Global adventure capital
Queenstown, New Zealand’s show off, sits at the base of steep mountains, on the edge of a beautiful lake. It’s an incredible mix of gorgeous views, great food and fun outdoor activities.Overlooking Queenstown is Bob’s Peak. It’s a great hike through the forest. The views are fantastic. There are countless of hikes all around Queenstown. And if you’re a mountain biker, there are numerous trails down the mountain too.
If you just want to take in the view, without the hiking part, take the Gondola. It’s the steepest in the Southern Hemisphere, and it is quite quick.
At the top, there are two luge tracks, where you sit in little plastic wheeled sleds, and race down one of the courses.
New Zealander A.J. Hackett invented commercial bungy jumping, and there are spots all over to do it.
Follow the Queenstown beach around away from the docks and you enter Queenstown Gardens, which leads you to the Lake Wakatipu. You get great views of the town and the mountains from there.
Whether it’s jet boating over the Kawarau Lake, Shotover Rivers or taking a more leisurely trip on the 100 year old Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu, the waterways around Queenstown are famous and lead to even more breath-taking scenery. It makes Queenstown, New Zealand’s show off.
The Fergburger is a masterpiece with 1/2 lb of New Zealand beef, bacon, cheese, two eggs, beetroot, veggies, and more.
Because of Queenstown’s touristy nature, there are many good restaurants for such a small place; including multiple Japanese, Chinese, and Korean restaurants.
Head out to Gibbston Valley to sample world class pinot noir wine in one of the picturesque vineyards.
Every Saturday at the street fair, local artisans show their makings in the small park by the docks.
Celebrating 150 years in 2012, this quaint gold-mining village by the Arrow River is only 20 minutes from Queenstown. It is famous for its wide variety of trees that turn the little township into a mass of golds, reds and oranges in the autumn.
