QUEENSTOWN NEW ZEALAND

Queenstown sits in the alpine southwest of New Zealand’s South Island and is known as the adventure capital of the country. It’s surrounded by dramatic mountains, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and close to some of the best vineyards for pinot noir. You’ll also find boutique shopping, lakeside dining, and scenic drives through some of the most beautiful landscapes in New Zealand.

Best Hikes and Guided Walks Around Queenstown

Guided hiking is one of our favourite ways for travellers to explore the region. Milford Track is the most famous hike in New Zealand, but there are plenty of other trails that are just as impressive and far less busy. The Routeburn Track is a standout, offering sweeping alpine scenery without the crowds. A private guide will shape the hike around your fitness level and interests so you can enjoy the best parts at your own pace.

Mountain Biking and E-Biking in Queenstown

Mountain biking is another excellent option in Queenstown, with trails to suit every level. Some routes take you through quiet rainforest and valley landscapes with a support vehicle following along, and you can always choose an E-bike if you prefer an easier ride.

4WD Tours, Filming Locations, and Winery Experiences

If outdoor adventure isn’t your style, there are still plenty of memorable experiences. Try a four-wheel-drive tour through historic gold-mining areas or famous Lord of the Rings filming locations, or enjoy a relaxed small-group winery tour through Central Otago.

Thrill-Seeking Adventures in Queenstown

Thrill-seekers are spoilt for choice too. Bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, ziplining, luging, and even river surfing all start right here in Queenstown.

Pair Queenstown With Fiordland National Park

To round out your stay, pair Queenstown with a visit to Fiordland National Park. You can explore Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise designed for a small number of guests, offering privacy, uninterrupted scenery, and a truly immersive Fiordland experience.

More to See and Do in Queenstown, New Zealand

• Enjoy a wine tour whether by vehicle or on e-bikes
• Stroll through historic Arrowtown, known for its gold-mining past, boutique stores, and scenic riverside trails
• Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw and visit a working high-country farm
• Spin around on a jet boat in thrilling glacial rivers
• Enjoy some of New Zealand’s best fine dining, complete with local wines
• Soak in a hot pool reserved just for you and your sweetie
• Ride the gondola to a scenic mountaintop, then luge back down to the bottom
• Visit famous filming sites from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
• Ski and snowboard in winter in Cardrona, Coronet Peak, or Treble Cone
• Fly fish for trout with an expert fisherman guide
• Ride a helicopter to the top of a mountain and enjoy a private picnic
• Play a round of golf at Millbrook or the local favourite, Jack’s Point
• Float down a river in a safe and stable kayak
• Spot endangered kiwi birds at Kiwi Birdlife Park
• Board a small aircraft for sightseeing (or flightseeing) over the mountains
• Cycle the lakeside and Gibbston Valley trails on an E-bike, with the option to visit a vineyard or two along the way
• Head into the wilderness in a 4WD and experience some exhilarating off-roading

Many travellers base in Queenstown to access some of New Zealand’s best trails. You can read our tramping and hiking guide for ideas.

Plan Your Queenstown Vacation

No matter if you’re arriving from Denver, Toronto, or anywhere else, a four-day stay in Queenstown is the sweet spot for seeing the best of this region.

Contact your New Zealand Travel Specialist and let’s start planning.