Queenstown | Attractions of New Zealand’s Adventure Capital

Affectionately known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown is a place that strikes the perfect balance between its awe-inspiring natural beauty and its iconic heart-pumping attractions. These must-visit attractions aptly showcase how this is always a great place to explore, whether you’re dropping in for a bit of sightseeing or you’d like to try your hand at something more adventurous.

Lake Wakatipu

An inland lake with a length of 80 kilometres (50 miles), the sublime Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest and third largest. Particularly renowned for its majestic beauty, Queenstown’s locals and visitors absolutely adore walking, cycling, and picnicking along the lake’s elongated shores.

View of Queenstown from the Skyline Gondola

Bob’s Peak is the place to visit if you want to get the best panoramic views in town. Getting to its highest point is as simple as going on a self-guided trek (locally known as the Tiki Trail) or travelling up the Skyline Gondola. Whichever route you decide to take, you can rest assured you’ll get a front-seat view of the breathtaking landscapes Queenstown is so famous for.

The Remarkables

Located on Lake Wakatipu’s southeastern shores, the aptly-named Remarkables mountain range rises sharply up the clear skies to create a beautiful backdrop along the waters. As well as being picturesque, it is also a prime destination for skiers and snowboarders.

Queenstown Gardens

You’ll find the incredibly tranquil Queenstown Gardens right at the heart of town. Offering a pleasant sanctuary from the usual hustle and bustle of its surroundings, the gardens are a popular place to relax, go for a stroll, or even play a quick round of disc golf.

Skippers Canyon

Skippers Canyon is a historic and incredibly scenic gorge that spans across 22 kilometres (13.7 miles). It can be accessed from Queenstown through the same road that leads to the Coronet Peak ski field. Skippers Canyon is a popular stopover for heritage cruises, jet boating and bungee jumping.

Shotover River

The Shotover River is another favourite among thrill-seekers – fast currents make this one of the best places around Queenstown for jet boating and white-water rafting. The Shotover River covers 75 kilometres (47 miles) in length and flows south of the Southern Alps through to the Kawarau River.

Nevis Bungy Jump

Famous for housing the world’s biggest rope swing, the Nevis Valley is one of Queenstown’s most iconic adventure sights. The Nevis Bungy platform is also the third-highest in the world, coming in at 134 metres (439.6 feet). The valley is slightly off the beaten track, and can only be accessed via a shuttle service that departs from downtown.

The Bathhouse, Marine Parade, Queenstown

Marine Parade comprises the idyllic Queenstown Beach, the iconic Bathhouse Café, and the solemn Queenstown Fallen Soldiers Memorial. There is a pathway connecting it to the Queenstown Gardens, and locals love to spend some time exploring it during the summer months. Marine Parade is also the place to catch local events like the annual Winter Festival’s opening night fireworks and New Years’ celebrations.

Kawarau River and Bridge

The Kawarau River drains Lake Wakatipu, flowing 60 kilometres (37 miles) eastward to Kawarau Gorge. Rapid currents and narrow stretches turned this river into a prime spot for river boarding, jet boating, white water rafting and river surfing. The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge is also renowned for being the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping.

Gibbston Valley Wine Cave

Gibbston Valley is one of the closest wineries to Queenstown. Its vineyards are perched up the rugged schist mountains near Kawarau Gorge. High altitudes and diversified climatic conditions allow Gibbston Valley to cultivate the Pinot Noir varietals the Central Otago region is famous for.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Head a little further afield to find a wondrous fjord in the southwest of the South Island that continues to inspire and amaze. People flock to the Milford Sound to do some hiking as well as soaking up those idyllic views. Tours depart regularly from Queenstown, or you can make your own way across through a scenic four-hour road trip.

Looking west from Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is home to one of Queenstown’s finest ski fields. Long snow seasons, an incredible range of slopes for beginner and expert powder shredders, and impressive views of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hayes are some of the things that attract people to this epic mountain.

Ben Lomond Track

A demanding, one-day trek with plenty of alpine vistas to cherish. The Ben Lomond track begins around the Tiki Trail (where you can also climb up Bob’s Peak), passing several tussocks and shrubbery as the uphill trek gets steeper and more rugged. On a clear day, you can see Mounts Aspiring and Earnslaw from a faraway distance.

Lake Hayes

A small lake within the Wakatipu Basin, Lake Hayes is situated close to both Queenstown and Arrowtown. Cyclists, hikers and runners head to Lake Hayes to tackle the trails that run alongside it. There are also large grassed areas nearby that are commonly used for recreational activities.

Basket of Dreams, Queenstown Hill

Also known by the Maori name Te Tapu-Nui, this small, 907-metre (2976-foot) hill is particularly renowned for its Time Walk trail, which was created in the year 2000 to mark the start of the new millennium. Key highlights of the two- to three-hour hike include rich pine forests, 360-degree views of Queenstown’s most famous landmarks, as well as the iconic ‘Basket of Dreams’ sculpture.

Arrowtown, New Zealand

Arrowtown is a former gold mining establishment just 15 minutes from Queenstown. The small township is located on the banks of the Arrow River and is lined with well-preserved buildings from its late-19th century past. Along with holding a special place in local history, the town is also renowned for its vivacious autumnal colours.

Glenorchy, New Zealand

For those searching for that ideal day trip from Queenstown, Glenorchy is a great getaway. The small settlement on the northern end of Lake Wakatipu gained international fame for its cinematic appearances — particularly in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Other local attractions include hiking (the Routeburn Track can be accessed through it), mountain biking, and kayaking.

Mount Crichton and Lake Isobel

The Mount Crichton Loop Track is an easy, kid-friendly hike filled with many scenic wonders. Its starting point is just 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from Queenstown, along the same road that goes to Glenorchy. The two- to four-hour journey traverses mountain beech, manuka trees, a waterfall, and the historic Twelve Mining Creek Gorge, which was one of the key mining spots in the region.