Featured Destination – Queenstown
Featured Destination – Queenstown
Queenstown is synonymous with adventure. Home to the original bungy jump, the small lakeside town has proven time and time again just how extreme it really is. From knee quivering bungy jumps, to canyon swings, jet boats, and sky-diving, the adventure capital of New Zealand has it all. In addition to the adrenaline filled activities, it’s also home to some of the best restaurants and wineries in the entire country, and some incredible scenery. Don’t just take our word for it, Peter Jackson chose Queenstown and its surrounding areas to film both the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies for the dramatic landscapes. So keep on reading and see why Queenstown is at the top of everyone’s must-see list. Note: We barely scratch the surface on what Queenstown has to offer.
AJ Hacket Bungy
Photo credit: 100% Pure New Zealand
So you want to throw yourself off a platform attached to a big rubber-band? Good, you’re in the right place. AJ Hackett, the founder of this insane sport, started the ridiculous activity in Queenstown in 1988 with the first commercial bungy company. He promoted his new company by illegally throwing himself off the Eiffel Tower (with bungy attached of course). The wild activity took off, and AJ Hackett now offers four different bungy experiences in Queenstown alone, including one in the dark. If you really want to give yourself a heart attack, you can sign up for the Thrillogy; jumping three times at three different heights and locations.
Ben Lomond
If you love to hike, listen up. The 6 hour roundtrip hike up to Ben Lomond Peak is somewhat of a local classic. Hangliders take their chances and jump off from the summit, while tired hikers gasp for air (literally) at the breathtaking view. From the top you get a beautiful 360 degree vantage point to look out on an epic landscape. On a clear day you swear you can see to the end of the world.
Photo credit: Matt Palmer
Vudu Cafe + Larder
Need a coffee fix? Queenstown has enough coffee shops to serve the entire South Island, but Vudu Cafe + Larder exceeds every expectation of a typical cup of joe. Homemade pastries, savories, and cookies line the cabinet and counter at this popular breakfast hub, and that’s just the beginning. Their mouth-watering menu, hand-crafted coffees, juices, and location make this place a no-brainer. And it’s not a secret anymore. It’s typical for the cafe to be packed for breakfast, with a line out the door. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Photo credit: Vudu + Larder
World Bar
We couldn’t pick every bar in Queenstown (there’s over 100!) to highlight, but World Bar should definitely be on your list. The World Bar of today is very different to the notoriously naughty World Bar of yesteryear. With regular djs and live music it still has the energy and air of mischief like the original bar (which burned down in 2013) but this old dog learnt some new tricks. It’s now the ultimate spot for apres, food, teapot cocktails, craft beer (11 on tap alone) and all sorts of quirky events and night time shindiggery.
Photo credit: The World Bar
Fergburger
By far the most famous eatery in Queenstown, Fergburger has been named “the best burger in the world” more than once. This is a huge compliment considering it’s one, very small location. The place may be tiny, but their burgers pack some serious flavor. People push themselves inside like sardines just to order one of these delicious burgers. The menu offers almost 30 different options, even catering to the meatless crowd. The line is always around the block during the day and night (they don’t close until 5am), and it’s the best damn drunk food you will ever have. Did we mention the burgers are massive? It may be the most touristy spot in town, but it’s popular for a reason.
Photo credit: Ferg Burger
Mountain Biking
If you don’t love mountain biking now, you will after you visit or live in Queenstown. In the tradition of being the ultimate outdoor paradise, Queenstown boasts some of the best downhill mountain bike trails in the world. Rent a bike, take the gondola up the hill and take one of the numerous trails back down to the gondola. These trails are no joy ride though. The hairpin turns, rock sections, and jumps scattered throughout this downhill course will take your adrenaline rush from normal to heavy in seconds. They say addiction is bad, but this is one activity worth overdosing on.
Photo credit: 360queenstown-wanaka
Glenorchy
The road from Queenstown to Glenorchy could have its own blog post. It’s a beautiful, scenic road that winds around crumbling cliffs and rolling hills. It’s a quintessential South Island experience, just like Glenorchy itself. Glenorchy is the gateway to the outdoor enthusiast. The famous Routeburn track begins/ends outside of the small town, as well as the Mt. Aspiring National Park trails. Lord of the Rings films were all shot in this region, known for it’s vast fields and dramatic mountainous background. Take a horse riding tour, a kayak trip, hike one of the magical trails, or just drive over for the day to experience one of the most stunning and uninterrupted landscapes in the world.
Arrowtown
Talk about cute! Arrowtown is a mere 16km drive from Queenstown. Previously a mining settlement, Arrowtown has kept the quaint, historic feel alive with antique buildings and cozy storefronts. However, Arrowtown has more to offer than a novelty facade; it’s home to some of the best day hikes, fantastic dining options, shopping, and a bakery that people travel far and wide to experience.
The Remarkables
You can’t get away from this looming mountain range. It’s either in front of you, beside you, or underneath you. The “Remarks” are a famous bunch too. Used in a plethora of movies, they create the best backdrop for any photo, regardless of your location. Winter is where The Remarks really shine though, because in addition to their beauty from below, the mountains open up to snow lovers to ski, snowboard, and traverse down numerous trails. Still, we think the best part of all is the hard-to-beat view.
Photo credit: Dave Cox
Skiing and Snowboarding
With two mountains less than a 45 minute drive away and a third mountain only an hour drive, Queenstown is ideally located for your winter adventures. NZSki owns and operates the two closest mountains (Coronet Peak & The Remarkables) and operates buses to take you to and from both mountains leaving each day from the center of town. How easy is that!? Hiking and biking stores all over town convert each winter season to tackling all of your ski and snowboard needs including rentals and repairs so you’re covered in that department. Also, there are four different heli skiing companies in town. Four! That’s just crazy…
Photo credit: Miles Holden