Best of New Zealand: 7 Best Places to Visit in Queenstown, New Zealand
With its sprawling mountaintops, diverse ecosystem, and shining lakes, New Zealand is an adventurer's heaven-on-earth.
Many travelers stay in Queenstown on their visit, a beautiful city off the coast of Lake Wakatipu. There are many amazing sites to see and locations to visit in the area (as well as beautiful options for lodging) and it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to do for even experienced travelers.
Not sure what to do in Queenstown? Travel app giving you too many options? Well, worry not. I'm here to help you with that.
Here are seven of the best places to visit in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Lake Wakatipu
This one is pretty hard to miss.
Few sites hold a candle to the breathtaking beauty and size of Lake Wakatipu. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains reaching far into the horizon, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's longest lake as well as its third-largest.
What makes Lake Wakatipu especially unique is its "heartbeat". As if pumped by a heart, the waters rise and fall nearly 20cm every 27 minutes. Legend attributes this to a giant's heart at the bottom of the lake.
The legends and stories that come with Lake Wakatipu, coupled with the absolutely stunning scenery, makes this a must-visit spot in Queensland. Whether you choose to canoe the lake or just take a few photographs, you're sure to find peace looking out at the water.
Ben Lomond Hike
Queensland is filled with incredible hikes, and one of the most popular is the Ben Lomond Track. You'll need a whole day to experience this one, which reaches 1,483 m high at its peak, but you won't be disappointed you took the time.
The Ben Lomond Track is a year-round hike and offers mesmerizing views of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, and the surrounding mountains. On the hike you'll travel through forests of pine trees, shrub grounds, all the way to the alpine region. This really gives you a first-hand feel for the country's diverse ecosystems and rich beauty.
If you want to see the true diversity of Queenstown's landscape, don't miss out on a hike that is easily one of the best Queenstown activities. Just make sure you're well-packed for the day.
Bob's Peak
Taking a cable car up the mountain to Bob's Peak is an unforgettable experience. The only thing that might rival it? Taking the luge down.
The views around Bob's Peak are amazing, and the unique ways of getting up and down the mountain make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for even the most seasoned travelers. Unless you're afraid of heights, this one's a can't-miss, especially for those with a need for speed.
Queenstown Gardens
Need a break from hiking? The Queenstown Gardens are one of Queenstown's claims to fame. This sprawling botanical garden is home to many native and exotic trees and plants, as well as plenty of recreational facilities.
Whether you're looking to have a picnic among the peaceful nature or play a game of frisbee-golf, the Queenstown Gardens have something for every traveler looking for a relaxing day.
The Shotover Canyons
Journeying through the Shotover Canyons is an experience few get, but more should. The only way to traverse the canyons is by booking a jet boat, and if you can handle the speed (it reaches up to 90 km/h) this is an activity you won't want to overlook.
The Shotover Canyons have a rich history and offer views of the canyons that have remained virtually untouched for centuries. It's like experiencing what the indigenous peoples of the region did all those years ago by canoe, only faster.
Adding to the authenticity, the jet boat company has been owned and operated by members of the Māori people, whose ancestors originally made their homes around the canyon. For the bravest explorers, this is an unmissable attraction.
Coronet Peak
Where else in the world can you take a jetboat one day, and a ski trip the next? Coronet Peak is a massive ski hill in Queenstown and one of the most popular, with hills for all levels of skier. Open June through October, the peak offers an extended season over typical ski resorts.
Featuring beautiful views of the Wakatipu Basin, mouth-watering food, and even night skiing during certain times of the year, there are many unique things to do at Coronet Peak. Just make sure you've got your winter gear!
Fergburger
Fergburger has the sort of reputation that many other burger places only dream about. Frequently heralded as the best burger in the world let alone Queenstown, Fergburger is a staple for any food lover visiting Quenstown, New Zealand.
Their menu is extensive, with over 20 different types of burgers that look to satisfy even the pickiest of pallets. They've got lamb, they've got venison, they've got something called the Chief Wiggum... How could you go wrong?
Even better, the restaurant is open 24-hours per day, making it perfect for travelers getting off a long hike at the end of the day. Treat yourself to the finest burger in Queenstown, New Zealand. You deserve it.
Making the Best of New Zealand
There are so many things to do in Queenstown that unfortunately, it's hard to get through them all in one trip. Hopefully this list has helped you narrow down the best of New Zealand, and left you better prepared for your Queenstown adventure. No matter what you choose to do in Queenstown, it's hard not to have a life-changing experience.
For more travel tips and lists, including travel guides, visit my blog. You can also contact me with any questions and I would be glad to help however I can.
Happy Travels!
