Queenstown

Queentown's latest Sightseeing, Tours and Events
Hotels and Accommodation in Queentown

Tourists to New Zealand are beginning to realise that they can find a small piece of heaven in the South Island of New Zealand.

The place is Queenstown, which in summer offers spectacular views and a huge range of adventure tours, while in winter it is a Mecca for the world's best skiers wanting to take advantage of pristine snow.

Queenstown is situated to the west of the southern city of Dunedin and is in an area known as the Southern Lakes District, where the glacial lakes of Wanaka, Te Anau, Whakatipu offer stunning alpine scenes.

Shotover River Triple Challenge

Calling all adrenaline junkies! Are you up for the Shotover triple challenge?

Experience Queenstown at its very best as you brace yourself for a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, helicopter over Skippers Canyon and white water rafting from Deep creek to Cascade rapid.

Guranteed to get the heart pumping, you're half day adventure tour includes all equipment and safety briefings.

Queenstown Nevis High Wire Bungy Jump

For many, this would have to be the ultimate challenge.

Make no mistake, the Nevis Highwire Bungy is not for the nervous - with a wild 134m (440 foot) drop, the river seems to rush towards you faster than you're rushing towards it!

With the Nevis Highwire Bungy, getting there is half the fun! The experience kicks off with a rugged 35 minute back-blocks 4x4 drive before you get harnessed up and board the shuttle, which ferries you to the Bungy Pod.

After arriving at the Bungy Pod you'll have time to come to grips with what you're about to do. Once off the edge it's simply a matter of basking in the glory of what you have achieved, as well as coming to grips with the 8½ seconds of freefall!

Original Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump

The ultimate Queenstown challenge is Bungy and go from nervous to completely elated in five seconds. 99% of clients say it's the best thing they have ever done.

If you've heard of Bungy, you've heard of Kawarau - home to the original 43-metre Bungy Jump. The world's first and most infamous of leaps is still going strong, with tens of thousands Bungying each year.

At the world's best-loved Bungy site, you can choose from a number of options; topple over backwards, forwards, with another person, spin or somersault.

Kawarau Bridge Bungy is also the only Bungy in Queenstown where you can choose to bob above the water, touch it, or be fully immersed.

Skydive Queenstown

It takes a certain kind of person to jump from an aircraft at 9000ft, 12000ft or 15000ft into thin air. It takes courage.

Harnessed by space age materials to an experienced qualified Jumpmaster, you step out that aircraft door and for some 60 seconds you plummet towards the ground at 200kph, terminal velocity.

The Jumpmaster will deploy the reinforced tandem canopy controlling your entire skydive.

Expect sensory overload as your mind, body and soul fight against every natural self preservatory urge. The personal challenge is immense. Immense, because the only thing preventing you from enjoying this, one of the most primal life shaping experiences, is your own mind.

In Queenstown your skydive drop zone and airstrip is located 20 minutes from central Queenstown in a rural tranquil environment. Queenstown is known as New Zealand's most scenic destination and as the "Adventure Capital of the World".

Your Cresco Turbine and Turbine Fletcher aircraft are specially designed for skydiving, these aircraft's reach high altitudes in comfort and safety.

9000ft - 30 seconds freefall. 12000ft - 45 seconds freefall. 15000ft - 65 seconds freefall.

Kawarau River White Water Rafting

Queenstown's Kawarau River is the largest volume river rafted commercially in the area, ideal for first-time rafters and adrenaline junkies alike.

Sit back enjoy the spectacular scenery as you paddle through the Kawarau River, which starred in the Lord of the Rings. Stretches of quiet water allow ample time to practice paddling techniques, look at the scenery or get caught up in a friendly water fight.

Four rapids -- Smiths Falls, Twin Bridges, Do Little Do Nothing, and of course, the unforgettable 400m Chinese Dog Leg, make this trip a great introduction to the thrills and adventure of white water rafting.

Queenstown Ledge Urban Bungy Jump

Run and jump 400m above Queenstown, New Zealand.

The Ledge Urban Bungy Jump offers a 'runway jump' taking Bungy Jumping to a new level in height and adrenaline rush. The runway is designed so that you run out of the Bungy Jump pod.

Combining this with the possibility of doing it all at night creates an extreme urban adventure guaranteed to take your breath away.

The Ledge Urban Bungy is like no other, in that it comes equipped with a 'runway' to launch you out 400m over Queenstown.

What makes this special is the Bungy harness which allows you to vary your Bungy Jump style; try a flip, twist, or numerous other options all purpose built to provide a different Bungy experience and maximum rush.

Not convinced? Try doing this all at night with the lights of Queenstown far below.

Shotover River White Water Rafting

Experience the exhilarating adrenaline pumping rapids of this infamous river. Begin with an unforgettable coach trip on the historic Skippers Road along old goldminers trails into Skippers Canyon, unparalleled in terms of scenery.

Raft from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, you will head toward the exhilarating rapids of the lower Canyon, experiencing the memorable rapids Rock Garden, Sharks Fin, Toilet, Pinball, Jaws, Sequel and the unforgettable 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel, followed closely by Cascade Rapid.

The Ledge: Queenstown's Sky Swing

And now for something completely different... remember the swing you had in your back yard? Well, the Ledge Urban Sky Swing takes that to a whole new level.

In fact a level 400m over Queenstown. Once harnessed you're lowered to the release 'station'. Let the thrill take over!

As you swing away the biggest surprise is not knowing when you'll change from fall to swing. Just as your brain convinces you the fall will never stop, you begin arching out 400m up. The nightlife in Queenstown is famous for being fast and furious, so we decided to do the same with the Sky Swing.

The Ledge Urban Sky Swing is the only swing operating at night. It might pay to leave dinner to afterwards if you know what we mean.

Queenstown Secrets of Bungy Jump Tour

If you've ever wanted to find out what happens behind the scenes of one of New Zealand's most iconic activities, you now can.

Queenstown's latest visitor attraction - Secrets of Bungy Tour is the latest. It's designed for those wishing to have fun and learn more about Bungy without their feet leaving the ground.

The "Secrets Behind Bungy Tour" is an exciting 45 minute interactive guided tour where you'll: Discover the origins and history of Bungy through in a fascinating cinematic adventure Be escorted through restricted areas to learn how a Bungy cord is made. Learn the 'secrets' behind Bungy. Have fun with the Bungy harness and members of your group. Gain exclusive access to parts of the Bungy viewing deck, getting up close and personal to Bungy Jumpers.

Dart River Jet Safari

If you love untouched natural wilderness - or are a Lord of the Rings fan - then this safari will be right up your alley. It includes a jetboat ride along the lower and upper reaches of the spectacular Dart River, a four-wheel drive through the alpine landscapes used during the LoTR series and a walk through ancient New Zealand forests.

You can see where the Elven wood of Lothlorien and the area where Isengard were set, and along the way feast your eyes sparkling waterfalls and spectacular snow-capped peaks.

The six-hour Dart River Jet Safari departs twice daily at 8:00am or 12:00 noon.

Costs are $US138 for adults, $US69 for children between 5 and 15. Children under 5 are free. (Those under two years old cannot join the tour.)

Discover Milford Sound

Travel through the World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park and enjoy a Milford Sound cruise on this full-day one-way trip departing Queenstown and concluding in Te Anau.

Depart Queenstown and travel by luxury coach along the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the rugged Remarkables mountain range on the road to Te Anau, the "Gateway to Fiordland".

After a brief morning tea break in Te Anau, enter the Fiordland National Park and prepare to be mesmerized by the grandeur of this region. As you pass through the Eglington Valley, you will see ancient alpine beech forest, stunning waterfalls, and the famous Mirror Lakes where the coach pauses for photo opportunities.

From here the tour progresses through the Upper Hollyford Valley, past the stunning Christie Falls and enters the 1.2 kilometer (0.75 miles) long Homer Tunnel, drilled through the solid rock of a mountain. As you exit the Homer Tunnel, prepare yourself for the breathtaking impact of the Cleddau Valley and the descent into Milford Sound.

In Milford Sound, you will take a spectacular Milford Sound Red Boat cruise on the majestic Milford Sound, where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier scarred rock walls that rise 1200 meters (3937 feet) vertically from the sea and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below.

After your cruise, reboard your coach for the return journey to Te Anau. Tour Highlights include: Eglinton Valley Mirror Lakes Upper Hollyford Valley / Monkey creek Homer Tunnel Cleddau Valley World Heritage Fiordland National Park Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise.

Central Otago Wine Tours

Experience the beauty of Central Otago, its fine wines, rich gold history and welcoming people.

Your journey takes you into the heart of region through the picturesque valleys and rolling vine-clad foothills of Bannockburn and beyond to taste some of New Zealand's finest wines.

Central Otago has become one of the world's premier cool climate wine regions. Wines of consistently high quality are produced in the region with Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay amongst some of the world's best. Visit four or five of Central Otago's premier vineyards on a small group.

A maximum of 10 people ensures a personalised and sociable tour.

On the Gourmet Tour, try a local cheese tasting, take a tour of New Zealand's largest underground wine cave and explore your senses at The Big Picture, the world's first visual and sensory wine experience.

Enjoy a delightful gourmet platter lunch on both tours, and when time permits, visit Old Cromwell Town. Admire the beautiful scenery, including Kawarau Gorge, Otago Goldfields, and Lake Dunstan.

Gourmet Sample Itinerary (7 hours): Gibbston Valley - Visit New Zealand's largest underground wine cave and wine tasting Kawarau Gorge - scenic drive Olssen's of Bannockburn - wine and local cheese tasting Felton Road or Mt Difficulty - wine tasting Walk around the historic precinct of Old Cromwell Lunch at the Big Picture followed by a virtual wine flight and wine tasting Chard Farm - wine tasting Optional seasonal visit to a local orchard market.

Boutique Sample Itinerary (5 hours): Peregrine Vineyard - wine tasting Carrick Winery - lunch and wine tasting Felton Road or Mt Difficulty Vineyard - wine tasting Chard Farm - wine tasting Visit to the historic precinct of Old Cromwell Town

Queenstown to Mt Cook and Christchurch

See the majestic beauty of the South Island on this one-way tour from Queenstown to Christchurch via the rugged landscape and scenic country surrounding Mount Cook.

Depart Queenstown and travel through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Otago. Cross the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country to visit Mount Cook Village at the base of New Zealand's highest mountain Aoraki (Mount Cook).

Here there is time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or skiplane flight with a snow landing (weather permitting).

Continue your journey with a stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo, before continuing to your destination of Christchurch.

Highlights: Kawarau River Gorge Lake Dunstan Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park Mount Cook Village Optional scenic flight (own expense) Lake Pukaki - stunning glacial-fed lake Famous Church of the Good Shepherd Canterbury Plains

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Tour

Be struck by the beautiful silence of Doubtful Sound as you cruise the crystal waters and take in the breathtaking scenery. J

ourney across Lake Manapouri, cross over the 670-meter high Wilmot Pass and enjoy a 3-hour catamaran cruise through pure serenity that is Doubtful Sound.

Hidden in the south-west corner of New Zealand's South Island, deep in the heart of the Fiordland National Park, lies Doubtful Sound.

Ten times larger than Milford Sound it is an unspoiled wilderness of many moods, one minute clear, blue and sun drenched, the next mysterious and mist shrouded.

A wild place of dense rainforest, rugged peaks, cascading waterfalls and deep still waters - quiet, serene and green!

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then enjoy a road trip over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland's densest rainforest and to view the colorful alpine moss gardens.

On reaching Deep Cove, you will board a spacious catamaran for a three hour cruise that takes in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. The skipper provides a detailed commentary and point out highlights.

Keep a look out for wildlife as bottlenose dolphins frequently come alongside the vessel, fur seals bask on the rocks around the fiord and rare penguins can at times be observed.

Discover Milford Sound and Fly Back

Experience the wonderful and breathtaking Milford Sound from the land, sea and sky on this full-day tour from Queenstown.

Depart Queenstown and travel by luxury coach along the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the rugged Remarkables mountain range on the road to Te Anau, the "Gateway to Fiordland".

After a brief morning tea break in Te Anau, enter the Fiordland National Park and prepare to be mesmerized by the grandeur of this region. Pass through the Eglington Valley and see ancient alpine beech forest, stunning waterfalls, and the famous Mirror Lakes.

The coach will pause here for photo opportunities. The tour then progresses through the Upper Hollyford Valley, past the stunning Christie Falls and enters the 1.2 kilometer (0.75 miles) long Homer Tunnel, drilled through the solid rock of a mountain. A

s you exit the Homer Tunnel, prepare yourself for the breathtaking impact of the Cleddau Valley and the descent into Milford Sound.

At Milford Sound, embark on a spectacular Milford Sound Red Boat cruise on the majestic fiord, where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier scarred rock walls that rise 1200m (3937 feet) vertically from the sea and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below.

After your cruise, join your light aircraft for a scenic flight from Milford Sound over the Southern Alps and back to Queenstown (weather permitting). The flight is internationally acclaimed as one of the most magnificent flights in the world, with spectacular views of the World Heritage status Fiordland National Park.

Experience panoramic views of fiords, mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes and the lush native rainforests before flying past the Sutherland Falls and over the McKinnon Pass.

Once in the air it takes only a short time to see why this region is so unique and unsurpassed by anything else.

Discover the sights of some of New Zealand's untouched country as your light plane soars up high and offers a birds eye view before landing in Queenstown, where you will be transferred to your Queenstown accommodation.

Walter Peak Sheep Station

Now this sounds like heaven. Take a steamboat across Lake Whakatipu to a colonial homestead at the Walter Peak High Country Sheep Station.

Be entertained along the way with some old-time songs around a piano and, if you feel like it, join in the fun yourself.

At the Colonel's Homestead you can indulge in home-made food and take a wander along the lake's shore. Visitors say the scenery is unbelievable!

Included in the journey to Walter Peak is a farmyard walking tour, viewing the livestock including sheep, highland cattle, deer and goats. You'll see sheep dogs in action and watch people demonstrating wool spinning.

Then its back on to the TSS Earnslaw and the return trip to Queenstown.