Monday, February 6, 2017

Top 10 Things To Do in Queenstown, NZ

Queenstown is one of the most visited places in New Zealand. It is a hive of tourist activity and it's no wonder the property prices in the Queensland Lakes District have increased 30% since 2016. If you visit the South Island, you should make it a point to visit Lake Wakatipu's centre of attraction.

Our most recent visit was in late Nov / early Dec 2016 so the pictures below aim to capture our experience, even if it's just a fraction of it.

Here is a Top 10 list of things you can do in Queenstown:

1 Gondola & Luge
(Brecon St) NZD 33 / adult for Gondola

Taking the Skyline Gondola will give you the most picturesque view of Queenstown and The Remarkables. 
The Skyline Luge is an accompanying experience not to be missed. There is a scenic Blue Track with gentle gradients and a Red Track for the more adventurous. I'd recommend to buy the Gondola + 2 Luge Ride combo for NZD 47. There is a counter to buy ad hoc tickets if you so choose.

2 Bungy
We will highlight two heart-attack inducing bungy jumps operated by AJ Hackett - You can take the very scenic 47m Ledge Bungy (NZD 195) once you take the Skyline Gondola up. Alternatively, there's the 43m Kawarau Bridge Bungy (NZD 195 / adult) that sits right over Kawarau River. 

3 Cruises
There are several cruises that operate around Lake Wakatipu. Their offices are all located at Queenstown Bay. 

a. Million Dollar Cruise
NZD 39 / adult for 1h30min
If you want a more personal experience, this is it. Betty runs the counter while Wayne runs the boat and onboard commentary. The cruise brings you to the more posh areas around Lake Wakatipu. There's a bar where you self serve through an honesty box.

b. TSS Earnslaw Steamship (Real Journeys)
NZD 59 / adult for 1h30min
You get to experience Lake Wakatipu on a 104 year old steamship. Enjoy food from the onboard Promenade Cafe.

4 Jetboats
For the adrenaline junkie, there are lots of activities. If you like speed on water, jetboats are the perfect solution. There's KJet (NZD 99 - 129) that plies the Kawarau Gorge and Shotover Jet (NZD $145) that runs though the gorgeous Shotover Canyons.

5 Skydiving
The ultimate for those who want to get a high. NzOne offers skydiving from heights ranging from 9000 feet (NZD 299) to 15000 feet (NZD 439). If you want to try something new and exciting, this has got to be it. #yolo

6 Fergburger 
(42 Shotover St)

If you want to try some real decent burgers, this is the place! The Fergburgers are real juicy and they do not disappoint. The only thing to note is the really long queues outside. The shot above was taken at noon. If you don't like to wait for a long time, just give them a call (64-3441-1232) at least 15 minutes in advance and wait on the left to collect your order. 

7 Arrowtown
Arrowtown is just a stone's throw away from Queenstown. If you want a break from all the activities, Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town with great cafes and restaurants. 

8 Beach at Queenstown Bay
(38 Marine Parade)
Summer ain't complete without beer, ducks and some jolly Maoris having a whale of a time.
This is a great place to just relax and watch the boats and ducks go by. 

You can rent kayaks, have a coffee / beer at The Bathhouse while the kids chilll at the playground. Not to be missed.

9 Beach St / Mall St
A good place to get a flurry of food & fashion selections to satisfy your shopping pangs after a good walk around the Queenstown CBD. There's a O'Connells Shopping Centre with a food court, sushi (Hikari Sushi), grills (Chico's Bar & Grill), fashion and even a cinema (Readings Cinema) in the vicinity.

10 Pak'nSave Queenstown 
(302 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton)

This is an absolutely new Pak'nSave supermart, just opened in Nov 2016! If you're staying in Queenstown for a while or even heading to Te Anau, we'd highly recommend you pop by to stock up on groceries. If you aren't familiar with Pak'nSave, it's a New Zealand owned supermarket that provides items at very decent prices. 

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