Queenstown Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing
(Queenstown, Otago, South Island, New Zealand)
Often described by many a tourist as the 'world's adventure capital', the exceptional attractions of Queenstown tend to relate directly to its setting on New Zealand's South Island, and the subsequent profusion of outdoor activities that are possible.
Backpackers, visitors and holiday makers alike come to Queenstown to enjoy the many seasonal tourist attractions, which range from bungee (bungy) jumping and white-water rafting, to hiking (tramping), mountain biking and jet boating. Winter
skiing in Queenstown is even possible, while others simply prefer to take a ride of the Skyline Gondola, enjoy a Maori Concert and then take a tour of the regional Otago winery attractions, before taking a tour of the local film locations featured in the epic movie trilogy, the Lord of the Rings.
Skyline Gondola
Address: Brecon Street, Queenstown, New Zealand, NZ
Tel: +64 03 441 0101
For superb views of the town and beyond, the Skyline Gondola is one attraction that won't disappoint. This popular cable car transports passengers to the summit of a tall hill, where various activities are to be found. A good restaurant is available for those in need of refreshment and tables are never far from the panoramas, while others may prefer to watch the short film entitled 'Kiwi Magic', before enjoying a ride on the 'luge' toboggan, where three-wheeled carts race down an 800-metre / 2,625-foot long track. If you are feeling energetic, there is a summit loop track that you can walk along in around 30 minutes - free of charge.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families
Kiwi and Birdlife Park
Address: Brecon Street, Queenstown, New Zealand, NZ
Tel: +64 03 442 8059
The Kiwi and Birdlife Park is a reliable family attraction and resides close to the Skyline Gondola ride. This appealing bird sanctuary features two kiwi houses, together with a large duck pond and also a nursery area, where a number of endangered birds are successfully raised to maturity. Birdlife highlights include various parakeets, 'morepork' owls, some rare black stilts, and also the famous and rather destructive New Zealand kea.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families
Maori Concert and Hangi
Address: 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown, New Zealand, NZ
Tel: +64 03 442 8878
After a day's sightseeing around Queenstown, the Maori Concert and Hangi offers the perfect place to unwind in the evening, and lies along Memorial Street, off Shotover Street. Very much catering for tourists, this attraction offers the unusual chance to experience traditional 'hangi' style cooking, which is where food is cooked using nothing more than heated rocks, and is considered quite a rarity on New Zealand's South Island. Live Maori entertainment is also on hand whilst you dine, and due to its never-ending popularity, visitors are always advised to book ahead.
Open hours: dining and concert, daily - 19:00 to 21:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children
Underwater World
Address: Marine Parade, Queenstown, New Zealand, NZ
Tel: +64 03 442 8538
The Underwater World is located just off Marine Parade, next to the Twin Rivers Jet and Parabungy attractions, and consists of a submerged gallery, providing underwater views and a chance to experience the wildlife in the waters surrounding the town. The 'diving' ducks serve as a particular favourite for many, while others prefer to pay a visit to the nearby Milford Deep Underwater Observatory.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families
Recreation Activities
It has long been the various recreational activities and attractions that have proved to be the main draw card for Queenstown and the choice seems almost endless, including:
- Aerial Sightseeing, Flying and Skydiving - providing the ultimate way to sightsee high above Queenstown. Tandem paragliding is available at the top of the Skyline Gondola, parasailing above Lake Wakatipu, and flights take off from the Coronet Peak
- Bungee Jumping - 'bungy' jumping is always extremely popular and various 'bungee stations' present themselves, including the AJ Hacket Bungy on the corner of Camp Street and Shotover Street, the Kawarau Bungy Centre on the nearby historical Kawarau Bridge, and the Ledge Bungy at the top of the gondola. At more than 100-metres / 328-feet high, the Pipeline jump from a local suspension bridge is also on hand for the more daring of thrill seekers, as is the even higher Nevis Highwire
- Canyoning - half-day trips into the 12-Mile Delta Canyons are always memorable attractions and including everything from rock jumping and abseiling, to rock climbing and even a number of naturally formed water slides
- Fishing - New Zealand fishing takes place all around Lake Wakatipu, and this deep glacial lake is well stocked with salmon, brown trout and huge rainbow trout
- Jet Boating - available from Queenstown, or close by, being linked by regular minibuses. These speedy boat trips take place on the Kawarau River, the Shotover River and also the Dart River
- Lake Cruises - Lake Wakatipu is the best venue for relaxing cruises, where you are able to enjoy views from a different perspective
- Mountain Biking - uphill and downhill mountain biking is at its very best around the Moke Creek Gorge and the Moke Lake, with mountain bikes being for hire at rental outlets on Camp Street, Marine Parade and Shotover Street
- River Surfing - with exhilarating trips down the Kawarau River, surfing the river waves, rapids and whirlpools. River surfing also takes place on the Clutha River and the Hawea River, both of which are suitable attractions for beginners
- Walking - strolling along the town's waterfront is always a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, with this promenade leading to the landscaped Queenstown gardens, on the actual peninsula
- White-Water Rafting - always exciting and a lot of fun, white-water rafting has become an almost legendary attraction in the Queenstown and Otago region, with different stretches offering various rapids. First-timers will find that the white-water rafting on the Kawarau River is the most agreeable, while passing through the Shotover Canyon and the Oxenbridge Tunnel is also well worth considering
Open hours: daily - seasonal variations
Admission: charge for some activities
Winery Tours
Tel: +64 03 442 3799
Guided coach tours of Otago's many wineries means that you will have the opportunity to taste some of New Zealand's flavoursome wines, including Pinot Noir, safe in the mind that you won't need to drive back. The Queenstown Wine Trail itself provides the most comprehensive wine tour and lasts around five hours in total, stopping at four different wineries along the way. Also popular are the small-group excursions offered by Central Otago Wine Tours.
Open hours: daily - seasonal variations
Admission: charge