Just a 3-hour flight from Sydney, Queenstown is the perfect destination for adventure lovers, avid skiers, and those wanting a relaxing holiday. Located on the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown is the world-renowned adventure capital with a huge choice of adrenaline activities and ski resorts. The area also boasts an array of restaurants, bars, stunning scenery and places to relax and unwind.

Getting to Queenstown

If you’re heading to Queenstown from Australia, there are direct flights to Queenstown Airport (ZQN) from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. If you’re already in New Zealand, you can fly directly into Queenstown from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. Alternatively, driving into Queenstown is beautiful whether it is by private car or on a coach.

When to go

Queenstown is beautiful year round with plenty of activities to suit every season. Though some parts of the year are quieter than others for those wanting to avoid the most crowded seasons.

Winter

If you’re planning to hit the slopes, Winter is a great time to experience the snow, as well as other adrenaline-junkie activities like bungy jumping, jet boating, ziplining, and skydiving. Keep in mind winter in Queenstown brings a lot of rain and snow so there may be some days where activities are cancelled or the slopes are closed due to poor weather conditions.

Spring

Spring is a great time to go if you want to experience warmer weather, longer days, and less crowds. During the start of spring, you can still see snow capped mountains and experience the last days of the ski season. It is also the perfect time for kayaking and white-water rafting as the snow begins to melt and the rivers become full.

Summer

Summer is one of the most popular seasons to visit Queenstown. The warm, sunny days provide the perfect weather for outdoor activities. If you’re planning a trip during summer, make sure to book accommodation and flights well in advance to avoid missing out.

Autumn

If you’re still looking to experience the warm weather without the crowds, autumn is the perfect time. From April onwards, the crowds begin to die down and accommodation prices begin to drop. Keep in mind the weather does start to cool down in autumn so be sure to pack for cooler days.

What to do in Queenstown

Skiing or Snowboarding

If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, there are multiple ski fields that are worth checking out.

Coronet Peak

The closest ski field is Coronet Peak, located a 20 minute drive out of Queenstown. Coronet Peak boasts stunning views of Queenstown and the surrounding lakes, as well as a huge selection of ski trails. Whether you’re just learning the ropes, or are an advanced skier, the ski fields have plenty of great runs to check out, with the bonus of an incredible view in the background.

The Remarkables

The Remarkables are a little further away being a 45 minute drive from Queenstown. The road leading up to the mountain is very winding and can become very icy. You will need to take chains if you are driving up yourself. Once you’ve arrived, The Remarkables are… pretty remarkable. With more ski trails compared to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables are a fantastic spot for everyone, no matter the experience level. For the more daring skiers and snowboarders, there are multiple terrain parks that are worth checking out.

Cardrona

Located 1 hour from Queenstown, Cardrona is the perfect place for beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders. Cardrona offers wide open trails and is the only ski resort in New Zealand with beginner runs along the top of the mountain. The ski field is also home to the most extensive terrain park in the Southern Hemisphere. With world-class terrain and reliable snowfall, Cardrona is a very popular spot during winter.

Treble Cone

As the largest ski field in New Zealand’s South Island, Treble Cone offers an unforgettable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. Located 90 minutes outside of Queenstown, the trails at Treble Cone tend to be less crowded. The ski fields boast incredible off-piste terrain perfect for advanced skiers and boarders. With stunning views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps, visiting Treble Cone is a must.

Milford Sound

If you have some extra time up your sleeve, a day trip to Milford Sound is an absolute must. Located in the Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is known for its glacier-carved peaks, cascading waterfalls, and abundance of marine life. In fact, the area is so stunning that it if often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World.

From Queenstown, Milford Sound is accessible via car, coach or scenic flight. If you’re wanting to take a closer look at the fiord’s incredible natural beauty, I highly recommend a boat tour. With both day and night options available, a boat tour is the best way to experience Milford Sound with the opportunity to see dolphins, penguins, fish, and seals.

Skyline Queenstown

Skyline offers some of the most incredible views in the whole of Queenstown. To get to the top of the hill, you will need to take a ride in a gondola to top of Bob’s Peak. Once at the top, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking with views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, Walter and Cecil Peak, and the township of Queenstown.

There are plenty of activities to experience at Skyline including luge rides, mountain bike riding, guided walks, bungee jumping, parasailing, and star gazing. If you’re feeling peckish, the Stratosfare Restaurant has plenty of delicious food options and well as magical views of Queenstown down below.

Gondola tickets are open dated so there is no need to pre-book, however activities such as stargazing and seats at the Stratosfare Restaurant do require a reservation.

Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens are the perfect spot for relaxation and tranquility. Just a few minutes walk from Central Queenstown, the gardens feature pristine lawns, a wide variety of plants and trees, a gorgeous rose garden, and a duck pond. The Queenstown Gardens are free to explore and are a great place to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu.

There are numerous activities to enjoy in the gardens like taking a walk along the Queenstown Gardens Trail, enjoying a picnic, taking a segway tour, or going ice skating at the Ice Arena. You can even play a round of frisbee golf!

Adventure Activities

If you’re looking for something a bit more fast-paced, you’re in the right place. Coined the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is home to many world-first activities. From bungy jumping and skydiving, to canyon swinging, white-water rafting, and high-speed jet boating, Queenstown has endless activities to get the adrenaline pumping.

Bungy Jumping

There are multiple places to bungy jump in Queenstown. Some of the best places include the Nevis Bungy, Queenstown’s highest jump at 143 metres, and the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first commercial bungy site that is still in operation today. Bungy jumping is also available at the top of the Skyline Gondola. Visitors can ride the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak and freestyle bungee off the ledge, experiencing the incredible views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu on the way down.

Skydiving

Queenstown is not only the adventure capital of the world, but the birthplace of tandem skydiving in New Zealand. NZONE has been in operation for over 30 years with a drop zone located at the bottom of The Remarkables mountain range. Skydiving over Queenstown offers some of most picturesque views in the world with snow-capped mountains, the surrounding lakes and the Queenstown township. For those who aren’t too keen on jumping out of a plane, iFLY offers indoor skydiving for people of all experience levels.

Canyon Swinging

For something a little different, adventure-seekers can try the world’s first canyon swing. After jumping off the ledge at 109 metres high, freefall for 60 metres before swinging above the river below. Both tandem and solo jumps are available and crazy jump styles are encouraged!

White-Water Rafting

There are a few white-water rafting experiences available in Queenstown. Ranging from the Family Adventures Rafting Trip that is suitable for all ages, to the famous Shotover River Rafting for true thrill-seekers, there are plenty of options to choose from. No matter which choice you make you’ll be sure to witness spectacular scenery and get the adrenaline pumping.

High-Speed Jet Boating

High-speed jet boating is one of Queenstown’s most popular adventure activities. Skimming across water, shooting through narrow gorges, and reaching speeds of up to 95 kilometres per hour. There are numerous tour operators that offer jet boating with the two most popular being Shotover Jet and KJet. Note, if you do want to experience the spectacular Shotover Canyons, Shotover Jet is the only company that is allowed to operate within them.

Where to eat in Queenstown

There are so many incredible places to eat in Queenstown. The area has over 100 restaurants with both dine in and take away options. Here are some of the top places.

Fergburger

Even if you’ve never been to Queenstown before, you may have heard of this famous burger joint. Fergburger is renowned for it’s delicious and inventive burgers, claimed to be some of the best in the world. If you’re in Queenstown you definitely need to try this place. Keep in mind, this place gets very busy and sometimes the wait can be up to 45 minutes.

Hell Pizza

Hell Pizza has an incredible menu of pizza, pasta, sides, and salads. There are so many delicious pizza options to choose from including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. With all the classic menu items available, plenty of unique creations, plus a create your own pizza option, there is something for everyone at Hell Pizza.

Yonder

Yonder is considered one of the best cafes in Queenstown and that is certainly true. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, the menu caters for everyone. Yonder serves brunch, dinner and drinks and has the most delicious fresh food inspired by meals around the world.

Stratosfare Restaurant

Incredible views and incredible food. Located at the top of Skyline Queenstown, Stratosfare Restaurant is a must. Stratosfare Restaurant offers both a lunch and dinner buffet with endless food options. With soups, seafood, sushi, roast meats, salads, vegetables, cheese and desserts, there is no shortage of delicious options to suit everyone.

Cookie Time

If you have a sweet tooth, you need to check out Cookie Time. The chain is known for it’s delicious hot cookies and cookie-inspired creations, giant freak shakes, cookies and cream ice cream, sweet hot chocolates and more. Make sure to leave room for dessert because this place is worth the visit.

Best Bars in Queenstown

1876 Bar & Restaurant

Formerly the Magistrate’s Court building, 1876 is set in a gorgeous historical building with a fun atmosphere. The bar has great food and drinks, and a large sun deck perfect for enjoying an afternoon beverage and bite to eat. The menu is filled with all the pub classics like steak, burgers, and fish and chips.

The World Bar

With beers, burgers, and teapot cocktails, The World Bar is one of the best bars in Queenstown. The multi-level bar has funky decor and a fun atmosphere. There are endless options for craft beers and a food menu with all the classics. The bar has live music every night of the week with both resident DJs and bands playing acoustic covers.

The Sundeck Rooftop Bar

With stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and a cozy atmosphere, The Sundeck is the perfect place to enjoy some drinks. The bar has a retractable roof for hot summer days and fire pits for cool winter nights. As well as endless cocktail options, the bar has small bites to eat including bruschetta, cheese fondue, prawns, wedges, and fries.

Ice Bar

For a unique experience, definitely check out one of Queenstown’s ice bars. There are three ice bars to choose from including Queenstown Ice Bar, Below Zero and Minus 5º. Each bar offers a similar experience, the chance to enjoy a cold beverage in an even colder setting. No matter which one you visit, be sure to book in advance as these bars are very popular and tickets sell out fast.

Perky’s Floating Bar

As Queenstown’s only floating bar, visiting Perky’s is a must when in Queenstown. The bar has both an indoor and outdoor space, perfect for all seasons. Perky’s boasts some incredible scenery with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. The bar offers drinks onboard but guests can bring their own food giving a unique picnic-style feel.

If you’ve never been to Queenstown, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. With incredible scenery, endless adventure activities, and delicious food, Queenstown is the perfect destination for any traveller.

Until the next adventure,
Jetsetter Soph