Welcome to Queenstown.  Your adventure awaits

Explore Queenstown & Beyond

Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers something for everyone, in every season. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful Lake Wakatipu, it’s the perfect base for exploring the best of the Southern Lakes.

For adventure seekers, try bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, ziplining or white-water rafting. Queenstown is also renowned for its world-class mountain biking, with everything from scenic lakeside trails to downhill bike parks and incredible alpine tracks for more experienced riders.

In winter, hit the slopes at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables or Cardrona Alpine Resort, or head to Snow Farm for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a different way to experience the mountains.

For a slower pace, take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, ride the Skyline Gondola, wander through Queenstown’s shops and lakefront, or spend an afternoon discovering the renowned Gibbston Valley wineries.

Queenstown is also a fantastic base for day trips. Explore historic Arrowtown, take the spectacular drive to Glenorchy, visit Wānaka, or head over the Crown Range to Cardrona and stop for a drink or meal at the iconic Cardrona Hotel. For an unforgettable adventure, take a day trip or scenic flight to Milford Sound.

Whether you’re here for adventure, food and wine, skiing, mountain biking, hiking or simply to relax and enjoy the views, there’s always something to discover in Queenstown.

Wineries & day trips

• Gibbston Valley – Queenstown’s main wine region, famous for Central Otago Pinot Noir. Around 25–30 minutes from Queenstown and perfect for an afternoon of cellar-door tastings.
• Amisfield – Near Lake Hayes, offering premium Central Otago wines alongside an acclaimed dining experience.
• Chard Farm – A beautiful boutique winery with a spectacular setting overlooking the Kawarau Gorge.
• Mt Rosa – A relaxed Gibbston cellar door with tastings and local platters.
• Kinross – A great option if you want to sample wines from several boutique Central Otago producers in one location.
• Wine Tours – Leave the driving to someone else with a half-day or full-day guided wine tour through Gibbston, Bannockburn and the wider Central Otago wine region.

Day Trips from Queenstown

• Arrowtown – Just 20 minutes away, this historic gold-mining village is perfect for cafés, boutique shopping, riverside walks and exploring its charming heritage streets.
• Glenorchy – The drive along Lake Wakatipu is an experience in itself. Allow time to explore Glenorchy, visit the famous red shed and continue towards Paradise for incredible alpine scenery.
• Milford Sound – One of New Zealand’s most spectacular destinations. Take a coach tour, self-drive or make it extra special with a scenic flight from Queenstown.
• Wānaka – Around an hour from Queenstown via the Crown Range. Enjoy the lakefront, cafés, walks and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Cromwell & Bannockburn – A great day out for wine lovers, with some of Central Otago’s best cellar doors, beautiful scenery and excellent food.
• Lake Hayes – An easy half-day outing. Walk or cycle the picturesque Lake Hayes Loop and combine it with lunch or wine tasting nearby.
• Moke Lake – A peaceful escape just outside Queenstown, ideal for a scenic walk, picnic or photography away from the busier tourist spots.