Queenstown And Surrounds – South Island
Queenstown & Surrounds – South Island, New Zealand
Often called the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown is one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the dramatic peaks of The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown combines breathtaking scenery, luxury experiences, world-class wineries, thrilling outdoor adventures, and easy access to some of the South Island's most spectacular natural wonders.
The region offers something for every traveler—from adrenaline seekers and hikers to honeymooners, photographers, food lovers, and families.
Why Visit Queenstown?
World-famous for
Birthplace of commercial bungy jumping
Stunning alpine scenery
Luxury lodges and resorts
Adventure sports and outdoor activities
Award-winning Central Otago wines
Gateway to Fiordland and Milford Sound
Year-round destination with distinct seasonal beauty
Queenstown's Spectacular Setting
Queenstown sits beside the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's third-largest lake.
Scenic highlights
Lakefront promenades
Snow-capped mountain backdrops
Alpine forests
Glacial valleys
Sunset cruises
Remarkable photography opportunities
The combination of mountains and lake creates one of the most beautiful urban settings in the Southern Hemisphere.
Skyline Queenstown & Gondola
Skyline Queenstown is among the region's most visited attractions.
Experience includes
Gondola ride to Bob's Peak
Panoramic views over Queenstown
Observation decks
Mountain biking trails
Luge rides
Dining with spectacular scenery
From the summit, visitors enjoy sweeping views across Lake Wakatipu, Cecil Peak, Walter Peak, and the surrounding alpine landscape.
Adventure Capital of the World
Queenstown earned its reputation through an extraordinary range of adrenaline-filled activities.
Bungy Jumping
The region is home to the legendary Kawarau Bridge Bungy, where commercial bungy jumping began.
Options include
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
Nevis Bungy
Ledge Bungy
Jumpers experience dramatic river gorges and incredible mountain scenery.
Skydiving
Queenstown is regarded as one of the world's most scenic skydiving destinations.
What you'll see
Lake Wakatipu
Southern Alps
Snow-covered peaks
River valleys
Vineyards
Available from multiple heights including 9,000ft, 12,000ft and 15,000ft+.
Jet Boating
High-speed jet boats navigate narrow canyons and shallow rivers.
Popular locations include:
Shotover River
Kawarau River
Dart River
The famous 360-degree spins provide an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
Milford Sound Excursions
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most celebrated natural attractions and is easily visited from Queenstown.
Experiences
Scenic coach tours
Nature cruises
Kayaking
Overnight cruises
Fly-cruise-fly adventures
Photography tours
Highlights include:
Mitre Peak
Towering waterfalls
Rainforests
Dolphins
Fur seals
Penguins
Many travelers consider Milford Sound the highlight of their South Island trip.
Glenorchy – Gateway to Wilderness
Located about 45 minutes from Queenstown, Glenorchy is known for some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery.
Why visit?
Pristine mountain landscapes
Dart River
Paradise Valley
Hiking trails
Horse trekking
Film locations from The Lord of the Rings
The drive between Queenstown and Glenorchy is frequently ranked among New Zealand's most scenic road journeys.
Central Otago Wine Region
Central Otago is the world's southernmost major wine-producing region.
Known for
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Riesling
Boutique vineyards
Gourmet dining
Popular wine areas include:
Gibbston Valley
Bannockburn
Cromwell
Wine tours often combine cellar-door tastings with spectacular alpine scenery.
Arrowtown – Historic Gold Rush Village
Arrowtown is a charming heritage town just 20 minutes from Queenstown.
Attractions
Historic gold-mining buildings
Boutique shopping
Autumn colours
Local cafés
Heritage museums
River walks
During autumn, Arrowtown becomes one of New Zealand's most photographed destinations.
Hiking & Nature Experiences
Ben Lomond Track
One of Queenstown's premier day hikes.
Rewards
Panoramic mountain views
Alpine ridgelines
Lake Wakatipu vistas
Sunrise and sunset photography
Routeburn Track
Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks.
Features
Alpine lakes
Waterfalls
Mountain passes
Native forests
Glacier-carved valleys
It is considered among the finest multi-day hikes in the world.
Winter Wonderland
From June to September, Queenstown transforms into New Zealand's leading ski destination.
Ski fields nearby
Coronet Peak
The Remarkables Ski Area
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Activities include:
Skiing
Snowboarding
Snow play
Après-ski experiences
Winter festivals
Luxury Experiences
Queenstown is also one of New Zealand's premier luxury destinations.
Premium experiences
Helicopter flights with alpine landings
Private yacht charters
Luxury lodges
Gourmet dining
Wine and food tours
Spa retreats
The combination of luxury and wilderness makes the region especially popular with honeymooners and high-end travelers.
Best Time to Visit
Season | Highlights |
Summer (Dec–Feb) | Hiking, cruises, adventure sports |
Autumn (Mar–May) | Stunning foliage, wine tours |
Winter (Jun–Aug) | Skiing, snow-covered mountains |
Spring (Sep–Nov) | Wildflowers, waterfalls, fewer crowds |
Suggested 5-Day Queenstown Itinerary
Day 1
Explore Queenstown waterfront
Skyline Gondola & Luge
Lakefront dining
Day 2
Jet boating
Bungy jumping or skydiving
Sunset lake cruise
Day 3
Full-day Milford Sound excursion
Day 4
Glenorchy and Paradise Valley tour
Dart River adventure
Day 5
Arrowtown visit
Gibbston Valley wine tasting
Scenic helicopter flight
Signature Queenstown Experience
If time allows for only one unforgettable excursion, many South Island travelers choose a Milford Sound fly–cruise–fly experience. It combines spectacular aerial views of Fiordland's mountains and glaciers with a cruise beneath towering waterfalls, all in a single day. The journey showcases some of the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand and is frequently described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.