Perched between the jagged Remarkables and the cobalt waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is revered as the world’s adventure capital – but there’s way more to it than that.
Remove its roguish reputation for instilling the fear of God into those that dare, and Queenstown stands proudly as one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth. From billionaires to backpackers, there’s something for everyone here, from scenic adventures to the finest of dining and wineries that are out of this world…
EPICUREAN ADVENTURING
Queenstown’s culinary scene caters to all tastes. Iconic Fergburger remains a must-visit for hearty gourmet burgers, while next door Fergbaker offers pastries and sweet treats. More sweetness awaits at Buzzstop which showcases artisanal honey varieties including mānuka and wildflower, with tasting flights and honey-infused drinks – including gin. You can even try your hand at beekeeping!
New arrivals include The Bakehouse at Ayrburn, with bakery and cafe offerings like fresh pastries and wood-fired pizzas. At the marina, Fino Wine Bar is a melting pot of exceptional food, exquisite wine, and breathtaking views, while Amisfield, recently crowned Restaurant of the Year in New Zealand’s Good Food Awards, highlights regional cuisine with expertly paired vintages, continuing its global acclaim under Executive Chef Vaughan Mabee.
HIKE & BIKE
In the immediate vicinity, Queenstown Gardens and the lakeside trails offer easy access to gorgeous ground-level views while a ride on the Skyline Gondola rewards visitors with sweeping panoramas over the lake and surrounding mountains from Bob’s Peak. For hikers, the Ben Lomond summit track provides a challenging day-long trek with unrivalled alpine vistas.
The scenic options for cyclists are equally limitless thanks to the likes of the recently opened Wharehuanui Trail, a half-day ride that connects Millbrook Resort to Arrowtown, or the all-new 6km Shotover Gorge Trail which passes through the historic, 108m Hugo Tunnel and crosses the Kimi-ākau Bridge spanning the gorge at Tucker Beach.
AFTER DARK
Positioned in the town’s Upper Village, the “hottest hospitality experience”, Queenstown Ice Bar, is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner tipple, après ski cocktail, or late-night drinks. Modelled – literally – after a Scandinavian-inspired cocktail lounge, it boasts 25 tonnes of hand-carved, glass-like ice architecture including some beautiful artworks, and even the bar, tables, and chairs are made from ice.
In nearby Arrowtown, Tiny Room Concerts at Blue Door offer intimate, one-hour shows blending narrative and music. Each themed performance showcases local talent, with original stories built around songs. Unique, creative, and community-driven, these concerts provide a rare, close-up experience of Arrowtown’s brightest musicians in a truly special setting.
THRILLS, SPILLS & CHILLS
Queenstown remains synonymous with high-octane activities. Bungy jumps at Kawarau Bridge and the Nevis Swing are the classics, while Shotover Jet and KJet provide high-speed river rides with plenty of spins and spectacular photography stops. Winter transforms Coronet Peak and the Remarkables into skiing and snowboarding destinations suitable for all levels, with the season generally stretching into early October.
Alternative ways to explore the dramatic landscape include canyoning, ziplining, and paragliding over Lake Wakatipu, as well as scenic helicopter flights and guided rock climbing.
When you’re done with the adrenaline rushes, consider the Onsen Hot Pools, where you can take in the Southern Alps and Shotover River from the steaming comfort of a private cedar tub.
VINEYARDS & VIEWS
Central Otago vineyards provide both scenery and indulgence. Altitude Tours ferry visitors through photogenic landscapes laced with vines, with options including lunch at Kinross, and a call-in at Gibbston Valley, home to New Zealand’s largest wine cave with hundreds of French oak barrels, all lit by candles.
Other vineyards well worth visiting include the small, family-owned Chard Farm whose terraces are perched above the Kawarau River, and Peregrine Wines, another family-owned producer, that’s an organically certified estate also renowned for their conservation of native birds.
