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New Zealand is famend for its serene, pure magnificence, however nowhere is it extra evident than the gorgeous resort city of Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand’s South Island.
Recognized for its tranquil lake, dramatic Southern Alp mountain vary, and plethora of journey sports activities, there are such a lot of issues to do in Queenstown NZ, to not point out it makes for a great base to discover the encircling areas of the South Island, similar to Milford Sound or Te Anau.
It’s additionally a thrill-seekers playground! You may go jetboating throughout the lake, bungee leaping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, skiiing within the mountains and even skydiving.
From walks and wineries, don’t miss these unmissable sights in Queenstown.
Issues to Do in Queenstown New Zealand
1. Take a Skyline Gondola Journey to the Prime of Bob’s Peak
From atop Bob’s Peak, you will see the perfect view of the Queenstown township. That is the photo-location for hundreds of postcard photographs.
In the event you’re eager for some bodily exercise, take the Tiki Path Prime Station hike to the highest and earn that view. The trailhead is correct subsequent to the gondola station, and is without doubt one of the most accessible climbing trails from the city.
Alternatively, you will see simpler strolling trails from the highest of the mountain, similar to Ben Lomond Observe by Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve.
In any other case, taking a soothing gondola experience to the highest is the right excuse to relaxation your legs.
That is an superior choice for teenagers and aged vacationers, or these wanting to avoid wasting their legs for the numerous different hikes within the area.
While on the prime, there are numerous journey actions that you are able to do, from luge rides to zip lining with Ziptrek Treehouse, and a restaurant with the perfect skyline Queenstown view.
One other hike that’s widespread for excellent views is the Queenstown Hill Stroll.
2. Go to Arrowtown
Arrowtown is the cutest little city we’ve ever seen.
It’s quaint and outdated, famend as a well-liked gold-mining city within the twentieth Century. Actually, you may nonetheless pan for gold right here – however provided that you’re up for the problem! We’ve by no means been profitable.
The city itself is a 20-minute drive from Queenstown central, so it’s completely price visiting Arrowtown for a full day or half day journey.
In the event you’re visiting throughout Autumn then anticipate probably the most spectacular photographic backdrops of heat, Autumn colors.
We’ve heard a whole lot of vacationers make the error of lacking the Chinese language settlement and outdated police camp.
It may be a bit tough to search out, however that is our favorite a part of Arrowtown – ensure you get down there. In the event you go early you may keep away from the tour teams.
3. Wine Tasting on the Vineyards
The Central Otago Area of New Zealand (the place Queenstown is positioned) is residence to a number of the greatest wineries and vineyards in all the world.
In the event you respect an excellent pinot noir, then you may be spoilt for selection right here.
You might take a wine-tasting tour visiting quite a few wineries, however that is more likely to put you out of motion for the remainder of the day.
We’d advocate breaking apart your day by visiting one on a couple of events all through your journey. You’re positive to be driving previous them continuously.
A fast tip is that the majority Queenstown wineries don’t cost a charge for tastings (some accomplish that examine earlier than going). It’s frequent for a donation to an area charity to be anticipated, or for those who prefer it, buy a bottle for later and drink it by the lake in Queenstown.
Our prime wineries are Amisfield, Chard Farm and Akarua which might all be discovered close to central Queenstown.
Additionally, think about a vineyard tour across the Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand’s North Island, for those who love wine and are visiting New Zealand.
4. Watch the Sundown at Bennett’s Bluff
There’s not loads to do right here, however Bennett’s Bluff is residence to the most effective lookouts in Queenstown.
It’s a couple of 30-minute drive from Queenstown on the way in which to Glenorchy.
It’s simple to overlook, so ensure you look out for one of many numerous lookouts on the principle highway then pull over. It’s on the sting of a mountain searching over Lake Wakatipu.
Due to it being on the way in which to/from Glenorchy, its location makes it fairly handy.
Make a day journey out to Glenorchy and time your return with the sundown to absorb these breathtaking views and seize some Instagram-worthy pictures of the lake.
5. Stroll By means of the Queenstown Gardens
The Queenstown Gardens are a pleasant place to go to for a night spent in central Queenstown. In the event you stroll alongside Lake Wakatipu for 5-10 minutes you’ll end up right here.
It’s a excellent spot to calm down, feed the geese and stroll alongside the shore.
We love to sit down on the finish of the park by the water with a bottle of wine to observe the sundown. You may seize one on the wine tastings talked about earlier!
On prime of this, you may even rent a frisbee and play disc golf right here. That is precisely the identical as regular golf, however with a frisbee as a substitute – so it’s a lot simpler and sooner paced.
6. Calm down in a Spa at Onsen Scorching Swimming pools
Overlooking the superb views of the Shotover River Canyon, Onsen Scorching Swimming pools is the right strategy to unwind after a busy day spent exploring.
You may take a dip in one among their personal sizzling tubs while searching some beautiful surroundings. Order a bottle of wine or some snacks and calm down for an hour.
Costs improve within the night and as you embody extra folks. Catching sundown can be the perfect time, however you will have to e book effectively upfront – probably even 6-12 months.
It’s nonetheless beautiful in the course of the day for those who’re on a funds.
7. Eat a Well-known Fergburger
Queenstown is residence to numerous nice meals choices, some are costly and a few are surprisingly inexpensive (by New Zealand requirements at the very least)!
Ferg Burgher falls into the inexpensive class, with burgers costing lower than $20 NZD and assured to go away you feeling full.
The burgers right here actually do reside as much as the fame. With strains down the road, you anticipate it to be the perfect burger you’ve ever eaten, and we expect it’s.
You may’t actually eat right here, so seize it take away and head on right down to the waterfront to eat picnic-style. There’s virtually all the time a busker down there providing you some tunes or leisure while you eat.
Scorching Tip: Be sure to name forward. The strains are HUGE, it’s some of the widespread issues to do in Queenstown so you’ll not wish to get there hungry and have to attend an hour.
Few vacationers are conscious which you can examine the menu then name up and place an order. They’ll offer you a time and you’ll stroll straight up and gather your meals.
8. See the Dawn at Glenorchy
This one goes to be powerful, but it surely’s effectively definitely worth the effort.
Stand up tremendous early, seize a espresso and pie from Ferg Baker, then drive virtually one hour from Queenstown to the small city of Glenorchy.
Right here you will see a boardwalk extending out into Lake Wakatipu. That is one among our favorite pictures spots within the area.
Because the solar rises, the sunshine shines over the mountains behind you highlighting the highest of the mountains reverse Lake Wakatipu.
This impact is mesmerizing, even for those who aren’t into pictures it’s good to observe the sunshine transfer down the mountains while having fun with your breakfast.
Getting in path can be Ben Lomond, a mountain named after Ben Lomond in Scotland by the early shepherd Duncan McAusland. The summit lies roughly 4 km northwest of the city centre.
9. Bungy Leap Off the Kawarau River Bridge
In the event you’re a thrill-seeker, Queenstown is called the journey capital of the world and bungy leaping is the final word factor to do in Queenstown.
Residence to the primary industrial bungy web site on the planet, Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Queenstown is the right place to go bungee leaping – AJ Hackett Bungy is pure New Zealand enjoyable!
Principally, anticipate to be tied to a bridge overlooking the gorgeous Kawarau River within the Gibbston Valley. Then you definately’ll be pushed off and picked up by a ship on the backside.
Many of the Queenstown out of doors actions are low cost and even free, like mountain biking, however ledge bungy leaping is the exception. Anticipate to pay a hefty price ticket for the expertise, plus extra if you need images or a video.
Make the selection correctly for those who’re on a funds.
Alternatively, think about taking the zip experience right here as a substitute. It’s considerably much less terrifying and far more inexpensive.
10. Watch Dawn at Lake Moke
Lake Moke is one among Queenstown’s most stunning areas, and it’s probably not that well-known.
This makes it an ideal alternative to keep away from crowds and see some spectacular surroundings. You’ll wish to carry your digital camera alongside, as you’ll go away with some beautiful images.
Lake Moke known as a ‘mirror lake’. Because the identify suggests, the backdrop of towering mountains is completely mirrored on the floor of the lake.
You may drive on to the campground right here and park up. Then the perfect picture alternatives are a brief stroll away, so that you don’t must do the 3-hour hike.
For nice reflections, you may merely stroll 5-minutes alongside and get down near the lake. For an much more spectacular view, head off-track and climb the mountain adjoining to search out the perfect lookout spot.
11. Drive out to Wanaka
In the event you solely have 5 days or much less in Queenstown, then Wanaka ought to make the record as a day-trip. In the event you’re visiting for longer, you must think about staying an evening or two.
There are heaps of superior issues to do in Wanaka. You could have a few of New Zealand’s greatest hikes, together with Roy’s Peak and the Isthmus observe – these will take you all the day, nonetheless.
If you’re right here, you’ll completely wish to take the time to go to #thatwanakatree, Wanaka’s most well-known (and doubtless overrated) landmarks has grow to be one the the highest issues to do in New Zealand for photographers.
Lastly, our favorite factor right here is Rippon Winery. Right here you will see the perfect views of Lake Wanaka with vines rising within the foreground.
You’ll additionally get to style their world-renowned, natural wines.
12. Go to Kiwi Birdlife Park
Relating to New Zealand’s native wildlife, none are extra well-known or vital than the kiwi chook.
Kiwis have been pushed to close extinction as a consequence of predators and habitat loss, so locations just like the Kiwi Park are tremendous vital for his or her conservation and preservation.
Guests can be taught concerning the efforts that wildlife conservationists are going by to guard these animals, and see kiwis and a number of other species of native birds within the park’s zoo.
13. Ski from Coronet Peak Ski Space
There are various ski resorts in New Zealand, however Coronet Peak Ski Space is simply 15 kilometers from Queenstown, placing it as some of the accessible ski resorts.
It’s additionally New Zealand’s first industrial ski resort, making it a historic place to ski in addition to a enjoyable place.
Skiers can discover a number of runs for all capability ranges, in addition to take ski and snowboard classes.
Some trails even have flood lights so you may take pleasure in evening snowboarding as effectively.
14. Take a TSS Earnslaw Cruise
The TSS Earnslaw is a century-old coal fired steamship, which has been crusing throughout Lake Whakatipu since 1912.
Not solely do you get to wander round a historic vessel, however you additionally get to sit down again and admire the views from the lake from a sluggish tempo.
Admire the Remarkables mountain vary, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak from the lake, and dine on a connoisseur meal cooked to perfection. That is cruising at its most interesting.
15. Shotover Canyon Swing
One other superb thrilling journey is the Shotover Canyon Swing!
The Shotover Canyon Swing is the world’s highest cliff soar, with a 60 meter freefall, earlier than swinging throughout the gorge beneath.
It’s a heart-pounding expertise like no different! In the event you love the joys of feeling alive, that is one exercise to not miss.
Closing Ideas
It’s in Queenstown the place you’ll end up surrounded by exceptional mountains, one is actually known as ‘The Remarkables’, clear blue lakes, native forests, and even some Lord of the Rings areas.
Queenstown is a vacation spot that really epitomises all the pieces vacationers go to New Zealand for – journey, leisure, clear water, Southern Alps, jet boating, and extra. In consequence, it is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer locations in New Zealand.
It’s additionally of no shock that it made our record of the greatest locations to go to in New Zealand.
By way of how lengthy to remain, 2-3 days is ok, however 5 days is the right period of time to spend in Queenstown.
In the event you want extra concepts on discover Queenstown, take a look at this Queenstown itinerary to assist plan your journey.
For extra concepts about issues to do on that highway journey, planning info, stunning images, and sensible maps that can assist you plan your travels, take a look at ZigZag On Earth’s eBooks:
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