Queenstown, New Zealand: a place where you can jump off of bridges, luge down a mountain, take a jet boat ride, visit vineyards, and so much more! Queenstown is settled within the Southern Alps along Lake Wakatipu. Every direction you look there is a dramatic landscape. The views are absolutely stunning. This city has something for every type of person. Whether you prefer feeling the rush of adrenaline or enjoying a nice pint of beer, there is something for all. Below are my top 10 things to do in Queenstown:
For the thrill seekers:
White Water Rafting: If you want to get your adrenaline pumping be sure to take a white water rafting trip. I recommend taking a trip down the Shotover or Kawarau River. There are several different tours offered. We took a combo tour that actually allowed us to take a helicopter ride in to the river bed where our rafting was going to start! The scenery was AMAZING and the rapids were no joke. It was a fun day filled with laughs, screams, and new memories.
Kawarau Bridge Bungy: Take a leap of faith and jump off the Kawarau Bridge! This is known as the world’s first commercial bungy location. After you channel your inner Pocahontas and jump off the edge, relax with one of their AJ Hackett Screamer Pilsners which is sold exclusively in Queenstown.
Skyline Queenstown Luge: Take a gondola ride from downtown Queenstown to the luge. The views over Queenstown are breathtaking so be sure to bring your camera! If you have the need for speed then you will love taking your luge cart down 800 meters of turns, dips, and tunnels as you race down the mountain side!
Zip Lining: If you enjoy adventure and nature, then zip lining with Ziptrek Ecotours is the tour for you! Zipline through tall trees as you gaze out over the lake and mountains of Queenstown. The guides are great and even teach you how to zipline upside down! (if you are brave enough). You also learn about the surrounding areas along with how Ziptrek tours are eco-friendly and how we can do our part to help.
KJet boat ride: Be prepared to get wet! The Kjet boats travel at insane speeds and their drivers are insanely talented. Your driver will go right along the edge of the water, so close in fact, that you could probably touch the land next to you. They will also spin 360 degrees with the boat. The ride is exhilarating and you get to see amazing scenery all around you.
For the foodies:
Ferg Burger: This burger joint started in 2001 as a hole in the wall and is now a world famous burger place where the line is out the door daily. And I was one of those people waiting in line. Not going lie, I didn’t think it would be worth the wait, but I was completely wrong. The burgers HUGE (literally the size of my head) and delicious! They have a variety of burgers to choose from. They even have a vegetarian option. Be sure to stop here for a meal, but be prepared to do take away as there are never many available seats.
Beer or Wine Tour: Queenstown and its surrounding areas are well-known for their beautiful wineries, BUT there is good news for the beer lovers out there! More and more craft breweries are popping up and the beer scene is growing. You can now do a brewery tour! I have done and loved both.
- Beer Tour: If you are more of a beer lover, I highly recommend Hop on Beer Tours in Queenstown. Your guide is a local and he picks you up from your accommodation. From there you get to go to three breweries. One of the breweries provides lunch and even pairs your beer with your food! Your guide will also take you through some of the most beautiful sights in Queenstown and will stop so you can take photos. The group size is small which is great and you leave with new friends!
- Wine Tour: If you prefer wine be sure to book a wine tour. There are multiple tours to choose from. Be sure your tour goes to Gibbston Valley which is also known as the “valley of the vines”. There are multiple vineyards within this valley so I hope you are thirsty! The vineyards are settled in the mountainsides and along the Kawarau River gorge. I know I say this all the time about New Zealand, but the scenery surrounding you is out of this world.
Perky’s Floating Bar: If you are looking for a place to relax and have a drink, I highly recommend Perky’s. This bar is actually a boat that is docked in the harbor in downtown Queenstown. You can sit and drink on this boat while being surrounded by mountains. You can also bring your own food, so go get some Ferg Burgers and enjoy a drink on Perky’s!
For the outdoorsy people:
Day trip to Milford Sound: While is Queenstown, set aside a day to take a day trip to Milford Sound in Fjordland National Park. We took a day tour with GreatSights New Zealand. They were a great company! You get picked up in Queenstown and take a comfy tour bus (it even has wifi!) towards Milford Sound. Once you arrive at Milford Sound, you take a boat ride through the fjords. Be warned your jaw will drop to the floor from complete awe and amazement.
Hiking: Queenstown and its surrounding areas has a multitude of different walks/hikes that range in difficulty. From short hikes to multi-day hikes there is something for every level of hiker. But be prepared before any hike you take. New Zealand has some pretty tough terrain and ever changing weather. Your hard work will pay off as you stand on top of a mountain taking in some fresh air and being surrounded by nature.
Queenstown is the ultimate getaway. The people are friendly and welcoming, the scenery in unbelievable, and there is so much to do! I still ask myself why I don’t just move there. So go buy your plane ticket now!
