Queenstown Itinerary
Famous as the nation's adrenalin capital, beautiful Queenstown offers a huge variety of adventure activities and natural attractions. In winter, the
Cardrona Alpine Resort and
The Remarkables Ski Area draw the crowds, while the popular Queenstown Winter Festival in July adds to the fun.
An early start rewards visitors with an action-packed day. For thrillseekers, tour options include jetboating or rafting on the Kawarau and Shotover rivers, horse trekking, a bird's eye view with
Sunrise Balloons or the Helicopter Line and, of course, bungy jumping with
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand.
If a full day of adventure is too much, return to Queenstown and spend a mellow afternoon on a vineyard tour. Local wineries include Black Ridge Winery, Chard Farm Winery, Kawarau Estate Vineyard and Gibbston Valley Winery, boasting the country's largest wine cave at a depth of 76m. Wine tour operators offer a selection of tours, some incorporating Shotover or Kawarau jet excursions.
Alternatively, follow the Wakatipu Art Trail and call at Arrowtown's
Lakes District Museum, considered to be one of the best boutique museums. Charming
Arrowtown also has a colourful goldmining history, complete with reconstructed miners' dwellings.
Arriving back in Queenstown, soak up some atmosphere at the numerous shops, bars and restaurants. For those looking for something special, enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the charming vintage steamship the
TSS Earnslaw as it plies Lake Wakatipu. Alternatively, the
Skyline Gondola & Luge climbs Bob's Peak to its restaurant for stunning views over Queenstown.
After dinner, end the day on a lively note and sample the nightlife at one of the many bars or clubs.