Top Tourist Activities in Queenstown, New Zealand
Famous for everything from ski fields along its mountain peaks, snowboarding and numerous adventure activities to scenic walks and trails, floating restaurants and jelly museums, the list of places to visit in Queenstown can become as diverse as you want it to be.
For the ultimate adventure experience in New Zealand, or anywhere in the world, Queenstown is the place to look forward to. Famous for its four main ski fields around the world including well known The Remarkables mountain range and Treble Cone, Queenstown could be the place where everyone could spend a nice time around with options of their own choice.
You might see the craziest ideas coming to life here as you try a dive from the highest peaks or jet ski through zigzag river canyons in the coolest way possible!
Remarkable Views
Located in the South Island of New Zealand, The Remarkables mountain range stands true to its name with the lovely panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu from its highest peaks. The Remarkables mountain range offers the glimpse of great peaks reflecting through the waters, with a hike to Bob’s Peak in Queenstown Gondola considered as the best way to experience the town's skyline through a truly unique mountain range.
Or for a view down from below a cruise on the Wakatipu Lake is a one-of-a-kind experience. For a more relaxed experience, Queenstown is the place with beautiful walkways located in every corner, giving an opportunity now and then to escape the crowds.
For a peaceful walk through longer walking trails or through landscape gardens, visit Queenstown Hill Walking Track and Ben Lomond Walkway for the natural scenic views of New Zealand's breath-taking countryside.
For a Thrilling Moment
Popularly known as the capital of adventure for the world, Queenstown is New Zealand’s resort town focused on adventure tourism. With the world's first bungy jump, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy spread over the Kawarau river, which became world’s first commercial bungy jumping site and the highest skydiving points, Queensland is just the place for an adventure experience that can only be found here in its one of a kind location.
For a more grounded experience, try New Zealand’s only floating restaurant spread around Lake Wakatipu where you can bring your own food too or maybe an adventurous ride through Shotover river canyons can be a good start.
If that is not all, a more thrilling experience awaits as you go jet boarding or try Hydro Attack and experience the sensation of being a shark on a ride through a semi-submersible boat that jumps out of water.
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Near Queenstown
An adventure sports enthusiast or not, Queenstown is also renowned for its scenic drives and hiking trails, with the popular filming locations from epic Lord of the Rings film series and picturesque locations just a few kilometres away from the main town.
Just the place for an outdoor enthusiast, Gelnorchy located less than an hour away from Queenstown has the most beautiful walkways, quite secluded spots and if you remember the Misty Mountains from the Lord of the Rings trilogy then that too!
Paradise is Paradise
Adventure experience
Another scenic village located further from Glenorchy, Paradise is truly a paradise for nature lovers. The locations from Glenorchy and Paradise together make for several filming locations used in the Hobbit series.
Although Queenstown is popular for various reasons with heavy tourism, but a hike through Paradise might take you to a perfect bench sitting in all silence with nature.
For a different experience of Queenstown, you can visit the Onsen Hot Pools, cedar lined hot tubs with the views of Shotover river while getting the ultimate relaxation experience. Or even take a visit to Arrowtown, the historic gold mining town with luxury resorts, golf courses and buildings preserved since gold mining days located by the banks of the Arrow river, with a glimpse of the Lake District Museum and Gallery just minutes away from the main town.
A Day in Wanaka
There is so much to explore in Queenstown itself, the nearby town located just a few hours away from this adventure capital of the world is further packed with numerous activities with never ending fun.
The town of Wanaka, a resort town in South Island with almost an hour drive from Queenstown is surrounded by snow-capped mountains known for its world class ski fields and many airborne adventures.
At a close distance from Wanaka is a gateway to the Southern Alps, Mt. National Aspiring Park with green forest covers, waterfalls and alpine lakes, so that if you arrive in summers, it would be an equally memorable experience.
And if you thought fun can’t get any better, a sight of optical illusion rooms and cafes with table puzzles at Puzzling World, an award-winning complex of optical illusions, is one such attraction near Wanaka sure to blow your mind!
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Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, Canadian citizens, German citizens, and United Kingdom citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.