Queenstown is everything you've heard and more. Set on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu beneath the jagged peaks of The Remarkables, this small alpine town has leveraged its extraordinary setting into the adventure capital of the world. Bungy jumping was invented here (AJ Hackett's Kawarau Bridge in 1988), and the town has never stopped finding new ways to get hearts racing - jet boating, skydiving, paragliding, white-water rafting, canyon swinging, ziplining, and more. But Queenstown isn't just adrenaline: it's also a gateway to Milford Sound, a world-class ski destination, a wine region, and home to some of New Zealand's best restaurants and bars. The combination of jaw-dropping scenery and non-stop activities makes Queenstown the one place nearly every visitor to the South Island includes.
Getting There
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) has direct flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch (plus seasonal Australian routes). The airport is just 8km from town ($15 shuttle, $35 taxi). InterCity buses connect Queenstown with Christchurch (6 hours), Wanaka (1.5 hours), and Te Anau (2 hours, for Milford Sound). Driving from Christchurch takes about 6 hours via the spectacular inland route.
Adventure Activities
Queenstown offers the world's highest concentration of adventure activities:
- Bungy jumping: The original Kawarau Bridge bungy (43m, $225) is where it all began. The Nevis bungy (134m, $290) is New Zealand's highest and one of the world's most thrilling jumps - a free-fall in a remote river canyon. The Ledge bungy (47m, $225) is above Queenstown with lake views.
- Jet boating: The Shotover Jet (canyon jet boat at 85km/h through narrow Shotover River canyons - $165) is a Queenstown classic. Dart River jet boat safaris offer a wilderness experience in the Mount Aspiring National Park.
- Skydiving: Tandem skydiving over the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu from 15,000 feet ($399). The scenery makes it arguably the world's most beautiful skydive.
- Paragliding: Tandem paragliding from the Skyline hill, soaring above Queenstown and the lake (from $249).
- Canyon swing: Shotover Canyon Swing - a 109m free-fall arc swing over the canyon ($249). More terrifying than bungy, according to most participants.
- White-water rafting: Shotover River and Kawarau River offer grade 3–5 rapids ($219).
Lake & Mountain Experiences
- TSS Earnslaw: The vintage 1912 coal-fired steamship cruises Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station, where you can enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch and a farm demonstration. The Earnslaw is a national icon and the cruise is a relaxing counterpoint to Queenstown's adrenaline ($79–119).
- Skyline Gondola: Ride the gondola to Bob's Peak for panoramic views of the lake, mountains, and town. At the top: luge rides, a restaurant, stargazing, and mountain biking ($44 gondola, $59 with luge).
- Ben Lomond: The signature Queenstown hike - a challenging 7-hour return climb to the 1,748m summit for one of the most spectacular 360° views in New Zealand. Start from the gondola top station.
- Glenorchy & Paradise: A stunning 45-minute drive along Lake Wakatipu's western shore to Glenorchy - gateway to the Routeburn Track and filming location for Lord of the Rings. The drive itself is one of the most beautiful in New Zealand.
Skiing & Winter
- The Remarkables: Queenstown's closest ski field, with varied terrain for all abilities. 30 minutes from town ($145 lift pass).
- Coronet Peak: Queenstown's other ski field - night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays ($145). Known for its groomed runs and reliability.
- Winter festival: Queenstown Winter Festival (late June) is a week-long celebration with fireworks, live music, comedy, and mountain events.
- Après ski: Queenstown's bar scene is legendary - The World Bar, Atlas Beer Cafe, The Winery, and Rhino's Ski Shack.
Where to Eat
- Rata: Josh Emett's acclaimed NZ-focused fine dining - seasonal menus with local produce ($$). - Fergburger: The world-famous burger joint with queues out the door. The burgers are genuinely excellent and enormous ($15–20). - Botswana Butchery: Upscale steakhouse and wine bar in a heritage lakefront building. - Bespoke Kitchen: Excellent brunch café - Queenstown's best eggs and coffee. - The Grille by Eichardt's: Fine dining in the historic Eichardt's Private Hotel, lake views.
Where to Stay
- Eichardt's Private Hotel (luxury boutique, lakefront - from $600/night) - Sofitel Queenstown (elegant, Remarkables views - from $350/night) - Nomads Queenstown (modern backpacker, central - from $35/dorm) - Sherwood (eco-boutique hotel on the lakefront, excellent restaurant - from $200/night)
Practical Tips
- Queenstown is busy year-round - summer (December–February) for adventure and hiking, winter (June–August) for skiing. - Book activities in advance, especially bungy, skydiving, and Milford Sound day trips. - Queenstown is expensive - budget $200–300/day for activities, meals, and accommodation. - The Fergburger queue moves fast - don't be deterred by the line.
AUBIS Tip
: Queenstown is the South Island's essential hub. Use AUBIS to book your bungy, Milford Sound day trip, TSS Earnslaw cruise, and accommodation as one coordinated itinerary - the platform will optimise your schedule and get you the best activity combinations.