Top activities to do in Queenstown
Our guide to 10 days in Queenstown for adventuring and relaxing
Queenstown is one of our favourite places in NZ and is the location of a few of our developments, including the completed LQ Hotel Kawarau and our newest development – Lakecrest Queenstown.
If a lifestyle move, or new holiday home in the South Island’s Central Otago region sounds appealing to you, then read on.
Here are the top activities to do in Queenstown for ten days of adventuring, relaxing and a bit of both.
Adventure Days
Queenstown has long been known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and Kawarau river is none other than the birthplace of bungee.
So if adventure is on the cards, then it’s the place to be.
You can start with the classic adrenaline pumpers – bungee jumping and jet boating. If those aren’t your style, try getting your thrills with canyon swinging, ziplining, paragliding, skydiving or whitewater rafting.
From June to October you can opt for a chillier, less thrill-ier adventure, as Queenstown is close to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand. Creating a snowy backdrop to central Queenstown and our Kawarau apartment development are The Remarkables, only 40 minutes away. Coronet Peak is only 20 minutes drive and finally Cadrona is about 50 minutes. Shuttles go daily from Queenstown over the ski season and all ski fields offer varied terrain, so there is something for all abilities. The close proximity of these three ski fields makes the snow a perfect day trip adventure.
Photo credits: Queenstownnz.co.nz
Relax and Unwind Days
We could suggest walking around the town taking in the lake views from the gondola and Steamer Wharf but you’ll end up doing that at some point anyway.
Top of our list to relax in Queenstown has to be the Onsen hot pools. A recent favourite of travel bloggers and instagrammers, enjoy a tranquil soak and get a photo against the picturesque backdrop of the Shotover River. The pools are filled with water from the surrounding mountains and heated to a cosy 38.3 degrees. Simply divine!
As soon as you land, you can’t miss out on Franks Eatery and Pantry. The pantry opens early at 7am, perfect for a coffee pick me up and fresh out-of-the-oven pastry before your adventure begins.
The Cookie Time Cookie Bar is the perfect spot for a sweet treat for the kids, or for more savoury, family-friendly options try Ivy & Lolas.
Dinner options abound with fine dining at Botswana Butchery and Josh Emmett’s Rātā. Try Margo’s for fun mexican and of course there’s the infamous Fergburger if you’re happy to wait in line.
With Queenstown’s location in Central Otago we can’t forget the 75 wineries within 20 minutes of the town – a region known for its supreme Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Our favourites include Amisfield, Gibbston Valley, Peregrine and Mt Difficulty.
Photo credit: Onsen.co.nz
Photo credit: Ratadining.co.nz
A Bit of Both
If you’re not up for a bungee and want a bit more activity than relaxing at the spa then you’ll love that Queenstown is super close to other classically scenic towns that are great for a day trip – Wanaka, Arrowtown and Glenorchy.
Cycling and hiking are other popular pastimes in Queenstown, there 130km of trails beside Lake Wakatipu and an array of cycling tours available, including to the wineries.
There are plenty of other things to do in Queenstown that we haven’t mentioned here, which makes it one of the best holiday locations in the world.
For more holiday inspiration take a look at the endless options of intrepid through to relaxing activities over on queenstownnz.co.nz
If you think Queenstown might be the right investment for you then you may be interested in our latest luxury development – Lakecrest Queenstown Villas & Apartments.
And if you’re exploring other New Zealand locations for investment check out our Auckland living guides for Ellerslie and Parnell.
Photo credit: Queenstownnz.co.nz
About Safari Group
Safari Group has grown to become one of New Zealand’s leading family-owned and investor-focused, property development companies.
Hardworking and forward-thinking, Safari identifies and pursues development opportunities that meet or exceed a strict set of criteria, to deliver long-term value and uncompromising quality to their customers. Learn more at safarigroup.co.nz