Wanaka
Located 64 kilometers from Queenstown, Wanaka is a stunning lakeside town. From crystal-clear bodies of water to snowy mountains, you’ll enjoy breathtaking landscapes during the 1-hour and 30-minute drive. Wanaka is surrounded by the Southern Alps and its namesake lake.
At times, Wanaka can be quiet, especially during low tourist seasons, making it the perfect retreat from Queenstown’s adrenaline rush. Individuals and families in search of a laid-back, lakeside atmosphere will find many ideal activities here.
Historic Arrowtown
Those interested in gold mining history should visit Historic Arrowtown for a fascinating glimpse into its past. Located 21 km west of Queenstown, Arrowtown can be reached in 15 minutes by car. A superb Lake District Museum can be found in the town.
In autumn, trees and lush foliage change color in this delightful town situated between Queenstown and Wanaka.
You can rediscover the life of thousands of Chinese miners wandering along the banks of the Arrow River. The legacy of the miners lives on even after they are long gone. There are historical buildings lining the streets of this humble village.
Dining and shopping are found along the main street. As one of the South Island’s most iconic tourist destinations, Arrowtown is a preserved gold rush community with a rich heritage.
Lakes District Museum
Small museums like this one are often described as some of the best in New Zealand. In the heart of picturesque Historic Arrowtown, the museum is located north of Queenstown.
An interesting collection of artefacts, photos, and films tells the history of this beautiful Lakes District in the Lakes District Museum. In addition, it serves as Arrowtown’s post office and information center.
The museum houses 18th-century clothing and mining tools, among other items. In these, you can see the early life of the District as it was.
Visit the adjoining art gallery after touring the Lake District Museum to see both local and international exhibits.
The Catlins
On the South Island’s south coast, there is an area called Catlins. There is a chilly beach and a native forest in this rural area, as well as a rugged coastline full of wildlife. Catlins is an amazing south coast experience if you’re searching for a slower-paced taste of New Zealand. Around 3.5 hours are required to travel to the Catlins from Queenstown.
From Queenstown, you can take a day trip to Catlins National Park where you can see marine life flourishing in nutrient-rich waters. Aside from the amazing sea lions, you’ll also see yellow-eyed penguins, rare dolphins, albatrosses, petrels, and gannets.
Skippers Canyon
North of Queenstown, Skippers Canyon is about 30 minutes away. There is 22km in length in this historic canyon. Previously, Skippers Canyon was a bustling gold mining area and the first place where hydroelectricity was generated.
In New Zealand, the Shotover River, one of its richest gold-bearing rivers, carved out this scenic gorge.
You can reach the Canyon via Skippers Road, which is mainly one-way. New Zealand’s steepest and narrowest road, Skippers Road, is one of its most picturesque and precipitous. Skippers Canyon offers stunning scenery and thrilling gravel roads, so you’ll be able to enjoy the thrill of cliff-side driving.
Routeburn Track
Would you like to embark on an alpine adventure? A 45-minute drive from Queenstown brings you to this track that is considered one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. There is 32km of road on the Routeburn track as a whole.
As it travels through Mt. Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park, it overlaps with Fiordland National Park along the way. Hiking along the track is an option if you would like to extend your visit. In order to complete the entire track, you would need about two to three days.
From huge valleys to soaring mountains to towering cliffs and lakes, the Routeburn Track offers some of the best scenery in Australia. The track is equipped with four huts.
Alexandra
In the city of Alexandra, along with the Clutha River, you will find many attractions. It can be seen at the confluence of the Manuherikia River and is one of the most fascinating towns in the region.
The distance between Queenstown and Alexandra is over an hour. There are many orchards and vineyards in this underrated South Island gem, as well as a rich history of mining. A great place to enjoy some natural ice skating is the Lower Manorburn Dam if you are visiting Alexandra in winter.
This town is filled with apples, cherries, peaches, and apricots all year long in the summer and autumn.
Central Otago
A one-hour drive from Queenstown takes you to Central Otago, there is a reputation for hospitality in the town. Families, couples, and solo retreaters can enjoy a lot of leisurely activities around Central Otago within a day.
A leisure paradise awaits you in Central Otago. There are more than 80 prestigious wineries in the area, along with a rich history and exotic wildlife.
Milford Sound
Three hours and thirty minutes away from Queensland is Milford Sound, also known as Piopiotahi. The eight wonders of the world, Piopiotahi, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country.
You can see larger waterfalls than Niagara Falls in this fjord. I am so glad I made the 295-kilometre journey for this reason. The piopiotahi falls into Fiordland National Park, which is a relatively uninhabited area.
There is no doubt that the scenery here is breathtaking: the blue-green fjords, lush rainforest, and dramatic mountain ranges.
Enjoy a 450-metre ride up to Bob’s Peak aboard the Queenstown Gondola(which opens in a new window). The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu are aptly referred to as the Remarkables from the top of the mountain range.
Discover Skyline Queenstown
Zoom down the course of banked corners, tunnels and dippers on the Queenstown Luge (opens in new window). Market Kitchen Café and Stratosfare Restaurant are good places to eat if you’re hungry.
Take home some sweets at the Jelly Belly Store and check out their art gallery – yes, jelly bean art!
Cycle the Queenstown Trail
Several cafés and wineries are located along the 130km of cycling trails on the Queenstown Trail. In addition to its three lift-assisted mountain bike parks, Queenstown is also an excellent destination for mountain bikers.
Queenstown from above
There is no better way to enjoy the natural beauty of Queenstown than by taking a scenic flight. Take your holiday to another level by flying a light plane or helicopter and observing lush grasslands, tussocks, vast lakes, and snow-capped mountains.
You can also enjoy an alpine landing during a helicopter ride if they offer it. When the sun rises, try paragliding or an air balloon ride to experience a new day’s dawn.
The Queenstown Winter Experience
No matter what season of the year it is, Queenstown is the perfect destination, especially during the winter! A variety of après-ski offerings, snow-capped peaks and buzzing ski fields make Queenstown a great resort.
Remarkables Market
With its unique combination of local and regional delights, the Remarkables Market is different from other popular markets around the world. Fresh farm produce such as meat, cheese, and bread stand out here as well as handmade crafts such as candles.
Remarkables Park is the location of the market east of Queenstown. From 21st October through 14th April, the park is open every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm.
Romer Gallery
The Romer Gallery shows rarely-seen landscapes of Queenstown in Queenstown. An artistic cultural experience is what attracts travellers to the gallery.
To capture the beauty of the wilderness, they come to enjoy Stephan Romer’s stunning photography. He is an internationally acclaimed photographer who captures the stunning landscapes of New Zealand with a unique and distinctive approach.
