QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

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Queenstown self-proclaims itself as the “Adventure Capital of the World” because of its many adrenaline-inducing opportunities. If you have a fear of heights or speed, this may be the place to face your fears! It is set on the picturesque Lake Wakatipu and has views (for days) of The Remarkables Mountain Range.

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Attractions:

  • NZONE Skydiving: There are many companies running trips in town but NZONE has the best reputation. There are three jump options: 15,000 feet, 12,000 feet, and 9,000 feet. The 15k jump costs $479 NZD ($346 USD) and has a 60-second freefall; the 12k jump costs $379 NZD ($274 USD) and has a 45-second freefall; the 9k jump costs $299 NZD ($216 USD) and has a 25-second freefall. For an additional $199 NZD ($144 USD), you can get photos, like the ones on this page, and videos taken of you on a GoPro. This jump is known as one of the most beautiful in the world because you are free-falling over The Remarkables Mountain Range and Lake Wakatipu. Yes, this is a pricey experience, but well worth the rush of a lifetime! Keep in mind that jumps are weather-dependent; be sure to plan accordingly.

  • Skyline Queenstown: For $44 NZD ($32 USD), ride the gondola up Ben Lomond for a lovely view of the snow-capped mountains, lush forest, and pristine lake. Once at the top (also known as Ben Lomond Saddle), there are other attractions such as star-gazing, mountain biking, a luge, and a restaurant.

  • Twilight Wine (& Craft Beer) Tour: This 4-hour tour picks up in central Queenstown at 3:45pm. For $189 NZD ($136 USD), you visit three wine cellars across the Gibbston Valley. Rest assured, by 7:45 I was feeling quite tipsy!

  • Queenstown Hill Walk: Round-trip, this hike is just over 3 miles (5km) and takes 2-3 hours. It begins from Belfast Street and is often regarded as the best “short hike” in Queenstown!

  • Ben Lomond Track: You have two options - begin your hike from town center or Ben Lomond Saddle. Regardless of the route you take, this hike is a doozy and will leave you with an unbelievable view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and The Remarkables!

    • Option #1: From town center; the round-trip hike takes 6-8 hours. You can start from three different locations: Skyline Queenstown, Old Skyline Road, or Platinum Queenstown.

    • Option #2: Take the gondola up to Ben Lomond Saddle and start your hike. This will cut your trek in half as the round-trip hike from here takes 3-4 hours.

  • Nevis Swing: For $225 NZD ($162 USD), you will fall from the sky bungeed to the world’s most famous swing and scream to your heart’s content. The whole tour, transportation included, is 4 hours.

  • Visit Glenorchy: 1 hour outside of Queenstown is where you will find the start of the Routeburn Track, one of the most famous tramps in all of New Zealand! One-way, this trek is 32km and takes 2-4 days. If you have the time, I highly recommend!

  • Steamer Wharf: This pier, in the center of town, has some fantastic views of the water and mountains. Take a load off and stop by Vudu Café & Larder. This cute café has lots of vegan and gluten-free options. A great spot to start your morning!

  • Milford Sound: 12-hour tours leave daily and cost $135-$179 NZD ($97-$129 USD); you can book through Intercity or JUCY. Since 9-10 hours of this tour is spent on a bus, I recommend staying a day or two in Te Anau and visiting Milford Sound from there instead.

  • Shotover Jet Boat: What better way to experience the Shotover Canyons than by jet boat at 90 km/hr? The 25-minute boat ride costs $159 NZD ($115 USD).

  • Other things to do: Hollyford Track, Skippers Road, Queenstown Gardens, Moke Lake, and G Force Paragliding.

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Accommodation:

  • Flaming Kiwi Backpackers: This hostel could be closer to the city center but it has parking and the facilities are very good. The staff is also extremely friendly; they will give you all the information you need to navigate all of Queenstown’s tourist attractions! From Intercity Bus Station, the walk is 10 minutes.

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Transportation:

Queenstown’s main bus station is Intercity Bus Station; all buses below leave from here.

  • Wanaka is 1 hour by car from Queenstown. The bus ride is 2 hours and costs $24 NZD ($17 USD).

  • Te Anau is 2 hours by car from Queenstown. The bus ride is 2.5 hours and costs $44 NZD ($32 USD).

  • The Catlins are 3 hours by car from Queenstown. The bus and taxi ride is 4 hours and costs upwards of $175 NZD. The bus ride from Queenstown to Invercargill is 3 hours and costs $51 NZD ($37 USD). From Invercargill, a taxi to the Catlins is 1 hour and costs $125-$175 NZD ($90-$126 USD).

  • Lake Tekapo is 3 hours by car from Queenstown. The bus ride is 4 hours and costs $40 NZD ($29 USD).

  • Mount Cook Village is 3.5 hours by car from Queenstown. The bus ride is 5 hours and costs $164 NZD ($118 USD).

  • Fox Glacier is 4.5 hours by car from Queenstown. The bus ride is 7.5 hours and costs $69 NZD ($50 USD).

  • Christchurch is 6 hours by car from Queenstown. The bus ride is 8.5 hours and costs $62 NZD ($45 USD).

Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is 7km (4 miles) east of the city center and accessible via bus, shuttle, or taxi.

  • Bus: The ride via bus #1 (towards Sunshine Bay) is 25 minutes and costs $10 NZD ($7 USD); get off at the 58 Stanley Street stop. Buses depart every 15 minutes from 6:15am-7:15pm and every 30 minutes from 7:15pm-12:15am.

  • Shuttle: The ride via SuperShuttle is 20-25 minutes and costs $10 NZD ($7 USD); shuttles must be booked in advance.

  • Taxi: The ride is 10-15 minutes and costs $30-$45 NZD ($22-$33 USD) depending on the time of day.

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Thank you, NZONE, for the wild action shots!