Visiting Queenstown for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Landscapes go big in outdoorsy Queenstown, where travelers find year-round thrills in mountains, lakes, and activities of all kinds. So, where do you start in the adventure capital of New Zealand? These are our top tips for first-time visitors.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu
Take to the water off the coast of Queenstown.
Lapping the Queenstown shoreline with bright blue water, Lake Wakatipu is among southern New Zealand’s most scenic places. No matter if you explore via historic steamship, ferry, small boat, or leisurely cruise, the reward of getting out on the water is the amazing views of the surrounding peaks.
Sample Otago Valley wines
Sip some of the region's best varietals.
One of New Zealand’s top wine-growing areas is a short distance away, so don’t miss out on Otago’s award-winning vintages. Visit one of Queenstown’s wine bars, or get it from the source on a guided wine tour of the Otago Valley.
Ride the Queenstown Skyline gondola
Enjoy sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range from a gondola that rises high above downtown Queenstown. At the top, treat yourself to a special meal at the summit restaurant or head back down the mountain on a high-speed luge track.
Try an extreme sport
Get a rush of adrenaline while in this adventure-friendly city.
Jet boats, bungee jumps, skydiving—Queenstown is famous for high-adrenaline activities in picturesque natural settings. Dare to choose one of these adventurous favorites, and earn bragging rights with a selfie to prove it happened.
Visit Milford Sound
There are a number of ways to experience this striking location.
If you only add one day trip to your time in Queenstown, make it a trip to Milford Sound, part of Fiordland National Park. Options for experiencing Milford Sound include hiking tours, kayaking trips, and scenic cruises, with transport from Queenstown by bus, plane, or helicopter.
Visit "Lord of the Rings" filming locations
A trip to New Zealand wouldn't be complete without it.
From Skippers Canyon to Kawarau Gorge, some of Queenstown’s most beautiful places have appeared on screen in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. You can spot a few of them while hiking or driving in the surrounding countryside, but fans should book a themed tour to see the hidden spots.
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Vermont travel writer Jen Rose Smith covers adventure, remote places, and traditional cuisine from a home base in the Green Mountains. Her articles have appeared in National Geographic Adventure, American Way, Nexos, Condé Nast Traveler, Backpacker, AFAR, Rolling Stone, USA Today, and Outside Online.