Queenstown recommended activities

ByLuxury Adventures

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Flightseeing on route to Milford Sound in a fixed wing aircraft

Queenstown’s recommended activities are extensive and diverse, offering something for all ages and tastes. From great walks and wineries, to jet boats & Bungy jumps for the thrill seekers! Below are a few of Luxury Adventures favourite Queenstown experiences.

Milford Sound flightseeing

Milford Sound is consistently a firm favourite for visitors to New Zealand. No wonder it’s considered as one of the world’s 7 natural wonders! There are several ways to visit Milford Sound, located in the remote Fiordland National Park. The easiest way to access the area and also the best advantage point is by air from Queenstown. Depending on budget you can fly by either helicopter or fixed wing plane. This will give you a birds eye view of Fiordland and the sounds.

From here you can land and join a cruise along the sounds. Catch a glimpse of dolphins, get up close to the many impressive waterfalls, join a walk on the Milford Track or perhaps land on a glacier with the helicopter option. For the more budget conscious you can take a coach or drive from Queenstown. However be aware that the drive is at least 4 hours and can take longer during peak travel times. Approximate costs for a helicopter flight is around NZ$925 per person, with a fixed wing flight and cruise around NZ$525 per person. A coach and cruise option would be $200 per person. There are many tailored options and these are POA.

Cycling the vines is a recommended activity in Queenstown, enabling you to experience the vineyards, outdoors and local scenery.

Wine Tours in Queenstown & Central Otago

Central Otago is famous for its wine, producing some of the worlds best Pinot Noir. It’s also one of New Zealand’s most scenic wine regions with mountain and lake vistas. With around 75 wine growers in the area you are spoiled for choice. There are also various ways to get around these wineries. You could choose to self guide and drive, but of course this will limit the amount of wine you can taste. Adhering to the New Zealand drink driving laws is mandatory and if in doubt guided tour is recommended.

There are group tours usually with numbers of 8 – 10 in small coaches or mini vans. A great way to meet fellow travellers, swap stories, and pick up travel tips. Or you can choose a driver and car for a private tour, if you have specific tastes or want to visit particular wineries, this may suit you. Another great option is to take a bike and explore the wineries at a leisurely pace, again this can also be guided or unguided, group or private. It comes down to the type of experience you want and your budget. Costs vary from NZ$90 per person for a self guided bike tour to around NZ$1,000 + per day for a private driven experience with a wine connoisseur.

The author about to embark on a jet boat in the Aspiring National Park after a 2 hour walk.

Jet Boating

Queenstown is famous for its thrill seeking adventures, and one of the most popular of these is the thrill of a jet boat ride! The pristine rivers around Queenstown offer several options. From the famous Shotover and Kawarau rivers, Dart River in Glenorchy and also jet boats departing from central Queenstown touring portions of Lake Wakatipu. You can combine the thrill of a jet boat with a heli flight, wilderness hike or 4WD safari. Talk to the Luxury Adventures team about our recommended Jet Boating activities in Queenstown. The price for a jet boat excursion starts at around NZ$150 depending on which you chose.

Swinging in the Nevis valley, Queenstown — Swinging in the Nevis valley. Recommending this Queenstown activity is a tough one. Its entirely up to the individual. One thing’s for sure you’ll never forget it!

Gravity Assisted Activities in Queenstown

If you’re looking for adventure and excitement Queenstown has it all, If you’re after excitement then look no further than the Bungy or swings! Bungy jumping has been in New Zealand since 1988, from the original jump site at Kawarau Budge, through to the brand new Nevis Thriller. There are plenty of options to keep the adrenaline junkies happy! From tandem jumps, backwards, twists, swings, catapults and more! Queenstown is the original home of Bungy, talk to the Luxury Adventures team about including one in your itinerary if you’re brave enough! Average prices are around NZ$200 per person.

Lake Harris Routeburn Track, New Zealand, near Queenstown — The world famous Routeburn track near Queenstown

Hiking & Walking activities around Queenstown

There are a number of spectacular walks in and around Queenstown. With the famous Routeburn track easily accessible from Glenorchy just 45 minutes outside of Queenstown, and a tonne of other great options available. There are fantastic day walks close to town, like the Queenstown Hill, Sunshine Hill or Ben Lomond walkway and many more a short drive away.

Perhaps Lake Hayes with a stop for lunch at Amisfield Winery, or Moke Lake? There are also easy lake-shore, town or river walks. Luxury Adventures can also arrange for private tours on less accessible and private land to really get you off the beaten track and away from it all. Many walks can be done without a guide, others are best done with a guide either in groups or private. Talk to our team about an option that suits your time and budget.