Go to Extremes in Queenstown, New Zealand
Thrill Seeking in the Adventure Capital of the World
Mar 17, 2009
Located at the edge of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is a magnet for adventure tourism. The city first appeared on the map in 1862, when gold was discovered in the Shotover River. Eventually, the gold supply dwindled, but Queenstown grew in popularity as a holiday destination.
In the early 1950s, Queenstown began its transformation from mining town to international tourist hot spot with the construction of the Coronet Peak Ski Area. In subsequent decades, activities like jetboating, white water rafting, and bungy jumping were added to the city’s list of things to do. Each year, more than one million visitors descend upon Queenstown to admire the stunning scenery and face death.
Queenstown Sights and Attractions
Compact, quiet, and charming, Queenstown is a quintessential mountain town. In addition to its incredible landscape, Queenstown boasts an excellent selection of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. The city mostly serves as a base where travelers can rest and plan their itinerary, but Queenstown does have a few highlights:
- For a fun ride and fantastic views of the town, lake and mountains, take the Skyline Gondola to the summit of Bob’s Peak. Buy a one-way ticket and paraglide or take a helicopter back down to the bottom. Bungy jumping and luging are also available at the top.
- Another way to see the city from above is to hike the Queenstown Hill. The trail is well marked, and informative signs teach climbers about the history of the city and area.
- Unwind after an exhausting day at the relaxing Onsen Hot Pools. Located on a cliff, the facility offers six private bathing rooms, each with shower, panoramic views, and a retractable roof and front wall.
Queenstown Adventure Sports
Adrenaline flows and pulses race in Queenstown. Commercial bungy jumping originated in Queenstown, and is something of a rite of passage for adrenaline enthusiasts. For the ultimate experience (and bragging rights), try the Nevis Highwire, suspended 134m over the Nevis River. Skydiving is another heart-pumping option, and Queenstown’s drop zone is rated one of New Zealand’s most visually inspiring. Funyaking (a combination of jetboating and kayaking), hang gliding, and canyoning are all popular as well. In the winter, Queenstown is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding.
Queenstown Natural Beauty
Queenstown may not be the only place in the world where pleasure seekers can get their thrills, but it certainly is one of the prettiest. And a foray into the surrounding landscape offers a welcome alternative to less adventurous visitors. For breathtaking views of the magnificent Rob Roy Glacier, take a guided nature walk through the Mount Aspiring National Park.
The spectacular Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest national park and a World Heritage Area, is just a short, scenic drive away from Queenstown. Book a cruise down one of the fiords (transportation included) and marvel at the majesty of these ancient glacial valleys filled by the Tasman Sea. Milford Sound, where Mitre Peak towers over the fiord, is more accessible but more heavily trafficked, while Doubtful Sound is more remote but more tranquil.
Queenstown Weather Conditions
Adding to the intensity of Queenstown is the unpredictability of its weather. Fortunately, some activities, like tours of the fiords, are actually better when it rains, as thousands of waterfalls magically appear. However, due to safety concerns, activities such as hang gliding and skydiving will be canceled in inclement weather.
In town, visit the i-SITE center (Clocktower Building, cnr. Shotover & Camp Sts) for weather updates, bookings, and the best deals on package tours. For additional help planning a trip to New Zealand, visit the Tourism New Zealand website.
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