Queenstown
★ 4.8🇳🇿 QueenstownSuggested visit 3-5 daysBest season December to February for outdoor sports and June to August for skiing
Extreme sportsBungee jumpingNew Zealand South IslandFilm locations
New Zealand's adventure capital, a high-energy town facing the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu and endless extreme sports.
Overview
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, with bungee jumping, skydiving and skiing famous worldwide.
History
Queenstown first grew during the gold rush of 1862, and as the gold ran out settlers turned to farming. The rise of skiing in the mid-20th century brought new opportunity, and in 1988 Queenstown was formally designated the adventure capital, introducing the world's first commercial bungee jump at the Kawarau Gorge bridge in 1989. Today it is New Zealand's leading tourism destination, known for extreme sports and as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Highlights
- •The Kawarau Gorge jump platform, the world's first commercial bungee
- •Lakeside charm and mountain reflections at Lake Wakatipu
- •The Remarkables ski area
- •Pilgrimages to Lord of the Rings and Hobbit filming locations
- •Jet boating at speed through canyon rapids
Practical tips
- •Paragliding is best in summer
- •Book Milford Sound tickets in advance
Practical information
- Best time
- Year-round
- Tickets
- Kawarau bungee about NZD 245; paragliding about NZD 295
- Opening hours
- Town accessible at all hours; adventure sports depend on weather
- Local food
- Lamb chops, seafood and cheese rolls
- Getting around
- Dunedin is the gateway, and the coastline is best explored by car
- Visa
- A Visitor Visa is required and can be applied for online, with proof of funds and travel documents.
Traveller reviews
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