Queenstown

An adventure capital nestled on Lake Wakatipu, offering world-class activities from bungee jumping and skiing to hiking and jet boating. The town combines outdoor thrills with excellent restaurants, bars, and stunning mountain scenery.

Things to do

• Bungy Jumping at The Kawarau Bridge — Experience a 43-metre plunge from New Zealand's first commercial bungy site, suspended above turquoise river waters.
• Jet Boating on Lake Wakatipu — Feel the adrenaline rush as a high-speed jet boat skims across the lake with thrilling 360-degree spins and narrow canyon passages.
• The Remarkables Ski Field — Hit premier ski slopes during winter with dramatic mountain views, or enjoy hiking and mountain biking in summer.
• Ben Lomond Track — Tackle this challenging all-day hike offering panoramic 360-degree views of Lake Wakatipu, the Shotover River canyon, and surrounding ranges.
• Milford Sound Day Trip — Take a scenic drive through Fiordland National Park and cruise beneath dramatic waterfalls and towering cliffs on New Zealand's most famous fjord.
• Shotover Jet — Navigate narrow canyon walls at high speed on the jet-boat-filled Shotover River, passing through tunnels and over rapids.
• Rkennedy Falls Walk — A scenic 3-hour loop walk through native forest to a picturesque waterfall with views across the Wakatipu Basin.

Food to try

• Venison Steak — Locally farmed South Island venison served tender and rich at premium restaurants, often accompanied by native berry sauces.
• Greenshell Mussels — Fresh New Zealand green-lipped mussels sourced from southern waters, typically steamed or prepared in garlic white wine sauce.
• Central Otago Pinot Noir Wine Pairing — Sample world-renowned local wines paired with fine dining, as Queenstown sits near wine regions producing exceptional New Zealand Pinot Noir.
• Lake Trout — Fresh-caught local fish from Lake Wakatipu, often pan-fried or grilled and served with seasonal vegetables at lakeside restaurants.
• Lamington Cake — A classic New Zealand sponge cake coated in chocolate and desiccated coconut, available at local cafés and bakeries throughout town.

Local customs & good to know

• Book Activities Well in Advance — Popular adventures like bungy jumping and jet boating fill quickly, especially during peak season (December–February), so reserve at least a few days ahead.
• Embrace the Adventure Culture — Queenstown's identity centers on outdoor risk-taking and outdoor fitness; locals respect those who challenge themselves physically and don't take themselves too seriously.
• Weather Changes Rapidly — Mountain weather shifts within hours, so always carry layers and check forecasts daily; locals adjust plans flexibly based on conditions.
• Respect Māori Heritage — Many local place names and cultural sites honor Māori history; learn the proper pronunciation of place names and acknowledge indigenous connections to the landscape.