This pristine lake has to top the list of places to visit in Queenstown due to its spectacular vistas and selection of relaxing activities accessible on its shore. Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's longest and third largest inland lake, stretching over 80 kilometers. You may take a scenic boat cruise out of Queenstown with the Million Dollar Cruise, or simply spend the afternoon wandering, cycling, or picnicking on its shoreline.
The Skyline Gondola offers stunning views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range, and across Lake Wakatipu. The Gondola transports guests to the Skyline complex high above Queenstown and is only a five-minute walk from central Queenstown. If you're looking for a thrill, hop aboard a specialist Luge kart and race over almost 800m of banked turns, tunnels, and dippers.
The Shotover River is another popular Queenstown attractions for adrenaline junkies, with fast currents making it one of the greatest spots in the area for jet boating and white water rafting. Unlike any other rivers in the region, the Shotover River offers greater rapids that are ideal for an exhilarating whitewater rafting excursion. In addition, the canyon's steep walls provide a stunning setting and contribute to the exhilaration.
Skippers Canyon is a 22-kilometer-long ancient and spectacular Queenstown attractions located a few kilometers north. This is a popular base point for cultural cruises, bungee jumping, and jet boating. Its sinuous hiking and trekking trails, with their many bends and turns, dizzying drops, and sharp turns, make it a very adventurous destination for adrenaline addicts.
The Nevis Valley is one of iconic adventure Queenstown attractions and is renowned for hosting the largest rope swing in the world. The valley offers access to the Remarkables Range and the North Hector Mountains, where the highest viewing points in the Remarkables Conservation Area offer tranquility and breathtaking vistas. The valley is only accessible by a shuttle service that leaves from downtown and is a little off the main road.
The appropriately titled Remarkables mountain range rises dramatically above the bright skies to form a magnificent background along Lake Wakatipu's southeastern shores, which is also known as one of the best places to visit in Queenstown. If you succeed in ascending the traitorous mountain route to The Remarkables, you'll not only be greeted with one of New Zealand's most beautiful views but also with an incredible skiing experience and a fantastic wilderness park.
This charming garden, which is located on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, is well-known for its ancient oak and fir trees, which make it one of the best places to visit in Queenstown during the winter. The Queenstown gardens provide a peaceful respite from the regular traffic and activity of its neighborhood. It is a perfect setting to relax, take a stroll, or play disc golf.
Milford Sound, located in the heart of Fiordland National Park is one of the greatest places to go sightseeing in Queenstown due to its stunning landscapes. It is a well-known natural marvel with majestic peaks, gushing waterfalls, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. People travel in large numbers to the Milford Sound to go hiking and take in the picturesque fjord vistas.
Coronet peak is one of the best Queenstown attractions during the winters due to the large array of snow activities available. It is an excellent location for snowboarding, skiing, and even night skiing. The intermediate terrain at Coronet Peak ski area would be a great spot to start or advance before moving on to the more difficult Remarkables ski area.
The Kawarau River flows eastward from Lake Wakatipu for 60 kilometers to Kawarau Gorge. This river is a top destination for riverboarding, jet boating, white water rafting, and river surfing due to its swift currents and cascades. Visitors may enjoy views of the beautiful river from above a red bridge suspended between the gorges. The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge gained notoriety more than a century after it was first built because it served as the location of the first commercial Bungy jump in the city.
Lake Wanaka is the 4rth largest lake in New Zealand, located only an hour away from Queenstown. You may admire the turquoise waves while boating the picturesque Lake Wanaka with a glass of wine in hand. You may also explore the wilderness of the three islands of Wanaka named Stevenson's Arm, Mou Tapu, and Mou Waho.
Arrowtown is a hamlet, noted for its stunning autumnal hues and is located 15 minutes from Queenstown along the banks of the Arrow River. The small village is surrounded by well-preserved structures from its early 20th-century background and is situated on the banks of the Arrow River. Aside from its natural beauty, the town is also known for its gold mining heritage.
What is special about Queenstown?
Queenstown is referred to as the "adventure capital of the world," and is surrounded by a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. Some of the famous Queenstown attractions are Lake Wakatipu, the golden town of Arrowtown, the breathtaking Remarkables Mountains, and a ski resort in Coronet peak with the most extreme adventure sports and activities.
What is the best time to visit Queenstown?
Summer months extending from December to February are the ideal season to visit Queenstown since the long, bright days make outdoor trips enjoyable. However, if you want to try out snow sports and experience the snowy mountains visit the city from June to late September.
How many days are enough to visit Queenstown?
Queenstown, with its exhilarating sports and natural splendor, is worth at least five days of your time when organizing a South Island trip.
How to get to Queenstown?
By Air: Daily direct flights arrive at Queenstown International Airport from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
By Car: The town is also easily accessible by road on major New Zealand highways, as the place is well connected with the South Island. The shortest and most scenic route is from Christchurch, which is a 6 hours drive only.
By Bus: Between Queenstown and Wanaka, the local Ritchies bus service operates for around 5 times a day, which offers a comfortable and scenic view of Crown Range via Cardrona.
Which are some of the best places to visit near Queenstown?
Some of the best places to visit in Queenstown are the majestic Remarkable range, ski resort in coronet peak, Skippers Canyon, rafting in the Shotover river, Kawarau gorge, Milford sound, and last but not least the pristine Lake Wakatipu.