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Queenstown, New Zealand
AdventureNatureScenic

Queenstown

New Zealand

Adventure capital of the world — bungee, ski, and Middle-earth magic

About Queenstown

Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range. It's New Zealand's premier adventure destination — bungee jumping, jet boating, skiing, and the gateway to Milford Sound. Lord of the Rings fans will feel at home.

Quick Facts

Best Time

December – March (summer), June – August (skiing)

Language

English

Currency

NZD (NZ$)

Timezone

NZST (UTC+12)

Avg Budget

$100–200/day

Top Things to Do

6 must-see experiences in Queenstown

🤸
Adventure

Bungee Jumping

The birthplace of bungee — jump from the Kawarau Bridge or Nevis (134m)

🌊
Nature

Milford Sound

Fiordland cruise through dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and dolphins

⛷️
Adventure

Ski Resorts

Remarkables and Coronet Peak for world-class Southern Alps skiing

🚡
Scenic

Skyline Gondola

Ride to Bob's Peak for panoramic lake and mountain views plus luge rides

🚤
Adventure

Jet Boating

High-speed 360° spins through the Shotover Canyon

🧝
Nature

Glenorchy

Lord of the Rings filming location with pristine lake and mountain scenery

3-Day Sample Itinerary

A taste of what TripGenie can create — fully customized to your preferences.

1

Day 1: Lake & Town

  • Skyline Gondola and luge rides
  • Walk along Lake Wakatipu
  • Explore Queenstown's restaurants and shops
  • Fergburger for dinner (legendary burgers)
2

Day 2: Adventure Day

  • Morning bungee at Kawarau Bridge
  • Jet boat ride on Shotover River
  • Afternoon at Onsen Hot Pools
  • Evening at a craft brewery
3

Day 3: Milford Sound

  • Day trip to Milford Sound (scenic drive)
  • Cruise through the fiord
  • Stop at Mirror Lakes
  • Return via Te Anau

Travel Tips for Queenstown

1

Book Milford Sound tours well in advance — it's a long drive (4+ hours each way).

2

Rent a car for flexibility. The drives around Queenstown are spectacularly scenic.

3

Weather can change rapidly. Bring layers even in summer.

4

The Combos (multi-activity packages) save money if you plan on doing multiple adventures.

Ready for Queenstown?

TripGenie creates a personalized Queenstown itinerary in 60 seconds — completely free and tailored to your style.

Plan My Queenstown Trip