Jenee & Daniel
Things To Do
Ben Lomond Track
One of the highest recommended hikes in NZ. This scenic walking and hiking trail starts at the western end of Skyline Access Road – about a mile southwest of central Queenstown – and ends at the nearly 2,000-foot high Ben Lomond Summit. Ben Lomond Track is free to access and can be reached on foot. Travelers can also take the Skyline Queenstown gondola to Hammy's Track, which eventually merges with Ben Lomond Track. A halfway trek to Ben Lomond Saddle will take approximately four hours, while round-trip hikes to Ben Lomond Summit takes six to eight hours.
Skyline Queenstown
For some of the best mountain vistas, climb aboard a Skyline Queenstown gondola. After ascending nearly 1,500 feet, you'll end up at an observation deck atop Bob's Peak, where views of central Queenstown, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak await you. You'll also find a restaurant, a bar and various mountain bike trails at the top. However, for the most thrills, check out the attraction's luge tracks, which are accessible via a chairlift that picks up by the gondola. Previous travelers said that you'll not only enjoy fantastic views, but also a hair-raising experience. Mountain bikes can be rented on Bob's Peak as well. Bike hires for a half day include bikes, helmets and protective attire. And for those interested in a tamer experience, combined gondola and lunch or dinner tickets are offered.
Bungee jump or Swing
Several bungee sites can be found within Queenstown, including Kawarau Bridge (home of the world's first commercial bungee jump), The Ledge (which sits on Bob's Peak and can be reached by the Skyline Queenstown gondola) and The Nevis (an above-river jump that holds the distinction of being New Zealand's highest bungee jump). If you can't quite stomach a bungee jump, try one of AJ Hackett Bungy's bungee swings. The country's biggest bungee swing is located at The Nevis site and features a nearly 1,000-yard swing over the Nevis River. To enjoy a bungee jump or swing experience, prepare ahead, since these activities are popular.
Skydiving
Since skydiving is one of Queenstown's most popular outdoor activities and local operators offer a limited number of jumps each day, we recommended reserving your excursion in advance. Also consider planning your skydiving trip toward the beginning of your stay in Queenstown. High winds or poor visibility can result in skydiving cancellations, so you'll want plenty of time to reschedule your jump should you come across weather issues. Two skydiving operators are available in Queenstown: NZONE Skydive and Skydive Paradise. Both companies offer jumps from 12,000 and 15,000 feet. A 9,000-foot jump is also available through NZONE Skydive. Photography and videography services can be added to any jump for an additional fee. Complimentary shuttle services to jump sites are provided from central Queenstown's Shotover Street. Allow three to four hours for all skydiving excursions.
Kiwi Birdlife Park
Kiwi Birdlife Park is Queenstown's premier destination for animal-spotting. Situated less than a mile away from downtown Queenstown alongside Skyline Queenstown, Kiwi Birdlife Park offers more than 30 animal species, including brown kiwis, tuataras and rainbow lorikeets.
Paragliding
If you want a breathtaking aerial view of Queenstown without the freefall feeling skydiving provides, consider booking a paragliding excursion. As you float with your pilot, you'll catch bird's-eye views of iconic Queenstown landmarks like Coronet Peak, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. Three paragliding companies are available in Queenstown: Skytrek, Coronet Peak Tandems and GFORCE Paragliding. Most paragliding operators offer complimentary transfers from downtown Queenstown. (GFORCE Paragliding includes free Skyline Queenstown gondola tickets to access its site on Bob's Peak.) Depending on the company, paragliding excursions last anywhere from an hour to two-and-a-half hours.
Onsen Hot Pools
Situated about 4 miles north of central Queenstown, soak in one of the indoor and outdoor pools with an incredible mountain vista. Though daytime vistas are gorgeous, consider visiting at night to take in breathtaking views of the night sky. Inside the cliffside Onsen Hot Pools, which are open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., visitors will find multiple private hot pools, plus changing facilities and restrooms. Showers are available in each hot pool room. Tea, towels, soft drinks, swimsuit rentals and couples packages are offered as well.
Zipline Tour
The world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline, plunging 30 stories down from the Skyline Gondola summit. Soar through a beech forest with prime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Southern Alps. Choose between the beginner, 2-hour Moa course, or select a high-velocity 3-hour Kea tour to amp up the adrenaline factor.
Hopewell Lodge at Malborough Sounds
An award winning lodge set on a natural coastline of the Kenepuru Sound, within the magnificent Marlborough Sounds, on the northern tip of South Island, New Zealand. Explore the Kenepuru Sound by kayak, fishing boat, paddle board or sail boat. Laze on the secluded beach, hang in a hammock, have a massage, meditate through yoga, walk or bike the trails, collect your own fresh shellfish straight from the bay, or visit our resident glow worms.
Franz Joseph Glacier
Glacier hiking expeditions via guided tours intended for different skill levels. Opportunities include glacier walks, heli-hikes, and glacier hot pools.
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a fiord within Fiordland National Park, Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. It has been judged the world's top travel destination in an international survey and is acclaimed as New Zealand's most famous tourist destination. Rudyard Kipling had previously called it the eighth Wonder of the World. Basically don't miss it. From Queenstown there are day tours to Milford Sound, and once there you can take a cruise on the sound. AwesomeNZ has been highly recommended to us for this. If you're feeling adventurous, you can stay at the Sound and hike out to the Milford Sound waterfalls or kayak the fjords.
Wanaka (city)
The city of Wanaka is situated on the crystal-clear waters of New Zealand's fourth-largest lake, just a short drive from Mount Aspiring National Park, and is an ideal spot to go fishing, hiking, skiing, wine-tasting or golfing. Famous for "That Wanaka Tree".
Hooker Valley Track at Mount Cook
Hooker Valley Track is among the most popular walking tracks in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and the reasons why are obvious. This hike has non-stop mountain views and the destination to an alpine lake is incredible.
Kaikoura (city)
Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds, most famous for whale watching. It’s also a great place to eat crayfish (in the Maori language 'kai' means food, 'koura' means crayfish).
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site. Trek across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts – steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and vivid crater lakes, all with stunning views. It's one of most sought-after day walks in the world.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Living in caves, thousands of these tiny creatures come together to radiate luminescent light. If you're extra adventurous, take a tour with the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co featuring exhilarating caving & rafting tours to choose from. It's also the only tour that takes you through the incomparable Ruakuri Cave. Each Waitomo Caves Black Water Rafting expedition includes around 6-12 people guided by expert guides who will support and encourage you through the whole breath-taking caving tour.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours
For your own Middle-earth adventure, daily tours are available to visit the original Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and The Hobbit films.
The Coromandel
The Coromandel, renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests and laid-back vibe, is one of New Zealand's most popular holiday destinations. With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled and relaxed. Activities and attractions are plentiful, from fishing and diving to hiking and cycling. You might choose skydiving in Whitianga or a guided sea kayak tour around the coast. For the more adventurous there's Sleeping God Canyon, a 300m vertical descent down a set of waterfalls.