Queenstown Travel Guide: Adventure Capital of New Zealand

Queenstown sits on Lake Wakatipu beneath jagged mountains and calls itself the adventure capital of the world. It is as pleasant for a lakeside stroll as it is for an adrenaline rush.

Top things to see and do in Queenstown

Bungee jumping

Queenstown is where commercial bungee jumping began, at a historic bridge over a canyon.

Skyline gondola

Ride up for sweeping views over the lake and mountains, with dining at the top.

Milford Sound day trip

A long but spectacular journey through fjord scenery by coach, plane or helicopter.

Skiing and snowboarding

Nearby ski fields operate through the southern winter.

Arrowtown

A preserved gold-rush village, especially pretty in autumn.

Jet boats and rafting

Fast boat rides and river trips are available for all appetites.

Best time to visit

December to February is summer, ideal for lake and hiking activities. June to September is ski season. Autumn colours peak in April.

How to get there

Queenstown has its own airport with domestic flights and some international connections, and long scenic drives link it to other South Island towns.

Practical tips for Queenstown

• Check weather before booking flights or helicopter trips.
• Layer up; mountain weather changes quickly.
• Book popular activities early in school holidays.
• Try local lamb and wine.

Dinner in the sky in Queenstown

After a day of sightseeing, there is no better way to end the trip than a table suspended high above the ground. FlyDining pairs a pre-set menu with open views, and each session seats up to 24 guests.

Sky dining connection. Queenstown has its own FlyDining page where you can see session timings, current prices and availability: FlyDining in Queenstown. Seats are sold only online at flydining.com.