If you ask anyone about Queenstown, there’s a good chance they’ll tell you it’s one of their favorite places in the World! Not only is the popular New Zealand town absolutely beautiful, but it’s packed with adventure and endless fun as well!
For me, Queenstown was the final stop on my week-long camper van road trip across the South Island, and I wouldn’t have wanted to end my journey any other way! From bungee jumping to helicopter rides, and a hot spring spa surrounded by nothing but nature, Queenstown definitely has it all, and is close to tons of other awesome things as well!
So if you’re heading to everyone’s favorite Kiwi city, be sure to check out these 5 awesome things in Queenstown!
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1. Helicopter Line Tours
Queenstown is arguably best viewed from above, since that’s where you can get a birds-eye view of the mountains that surround it, and the lake that it’s banked on. Actually, you can do more than just get a great view; you can go up to, and land on the top of a mountain, and walk around on ice, even in the middle of summer!
I did one of the quick tours to touch down on ice with The Helicopter Line, and I must say, it was pretty awesome sliding around on ice in the middle of summer! The views from the top of the mountains were absolutely stunning, and made me wish I was taking the choppa’ all the way to Milford Sound!
Speaking of which, if you’re not up for the long drive, or just want some insanely awesome aerial views, you can also take a Helicopter Line tour to Milford Sound!
Space is of course limited on the helicopter tours, so if you’re interested in doing one, be sure to book in advance online at: The Helicopter Line.
2. Bungy Jumping Queenstown
It’s basically by default that if you go to Queenstown, you HAVE to do a bungy jump. There’s a few different areas where you can do it, but the most popular one is right smack in the middle of town…well…I guess technically a couple hundred feet above it.
You have the option to do a traditional jump, where you run off a platform (or dive, or step down and do an awkward fall), or you can do a swing. Either way, you’re going down. I did the main AJ Hackett Bungy Jump which was slightly pricey, but I found out you can get discounts for it on Bookme.co.nz.
3. Onsen Hot Pools
Here’s a hidden gem of an activity that’s DEFINITELY a must do if you’re in Queenstown: Onsen Hot Pools. It’s on the outskirts of town, surrounded by nature, where you can have your own private open-air hot pool to relax in by yourself, or with friends!
This place was truly unique and I can’t recommend it enough! The view alone looks like a post card, and pairing that with the soothing naturally hot water and 5 star service is just, wow. You can also pick food and beverage packages for your onsen session, and let’s be serious, how good does a glass of vino in a hot pool sound?
Book your reservation in advance because spaces are limited and they fill up fast! You can book online at: Onsen Hot Pools.
4. Queenstown Skyline
I’m not just talking about the actual skyline of the city, but the massive tower complex known as the Skyline which you can see the entire city from as well! There’s a lot of things to do at the top of the Skyline, and it’s also where you’ll need to go to do the bungy jumping!
To get up to the top you’ll need to take the gondola, which you’ll buy tickets for at the base. You’ll have the option to include tickets for the luge rides at the top, which you should definitely do as well. What is a luge you ask? A really freaking fun little go-kart (minus the motor) that you race down a mini track on at the top of the mountain! Fun (and safe) for ALL ages!
There’s also a little cafe and a full restaurant at the top of the Skyline, where you can have a full meal, or just a cocktail as you soak in those stunning aerial views of Queenstown below. I definitely had a glass of wine or two while observing the bungy jumpers while deciding if I was going to do it or not! (I did.)
You can also try to find discounts for gondola and luge tickets on bookme.co.nz!
5. Nearby Excursions
As I mentioned, Queenstown is also the hub for several incredible nearby excursions, including the most popular; Milford Sound. I rented a car through Jucy and drove there myself, which was only a couple of hours each way. You should book your Milford Sound cruise in advance (Jucy also offers cruises), and also check around for any current discounts since there are quite a few cruise ships to choose from!
Also nearby is the awesome little town of Wanaka, which has incredibly hikes and waterfalls, and from there you can also head to the coast where all of the glaciers are!
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