Shotover Canyon Swing
Adrenalingeladene Attraktionen: XXL-Seilschaukel mit freiem Fall und Seilrutschen über tiefe Schlucht.
New Zealand
Queenstown
CityNature
Queenstown lies on the northern shore of Lake Wakatipu, framed by the Remarkables and Ben Lomond.
by Felix Gillen
Queenstown lies on the northern shore of Lake Wakatipu, framed by the Remarkables and Ben Lomond. The small town is New Zealand's center for Bungy, jet boating, and skiing, but also serves as a base for Milford Sound, the Central Otago wine regions, and hikes on the Routeburn Track.
Sights in Queenstown
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Attraction
Skyline Queenstown
The gondola takes you in minutes to Bob's Peak, about 450 meters above the lake. At the top, there are viewing terraces, a restaurant, and a summer luge, while the Tiki Trail leads up on foot in about an hour.
Attraction
TSS Earnslaw
The 1912 coal-fired steamer departs from Steamer Wharf and sails for approximately 45 minutes across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. There you can watch sheep shearing demonstrations or dine at the farmhouse.
Attraction
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
At the historic suspension bridge over the Kawarau Gorge, about 25 minutes east of the city, the world's first commercial bungy jump opened in 1988. The jump plunges 43 meters; from the viewing platform, you can also just watch.
Attraction
Shotover Jet
The jet boat hurtles at up to 85 km/h through the narrow rock gorges of the Shotover River, performing 360-degree spins. The ride lasts approximately 25 minutes; the base is in Arthurs Point, ten minutes from the city centre.
Essen & Trinken
The burger joint on Shotover Street is a city institution. The burgers are big, the queue is often long, and it's open until late at night.
Steakhouse on Marine Parade overlooking Lake Wakatipu. The menu features New Zealand beef, lamb and venison, plus an extensive wine list with a focus on Central Otago.
Small restaurant with a bar, tucked away in Cow Lane. The cuisine is upscale, reservations are recommended in the evenings.
Thai restaurant in O'Connells Shopping Centre with curries, noodle and wok dishes, also vegetarian and for takeaway.
Pizzeria on Camp Street with large pizzas and a relaxed atmosphere, an affordable spot for a quick dinner in the center.
Food and Drink in Queenstown
For a small town, the offering is extensive: from burger joints to restaurants with wine lists from Central Otago.
Fergburger
The burger place on Shotover Street is an institution with long queues late into the night. If you're willing to wait, order by phone beforehand.
Pinot Noir from Gibbston
Wines from the nearby Gibbston Valley are available in nearly every city restaurant, often by the glass.
Lamb and Venison
Regional lamb and game feature on many menus, often combined with local vegetables and root vegetables.
From Gold Rush Town to Adventure Hub
From Gold Mining Town to Adventure HubQueenstown originated in 1862 when gold was discovered on the Shotover River. After the gold rush, a small farming town remained, growing into a ski resort from the 1950s. In 1988, A. J. Hackett opened the world's first commercial bungee jump at Kawarau Bridge, and Queenstown has been an adventure sports hub ever since.The TSS Earnslaw steamboat has been sailing across Lake Wakatipu since 1912, connecting the town with Walter Peak High Country Farm. For the Kāi Tahu, the lake has its own lore: According to their legend, its outline forms the body of the giant Matau.
Nightlife
Craft beer bar on the first floor on Shotover Street with rotating tap beers from New Zealand breweries and street views.
Taproom of the local brewery on Frankton Road, just outside the center, with views over the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu.
The Fergburger Group's bar right next to the burger joint on Shotover Street, offering cocktails, tapas, and a full bar in the evenings.
On the Road in Queenstown
Explore the town centre on foot. Orbus public buses connect the town centre, airport, Frankton and Arrowtown; travel most affordably with a Bee Card. A water taxi operates across Frankton Arm.Airport to town: Bus or taxi in about 15 to 20 minutesParking in the centre is scarce and usually paidThe Queenstown Trail connects the town, Frankton, Arrowtown and Gibbston with around 130 kilometres of cycle pathsIn winter, shuttles operate to the ski areas Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
Accommodations in Queenstown
Find perfect stay in Queenstown
Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
Search Hotels
Agoda* (Affiliate link)
Search Hotels
Airbnb
Vacation Rentals
* Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.
Plan your trip to Queenstown
Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.
- 1
- 2
Plan your trip
The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.
- 3
Use it on the road
Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.
