Things To Do In Queenstown

Snow

Whether you’re on a Queenstown family ski holiday, a snowboard trip to Wanaka with your mates, or you’re a die-hard local, there’s something at Cardrona for everyone! From first time skiers & snowboarders, to Olympic & X Games medallists, everyone is welcome here – everyone’s a VIP.

The kids are sorted from 3mths to 14yrs with ski & snowboard lessons for all ability levels, as well as an on-mountain Kids’ Club & Ski Kindy. Adults can brush up their skills with either private or group ski & snowboard lessons.

Not skiing? Take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain, have a champagne at the Vista Bar, or give snow tubing a go in spring! Experience Cardrona by night with a la carte dinner at the Mezz, followed by a unique stargazing experience & stay in our ski-in/ski-out accommodation.

We’re home to the legendary Cardrona Parks NZ – the Southern Hemisphere’s most extensive terrain parks & pipes. Cardrona also hosts a range of Winter Events throughout the season to showcase up & coming local talent, along with the world’s best skiers & snowboarders.

Spectacular roller coaster terrain makes Coronet Peak ski area one of New Zealand’s most exciting ski resort destinations.

As the home of Night Ski, Coronet Peak lights it up Wednesday and Friday nights from 4-9pm in July and August for more skiing after the sun goes down in Queenstown.

Getting to Coronet Peak is easy. We’re just 16km from Central Queenstown on a fully sealed road. So drive yourself up or jump on our ski bus service, running from Central Queenstown to Coronet Peak throughout the day.

Learn to ski or snowboard with our fun and experienced instructors or take your skills to another level with group or private coaching for all ages and abilities.

We cater for the whole family at Coronet Peak. From 5 years and up we can help your kids have a great day on the snow and improve their skills along the way. Open to all abilities, from first timers to experience skiers and boarders.

The Remarkables provides one of the best skiing experiences New Zealand has to offer.

There are slopes here for all levels and ski lessons are also available for all ages.

Golf

Jacks Point Golf Course is an 18 hole par 72 championship course, with five tee positions, weaves through native tussock grasslands to the edge of Lake Wakatipu boasting some of the most spectacular views golfers could wish for.

The course is ranked number #1 in the South Island.

If you are a golfing enthusiast, you haven’t played golf until you have played Jack Point.

Designed by renowned professional and master golfer Sir Bob Charles and renovated by Greg Turner in October 2010, this championship course features five different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise.

Millbrook’s course is best described as an Alpine links  course, offering a variety of natural hazards including tussocks, streams, schist stone, trees and buildings.

Whether you are an experienced golfer or a beginner, Millbrook will delight all players.

 

Queenstown Golf Club is situated in the amphitheater of the Remarkable Mountains (view our location) and offers a unique opportunity to play on what is internationally regarded as one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world.

Tour our website and enjoy some wonderful scenes that will give you a taste of what we have to offer.  Our Clubhouse facilities incorporate a cafe and bar open 7 days, offering amazing views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown.

Visitors are welcome 7 days a week, reservations are recommended. You will not be disappointed!

Activities

The Ben Lomond Track rewards trampers with spectacular 360 degree views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges including Ka-kamu-a-Hakitekura/Cecil and Walter Peaks and Kawarau/Remarkables.

In fine weather, you may even spot Mounts Pikirakatahi/Earnslaw and Tititea/Aspiring in the distance.

The track begins among Douglas fir on Skyline Access Road or the Tiki Trail. At about 800 m altitude you leave the tree line behind to enter alpine tussocks and shrubs.

Climb to the 1,326 m Ben Lomond Saddle. Beyond the saddle is Ben Lomond Station where the track becomes a marked route. From here, the terrain becomes steeper and rougher as it approaches Ben Lomond’s 1,748m summit.

Note: The section from the saddle to the summit crosses private land.

Respect the landowner’s rights and keep to the formed track to avoid stock disturbance and farm hazards.

 

If someone told you to go jump off a cliff… would you do it? How about if we did? And how about if it was the world’s highest cliff jump? Trust us, you won’t regret it. For freefall, without equal this will be a heart-pounding highlight of your time in Queenstown.

We take our reputation as the ‘adventure capital of the world’ seriously.

When it comes to adrenalin-filled, balls-to-the-wall adventure activities in Queenstown we don’t do things by halves and we don’t muck around.

With 60 metres of freefall, the Canyon Swing is the world’s highest cliff jump. It’s a rush like no other. It’s a leap with no equal.

We want your experience with the world’s biggest cliff jump to change the very fabric of your being… and possibly even the fabric of your undies. So you do get to decide how you leave the platform and enter, screaming, into the void. Our Swing team adheres closely to The Message: “Don’t push me, ‘cause I’m close the edge.” We aren’t here to rush or crowd you.

Instead, our exceptional bunch of jump masters will safely manage your fear factor. Yes, these masters are slightly unhinged but they’re never less than 100% professional in their dedication to Canyon Swing safety and your personal journey.

They’ll push you (with words) to go that small step beyond what you thought was possible. Only then can you experience the true freedom that comes with that full-throated, adrenalin-fuelled scream out into the hungry void.

As you shuffle out to the edge of the bridge, heart pounding and mind racing, remember this – you’ve found yourself at the World Home of Bungy.

This is the original.

Many people have come and gone, on a mission to push the limits and test themselves.

Time for you to make the same leap of faith.

AGE

Minimum 10 years old. Children 14 and under require an adult to sign consent at check-in and accompany them on their experience.

WEIGHT

Between 35kg to 235kg. Tandem weight restrictions below.

TANDEM BUNGY

Each jumper must be between 35kg – 117kg. The maximum combined weight of both jumpers must not exceed 235kg. The weight difference between tandem Jumpers must not exceed 30kg. Tandem Bungy requires river levels to be low or normal.

DURATION

Self-drive: Allow 1.5 hours
Bungy Bus: Allow 2.5 hours

CLOTHING

None. You can Bungy nude if you want to. Winter can get very cold, so we recommend layering up and taking a jacket.

MEDICAL

Please read the medical requirements here.

CONTACT

Let’s talk. If you don’t like talking, send us an email with a smiley face in it somewhere.

Stroll, walk the loop, run or cycle around a lake surrounded by spectacular mountains.

The trail around Lake Hayes offers exquisite mountain and lake vistas, a boardwalk protecting local wildlife, historic cottages and a close-up view of some of the area’s most notable homes.

Starting at the Rutherford Road end of the trail, there’s a gradual climb to an elevated bench high above the lake where the trail meanders along the contours of the hill before dropping down to the southern boardwalk section of trail.

Then cruising around past the Wakatipu Rowing Club (you’ll find a DoC longdrop here too) onto Bendemeer Bay and the Lake Hayes Reserve – the perfect picnic spot and more toilets.

If you’d like to take a plunge, Lake Hayes is a popular swimming spot during the summer months as its significantly warmer than the other lakes in the district.

All Mountain NZ offers a range of multi-day guided trips.

​They have something for all levels and take care of every detail for you.

Think epic rides, a rad crew and mouth-watering food and wine.

All you have to worry about is having fun!

The only way to experience Queenstowns Canyons, see their beauty and feel their power, is to enjoy the world’s most exciting jet boat ride.

A unique combination of beauty and power, it’s an experience like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall to wall canyon action from start to finish!

Proudly owned by Ngāi Tahu, the Māori people of this land, our connection to the Kimiākau (Shotover River) goes back centuries. As the home of our tīpuna (ancestors), this place is part of us. Only we have access to the spectacular Shotover Canyons and no one knows this area like we do!

Take a thrilling ride enjoyed by all ages and abilities. Purpose-built Luge carts put you in complete control as you take on over 800 metres of banked corners, tunnels and dippers.

Once you’ve conquered the course, hop on the chairlift and do it all again, and again, and again.

Gentle and leisurely or steep and adventurous, you’ll be hooked. Once is never enough. Try the night luge also!

A Must-Do Queenstown Activity!

Take a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola and take in the stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere!

You’ll be carried 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular 220-degree panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.

When you get to the top, enjoy the spectacular views while having a drink from the Bar, take a few rides on the thrilling Luge (once is never enough), refuel with a sumptuous buffet lunch or dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant and finish your day with an awe-inspiring Stargazing tour. And there’s more to enjoy!

Surrounded by beautiful lakes, rivers and fiords, Queenstown is an ideal destination for all your favourite water activities, and some you may not have discovered yet.

You can embark on a leisurely boat cruise, a thrilling jet boat ride through steep ravines or across the open waters of Lake Wakatipu, or explore deep canyons around the region on a canyoning escapade.

Meanwhile, parasailing lifts you high above the lake as you sail along behind a boat, enjoying the thrill of the ride and the beautiful scenery from above.

With a few hours to spare you could enjoy a relaxing canoeing or kayaking trip down a pristine river, across a sparkling lake or on a remote fiord.

Kayaking and canoeing excursions in Queenstown are great for the whole family, and for travellers looking to join a social group activity.

The ultimate in water adventures in Queenstown will take you back to the rivers, where you can go whitewater rafting or river surfing. Take your pick from heli-rafting, family rafting, river boarding, river surfing, Queenstown offers a grade of rapids for everyone, from beginners to advanced whitewater enthusiasts. So whether you’re an expert or a complete novice, get out there and get wet!

Shopping

Five Mile is Queenstown’s newest and most exciting retail and business centre nestled at the gateway to Queenstown on the Frankton Flats.

Close to our hotel, here you’ll find everything you’ll need.

Set in the vibrant Remarkables Park in Queenstown, this town centre is the true heartbeat of the area.

With over 30 specialty retailers, Remarkables Park Town Centre has it all.

From the latest fashion to sports equipment, from electronic and household appliances to health & beauty & gifts, restaurants, cafe’s, supermarkets & banks, you’ll find it all here at your fingertips!