5 Reasons to Visit Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” and the title is well-deserved. Queenstown has something to offer everyone, from families, to couples, to backpackers and more.
No matter what your budget, you’ll find incredible things to do in this special little resort town. It’s impossible for anyone to New Zealand and say they were bored. There are so many things to do in Queenstown. Imagine if I hadn’t gone skydiving, paragliding, white-rafting, and a variety of other activities in this area! It truly is the world’s adventure capital. Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Queenstown:
Adrenalin activities
So you’re craving some adrenaline? Look no further than Queenstown. Your options are endless: Skydiving from 15,000 ft. over the best scenery in the world, jet boating at speeds up to 120kmph, rafting down rivers, paragliding, and more. If you’re in the mood for jumping off stuff, bungi jumping should be your choice of adrenaline activity, and there’s plenty to choose from: Jump off a high wire cable platform hanging 134m above a valley, or jump off a bridge, off a ledge overlooking Queenstown, or even a swing through a canyon. Take your pick, and don’t look down!
Bungee jumping
Thank New Zealander, AJ Hackett, for popularizing bungy (or bungee) jumping more than 25 years ago. You can now bungy jump from the historic Kawarau Bridge, the original bungy site, or strap into a full-body harness and freestyle jump from “The Ledge,” 400 meters above Queenstown. It’s one of New Zealand’s highest jumps—and best rushes.
Bungee jumping, skydiving, jetboating, whitewater rafting, heli-biking, paragliding, and ziplining are all nearby adrenaline-pumping activities. If that isn’t enough, Queenstown also has excellent hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Queenstown is surrounded by majestic mountains which are part of the Southern Alps. This means the resort town is in close proximity to a variety a ski fields only a short distance away. They all offer different terrain, snow conditions, views, and some even have park facilities. They’re great for everyone, from beginners to advanced riders. Nothing beats a winter’s day up the mountain!
Ski season
The ski season in New Zealand lasts from late June to early October. Our ski and snowboard instructor programs are designed to allow you to train over the summer in England and be qualified and ready to work the following European winter. If you want to experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding in New Zealand fashion, or if you simply can’t go another summer without your ski or board fix, Queenstown is the place to be.
Outdoor activities
If you’re into outdoor activities, you’re spoilt for choice in Queenstown. Enjoy some hardcore mountain biking with lots of technical downhill, or enjoy a more relaxed bike ride along one of the many cycle trails in the region. There are also plenty of walking and hiking tracks, such as short trips, full day hikes, or multi day hikes. Enjoy some fresh air and get the legs moving!
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest and third largest inland lake, stretching 80 kilometers (50 miles). Queenstown’s residents and visitors alike enjoy walking, cycling, and picnicking along the lake’s elongated shores, which are particularly renowned for their majestic beauty.
It’s beautiful
You simply can’t deny it: Queenstown is beautiful. Situated at the foot of incredible snow capped mountains, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, it’s a majestic place that is sure to take your breath away. Tip: Make your way to a look out point to enjoy a sunrise or sunset over Queenstown and be blown away by the incredible colors and spectacular beauty of the lake and mountains that will leave you speechless.
Bob’s Peak
If you want to see the best panoramic views in town, head to Bob’s Peak. It is as simple as going on a self-guided trek (locally known as the Tiki Trail) or taking the Skyline Gondola up to its highest point. Regardless of which route you choose, you’ll have a front-row seat to the breathtaking scenery that Queenstown is known for.
Restaurants and Bars
No doubt all these activities have made you hungry, but not to worry – there’s no shortage of places to eat in Queenstown. Burgers, steak houses, Italian, Thai, Indian, salad bars, juice bars, pubs, bakeries, cafes – the choices are endless. There’s something to satisfy every craving, not to mention the huge variety of places to relax and have a drink. In the winter, enjoy and red wine in front of the fire, and in summer, enjoy a cider on the deck in the sun. There are also a variety of world-class wineries in the area where you can taste award-winning wines, which are easily some of the best in New Zealand.
Fergburger
Fergburger is a Queenstown institution, with lines usually wrapping around the block. And let me state unequivocally: it is worthwhile. Purchase a juicy New Zealand beef (or lamb, or deer) burger, possibly topped with streaky American bacon, cheddar cheese, and avocado: It’s a caloric marvel the size of a small adult’s head. There are tofu alternative options, but where’s the fun in that?
Final Word
Queenstown has everything you need for the perfect holiday or travel experience. With so many options on offer, there’s something to please everyone. And after being named Australasia’s leading destination at the World Travel Awards, as well as being nominated for the World’s Leading Destination, it’s clear that this is a must visit destination.
New Zealand itself has solidified its position as one of the world’s top adventure destinations. Queenstown gets a lot of attention because it is full of adventure opportunities, but there are a lot of other exciting towns to visit. From the high mountains of the South Island to the beaches of the Far North, New Zealand is the best destination for adventure travel.