Queenstown, New Zealand

One of the most popular destinations on New Zealand's South Island is without a doubt Queenstown. This town sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by impressive mountains, including the Remarkables. The location alone makes Queenstown special, but it's particularly the combination of nature, adventure and atmosphere that makes this place so beloved. I lived here for 8 months myself and even now there are still things on my list that I'd love to do here. It's also the most beautiful place I've ever lived.

Queenstown is often called the 'Adventure Capital of the World', and for good reason. You can bungee jump, jet boat, skydive, mountain bike, hike, sail, wine taste and much more here. At the same time, it's also a place where you can simply wander around, grab a coffee, sit by the lake or enjoy one of the many restaurants and bars.

For many travellers, Queenstown is one of the highlights of their New Zealand road trip. Not only because of the activities, but also because the surroundings are so beautiful that you can easily stay here for several days.

The location also makes Queenstown ideal during a Campervan trip around the South Island. From here you can easily travel onwards towards Wanaka, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Glenorchy or the south coast. This makes it a logical stop on many popular routes.

Popular activities in Queenstown

Queenstown is known for its huge range of activities. Whether you're coming for adventure, nature or relaxation, there's always something to do. Curious about all the options? Get in touch and I'll be happy to help you further.

My advice: check out www.bookme.co.nz for various activities with sometimes up to 60% discount!

Skyline Queenstown & Bob's Peak

One of the most popular activities in Queenstown is the gondola to Bob's Peak. From the top you have a fantastic view over Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. You can also do the luge here, a fun activity where you ride down a track in a small cart.

Would you rather walk up actively? Then you can also hike the Tiki Trail to the top. This is a steep climb through the forest, but at the top you're rewarded with the same view. This also costs nothing whereas you do have to pay for the gondola.

Bungee Jumping Queenstown

Queenstown is known as the place where commercial bungy jumping took off. The most famous jump is the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, just outside town. This is the very first commercial bungy jump in the world and for many travellers a real bucket-list experience.

Want to make it even more thrilling? Then you'll find the Nevis Bungy a short distance from Queenstown. With a jump of 134 metres, this is New Zealand's highest bungy jump and considerably more extreme than the Kawarau Bridge. So this one is particularly suited to the real daredevils.

Both jumps are organised by AJ Hackett Bungy and are absolute classics for anyone wanting to experience Queenstown in an adventurous way.

Jetboating

Another popular activity is jet boating. At high speed you travel across narrow rivers, past rock faces and through spectacular landscapes. The Shotover Jet is particularly well known, but there are multiple operators in the area.

This is an activity that fits Queenstown perfectly: fast, spectacular and right in the middle of nature.

Hiking in Queenstown

Even if you don't want to do adrenaline activities, Queenstown is a wonderful place. There are several beautiful walks in and around the town. The 5.4 km Queenstown Hill Walk is a popular hike with views over the town, the lake and the mountains. The 14 km Ben Lomond Track is considerably harder, but offers one of the finest views in the area in good weather.

Have less time or want something more relaxed? Then a walk along Lake Wakatipu or through the Queenstown Gardens is definitely worthwhile too.

Glenorchy and Paradise

One of the most beautiful day trips from Queenstown is the drive to Glenorchy. The road runs alongside Lake Wakatipu and is often considered one of New Zealand's most scenic short road trips. Along the way you'll drive past crystal-clear blue water, mountain landscapes and multiple viewpoints where you'll naturally want to stop.

In Glenorchy itself, you'll find the famous Red Shed, an iconic red barn by the lake with the mountains in the background. It's a simple spot, but that's precisely what makes it incredibly photogenic. Visit Glenorchy around sunrise or sunset. That's when the light is at its most beautiful and the surroundings are shown at their best.

From Glenorchy you can continue towards Paradise, an area known for its rugged landscapes and cinematic surroundings. This is a beautiful trip if you want to escape the crowds of Queenstown for a while. Scenes from various famous films were shot here, most notably The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Please note: the road section from Glenorchy to Paradise is unsealed. Are you travelling in a hire Campervan? Then read the terms and conditions regarding driving on unsealed roads carefully beforehand. Often this is not permitted.

Wine Tasting Gibbston Valley

Queenstown is right next to Central Otago, one of New Zealand's most famous wine regions. The Pinot Noir from this area is particularly popular. Around Gibbston Valley you'll find several wineries where you can have lunch, do tastings or simply enjoy the views.

Choose from one of the many wine tours offered from Queenstown so you can visit multiple wineries without having to drive yourself.

Food and atmosphere in Queenstown

Queenstown has a cosy and international atmosphere. You'll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, bars and bakeries. It's a place where travellers often end up staying a bit longer, precisely because there's so much to do and the vibe feels relaxed.

A well-known stop is Fergburger, where there's almost always a queue. Whether you think it's the best burger in New Zealand, I'll leave that up to you, but it's certainly become an institution in Queenstown. Besides that, there are plenty of great spots for coffee, breakfast, lunch or a drink at the end of the day.

Camping in Queenstown

Travelling by Campervan through New Zealand, Queenstown is a fantastic stop, but one you need to think about carefully in advance. Freedom camping in and around Queenstown is limited and strictly regulated. You can't just park up and stay overnight anywhere.

There are several holiday parks and campgrounds in and around Queenstown. These are ideal if you want to stay close to the town centre and make use of facilities like showers, washing machines and camp kitchens. Do bear in mind that Queenstown is popular, especially during peak season. Campgrounds can fill up quickly and prices here are often higher than at other spots in New Zealand.

If you'd prefer somewhere quieter, you can also look at campsites just outside Queenstown, for example towards Arrowtown, Frankton, Glenorchy or Kingston. That way you're still close by, but often just a bit less busy.

My advice: Book your campsite in Queenstown as soon as you know which period you'll be there. The campsites in Queenstown itself can sometimes be fully booked months in advance for the high season.

Check out 'Campgrounds in New Zealand' for more information

How long do you need in Queenstown?

For Queenstown I'd recommend a minimum of two to three nights. If you're short on time, you can get a taste of the atmosphere in two days, do an activity and take a short hike. If you have more room in your schedule, you could easily stay here for four or five nights.

Especially if you want to do activities such as bungy jumping, jet boating, wine tasting, hiking or a day trip to Glenorchy, extra time is no unnecessary luxury. Additionally, the weather in New Zealand can always throw a spanner in the works, so an extra day gives you a bit more flexibility.

Practical tips for Queenstown

• Queenstown is popular and you'll notice it everywhere. Book activities and campsites well in advance during peak season, especially between December and February. It can also be busy in winter due to the ski season.
• Parking in the centre can be tricky, especially with a larger Campervan. It's therefore smart to leave your Campervan at the campsite and walk, take the bus or use a shuttle to get to the centre.
• Also bring clothing for different weather conditions. Even in summer it can be cool in the mountains, especially if you're going hiking or heading out early.