One of New Zealand’s premier holiday destinations, Queenstown is an outdoor adventure playground set against a stunning background of lakes and mountains.
Tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by jagged peaks, 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 myriad of action-packed experiences 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 eateries 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. 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 well known for its award-winning Pinot Noir.
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
Stunning lakeside resort, great base for adventure activities.
Arrowtown
Historic gold rush town.
Glenorchy
At the head of Lake Wakatipu, base for multi-day walking tracks.
Wanaka
Peace and tranquillity in a charming lakeside town.
Transport
By Air
Queenstown Airport, 10 minutes from town, offers both domestic services to a range of New Zealand destinations with Qantas and Air New Zealand, and international flights from Australia over the winter season. A shuttle service operates between airport and town.
By Road
Queenstown is 6 hours, 15 minutes from Christchurch; 5 hours from Milford; and 1 hour, 30 minutes from Wanaka. Coach companies provide regular services. Central Queenstown is great for exploring on foot, but there are buses available if necessary.
