Queenstown, also known as New Zealand's adventure capital, strikes the perfect balance between breathtaking natural beauty and iconic adrenaline-pumping attractions. Queenstown is a natural playground for adventurers of all stripes. You'll be spoiled for choice in Queenstown's unique and spectacular adventures. It's an incredible combination of breathtaking views, delectable food, and a variety of exciting outdoor activities.

Queenstown is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by dramatic alpine ranges. The name of this now-cosmopolitan town is said to have been given by gold prospectors who were captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Queenstown is a popular year-round vacation destination known for its four distinct seasons. Winter brings crisp, blue-sky days, spring keeps the snow but blooms into longer, warmer days, summer brings sunshine and long twilights, and autumn is a brilliant red and gold burst.

Top Queenstown Tourist Attractions

Skippers Canyon

Skippers Canyon is a 22-kilometer-long historic and breathtakingly beautiful gorge. It is accessible from Queenstown via the same road that leads to the Coronet Peak ski area. Skippers Canyon is a popular stopping point for heritage cruises, jet skiing, and bungee jumping.

With its many twists and turns, sheer drops, and tight corners, it is famous for curvy hiking and trekking trails, making it a mega-adventurous spot for adrenaline junkies. Skipper Canyon tours are an excellent way to explore this beautiful area and learn about its rich gold mining history.

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Shotover River

During the Otago gold rush, the 75-kilometer Shotover River rose to prominence. The Shotover Jet is the only company allowed to operate in the narrow canyon section of the waterway.

This thrilling, breakneck-speed journey down the narrow river, hemmed in by dramatic canyon cliffs, is often described as the world's most exciting jet boat ride and has been in operation since 1965, making it one of Queenstown's longest-running adventure activities. Shotover River is a popular thrill-seeking destination for white water rafting and jet boat cruises. The canyon's steep walls create a spectacular atmosphere and add to the excitement.

Nevis Valley

For adventure seekers, Nevis Valley is one of the best things to do in New Zealand. Trail biking, bungee jumping, horseback riding, four-wheel driving, and visiting Maori historical sites are all options. There are many places to visit where you can discover many hidden treasures from another era. The Nevis Bungy platform is also the world's third highest, standing at 134 meters. The valley is off the beaten path and can only be reached via a shuttle service that departs from downtown. Cromwell to Garston, near Lake Wakatipu, Nevis Valley has many 1860s relics like cemeteries, buildings, and woolsheds. Today, the valley offers a variety of activities such as four-wheel driving, trail biking, horseback riding, and bungee jumping.

Coronet Peak

One of Queenstown's best ski fields is located on Coronet Peak. Long snow seasons, an incredible range of slopes for beginner and expert powder shredders, and breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hayes are just a few of the reasons that people flock to this epic mountain.

Coronet Peak has one of Queenstown's best ski fields. Coronet Peak is an excellent location for snowboarding, skiing, and night skiing. It has trails for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Coronet Peak also offers night skiing. Coronet Peak is the closest ski field to Queenstown, located less than a 30-minute drive away. Because of its lower elevation, it frequently has less snow than the other two ski fields and can be icy. Coronet Peak does, however, offer night skiing a couple of times per week, which is a lot of fun! They have a DJ and large flood lights so you can ski or snowboard after the sun goes down - and also party!

Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest and third-largest lake, is one of the best places to visit in Queenstown. You can go fishing or take a jet boat ride on the lake. The Lake's water level rises and falls by about 20 cm every 27 minutes, which is caused by its surroundings and atmospheric pressure. It is ideal for cycling, long walks, and picnics.

Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's longest and third-largest inland lake, stretching 80 kilometers. Queenstown residents and visitors alike enjoy walking, cycling, and picnicking along the lake's elongated shores, which are particularly renowned for their majestic beauty. Lake Wakatipu is Queenstown's crown jewel, and many visitors gather on its shores every afternoon to watch the last few hours of light. One of the best views of the sun setting behind the Southern Alps is from the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown.

Queenstown Gardens

Queenstown Gardens is a lovely landscaped garden that provides a tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are numerous trees and plants, a rose garden, water features, and a couple of memorials. This garden on Lake Wakatipu is famous for its historic oak and fir trees, making it one of Queenstown's most beautiful winter destinations.

This large botanic garden area is right on the shore of Lake Wakatipu and is a great place to stroll and take in the scenery. The gardens were laid out in 1867 and contain native and international plant species, including a large sweep of Douglas fir trees that provide shade on a hot Otago summer day.

Bob’s Peak and Skyline Gondola

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 or taking the Skyline Gondola up to its highest point.

Bob's Peak is one of Queenstown's highest points and can be reached by hiking up the steep trails or taking a gondola ride to the top. It is one of the best Queenstown attractions, and once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views of Queenstown. The cable car is known for being the steepest in the Southern Hemisphere. There are numerous activities available at the summit.

Gibbston Valley

This one is for wine lovers! The Gibbston Valley is the place to go if you want to visit local Queenstown wineries and drink as much wine as you want! There are numerous wineries to visit in the Gibbston Valley, which is only a 20-30 minute drive from Queenstown. If you don't want to drive, you can do a hop-on-hop-off self-guided wine tour, a bike, and wine tour, or a luxury guided van tour. There are numerous wine tours available in Queenstown.

Gibbston Valley is one of the wineries closest to Queenstown. Its vineyards are perched high in the schist mountains near Kawarau Gorge. Gibbston Valley's high altitudes and diverse climatic conditions allow it to cultivate the Pinot Noir varietals that the Central Otago region is known for.

Ben Lomond Track

Ben Lomond is a 14-kilometer hike that will take you all day or 6-8 hours depending on your fitness level to reach the summit. It is, however, an incredible mountain to climb, with 360-degree panoramic views. Go for it if you're up for the challenge!

The Ben Lomond Track officially begins at the Skyline building at the top of Bob's Peak, at the end of the Tiki Trail. You can hike the Tiki Trail from Queenstown and then transfer to the Ben Lomond Track, or you can skip the Tiki Trail entirely and take the gondola. Riding the gondola to the top of Bob's Peak brings you directly to the start of the Ben Lomond Track, making it much easier and shorter.

Lake Hayes

Queenstown Trail is a 110-kilometer walking and biking path through Queenstown's scenic countryside. This incredible project, which has only been fully operational since 2012, has opened up vast swaths of private land for cyclists and hikers, creating a route of well-maintained paths. The suspension bridges and trails across the shores of both Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hayes, lead out to the historic old gold mining settlement of Arrowtown and the vine-draped Gibbston Valley.

Lake Hayes is another beautiful lake close to Queenstown. The lake is about a 15-minute drive from town, but it is also accessible by public bus. There is a walking trail that goes all the way around the lake. Some people enjoy swimming here, particularly during the summer months.

Last Words!

We've put together this mini-guide based on the experiences and research to help you with some of the more difficult decisions you'll have to make, such as where to do and what to visit, while in Queenstown. Keep reading the LuxuryHotels Guide blogs for more such interesting places and luxury hotels to stay in!