Queenstown is the adventure capital of not just New Zealand but the entire world. If you have chosen Queenstown to carry out some amazing outdoor activities and adventures, you have made the right choice. This place is home to an array of world-first activities, and it definitely has a lot to offer.
In your urge to try something new and love of thrills, we have curated this article to act as a small help. You will find a short yet impressive list of outdoor activities that you shouldn’t miss at all to enjoy the best adventures. Along with this, you’ll have a few tips that will help during your trip to Queenstown, New Zealand.
Let’s Know Queenstown a Little Better First
Queenstown, from its earliest days, has been influenced and shaped by a lot of different cultures and lifestyles. However, the sense of adventure and pioneering spirit of the city have remained unchanged over the years. Tourists often leave with unforgettable adventures that leave a lasting impression.
It is home to some of the best, latest, and most amazing adventures and outdoor activities. From land, water, and the sky, you can experience adventure anywhere. Not only this, but it offers enthralling indoor thrills as well. If you are excited to test your limits, don’t go anywhere else; just book a flight to New Zealand and visit Queenstown. You will not be disappointed.
Queenstown has a different side as well. The beautiful cruises will give you a break from full-speed life and let you experience some incredible leisurely scenes. You can go on a beautiful scenic tour on land, go on a sightseeing expedition by air, or take a breathtaking lake cruise.
Adventure Activities in Queenstown, New Zealand
Now, let’s move on to see the best outdoor activities so that you can make your own Queenstown adventure itinerary.
- Bungy Jumping
If you would love to take the leap, why not do it three times? Yes, that’s possible and practical, too. You can try bungy jumping at AJ Hackett. They provide an amazing combo where you can do this particular outdoor activity three times in one day. The bungy sites will also include the highest Oceania Nevis bungy.
But remember, there are high chances that you will feel more tired than ever in your entire life. That adrenaline-pumping is actually exhausting.
- Parasailing
It’s a little less adrenaline-filled outdoor activity than bungy jumping but comes with an amazing sense of adventure of its own. The unique view over Queenstown will leave an ever-lasting impact on you.
You can choose Queenstown Paraflights to do parasailing here; it is one of the oldest companies here. However, there are multiple other choices as well.
During parasailing, you will sail over Lake Wakatipu and have unforgettable views over the Ceil, Walter’s Peak, Bowen Peak, Ben Lomond, and Remarkables.
A pro tip: If you’re interested in experiencing the incredible vista of Lake Wakatipu (which you shouldn’t miss on a Queenstown trip), find rooms along Frankton Road or Lake Esplanade.
- Canyon Riding
Some outdoor activities are not for faint-hearted people; canyon riding is one of them. Even though the experience it provides is genuinely unmatched, you should still choose it if your bungy jumping three times a day goes well with you. Why so? Because there’s the biggest swing in the world. It’s 70 metres high and 300 metres aching; it’s the Nevis swing, which will make people scream at the top of their lungs.
- Jet Boat Ride
Are you a water baby? Then a jet boat ride in Queensland should definitely be on your itinerary. Even though there are multiple options available, you can try the Shotover Canyon jet boat ride. The dramatic location where it takes place is just too good to skip. And the perfectly skilled drivers will legit give you a roller coaster ride on water.
- Luging
Want to unleash the little kid in you? Try luging in Queenstown; originally made of young ones, this is still a great outdoor activity for adults who want to join in the fun. Often, tourists don’t have high hopes, but once they try, luging becomes one of their all-time favourite activities.
- Tandem Paragliding
Leaving paragliding behind in a list of outdoor activities full of adventure seems like a crime. Hence, here we have Tandem Paragliding. The best part is that Queenstown is one of the best places in the world when it comes to trying tandem paragliding.
You will be soaring hundreds of metres above a mesmerising alpine lake, completely surrounded by mountains. This surreal view will always be in your memory.
All you need is a qualified guide who will take care of the safety measures and steering, of course. Your only job will be to relax and let yourself enjoy the views. If you want to level up the adventure, you can even request that the guide let you try steering for a while. If they allow, you can perform some spins and go upside down. That’s an amazing, unbeatable thing to do while you are in Queenstown.
The Best Time to Visit Queenstown, New Zealand
A quick answer: summer (December through February)
The best time to visit is summer; however, being the main or high season, you will find the prices to be at their all-time high during this time.
But why are summers the best?
Because you will have a sheer number of outdoor activities offered during this season. The hotels will be busy (prefer pre-booking), and you will face moderate crowds. However, all of these are worth it, as the outdoor activities in Queenstown are enjoyed the most on these long, sunny days.
Just in case you can’t plan your New Zealand trip during the summers, do remember that the spring and fall seasons often have unpredictable weather conditions, and you might miss out on some Queenstown outdoor activities.
Winter, which lasts from June to August, is prime for powder hounds. That’s why we recommend you visit Queenstown, New Zealand, anytime between December and February.
Things to Know Before Visiting Queenstown, New Zealand
- Water taste
While enjoying outdoor activities in Queenstown, New Zealand, you can actually drink tap water on the way. It is safe to drink. However, expect the taste of the water to be a little different. That’s because the water supply in Queenstown is currently chlorinated. If you cannot bear the taste, we have a quick hack for you: leave a mug full of water in the refrigerator overnight. It will let the chlorine dissipate naturally.
- Phone and roaming
Roaming charges are quite high in Queenstown, New Zealand. So, disable data roaming before your flight lands. Prefer not answering incoming calls on your mobile phone to keep your phone bill in check. You can invest in a travel SIM card and use it to stay in touch with anyone back home.
- Options to stay
On a voyage full of adventure, a relaxing stay in the vicinity of outdoor activities will give you an unbeatable experience. Thus, we suggest staying in Queenstown’s compact central area. You will find an eclectic mix of backpacker hostels, luxe hotels, and Airbnbs here. Staying within the city centre will help you have an easy commute to your preferred outdoor activities and adventures.
Queenstown is a beautiful place and one of the best destinations for adventure seekers. You must plan your trip at least once in your lifetime.
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