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15 Best Activities in Queenstown

Discover Queenstown: New Zealand's Adventure Capital

Welcome to the heart of thrill-seeking in New Zealand—Queenstown. Nestled on Lake Wakatipu's shores and encircled by majestic mountains, this town is a hub for adrenaline junkies, offering activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, and skiing at nearby resorts like The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.

Queenstown's vibrant atmosphere is complemented by its bustling dining and entertainment scene, ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience regardless of the season.

1. Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu, with its unique Z-shape, is surrounded by steep hills and has a Maori legend of a monster's heart causing its rhythmic rise and fall. Once busy with gold rush traffic, it's now a serene spot for boating and kayaking.

2. Cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw

TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu

The historic TSS Earnslaw steamship offers scenic cruises on Lake Wakatipu, complete with a visit to the engine room and stunning views of Queenstown's landscape.

3. Skippers Canyon

Skippers Canyon

Skippers Canyon offers a scenic drive with dramatic cliffs and a historic bridge. For safety, consider a guided tour to explore this former gold mining area.

4. Jet Boating on the Shotover River

Jet boat on the Shotover River

Experience the world's most exciting jet boat ride with Shotover Jet, navigating the narrow canyons of the Shotover River at high speeds.

5. Skiing in The Remarkables

Skiing in The Remarkables

The Remarkables ski resort caters to all skill levels and offers modern facilities and the chance for tobogganing fun.

6. Skyline Queenstown

Skyline Gondola

Ride the steep Skyline gondola to Bob's Peak for panoramic views of Queenstown and enjoy dining, luge rides, and stargazing at the summit.

7. Coronet Peak Ski Area

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is a haven for experienced skiers, offering night skiing and early morning runs before the crowds.

8. The Home of Bungee Jumping

AJ Hackett Bungy

Queenstown is the birthplace of bungee jumping, with AJ Hackett Bungy offering jumps from the historic Kawarau Bridge and the high Nevis Point.

9. Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka is a tranquil alternative to Queenstown, offering outdoor activities and a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.

10. Queenstown Gardens

Queenstown Gardens

Queenstown Gardens, with its historic trees and rose garden, provides a peaceful lakeside retreat.

11. Mount Crichton Loop Track

Mount Crichton Track

The Mount Crichton Loop Track offers an easy hike through historical gold mining sites with stunning views.

12. Kiwi Birdlife Park

Kiwi Birdlife Park

See New Zealand's elusive kiwi bird and other native wildlife at the Kiwi Birdlife Park.

13. Ziptrek Ecotours

View from Ziptrek Zipline

Ziptrek Ecotours offers an exhilarating zipline adventure with stunning views over Queenstown.

14. Ben Lomond Track

Ben Lomond Track

The challenging Ben Lomond Track rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu.

15. Queenstown Trail

Lake Hayes on the Queenstown Trail

The Queenstown Trail offers a network of walking and cycling paths through stunning landscapes and historic sites.

Where to Stay in Queenstown for Sightseeing

Queenstown's range of accommodations caters to all preferences, from luxury hotels like Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa to budget-friendly hostels such as YHA Queenstown Lakefront.

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Explore more of New Zealand's adventure offerings in the Westland Region, Fiordland National Park, and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. For urban experiences, visit Wellington, Napier, and Auckland. Discover coastal beauty in the Bay of Islands, Maori heritage in Taupo, and Scottish influences in Dunedin.