The Best Travel Guide to Queenstown

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Queenstown

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Oceania New Zealand Queenstown

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Queenstown

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The guide was updated: 2019-12-11

Queenstown, the self-proclaimed 'world's capital of adventures', has, without a doubt, earned this title. The birthplace of bungee jumping, and home to all manner of adrenaline pumping activities, from luge and jet-boating to canyon swinging, attracts thousands of adventure lovers every year.

Set on the edge of the giant Lake Wakatipu, in the Otago region, this intimate town transforms itself into a buzzing ski resort during winter, thanks to its two appealing ski-fields that suit sport lovers of any abilities.

Facts

Population:	City: 15 850 District: 40 200
Currency:	New Zealand Dollar (NZD) = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police, Fire and Ambulance: 111
Newspapers:	The New Zealand Herald The Independent, Sunday News Sunday Star Times
Opening hours:	Typical hours for shops are Monday-Friday 9 am-8 pm, with an earlier closing on weekends.
Tourist information:	Queenstown i-SITE - Visitor Information Centre Clocktower Building, Cnr Camp and Shotover St, Queenstown, New Zealand +64 3 442 4100

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Section in Queenstown

The "Adventure Capital of the World" doesn’t fail to entertain the traveler, offering heart pounding activities from bungee jumping and luge rides to white water rafting and jet boating. The specific conformation of the territory allows the numerous holidaymakers to enjoy water-sports and lake cruises as well as suggestive excursions surrounded by unspoiled nature.

White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting

The Shotover and Kawarau rivers are top spots for white-water rafting, offering a bunch of challenging rapids and a backdrop of wild nature. Queenstown Rafting operates two daily expeditions on both rivers.

Bungee Jumping

Bungee Jumping

AJ Hackett operates four bungee jumping spots in Queenstown, ranging from the world's home-place of bungee jumping, Kawarau Bridge Bungy, 43m (141ft.) high, to the Nevis Highwire Bungy, which, at 143m (440ft.), is one of the highest in the world.

Jet Boating

Jet Boating

Experience the thrills and spills of Jet Boating by speeding down the Shotover River, just a a few inches away from the rocky canyon walls. Shotover Jet has been providing adrenaline-boosting adventures since the 70’s, for more than three million brave souls.

Canyon Swing

Canyon Swing

Step off the edge of a cliff 109m / 360ft above the Shotover River on the world’s highest swing: the Shotover Canyon Swing. As they developed 10 different jump styles, there’s a level of thrill to suit everyone.

Luging

Luging

Test out your driving skills around the hairpin bends of the Skyline Luge as you hurtle on a gravity fueled vehicle. It operates from 9 am to dusk, and tickets are available from the Skyline Gondola terminals. Truly thrilling and with a stunning view across Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, this will be a ride you will not forget.

Lake Cruises

Lake Cruises

Take it easy and try something a little more leisurely by discovering Queenstown on one of the many boats that cross lazily Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown Fishing Charters offers a variety of cruise options, from fishing cruises to elegant functions.

Kiwi Birdlife Park

Kiwi Birdlife Park

Located in the heart of the hectic Queenstown, this wildlife sanctuary is an oasis of calm. Star attractions include the iconic kiwi bird and the tuatara, a unique 200-million-year-old reptile species which has a ‘third eye’ on the top of its head.

Walks and Trails

Walks and Trails

Queenstown is the perfect destination for ramblers, boasting excellent walking tracks that range from the tough Ben Lomond Summit Track to the more laid-back Frankton Arm Walkway along Lake Wakatipu's shoreline, where you can hike and be surrounded by New Zeland's unspoiled nature. Guided Walks New Zealand:

Skyline Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown is an adventure for the whole family that is located only five minutes from the city centre. It is reached by Gondola cable-way that ends with a sweeping view of the city-centre and Lake Wakatipu, a restaurant, a playground for kids and the opportunity to bungee jump.

Queenstown Gardens

Queenstown Gardens

Located on a small peninsula on the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu's, Queenstown gardens is a focal point for visitors who appreciate the opportunity to relax in a well-kept garden with magnificent lake and mountain views. The garden is a perfect picnic spot and is easily to reach due to the proximity to the city centre.

Jacks Point Golf Course

Jacks Point Golf Course

You do not have to be a professional golfer to go to Jacks Point and enjoy the surroundings or the impeccable service at the clubhouse. It is an 18 holes par 72 championship course that offers its golfers both a challenge and an unforgettable experience.

Moke Lake

Moke Lake

Despite being located close to Queenstown, Moke Lake offers its visitors a respite from the city noise and endless outdoor options. You can follow the track around it, go for horseback riding, fishing, kayaking or cycling.

Queenstown Mini Golf

Queenstown Mini Golf

Queenstown Mini-Golf offers entertainment for kids and families, providing a course equipped with 18 themed holes that can be booked for parties. Take a break from extreme sport activities and pop in for a round.

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is the most popular skiing area in South New Zealand, and it is located only a 20 minutes drive away from the city. The view up the mountain makes you feel on top of the world, and the dramatic slopes are provided with tracks for snow lovers of any ability.

Queenstown Ice Arena

Queenstown Ice Arena

This is not just another ordinary ice-skating experience. This ice arena, situated in Queenstown Gardens, is equipped with a LED lights system, ice sleds, and hockey gears for the more competitive ones, offering activities for all ages.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown

If you feel the urge of escaping the city for a day trip, you can venture to Arrowtown, a former gold-rush town located 25 minutes from Queenstown. Nowadays, this picturesque town is home to a number of delightful heritage buildings as well as inviting cafés, restaurants, boutiques and galleries.

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