractions & Experiences
Top Queenstown Experiences
- Soaring down the side of a mountain in a luge, overlooking the picturesque city
- Jetboating on Lake Wakatipu
- Visiting Lord of the Rings filming locations
- Taking a day trip to historic Arrowtown
- Watching brave souls bungee jump off of AJ Hackett Bridge - and even going yourself!
- Spending a day cruising around stunning Milford Sound
Queenstown Tours & Travel Guide
Queenstown Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Queenstown is a hub of New Zealand tourism, offering everything New Zealand is known for in a compact area: adventure, top notch food and wine, and of course Lord of the Rings. In Queenstown you can go jet boating or bungee jumping in the morning, and enjoy a gourmet meal on the bank of Lake Wakatipu in the evening. Film fans will love seeing Lord of the Rings locations on a full day tour, complete with props from the films.
Day trips from Queenstown
New Zealand adventure travel is not limited only to Queenstown, but there are various surrounding towns and places that hold great importance. Some of them are enlisted down.
1. Wanaka
The crystal clear waters, snowy mountains, scenic views, and adventurous activities make this stunning lakeside town popular among tourists. Take a break from the adrenaline of Queenstown and indulge in various relaxing and natural activities in this calm town.
2. Arrowtown
Sitting between Queenstown and Wanaka, this historic town, surrounded by trees and greenery, is always filled with seasonal colors, depending on what time of year you visit. The small place is filled with historic buildings and is rich in heritage with its preserved gold rush community.
3. Glenorchy
Mostly famous for its The Lord of the Rings movie filming sites, this scenic point has beautiful landscapes and numerous fun and adventurous activities that attract a lot of tourists every year.
4. Routeburn Track
Located at a 45-minute drive from Queenstown, this path is known as NZ's one of the Greatest Walks. The breathtaking views, beautiful lakes, high mountain peaks, and mossy forests make it worth visiting. The 32km track also connects to the Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National park on the way.
5. Central Otago
Despite its barren landscape, the place has a fascinating effect on its beauty. The region and more than 80 wineries, each of which have their own unique character and flair.
Where is Queenstown?
This resort town is located in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand, at about a distance of 287 km from Milford Sound, 483 km from Christchurch, and 282 km from Dunedin. This small town is built around Queenstown Bay, an inlet on the thin Z-shaped lake, Lake Wakatipu, and is surrounded by beautiful mountain sites.
What is Queenstown known for?
Known as the Adventure Capital of the world is famous mainly for its adventurous outdoor activities that attract about three million tourists every year. Skydiving, zip line riding, river rafting, kite skiing, parasailing, water rafting, and snowboarding are some of the famous activities that people come here to enjoy.
Top attractions and things to do in Queenstown
Known all over the world for its adventures, this small place has a huge variety of adrenaline activities like bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, and a lot more.
1. Bungy Jumping
Introduced by AJ Hackett, this crazy activity is one of the most famous fun things to do at Queenstown. You tie a giant elastic to your body and jump off from a high point, releasing yourself in the air, soaring through the mountain. There are a couple of local spots for Bungy operation, especially Ledge Bungy, the most famous point. Here you can have a 'Freestyle Jump', which means you are free to leap off in any style you want; backward, forwards, backflips, etc.
2. Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Operating since 1965, this break-neck-speed thrilling journey is one of the most famous and fun activities of the town. This dramatic canyon ride is not only the longest adventure activity of Queenstown but also the most exciting jet boat ride in the world. There are various other jet boating spots around Queenstown, but Shotover is the most iconic and adventurous of them all. With up to 85 km/h speed, rushing through the wind, this would be an unforgettable experience.
3. The Remarkables
The Remarkables is a huge mountain range to the east of Queenstown and is one of the most famous and fun winter destinations. The ski resort is a place for all, from learners to experienced skiers, everyone can have the fun of their part. The ultra-modern ski facilities have made this place very popular, especially among European skiers. You go up the mountain through a long twisted road, having magnificent views of the town and the Lake. Go hiking up the short path to Lake Alta through the guided trail with flags and signs.
4. Skyline Queenstown
One of the best ways to admire the beauty of this stunning area is to climb aboard the skyline gondola and go to the top of Bob's peak. From here, you can have views of surrounding areas like central Queenstown, Coronet Park, The Remarkables, etc. There is also a restaurant and bar where you can take some rest and enjoy local cuisine or a drink. The luge tracks of the mountain and mountain bike trails are also significant things to explore.
5. Coronet Peak
Another major winter target in Queenstown is this 1,649-meter high peak with superlative skiing supplies. The ski area has one of the finest slopes of the town with an incredible range for beginners as well as expert players. There are almost 32 slopes, a tubing park, two terrain parks, and one ski school. You can also enjoy the night skiing here with advanced facilities, but you have to make an advanced booking for night skiing. During the winter season, there is a regular shuttle bus service running between the resort and Queenstown.
6. Onsen Hot Pools
When you are back from a long tiring day, after spending hours in exciting but strenuous activities like skiing, skydiving, bungee jumping, etc. a nice soak in the calm, warm waters is the best thing. With indoor and outdoor pools facility, this place is ideal for beautiful mountain views. Whether you go there in the hot summer or in the middle of freezing winter, the water will feel nice at every point. Each of the pools can accommodate four bathers at a time. Whether you are in Queenstown with your friends, family, or partner, this place is one of the must-visit points.
7. Skydiving
When you are at the adventure capital of the world, you cannot miss the adventurous skydiving through the huge stunning mountains. Freefalling from a height of about 12,000 feet, the jaw-dropping views of the town, snow-capped peaks, beautiful lakes, and green hills are really worth it. Skydiving is one of the most popular activities in Queenstown, and all the service providers have a limit for jumps per day. It is, therefore, recommended that you book your excursions a few days in advance, better to be at the beginning of your trip.
8. Paragliding
Queenstown is no short on adventurous activities of all types. Paragliding is no less than any of these. Flying between the snow-peaked high mountains, rushing through the air, taking in the breathtaking views of your surroundings. Have a bird-eye view of all the important points like the Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, etc. If you want to add some more fun to your adventure, make acrobatic moves with your pilot or just float along following their guidance.
9. Kiwi Birdlife Park
When you are done with all the adventure and want to enjoy nature calmly, this family-friendly park is one of the most popular spots for animal viewing. The beautiful park is located about half a mile from downtown Queenstown and is home to more than 30 different species like kiwis, rainbow lorikeets, tuataras, etc. New Zealand has made great efforts to conserve these species, especially kiwi. Strolling through the park, you can also enjoy the Kiwi feeding and conservations show.
10. Water Peak High Country Farm
This beautiful farm is far more than just a zoo. The trip starts with a cruise trip across the beautiful Lake Wakatipu, taking you to the farm. Here you will have a tour watching farm animals feeding, sheep shearing demonstrations, have an outdoor BBQ lunch, and stroll through the blooming flower gardens. This place is a great way to know about the history of the town and enjoy a calm scenic day after adrenaline adventures.
Is Queenstown expensive?
Queenstown adventure travel can get expensive compared to other adventure sites in the world, but it is worth what is cost. The average daily cost of one person lies somewhere around $82, making it about $574 per week. Reasonable accommodation will cost you around $44 while your per day meals cost can go up to $29, drinks, and water costs excluded.
Nearby cities & towns
There are various amazing towns and a few cities around the beautiful region. The neighboring towns include Cromwell, Kingston, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Glenorchy, and Alexandra. Dunedin and Invercargill are the nearest cities.
Lord of the Rings filming locations near Queenstown
As most of the Lord of the Rings fans are aware that the movie has been filmed all through New Zealand, but there are certain points that lie very near to Queenstown. The scenes of Lothlorien, the ancient forest, were filmed using Lake Wakatipu's location while the Kawarau River was depicted as the River Anduin scene in the trilogy.
Gladden field scenes were filmed in the Wilcox green. In the north of Queenstown, around Glenorchy, some of the areas were used for Isengard, Ithilien Camp, and Amon Hen. The encounter of Arwen and Black Riders was filmed at Skipper Canyon, as Ford of Bruinen.
Drive through the Crown Range Road, and you will see the Cardrona Valley. Each summit and you will have a stunning view of Middle-earth. Towards the left are the Pillars of the Argonath and the River Anduin.
What is the weather like & best time to go
The beautiful town welcomes all four seasons with an open heart and has various activities to offer in every season.
Spring (September - November) is the most lovely time of the year in Queenstown as the valley is full of greenery and spring buds, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The pleasant weather and open fields of this lovely season let you enjoy every type of activity the place has to offer.
The ski fields remain open even by the start of October so you can ski in the morning and go for some other fun activities like golfing, hiking, mountain biking, etc. in the afternoon. Days are long and warm but still have a touch of winter at some times so, pack a coat as well. This is the best time for photographers to capture the breathtaking beauty of snow capped mountains along with the blooming cherries and spring daffodils.
By the end of November, days are long and sunny, indicating the summer arrival with fresh alpine air. Due to being in the southern hemisphere, December to February of the summer months in the valley. The warm weather, longer days, and calm evenings allow you to enjoy the diverse landscape, socialize, and enjoy numerous adrenaline-fuelled activities or leisurely exploration of the town.
Summer is the busiest time of the town when people from all around the world gather here to explore what this place has to offer, under the warm and pleasant sun. A walk along the magnificent lake, hiking up the beautiful mountains, kayaking, paralyzing, biking, fishing, swimming, or a leisure filled trip on the lake cruise or luxury yacht are some of the fun summer activities this place has to offer.
Autumn starts by the start of March until the end of May when winter slowly steps in. The fascinating gold and red hues around the region, together with the deep blue rivers and lakes, have an outstanding impact. Various regional events and holiday deals make this place suitable for all types of holidays, i.e., an adventurous tour, family vacation, relaxation trip, or luxurious break.
Have the unique experiences of skydiving, jet boating, bungee jumping, aerobatic flights, paragliding, rafting, horse trekking, quad biking, and a lot more. For a relaxed time, take a boat cruise or a scenic flight, get a luxury treatment at a local luxury spa, play a round of golf, enjoy local cuisine, explore Central Otago wines or simply explore the shops and galleries around the town.
By the end of May, the town turns into a winter wonderland with its alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and crisp blue-sky days. Sports enthusiasts from all over the world join in to explore this winter holiday destination and adventurous sports. The four ski areas of the region open up from early June till October end, inviting skiers of all skill levels to enjoy this season of fun and entertainment.
The season brings various celebrations and events like Queenstown Winter Festival, Film Festival, Remarkable Ice and Mixed Festivals, Winter Pride, etc. By the end of August, just before the spring arrives, the Winter Games NZ are held that attract athletes from around the world to participate in these world-class games like snowboarding, freestyling skiing, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, etc.
Queenstown Reviews & Ratings
New Zealand's adventure - a Rousing Success
Unexpected wildlife and plant growth, and land features constantly, with breathtaking beauty, and with an air of untouched freshness. Oh, and the cycling was excitin...
Wonderful and Varied Adventure
This is an excellent trip with a great variety of activities and adventure. A train into the mountains, biking, hiking, kayaking, glaciers, ocean, rainforest, and po...
Wonderful and Varied Adventure
This is an excellent trip with a great variety of activities and adventure. A train into the mountains, biking, hiking, kayaking, glaciers, ocean, rainforest, and po...
More than WOW
VBT's planning made sure that you were exposed to all of the various countrysides of New Zealand. From the rainforest to the coastline to lakes and ranch land. Trip ...
New Zealand
Guides were terrific and NZ is beautiful. The biking on t...
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