Queenstown’s reputation as the ’Adventure Capital of the World’ is well earned and you are about to find out why!. This is a place where it’s possible to satisfy even the most ravenous appetite for adventure!
The spectacular geography of the region is what creates the special atmosphere and unique setting that has made this town famous the world over.
Where else in the world can you find mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, hiking trails and historic sites all within a short distance of each other. It’s this compactness which makes Queenstown so attractive enabling visitors to do so much in such a short space of time.
Everywhere you look there’s something happening. Skydivers floating gently to the ground, helicopters giving visitors a taste of the view from above, jetboats being carefully manoeuvred at high speed through the mighty river canyons and people enjoying every minute of their stay.
Waking up each morning in this adventure paradise at the bottom of the world confronts you with that most difficult of choices ... what to leave out of your day’s itinerary! The choice of ’’things to do’’ in Queenstown is overwhelming!!!! There’s just too much on offer to undertake in an average stay ... which of course gives you just the excuse you need to come back!
Queenstown is famous for shotover jet boating (a real thrill ride on a river where you narrowly escape branches of trees or rocks and what you get is water splashing on your face), rafting, sky diving, mountain biking, helicopter excursions, river surfing, the world famous bungy jumping and winter skiing & snow boarding, but also relax and enjoy the more sedate wine tours, back country 4WD tours, Lord of the Rings tours (yes! of your favourite movie...this is also the place where the shooting of Kaho Na Pyaar Hai took place..watch the movie once again and you will notice the shot over jet boat ride!!), Milford Sound tours, guided walking/hiking tours, guided fishing, beauty spas, not to mention the ’’retail therapy’’ and over one hundred cafes, restaurants.
There’s also a vehicle, called ’The Duck’, an amphibious vehicle that takes you on a scenic drive then drives you into the lake for a cruise and drives on the roads as well...what else you are even given a whistler of a duck to increase your enthusiasm:) Scenic flights to Milford and Doubtful Sounds, plane and helicopter rides offer more thrills in the sky. Lake cruises let you appreciate the stunning surrounds at a gentle pace.
Now to tell you more about some of the sites :
1) Air Wakatipu
Awesome mountain flying experience including glaciers, 3000m high peaks, Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, local flights, aerobatics.
2) Challenge Rafting and Raft Combos
Exciting half day whitewater raft and raft combo trips on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. The Kawarau offers exhilarating rafting for first timers, the Shotover the challenge of extra excitement and thrills.
3) Doubtful Sound
Cruise across crystal clear Lake Manapouri, over Wilmot Pass, through dense rainforest and explore the wilderness scenery of Doubtful Sound. Look out for wildlife - especially dolphins, seals and penguins.
4) Kiwi Haka
Queenstown’s leading Maori Cultural Experience immerses you visually, emotionally and unforgettable into the legends and spirit of the Maori people. including live performances of the well known poi dance and Haka.
5) Arrowtown
An authentic goldmining town, Arrowtown is known for its relaxed, laidback lifestyle. Faithfully restored gold-miners’ wooden buildings and a reconstructed town centre all add to the ambience for this delightful village.
6) Gondola Ride
The famous Skyline Gondola offers spectacular views over the Queenstown area, where you can relax at the top for a meal or drink.
For your adventure don’t forget to bring your sense of wonder and your camera.
When you visit Queenstown you’ll understand what I really mean by adventure!