BOBS COVE JETTY
queenstown REGION
Queenstown is a natural playground providing an incredible backdrop for a range of sights to see and things to do for adventurers of all persuasions.
Each of the seasons has its own special vibe in Queenstown, and the great thing is that most activities can be accessed all year round. World-renowned for its adventure, Queenstown is home to a huge choice of adrenaline activities including jet boating, bungy jumping, white water rafting, skydiving and even indoor thrills – all guaranteed to get your blood pumping!
When the cooler months arrive Queenstown transforms into a world class winter resort, with four ski areas and a range of activities, bars, restaurants and ways to relax and unwind.
You can even combine a round of golf at one of Queenstown’s gorgeous clubs one morning with a tour of some of our wineries and cellar doors in Gibbston and further afield to discover why Central Otago Pinot Noir is famous on the world stage.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world and home to many world-first activities. Share our love of thrills, try something new and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
Queenstown has been shaped by many different people, cultures and lifestyles from its earliest days—but it’s Queenstown’s pioneering spirit and sense of adventure that leaves a lasting impression on those who visit.
Known as the adventure capital of the world and home to the latest and greatest adventures, there is no shortage of Queenstown adrenaline activities for anyone looking to test their limits. From bungy jumping and tandem skydiving, to river surfing, canyon swinging and speeding through our surrounds by jet boat, many of these iconic adrenaline adventures were pioneered right here in Queenstown.
From indoor thrills to adventures in the sky, in the water or on the land, there are many ways to explore Queenstown. Get the heart pumping and immerse yourself in our natural surrounds with outdoor adventures from mountaineering and climbing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and kayaking.
BIKING
Queenstown is New Zealand's ultimate mountain biking and cycling destination.
Queenstown is a magnet for bikers. The quality and variety of the Queenstown bike offering, from cruisy lakeside trails to gnarly downhill tracks, means there’s a biking experience for everyone, whatever your age, ability or biking style.
Queenstown’s prestigious mountain bike scene, with three lift-assisted bike parks, world-famous trails, and one of the most legendary dirt jump parks on the planet, attracts keen bikers from around the world. A range of trails suited to all abilities ensures there is plenty of terrain for beginners and those keen to develop their skills too. Our biking culture is unique and much of the trail building in Queenstown is due to the legends at the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club and Queenstown Trails Trust, made up of passionate local volunteers.
For those looking for a gentler pace, there are plenty of stunning scenic cycling trails to explore. With an extensive trail network, Queenstown is the perfect base for your next biking adventure. From short scenic rides, to multi-day rides including access to six of New Zealand’s Great Rides spanning Queenstown, Central Otago and Southland, mountain biking in Otago is a great way to discover the region’s scenic landscapes.
FAMILY FUN
Queenstown is one of New Zealand's most exciting and fun-filled family holiday destinations with lots of things to do for kids.
Explore the home of adventure with the family and discover many new experiences together. There are many activities in Queenstown that are suitable for children and most companies offer kids’ prices or even ‘kids go free’ promotions at certain times of the year.
Each of the four seasons offers families unique experiences. In spring you can explore the fresh blooms, visit farms and meet newborn lambs and calves and even feed gigantic Highland cattle.
Summer brings some water fun. Try jet boating (for those tall enough), paddleboarding or kayaking in a quiet cove, or embark on a family rafting adventure with options for all ages.
When the trees start to turn in autumn there’s still a lot for families. Get off the beaten track with an off road adventure or land tour, or hike bikes and explore our beautiful wide open trails, stopping to take in the views along the way. Check out the parade at the annual Arrowtown Autumn Festival, and choose a restaurant with a kids' menu to help feed the tribe.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Enjoy Queenstown's stunning natural playground by experiencing one of the many outdoor activities on offer.
Queenstown is known globally as an adventure playground for a reason—there’s so many outdoor activities to get involved with whether it’s a leisurely walk along the lakefront or a full-on mountaineering adventure.
This town has built its reputation on the sheer number of outdoor adventures available, and you’ll mingle with locals who’ve sought out this lifestyle as you tackle hiking and biking trails, or climbing and mountaineering amongst the peaks that surround Queenstown.
There are world class golf courses that attract some of the top golfers in the world each year to rolling fairways surrounded by soaring mountains.
Of course in winter a whole new world of outdoor pursuits becomes available, with four ski areas offering terrain for all levels of skier and snowboarder, and surrounding mountains just waiting to be ridden on a heli-skiing adventure.
On the water there’s lots to be done in the warmer months, from kayaking and paddleboarding, to jet skiing and fishing.
SKI & SNOWBOARD
Queenstown is home to New Zealand’s best ski fields. With four ski areas within easy access and offering quality snow and terrain for all levels of skier and snowboarder, Queenstown is the ultimate ski holiday destination.
Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, Queenstown offers some of the best skiing in New Zealand and makes for an unforgettable winter holiday experience. We have four world-class ski fields on our doorstep and a long ski season that runs from June through until October, meaning you can shred the slopes for months on end.
With direct flights from Australia and New Zealand’s main centres, getting to Queenstown is easy and you can be up the mountain or in our vibrant town centre in a matter of minutes.
Choose from a range of ski passes including single day, single ski area passes, to season passes allowing unlimited access to multiple Queenstown ski areas. Mountain transport is available daily, and snowboard and ski gear can be hired downtown, on-mountain or delivered to your accommodation. For the ultimate convenience, choose a ski package which includes ski passes, gear hire, transport all in one.
WINERIES & BREWERIES
Taste Queenstown’s iconic Pinot Noir and explore a new generation of local craft beers.
Welcome to the heart of the Central Otago Wine Region, internationally celebrated for our full-bodied pinot noir, our aromatic whites and home to some of the best wineries in New Zealand.
With Gibbston's world-renowned winemakers just a 25 minute drive from Queenstown, and 200 Central Otago wineries within an hour's drive, you're perfectly located to taste the terroir of the world's southernmost wine region.
Our austere mountainous landscapes, schist soils and river gravels grow hardy vines and long hot summers ripen intensely flavoured fruit.
Queenstown is the gateway to the Central Otago wine region, with its six sub-regions: Gibbston, Cromwell/Pisa/Lowburn, Bannockburn, Bendigo, Wanaka and Alexandra. Each subregion has its own distinct climate, with nearby Gibbston the highest and coolest.
