Queenstown

New Zealand, Oceania

Queenstown, renowned as the 'Adventure Capital of the World', is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, surrounded by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. This exhilarating destination offers adrenaline-pumping activities such as bungee jumping, skiing, and jet boating, alongside serene options like vineyard tours and scenic cruises. With its vibrant nightlife, welcoming atmosphere, and breathtaking views, Queenstown promises unforgettable experiences all year round, appealing to thrill-seekers and relaxation-lovers alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

4-7 days

Type

Town

Vibe

Active

Airport

Queenstown

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

13 Best Things to Do in Queenstown

1

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Adults only

Bungee Jump at Kawarau Bridge

Experience the thrill of bungee jumping from the iconic Kawarau Bridge—an unforgettable adrenaline rush!

Booking required
2

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Skyline Gondola Ride

Take stunning views of Queenstown from the Skyline Gondola!

No booking required
3

Est. 12 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Milford Sound Day Trip

Cruise through breathtaking fjords and waterfalls in Milford Sound.

Booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Feel the rush of speed and spins on Shotover River!

Booking required
5

Est. 6 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hiking the Ben Lomond Track

Trek to the summit of Ben Lomond for panoramic views.

No booking required
6

Est. 6 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Visit the Remarkables Ski Area

Hit the slopes at one of NZ's top ski resorts.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Relax in beautiful gardens with stunning lake views.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Wine Tasting in Gibbston Valley

Taste world-class wines in the picturesque Gibbston Valley.

No booking required
9

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Skydiving Over Queenstown

Free fall and enjoy breathtaking views from above!

Booking required
10

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Jet Boating on Lake Wakatipu

Speed across the stunning waters of Lake Wakatipu.

No booking required
11

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Arrowtown

Explore charming historic gold mining town of Arrowtown.

No booking required
12

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Take a Scenic Flight

Soar above iconic landscapes on a scenic flight.

Booking required
13

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Glenorchy Day Trip

Discover stunning landscapes and classic film locations.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Not expected

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

12 (#1 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

Majority religion

Christian

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Kiwi Pie

Savory pie with meat and vegetables. (National dish)

Hāngi

Traditional Māori dish cooked in earth oven.

Pavlova

V

Meringue dessert topped with fruit and cream.

Fish and Chips

Battered fish served with fries.

Lamingtons

V

Sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut.

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)