Sitting alongside Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers jaw dropping scenery and adventure in equal measures. The towering Remarkables mountains, white water rapids, lakes and canyons have helped this all year round destination become revered as the 'adventure capital of the world'.
Adventure
Set to a backdrop of the appropriately named Remarkables mountain range, the bustling town of Queenstown sits alongside the tranquil waters of Lake Wakatipu. Every day in Queenstown is an opportunity to experience a new adventure. The thrills are at every turn, whether you are bungy jumping, skydiving, jetboating, paragliding, whitewater rafting, mountain biking or skiing.
As the home of the world's first jet boating, bungy jump and river surfing operators, it's a place continually pushing the boundaries. The breathtaking setting equally lends itself to enjoying the scenery at a slower pace with walking, sailing, hiking, fishing, cycling, and golfing all popular pursuits.
Relaxation
It's not all fast paced action though. You can always pamper yourself at a luxury spa or wind down on one of the four local golf courses, including the world famous Millbrook course. When the sun's out, you may prefer to sample one of the award winning wines over lunch at one of the vineyards in Gibbston, Bannockburn, Cromwell or Alexandra. And of course there's the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and the magnificant scenery of Glenorchy to catch your attention.
Skiing and Snowboarding
A year round haven, both Queenstown and Wanaka are especially popular in winter, when top notch ski fields kick into action. Close to Queenstown you will find the Remarkables and Coronet ski fields, open mid-June through to early October. Over in Wanaka you can enjoy the slopes of Treble Cone and nearby Cardrona. Every year at the end of June, Queenstown hosts its Annual Winter Festival, an exciting 10-day celebration of winter with skiing, boarding, mad-cap activities and plenty of apres-ski action.
Queenstown Downtown
The compact and scenic town edges onto a dramatic bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The spectacular mountains that surround the town offer breathtaking views at every turn. As the home of adventure, there is a lively buzz created by the numerous cafes, bars and great shopping. Jump on board the Skyline Gondola for the classic picture postcard shot across Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. Climbing Queenstown Hill or Ben Lomond, rewards you with fantastic views of Queenstown and beyond.
Check our Queenstown Downtown Guide for more insights into exploring the town centre.
Arrowtown
At the height of the Gold rush in 1872, the population of Arrowtown reached 7,000. Through careful preservation, the legacy of the early settlers is retained in a fascinating, picturesque town where the past and the present are delightfully blurred. Sophisticated in its appeal, the cobbled main street, art studios and galleries, outstanding cafes, restaurants and traditional pubs create an ambience that is sought out by visitors and residents alike. Golf lovers will love the three superb golf courses - Millbrook, The Hills and the stunning Arrowtown course.
Lord of The Rings
Rugged mountain terrain, flourishing beech forests, golden hills and stunning waterways are the reasons why Queenstown, Arrowtown and Glenorchy were the settings for many of the film's locations. Several LOTR Operators take you on guided trips around the Lord of the Rings filming sites. Although popular with film fans, the tours are also a great way for visitors to appreciate the stunning countryside.
Glenorchy
The frontier village of Glenorchy is located at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountains, glacier fed rivers and beech forest. Driving to Glenorchy rewards you with incredible views of Lake Wakatipu, sheer mountain sides and hanging valleys. Many of New Zealand's best walking trails are found around Glenorchy.
Activities
Check our 'Things To Do' category to see details of all the activity operators.
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