Welcome to Go-Queenstown!
Queenstown, named so because it was deemed fit for Queen Victoria, is the Southern Hemisphere’s premier four season and alpine resort and one of the world’s top tourist destinations. It is internationally recognised for its spectacular alpine landscape and its adventure activities and unique attractions, as well as its vibrant culture and warm hospitality.Located in the Southern Lakes Region of New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the majestic Remarkables mountain range.
This land, rich in beauty and natural resources, is also rich in history, first attracting early Maori in search of greenstone, or “Paunamu”, followed by European’s interested in the fertile grazing land. During the gold rush, in the 1860s, Queenstown and its surrounding regions became a large mining camp.
Today, Queenstown, its amazing natural landscape and its wide array of activities attract tourists from around the world every season. Queenstown’s reputation as the Adventure Capital of the World is well deserved. Since pioneering both jetboating in 1960 and bungee jumping in 1988, Queenstown rapidly evolved and now offers nearly every possible extreme activity from white water rafting to skydiving to bungee jumping.
But it is not only the adrenaline-pumping action that attracts people to this special town. It also offers a variety of day tours, cruises, flights, dinner shows, hot pools, festivals and activities ideal for those interested in a more relaxed holiday. As well, Queenstown now has a dense cosmopolitan downtown filled with cafes, award-winning restaurants, a buzzing nightlife and sophisticated shopping.
From scenic flights to heli-skiing, from cruising to canyoning, from shopping to river surfing and from massages to mountain biking, there is something for travellers of all interests and budgets. Use this guide to discover what there is to do in Queenstown and pack your holiday with what suits you.
Visit Queenstown and, thanks to its diverse range of tours, activities, attractions, enjoy a holiday with no two days the same. While staying in this energetic town, it will be hard to not feel rejuvenated and free.
Queenstown Attractions
Looking to explore natural wonders, to discover historical landmarks, to visit world famous tourist sites? Remarkably, you can do it all in Queenstown, as this vibrant town offers a wide range of exciting attractions. Enjoy the views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu; take a ride on the Skyline gondola; ski or snowboard down one of the area's six ski parks; or tour one of the nearby old gold mining towns.
Queenstown Activities
Queenstown provides both thrills and serenity in its range of activities on offer. Its environment is often referred to as a natural theme park and, because of the vast array of extreme activities it offers, Queenstown has earned the reputation of Adventure Capital of the World. You can bungee jump off the Kawarau Bridge, white water raft down the Shotover River, go heli-skiing and more all in one trip in this action-packed town. Alternatively, if you're looking for a more laid back holiday, you can join a winery tour or take a guided walking tour.
Queenstown Tours
Between its spectacular natural wonders, its built attractions, its endless activities and its rich culture and history, Queenstown has many diverse treasures worth exploring and it can be difficult to fit it all in. One of the most efficient ways is to trust an experienced guide to show you the most impressive highlights on an organised tour.
Take an eco-tour to Mildford Sound or to Fox Glacier; take a coach tour through historical Arrowtown; or cruise to an early European settlement. Discover your favourite highlights on a Queenstown tour.
Queenstown Ski and Snowboard
Queenstown well deserves its title as Australasia’s winter sports capital. From early June to late September, the town becomes a hub for skiers and snowboarders. There are six acclaimed six parks, each offering a range of unique runs suited for anyone from novice to expert, near Queenstown; there are also many other mountains available for heli-skiing!
Queenstown Events
The high-energy, vibrant culture Queenstown is known for is reflected in the many festivals and events it hosts. In each of its four seasons, Queenstown holds major athletic competitions, large live concerts, film festivals, sports matches, farmers markets and more. Perhaps its most famous festival is the Queenstown Winter Festival, a 10-day party to celebrate the start of winter!
Queenstown Accommodation
As it offers a diverse range of attractions and activities, Queenstown attracts travellers of differing interests and budgets. To accommodate all, Queenstown offers every kind of stay from luxury lodges to budget backpackers. With over 300 accommodation options, many of which are award-winning and world-class, Queenstown has the ideal bed for you.