The Adventure Capital of the World
Sitting on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is breathtakingly beautiful. It is famous globally as the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping and offers every adrenaline sport imaginable.
But it is not all high-octane action; it's also a place for luxury, world-class Central Otago Pinot Noir, and stunning cruises. In winter, it transforms into the Southern Hemisphere's premier ski destination.
Skyline, Steamship, or Jet Boat: Which icon defines your Queenstown trip?
If you only have time for one major activity in Queenstown, it usually comes down to these three legends. One takes you high above the town, one takes you across the lake, and one blasts you through a canyon.
| Feature | Skyline Gondola & Luge | TSS Earnslaw (Steamship) | Shotover Jet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Cable car view + gravity cart racing. | Vintage 1912 coal-fired steamship cruise. | High-speed jet boat through narrow canyons. |
| Adrenaline | Medium (Luge is fast fun). | Low (Relaxing & scenic). | High (360° spins). |
| Time Needed | 2-3 Hours. | 1.5 Hours (Cruise only) or 3.5 Hours (with BBQ). | 1.5 Hours (incl. shuttle). |
| Best View | Panoramic view of entire town/lake. | Lake level view of mountains. | Close-up of rock walls. |
| Cost | $$ (Gondola + 3 Luge rides). | $$ (Cruise only). | $$$ (Premium experience). |
Experience: "The Classic View". Riding the steepest gondola in the Southern Hemisphere to the best lookout.
Pros:Experience: "The Lady of the Lake". Cruising on the oldest coal-fired steamship still in operation.
Pros:Experience: "The World's Most Exciting Jet Boat". Skimming millimeters from canyon walls at 85km/h.
Pros:The "Perfect Day" Combo: Do the Shotover Jet in the morning to wake up. Head up the Skyline Gondola for lunch and a few luge rides. Finish the day with the evening cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for dinner. It's an expensive day, but you'll never forget it.
Take the leap at the Kawarau Bridge (the original jump, you can touch the water) or the terrifying 134m Nevis Bungy. Not for the faint-hearted!
A global phenomenon. These massive gourmet burgers often command an hour-long queue. Are they worth it? Absolutely. Call in your order to skip the line.
Queenstown is the gateway to the Central Otago wine region, famous for world-class Pinot Noir. Visit Gibbston Valley or Amisfield for a tasting.
Queenstown is the main base for trips to Milford Sound. It's a long bus ride (4 hours one way), so we highly recommend the "Fly-Cruise-Fly" option if budget allows.
Your ultimate adventure awaits in Queenstown.