Queenstown: The Adventure Capital of New Zealand

Adventure, vineyards, and beautiful landscapes

Why Visit Queenstown?

Nestled in the Southern Alps, Queenstown is globally recognised for its outdoor adventures, from skydiving to jet boating. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or scenic relaxation, Queenstown’s unique combination of stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation caters to all travellers. Its appeal extends beyond thrill-seekers to families and those looking to unwind.

Why Queenstown Should Be on Your New Zealand Itinerary


Queenstown combines adventure, luxury, and nature into one remarkable destination. The town’s vibrant atmosphere, year-round activities, and natural beauty make it a must-visit stop for any South Island road trip. Whether you're here for the winter slopes, the summer hikes, or simply to enjoy world-class dining and spa experiences, Queenstown promises a memorable holiday.

How to Get to Queenstown

Queenstown is well-connected and easily accessible:

  • By Air: Direct flights from major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch connect to Queenstown Airport. International flights from Australia are also available.

  • By Road: If you're on a self-drive tour of the South Island, Queenstown is easily accessible by road from Christchurch, Dunedin, or Invercargill, with stunning scenery along the way.

Self-Drive Tours Featuring Queenstown

To include Queenstown in your New Zealand driving holiday, consider these top-rated tours

12 Day Ultimate Southern Adventure

This tour includes Queenstown as a highlight, with time for adventure sports and exploring the surrounding region.

21 Day Top to Toe Highlights

A complete exploration from the North to the South Island, with a key stop in Queenstown for its iconic experiences

30 Day Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip

Queenstown plays a pivotal role in this month-long journey across New Zealand, offering a balance of adventure and relaxation.

Best Time to Visit Queenstown

Seasonal Highlights

  • Summer (December to February): The perfect time for hiking, biking, and enjoying water activities. Queenstown's warm, sunny days are ideal for exploring trails, taking lake cruises, and experiencing vineyards.

  • Autumn (March to May): A beautiful time for those who love the rich colours of fall. The golden-hued trees and mild weather make it a perfect time for wine tours and nature walks.

  • Winter (June to August): A paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Queenstown’s ski fields, including Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

  • Spring (September to November): Flowers bloom, snow melts, and Queenstown offers a mix of spring skiing and the start of outdoor activities, making it an excellent season for adventure and sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Queenstown

Adrenaline Adventures

Queenstown is home to a wide variety of adrenaline activities, making it a hotspot for adventure enthusiasts. Some must-do activities include:

  • Skiing / Snowboarding: Ringed by mountains, both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak are easily accessible from Queenstown for a day up the mountain. Over the crown range is Cadrona and Treble Cone mountains.

  • Bungy Jumping: Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, offering a thrilling experience at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy.

  • Skydiving: Soar above Queenstown and get unparalleled views of the mountains and lakes while experiencing the ultimate adrenaline rush.

  • Jet Boating: The Shotover and Kawarau rivers offer exhilarating jet boat rides, where you’ll experience high-speed spins and close-up views of canyon walls.

Scenic Relaxation

If adventure isn’t your main focus, Queenstown has plenty of tranquil activities to enjoy:

  • Lake Wakatipu Cruises: Enjoy the calm waters of Lake Wakatipu on a scenic cruise, taking in the stunning landscapes of the surrounding mountains.

  • Skyline Gondola: Ascend to the top of Bob’s Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables mountain range.

  • Wine Tours: Queenstown’s surrounding regions, like Gibbston Valley, are home to world-class vineyards where visitors can enjoy tastings of award-winning wines, including the famous Central Otago Pinot Noir.

Fascinating Queenstown Facts – Did You Know?

  • Name origin: The town was named after Queen Victoria of England by gold miners (of Irish origin) in the 19th century. Today, it is one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. 

  • First Commercial Bungy: Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge is the site of the world’s first commercial bungy jump, launched in 1988.

  • Filming Location: Queenstown is also a popular filming location, with several major films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit trilogy, and Wolverine being shot in and around the area. Don't forget your camera!

  • Adventure Capital: Queenstown has earned the title of the "Adventure Capital of the World" due to the sheer number of high-adrenaline activities available (and a generous public insurance policy!).

  • Gold Mining Origins: Queenstown was originally a gold mining town, dating back to the 1860s when gold was discovered in the Arrow River.

  • Vineyards Galore: Queenstown is surrounded by more than 75 vineyards, making it a great base for wine lovers exploring the Central Otago wine region. The region is known for producing some of the world's best pinot noir wines.

  • Gastronomy: Despite being a small town, Queenstown has a thriving food and wine scene, with numerous high-end restaurants and wineries offering local produce and international cuisine.