One of New Zealand’s premier holiday destinations, Queenstown is the adrenaline and adventure capital, with a backdrop of gorgeous lakes and “remarkable” mountains.

Tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the jagged peaks of The Remarkables, the magical feel of the town hits before you even touch down. The breathtaking aerial view of the region’s mountains evokes a strong desire to get out there and replace daily stresses with exhilaration. Fortunately Queenstown offers a huge range of action-packed experiences and activities that mix unforgettable thrills with immensely satisfying personal challenge. Fill your days with bungy jumping, white water rafting, jet boating, heli-skiing or skydiving and when you’re ready to relax, you’ll find a fantastic range of restaurants and bars as well as indulgent beauty spas.

DESTINATION-NZ.COM HIGHLIGHTS

Experience a slice of history at Arrowtown – once a bustling Gold Rush town, it’s now a peaceful village featuring heritage buildings and a tree-lined main street, Autumn is the best time to visit as the foliage becomes a blaze of yellow and orange. Play a round of golf against a backdrop of stunning alpine scenery at the renowned Millbrook Resort. Sample the region’s acclaimed wines – the region is renowned for its award-winning Pinot Noir. Hurtle down a winding downhill track through the trees and race around bends as you burn up the Skyline Luge track – it's 800 metres of fast-paced freedom!

NOTABLE CULTURE

The Queenstown region was an important food gathering area for Maori in centuries past, with coastal Maori visiting the area on a seasonal basis to gather eels, birds and plants.

MOMENT IN HISTORY

Gold was discovered in the Lindis River early in 1861, but the discovery at Gabriel’s Gully at Lawrence in May of the same year is better known. In July 1861 there were about 150 men at Gabriel’s Gully and by September 1861 there were 6,000 people braving rough conditions in the hope of striking their fortune.

THE ICONIC EXPERIENCE

Bungy jumping in the place where it all began – from the original site on Kawarau Bridge to the Ledge Urban Bungy 400 metres above Queenstown.

Plan your trip with a detailed map of this region and peruse our suggested travel itinerary. Read More Sights, activities and top picks to make planning easier. Read More