The Soothing Guide to Queenstown New Zealand

There’s a lot to do in Queenstown New Zealand for every type of tourist who would like an adrenaline rush and enjoys the natural beauty with some fun activities. Be it ride on the gondola to the mountain top, skiing the mountain slopes, or a cruise on the oldest steamship afloat, Queenstown offers the most exciting time to the tourists that come here.

As you pack your bags for a vacation this season, here’s your guide to Queenstown New Zealand.

Queenstown New Zealand is famous for adventure sports, and the Skyline Gondola is one of its iconic and most sought-after activities by the tourists. You can take a scenic ride as the gondola takes you to have some stunning views of the mountains in the cable car. This is one of the steepest cable car rides on this side of the globe. As you are carried 450 meters up above the Queenstown and the Lake Wakatipu, you feel you are close to heaven with awesome visual delights that you will remember throughout your life. The cable car takes you to the top of Bob’s Peak giving you an enthralling and panoramic view of Coronet Peak. Walter and Cecil Peaks and The Remarkables. Besides, it gives some awesome view of Queenstown from up the top making this one of the most amazing things to do in Queenstown New Zealand.

Once you reach the top, have fun with the gravity-fuelled Skyline Luge ride. Here, we have fun rides for all age groups; these rides are thrilling and take you over the 800-meter banked and secured corners, dippers, and tunnels. You can spend as much time as you want as doing this once is certainly not enough.

Hungry after all these activities? Head out for a dinner buffet at the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar. Relax and sip your drink as you gaze the open sky and the twinkling stars up above. The stunning buffet menu offers the best of New Zealand cuisine along with international food with sumptuous prime cuts and vegetarian dishes along with an amazing choice of desserts to complete your hearty meals.

Want to have something different in a smaller setup? Head out to Skyline’s Market Kitchen Café, offering some amazing dishes and beverages, including freshly baked pastries, pizza, crepes, sandwiches, coffee, ice-cream, and much more. It offers indoor as well as outdoor sitting options. The outdoor setting offers stunning views from your table and makes the meal all the more exciting with the mountains looming over you as you eat. The pizza and the curries are something that you should try. The restaurant also offers some exciting fare in its “pick and go” section with freshly baked pies, sausage rolls, fish, and chips, which you can take and eat which your way back in the return journey.

The Queenstown Skyline gondola return ride costs $44 for adults and $26 for children (5-15 years). There are options for buying a family pass and also for buying tickets clubbed with Luge ride of Lunch/Dinner are the top restaurants.

The rides are open from 9 am to 9 pm.

Address - Brecon Street, PO BOX 17, Queenstown

Another one of Queenstown New Zealand’s tourist attractions is the Steamer Warf. It is a lakeside premium area full of restaurants and bars along with entertainment joints that you would love to go at night time. It is situated on the lakefront in the central business district of Queenstown. It hosts some of the most famous food joints, and you need to follow the puff of smoke from the TSS Earnslaw to reach here. It has many pubs, bars, and restaurants, along with shops lined up at the waterfront. You can have a nice romantic dinner here with your companion or with your family. Pop into the Ice Bar at Minus 5 (an original Queenstown favorite) or shop around for some souvenirs around the place. The Streamer Warf offers you many options for food, drinks, and activities that you can do here. It also offers live music and a casino for those who want to enjoy the same.

The Steamer Warf is also a historic place. It has evolved from a small wooden jetty and a timber yard since 1862. The history of the Steamer Warf is knitted with that of Queenstown New Zealand itself. This place became a busy sailing port and a place for docking for larger vessels after the discovery of gold in 1862, in a nearby town called Arrowtown. The present Steamer Warf was built in 1912 to accommodate the then newly commissioned Earnslaw, which was built to the growing Queens town and the booming tourism industry. The ship has been operational for over a century and is one of the very few coal-burning steamships in the world. The TSS Earnslaw still docks at the Steamer Wharf a few times a day for taking tourists and a load of coal.

A tour aboard the TSS Earnslaw is an absolute must while you are touring Queenstown New Zealand. You must be wondering what all that fuss about a boat ride in the lake? Well, this one is on TSS Earnslaw, a1912 Edwardian vintage ship- a twin-screw steamer which still sails the waters of Lake Wakatipu. It is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the region. It is the only remaining coal-fired commercial steamship still sailing in the southern hemisphere. It was designed and built by naval architect Hugh McRae and was designed with a Siemens-Martin steel hull and was powered by two coal-fired engines. The ship was named after Mount Earnslaw, which is a 2889-meter mountain peak near Lake Wakatipu. The ship was to be the biggest steamship built in New Zealand at its time. It was fully dismantled piece by piece and brought to the lake by railroad and assembled back here again and launched in the lake on 24th February 1912. Almost on the verge of being scrapped in 1968, it was bought by a tour company. It went for a complete overhaul and makeover in 1984 and since then has been a tourist ship even earning the distinction of carrying HM Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on their trip to Queenstown in March 1990. The ship has also featured in Indiana Jones movies.

The ship commemorated its centenary in October 2012 and still carries tourists across the Lake from Queenstown New Zealand to Walter Peak High Country Farm. The tour includes a horse treks in the farm, heritage tour, barbeque lunch and evening dinner at Colonel’s Homestead.

You can take the 1.5-hour cruise on board the TSS Earnslaw and not only see the beautiful scenery cruising the lake, but also get to see the steam engines at work and the skipper's wheelhouse. There’s also an onboard museum with historic photos. There’s a café where you can enjoy a drink and have some snacks to celebrate your journey on this oldest sailing steamship in Queenstown New Zealand.

Opens – 7.30 am to 9 pm

Address - Real Journeys Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf

88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300

Coronet Peak is a commercial winter ski field in Queenstown New Zealand. Located just 20 minutes away from central Queenstown, this is New Zealand’s first commercial ski field resort opened in 1947. It is located 7 kilometers away from Arrowtown and offers good snowboarding terrain and lift systems over a long snow season. This peak is the most popular Ski destination in New Zealand and offers high-quality facilities – high-speed quad chairlift, six-seater chairlift, and a beginner chairlift. It offers an amazing view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and Late Hayes from the skiing slopes up above. It is 25 minutes’ drive away from Queenstown.

Coronet Peak received around 2 meters of snow per year in a season typically running from June to September or early October. It is one of the only ski resorts in New Zealand that offers night skiing facilities on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays. The ski terrain here is apt for everyone, from beginners to experts. The popular ski runs include Big Easy for beginners, Greengates, MQ, and Shirtfront for intermediate skiers and Black Bowls and Exchange Drop for experts. Coronet Peal also hosts international ski competitions and has been a training ground for many world-class skiers who practiced here in Queenstown New Zealand.

For those not interested in Skiing, you can enjoy a chairlift ride to the top at 1649 meters. It gives you an awesome experience of viewing the Wakatipu lake and the mountains from the high cable car. You can also organize a wedding photo taken at this amazing panoramic spot. For those who love cycling can attempt the downhill cross country for mountain biking down the Coronet peak during summer starting December.

If you would rather hike, there are guided hiking tours that start from the viewing deck and will take you around the summit rocks and Mt. Aurum. You can enjoy the local flora and fauna as well as the stories of the farmers and gold miners who settled this rugged land.

Tip – Ensure you have the needed footwear whatever the activity you choose to do.

Address - Coronet Peak Rd, Queenstown 9371

The Helicopter Line is a leading helicopter operator company in Queenstown New Zealand and has several flying tours catering to Queenstown tourists. It has a modern fleet of Airbus helicopters, which are specially configured for flying the dramatic Queenstown landscapes.

There are various packages available ranging from $195 for a 20 min — helicopter ride to $2950 for an 8-hour ride package. You can also charter the full helicopter for as low as $4250 for 2 hours.

Here are three of the short top tours that which will enthrall you:

Pilot’s Choice Special – Includes a bird’s eye view of Queenstown and surrounding Alpine mountain ranges. Alpine landing at the best location as chosen by the pilot with an overview of Queenstown.

Fare – Adult and Children (4-14 years) - $195 for 20 min. tour

Queenstown Panorama – Flight on the helicopter to see the Lake Wakatipu flying over it. Experience an Alpine handing and have a panoramic view of the mountains, lakeshores, and sweeping country grasslands.

Fare – Adult and Children (4-14 years) - $280 & $196 respectively for a 20 min. tour

Alpine Adventure – Includes helicopter ride for a spectacular view of the Southern Alps and an exciting landing and takeoff from an alpine mountain covered with snow. Take a perfect picture of your trip to the Alps and your trip to Queenstown New Zealand to get the exclusive bragging rights of having landed on snow-covered Alpine mountain range.

Fare – Adult and Children (4-14 years) - $360 & $252 respectively for a 30 min. tour

Common inclusions – Helicopter ride with a pilot on per seat basis. Infants below 4 years can accompany free with adult parents and are to be carried on the lap. Commentary by the pilot with free pick up and drop at the hotel.

Address - 29 Lucas Pl, Frankton, Queenstown 9348

Sunrise Balloons, based out of Queenstown New Zealand is a leading hot air balloon operator with scheduled flights daily (weather permitting). This family operated company has been flying hot air balloons since 1998 with an exceptional safety record. Queenstown is one of the best landscapes in the world for a hot air balloon ride that is followed by a chilled glass of Champagne to celebrate your conquest of the heights.

The flight and the experience – The hot air balloon ride happens between Queenstown and Arrowtown, with an opportunity of viewing the magnificent terrain across. As you soar to an altitude as high as 6000 feet and drift with the wind, you will have the breathtaking experience of having the panoramic view of Queenstown and the beautiful surrounding areas. You will have the birds-eye view of “The Hobbit” filming places, Lake Wakatipu, Southern Alps, The Remarkables mountains, and some of New Zealand’s best Golf courses besides enjoying the beauty of the countryside. These balloon rides happen throughout the year and provide you a fantastic opportunity to take some stunning camera shots of the beautiful scenery around. You also get an experience of a lifetime to help the flight crew inflate the balloon and also to help pack it post your flight for an overall balloon experience. You can celebrate your conquest of the heights with a glass of Champagne right at the field along with your other flyers. On offer are some tasty snacks, tea, juice, sweet treats, and muffins.

The flights are operated at dawn (5 am to 8 am depending on the season) as the wind is calm. The air is cool, providing optimum flying conditions during this time. The flight is 3.5- 4 hrs. And it is a breath-taking experience with views of the mountains, peaks, lakes, and rivers.

Transport is provided to and from your hotel from downtown to the campgrounds with the launch site just 15 minutes’ drive from central Queenstown New Zealand. If you weigh 136Kg, you better give this a miss as you will not be allowed, and neither are children below 4 years.

Ticket costs NZ $595 for adults and $395 for children (4 to 12 years). Cancellation charges are applicable.

Tip – Always better to call up Sunrise Balloons 45 minutes in advance to check if the flight is operating (due to any adverse weather conditions).

Queenstown New Zealand offers one of the most exciting experiences of tandem paragliding if you are someone who fancies heights and would like to fly like a bird. GForce is one of the most experienced paragliding operators in New Zealand and has been offering its services in Queenstown since 1991. You can take off from the top of the Skyline Gondola and have the ultimate flight experience with amazing views of the Lake Wakatipu, the Alps, forests, and the Queenstown itself. You need not be worried or have any experience of paragliding as the experienced pilot will be there guiding you through the flight. Be sure to take away your memories with their photo and video options.

Tickets – NZ $ 239 with early bird flight offer for $219

Address - Gforce Paragliding Skyline, Gondola Brecon St, Queenstown 9300 New Zealand

The Nevis Swing is one of the most amazing and hair-raising adventure sports that you can attempt while you are in Queenstown New Zealand. It’s a big, bad and loud adventure where you will hear yourself sound so loud, as you would have never done before as you swing on a 300-meter cord from a high launch platform. You have the option to swing alone or with a friend in tandem - forward, backward, or upside down as per your choice.

Ticket costs: Adults $225, Child - $175 (Minimum age 10 years, with a consent form to be signed by accompanying adult if the child is under 14 years).

There are a pickup and drop service provided by the operator. The pick-up coach called the Swing bus departs from Queenstown Bungy Center near the corner of Shotover and Camp Street every 40 minutes starting from 9.20 am till 2.40 am.

Saving Tip – Book 15 days in advance for a $15 discount on any of the offered activities. Keep a 4-hour window for this activity from the start of your journey.

Address - Inside the Station Building Shotover Street.

If you are looking for a convenient & tranquil escape while in Queenstown New Zealand, look no further than the Onsen Hot Pools. Located on a high cliff overlooking the Shotover River canyon, this place provides a magnificent view of the alpine scenery and a vantage point for watching the jet boats cruising on the river below.

The pools are temperature-controlled and provide a warm steamy experience on the snowy days. With each pool room accommodating up to four adults, it is perfect for couples or families or friends. One of the unique features of the Onsen Hot Pools is the retractable sunroofs, which can be operated at the touch of a button. Gazing stars at night from a hot pool is simply a heavenly experience. To top it all, the water in these pools is the purest mountain water from fresh springs, which are further UV purified. Each pool is refreshed with fresh water every 24 hours to maintain hygiene and freshness.

A dip in the pool for an hour sets you back by $87.5, but for sure is an experience with indulging in.

Address - 160 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown

Queenstown New Zealand is the best place you can choose to indulge in various activities. It is a getaway for adventure-filled days for those who want to push themselves to the maximum and do some mind-boggling stunts. For the few who would still want to take it slow and easy, it still has the picturesque beauty to behold with nature walks and soothing hot water pools. So, pack your bags now and remember to fly high!