 Attractions
Shotover Jet: New Zealand is the home of commercial jetboating. This exciting, all year round activity can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness. Powering through narrow gorges or planing in just centimetres of water will give you a thrilling, heart stopping, action-packed ride. From the adventure capital of Queenstown, 1/2 hour and 1 hour long trips can be combined with helicopter and raft trips. Commercial jetboat trips are now also available on rivers all over the country.
Bob's Cove: Located 13 kilometres south of Queenstown, Bob's Cove Recreational Reserve is an idyllic picnic spot with lovely walks along the lake shore. See historic remains of lime kilns or sit on the edge of the old jetty and spot a trout in the clear water.
Bob's Peak: The Skyline Gondola rises 446 metres to a restaurant near the summit, from which there are magnificent views over the town and across the lake to the surrounding mountains. Kiwi and Birdlife park is situated at the top of Bob's Peak, a nature park where you can see the national bird in its natural habitat. Also situated at the top of the peak is the Kiwi Magic IMAX Theatre, a fantastic 3D adventure movie that portrays the fun and excitement that New Zealand is so famous for.
Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge: Recently restored, this bridge is a piece of living history. The thrill of bungy jumping was pioneered from here and you can watch bungy jumpers from three different elevated levels. The bridge has also featured in many movies, adding to its fame and fortune.
Kiwi & Birdlife Park: Rare, endangered and common New Zealand birdlife in a natural park setting. Kiwi's can be seen feeding and fossicking around their natural habitat. Located adjacent to the the Gondolas, you can dine in the restaurant and take in the view at the same time.
Speight Gardens: Extensive gardens nestled amongst the hills, the area covers 8 acres. Pathways weave between an array of colours offering a relaxing walk through paradise. Located on Speargrass Road between Lake Hayes and Arrow town.
Mt Crichton Scenic Reserve: Usually referred to as the 12-mile track, it is situated 11 kilometres south of Queenstown. A 3-4 hour loop track including a short diversion track to Sam Summer's Hut. The hut is still in its original form and is living testament to one of the lands pioneers.
Coronet Peak Ski Area: New Zealands only ski area serviced by a tar sealed road. Climb 8 kilometres to the ski area base and an alpine recreation reserve. There are panoramic views over the Wakatipu basin. Otherwise there is a turn off to Skippers Canyon.
Milford Sound: Sheer cliff faces plunging into one of New Zealands magnificent fiords. Boat trips up the sound provide a close-up view of the sheer cliffs of the peak and dolphins often play alongside the boats. A Milford Walking track will also take you through the sound, it takes 5 days and guided and unguided walks are available.
Walter Peak: Take a trip across Lake Wakatipu by Vintage Steamship TSS Earnslaw to beautiful lakeside gardens, country style afternoon tea in historical Colonel's Homestead. Sheepdogs, sheep and Scottish Highland cattle. To end the perfect day take a dinner cruise for a superb meal.
TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship: Take a sentimental journey on the Vintage Steamship TSS Earnslaw on a relaxing one hour lunch time cruise around Frankton Arm or take an afternoon or dinner cruise to historic Walter Peak.
Bungy Jumping: This daring adventure was pioneered in Queenstown and you have five choices to throw yourself from. Heights range from 43 m to 300 m.
Arrowtown: Step into history when you visit Arrowtown and its golden charm. When you walk the main street, you can picture what it was like as a gold mining camp formed in the 1860's. Much of Arrowtown's appeal comes from the beautiful English trees which line the streets.
Helicopters: Queenstown has one of the busiest airports in the world for helicopter movements. Ideal transport to take you into the remote backcountry. For a quick flight up to the Remarkables mountain range or a tour to Milford and Doubtful sounds, helicopters will get you there quickly and safely while giving you the ultimate view.
Mountain Biking: Queenstown and the surrounding area offers some of the most testing, exciting and scenic mountain biking terrain anywhere in New Zealand. Tracks vary in difficulty, and there are trails to suit everyone from first-timers to expert.
Trout Fishing: Whether an avid angler or keen first timer, you'll be hooked on trout fishing once you have experienced Queenstown. Lake Wakatipu and its tributary waters and nearby Lake Hayes boast some of the fattest trout in the world.
Whitewater Rafting: For whitewater thrills you can't go past Queenstown's Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. Great fun for all ages, whitewater rafting will leave you gasping in excitement and crying out for more.
Parapenting (land launched parachuting): Try tandem parachuting with a world class pilot.
Gold Panning: Try your luck in the Arrow River, there is still gold to be found. Hire a gold pan in Arrowtown and quiz the locals on the best places to go. There's a good chance you will unveil some "colour".
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