Lake Wakatipu
FREE
Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest and third-largest lake and comes from the original Māori word Whakatipu wai-māori. It is popular amongst locals and tourists for activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking along the lake’s shores. You can get amazing aerial views of the bay and surrounding areas if you go parasailing here.
Ben Lomond Hike
FREE
The Ben Lomond Track is popular among adventurers for the breathtaking views it offers over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the neighboring mountain ranges. However, the path is steep and it is best suited for healthy and active travelers. The summit is 5,735 ft and the weather can be very bipolar, so it is best to dress and prepare accordingly.
Mount Crichton Loop Track
FREE
The Mount Crichton Loop Track, situated near Queenstown, is a beautiful loop trail where you can hike, walk, and watch birds and nature. It is a 6 km moderate trail, and along the way, you can spot Sam Summers' Hut which provides accommodation to hikers and is accessible all year.
Queenstown Gardens
FREE
The Queenstown Gardens is located near the town of Queenstown, a perfect getaway from the city, within the city. This botanical garden provides facilities such as children's playground, tennis, lawn bowls, skateboarding, BMX biking, skating, Parkrun, disc golf, ice skating, and ice hockey. You can spot various exotic and native trees and plants here. There are also numerous trails in the garden from where you can catch glimpses of Lake Wakatipu, the Frankton Arm, Queenstown, and the surrounding mountains and nature.
Lake Hayes
FREE
Lake Hayes is a small lake in the Wakatipu Basin in Central Otago, located close to the towns of Arrowtown and Queenstown. It is also known as “mirror lake” since it intensifies the beauty of this place by mirroring the beautiful mountains and landscape surrounding this gem. Travelers can stroll, walk, run, or cycle around this lake while enjoying the magnificence of this place.
Queenstown Hill
FREE
Queenstown Hill, also known by its Māori name of Te Tapu-Nui, is a 2,976 ft mountain near Queenstown, popular among adventurers for The Time Walk. The Time Walk is a walk on Queenstown Hill that stamps the Millennium in the year 2000. It is a 2-3 hour hike that rewards travelers with incredible views of the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, parts of Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau river, and other popular landmarks. If you can make it all the way to the top, you will be able to see the famous 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture.
Arrowtown
FREE
Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in the Otago region, located on the banks of the Arrow River. It is home to multiple cafes, restaurants, and bars and you can also find cute boutiques to shop from. One of the main attractions you will want to see here is the Chinese settlement at the edge of the river.
The Remarkables
Remarkables Beginner Pack - 1 Day Adult for $214
The Remarkables is a mountain range and skifield located in Otago, only 15 miles east of central Queenstown. It is home to 47 ski and snowboard trails and three terrain parks so visitors have plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
Skippers Canyon
Skippers Canyon Price: 150 USD
Skippers Canyon, a popular spot for jet boating, bungee jumping, and cruises, is a historic and 22 kilometers long picturesque gorge that will make you want to spot and admire its beauty.
Nevis Valley
The cost to do the Nevis swing solo is $180 NZD per person
The cost for the Nevis catapult is $180 NZD per person
The cost to do bungy jumping is $220 NZD per person
Nevis Valley is popular among locals and tourists for its gold mining history. You can spread your blanket here and enjoy a picnic. The Nevis Valley attractions and activities include:
Four-wheel driving
Trail biking
Horse trekking
Bungy jumping
Historical sites
The Kawarau River
Bungee jumping costs around $143.50- $164 per adult
The Kawaru River is popular for activities such as riverboarding, jet boating, white water rafting, river surfing, and bungy jumping, and a must-visit for thrill-seekers. It is renowned for The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, located 43 meters above the river, which is famous for being the world's first commercial bungy jumping site.
Shotover River
Individual passes are sold for $119-$159 per adult
The Shotover River is 75 kilometers long and is one of the top picks among adventurers. The fast flowing current of this river makes it one of the top spots for water sports such as jet boating and white water rafting. The Shotover River is accessed by either vehicle or by helicopter to the remote rafting launch site in Skippers Canyon.
Bob’s Peak and Skyline Gondola
Skyline Gondolas start at $44 per adult.
If you want to get panoramic views of the town, lakes, and mountains, you definitely want to head to Bob’s Peak. There are two options to get there. One is to hike up the steep Tiki Trail or take the Skyline gondolas. Once there, you can enjoy adventure sports such as paragliding, hiking, and mountain biking along the trails.
