Queenstown

Overview

Queenstown built its reputation on adventure sports — this is where commercial bungee jumping began — but the setting alone, on the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the jagged Remarkables range, would be worth the trip without a single adrenaline activity. Wine country in nearby Gibbston and Cromwell adds a quieter alternative.

Getting There

Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is one of the few airports in the world within walking distance of a town center, about 10 minutes from downtown by car. A rental car opens up day trips to Glenorchy and the wider Otago region, though the town itself is walkable.

Top Things to Do

• Ride the Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak for a view over the lake and town, especially at sunset.
• Try bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bridge, the sport's original commercial site.
• Drive to Glenorchy along the lake for some of the region's most photographed mountain scenery.
• Take a half-day wine tour through the Gibbston Valley's cool-climate vineyards.

Local Tips

Weather can shift quickly in the mountains; check conditions before hikes or scenic flights. Accommodation books up well ahead during the December–February summer season and the June–August ski season.