Active Pursuits
Queenstown offers an astounding number of outdoor tours, sports, and adventure activities, some of which can only be experienced here. What follows is a look at the top purveyors of Queenstown activities that get you outdoors, and get your heart pumping.
Cycling
Whether you’re after mountain biking or calm recreation cycling, you’ll find something to suit you in Queenstown. For guided tours of the Queenstown Lakes region—including out to the vineyards—contact Ride to the Sky (tel. 021/295-4626), which offers e-biking tours starting from NZ$175. More adventurous riders with experience can also hire mountain bikes for self-guided adventures on the nearby trails. Better by Bike in Arrowtown (tel. 0800/245-378) also offers rentals (ranging from mountain bikes to e-bikes), family-friendly add-ons like tow-behind kids’ seats, and shuttle services. My pick for the best bike trail near Queenstown is the 55km (34 mile) Lake Dunstan Trail that runs between Cromwell and Clyde, skirting along the edges of the lake. One of NZ’s Great Rides, this trail has incredible views of Lake Dunstan’s blue waters, but will also challenge your technical skills, as it’s a grade 3 trail in spots. (I wouldn’t recommend it to those with a fear of heights or to small children.) My other top bit of advice? You don’t need to be a hero on your holiday. Rent an e-bike and you’ll enjoy this one so much more. Trail Journeys in Clyde (tel. 03/449-2150) will kit you out with everything you needs, from e-bike rentals, to helmets, maps, a shuttle to the start of the track for NZ$174. If you’re on an e-bike, it should take you about four hours to complete.
Mountain biking near Queenstown.
Canyoning
Careen down waterfalls! Canyoning is popular in mountain region throughout NZ, with participants in this extreme sport making their way through river canyons: rappelling, walking, climbing, jumping, and swimming. Canyoning New Zealand (tel. 03/428-0071) and Canyon Explorers (tel. 03/441-3003) both operate half-day trips from Queenstown that are suitable for beginners, starting from about NZ$219. Be prepared to get wet.
Funyaking
Sitting in an inflatable canoe and floating downstream at 8kmph (5 mph), enjoying the scenery, is my idea of a sensible adventure. With Funyaks (tel] 03/442-9992;) you’ll jet-boat up the Dart River for 75 minutes, then paddle back down to Glenorchy in stable inflatable canoes. No need for daredevil confidence—it’s a family trip guaranteed to please everyone. The price—NZ$399 for adults, NZ$305 for children ages 3 to 15—includes transport, guides, and lunch.
Fishing
The visitor center can advise you on several recognized trout-fishing operators with prices ranging from NZ$85 per hour to NZ$800 or more for a full-day excursion. Father-son duo Trevor and Simon of Queenstown Fishing (tel. 021/904-462) offer shared charters starting from NZ$225 for two hours.
Golf
The ultimate in Queenstown golf is Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown (tel. 0800/800-604 in NZ, or 03/441-7010), where you’ll pay NZ$125 for 18 holes on the par-72, Bob Charles–designed course. Carts, equipment, instruction, and a free shuttle from Queenstown are available. Set on a peninsula with its own private wharf, the 18-hole Queenstown Golf Club in Kelvin Heights (tel. 03/442-9169), is a full-service course with NZ$110 to NZ$150 greens fees (depending on the season).
Bungee jumping in Queenstown.
Human Catapulting and Bungee Jumping
Brought to you by the team at AJ Hackett Bungy, the Nevis Catapult (tel. 800/286-4958) propels daredevils 150 metres out across the Nevis Valley, reaching speeds that exert of to 3Gs of force on the body. It costs NZ$230. But, if you’d prefer to drag a friend into your bad ideas, may we suggest the Nevis Swing? This tandem swing is kind of like a seated bungee jump. In total, you’ll complete a 300m arch over the valley. It costs NZ$245.
Queenstown also has three bungy-jumping sites: Kawarau Bridge, at 43m (140 ft.) high, was the world’s first commercial bungy operation, and the only spot where you can touch the water. The Nevis Bungy is the highest bungy site in NZ at 134m (440 ft.). The Ledge Bungy, reached from the Skyline Gondola, has awe-inspiring views. A.J. Hackett Bungy (see above) operates them all, with jumps from NZ$210 to NZ$290.
Jetboating
Experience extreme G-Force in a jet sprint boat. Jetboating, an NZ invention, can now be done on braided rivers across the country. But the Shotover River is the spot where commercial jetboating was created in 1958. The Shotover Jet (pictured above; tel. 03/442-8570) offers incredibly sightseeing on the Shotover River’s unreal blue waters—but if you’ve already been on a jetboat, you might find its spins a bit sedate. One level up, thrillwise: the jet sprint boat. The custom-built four-seat boats at the Oxbow Adventure Co., 2696 Gibbston Hwy. (tel. 09/307-6353) can accelerate from 0 to 100km/hr (60 miles/hour) in just 2.5 seconds, and they do spins that put the same amount of pressure on your body as you would experience in a stunt jet plane. Rides are short, but guaranteed to get your blood pumping. Oxbow’s boats operate on a pond—which makes it a good option for when river levels are too high for the jet boats to run.
Or you can make like a shark. This is probably one of the stranger Queenstown activities: Hydro Attack (tel. 027/477-9074) is the world’s only commercial operator of semi-submersible boats (painted like sharks) that can dive under the water at speeds of 40km/h, before diving out again. Fifteen-minute rides are NZ$155.
The Skyline luge track.
Luging (Hand Controlled)
Yet another invented-in-NZ activity, you can file the luge carts at Skyline (tel. 03/441-0101) under family-friendly adventure. You’ll zoom down the hill and around twists, controlling your speed by pumping the handles up and down. Once isn’t enough, so you’ll want to purchase the gondola plus two-ride combo pass: NZ$71 adults, NZ$49 ages 6 to 14, and NZ$149 for a family of four. Kids tend to enjoy this one more than adults.
River Surfing & Whitewater Rafting
Swim through whitewater rapids! The grade 3 to 5 rapids of the Shotover River are a mecca for the country’s whitewater rafters, with Challenge Rafting (tel. 03/442-7318) showing you the ropes on its half-day tours (from NZ$219). But for something truly unusual, try river surfing or river sledging. These activites fully submerge participants in the rapids (in a wet suit, of course), with a bodyboard to keep them afloat and allow them to surf the whitewater. Serious Fun Riverboarding (tel. 027/467-6552) lives up to its name; its most popular excursion on the Kawarau River lasts for roughly 4.5 hours and costs NZ$255 adults, NZ$235 kids ages 8 to 17, and NZ$880 for a family of four.
Heliskiing in the Southern Alps near Queenstown.
Skiing
From late June to September, international skiers and boarders flock to Queenstown to enjoy the accessible slopes of Coronet Peak, the closest ski hill to Queenstown and its sister site the Remarkables, the wide open cruisy slopes at Cardrona with its 360-degree views at the top (www.cardrona.com); and the challenging downhills at Treble Cone near Wānaka.
Heli-skiing is hot in these mountain regions with plenty of thrills (and fresh powder). Harris Mountains Heliski (tel. 03/442-6722) and Glacier Southern Lakes Heliski (tel. 03/442-3016) are two recommended tour operators.
Walking
There are at least 10 walks of between one to eight hours in and around town. A reasonably testing walk is the two to three-hour uphill Queenstown Hill Track, which starts and finishes on Belfast Trace. There are also several excellent walks around Lake Wakatipu, including the easy Bob’s Cove Track and Nature Trail, which starts 14km (9 miles) from Queenstown on the road to Glenorchy. Guided Walks of New Zealand (tel. 0800/455-712 in NZ) specializes in hikes with an emphasis on nature interpretation. Half- and full-day options for a maximum of seven people cost from NZ$125 to NZ$455 per person. If you want to reach great heights, but lack the outdoor skills to do it on your own, head up the Skyline Gondola, which is the start of guided walks up to the Ben Lomond saddle (four hours for NZ$155 adults; NZ$155 children; NZ$450 families) or its summit at 1,748 meters (5,734 feet), which takes six hours (NZ$199 adults; NZ$139 children; NZ$575 families).
Ziplining
High at the top of the Skyline gondola, you’ll find Ziptrek Ecotours (tel. 0800/947-873 in NZ), a series of six ziplines that zoom high over the forest, including the world’s steepest zipline, which reaches speeds of 70km/high. Unfortunately, staff (very reasonably) don’t let you go that fast, but it’s still pretty fun—and a real rush for those who are afraid of heights. It costs NZ$199 for adults and NZ$159 for kids.
Cycling
Whether you’re after mountain biking or calm recreation cycling, you’ll find something to suit you in Queenstown. For guided tours of the Queenstown Lakes region—including out to the vineyards—contact Ride to the Sky (tel. 021/295-4626), which offers e-biking tours starting from NZ$175. More adventurous riders with experience can also hire mountain bikes for self-guided adventures on the nearby trails. Better by Bike in Arrowtown (tel. 0800/245-378) also offers rentals (ranging from mountain bikes to e-bikes), family-friendly add-ons like tow-behind kids’ seats, and shuttle services. My pick for the best bike trail near Queenstown is the 55km (34 mile) Lake Dunstan Trail that runs between Cromwell and Clyde, skirting along the edges of the lake. One of NZ’s Great Rides, this trail has incredible views of Lake Dunstan’s blue waters, but will also challenge your technical skills, as it’s a grade 3 trail in spots. (I wouldn’t recommend it to those with a fear of heights or to small children.) My other top bit of advice? You don’t need to be a hero on your holiday. Rent an e-bike and you’ll enjoy this one so much more. Trail Journeys in Clyde (tel. 03/449-2150) will kit you out with everything you needs, from e-bike rentals, to helmets, maps, a shuttle to the start of the track for NZ$174. If you’re on an e-bike, it should take you about four hours to complete.
Mountain biking near Queenstown.
Canyoning
Careen down waterfalls! Canyoning is popular in mountain region throughout NZ, with participants in this extreme sport making their way through river canyons: rappelling, walking, climbing, jumping, and swimming. Canyoning New Zealand (tel. 03/428-0071) and Canyon Explorers (tel. 03/441-3003) both operate half-day trips from Queenstown that are suitable for beginners, starting from about NZ$219. Be prepared to get wet.
Funyaking
Sitting in an inflatable canoe and floating downstream at 8kmph (5 mph), enjoying the scenery, is my idea of a sensible adventure. With Funyaks (tel] 03/442-9992;) you’ll jet-boat up the Dart River for 75 minutes, then paddle back down to Glenorchy in stable inflatable canoes. No need for daredevil confidence—it’s a family trip guaranteed to please everyone. The price—NZ$399 for adults, NZ$305 for children ages 3 to 15—includes transport, guides, and lunch.
Fishing
The visitor center can advise you on several recognized trout-fishing operators with prices ranging from NZ$85 per hour to NZ$800 or more for a full-day excursion. Father-son duo Trevor and Simon of Queenstown Fishing (tel. 021/904-462) offer shared charters starting from NZ$225 for two hours.
Golf
The ultimate in Queenstown golf is Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown (tel. 0800/800-604 in NZ, or 03/441-7010), where you’ll pay NZ$125 for 18 holes on the par-72, Bob Charles–designed course. Carts, equipment, instruction, and a free shuttle from Queenstown are available. Set on a peninsula with its own private wharf, the 18-hole Queenstown Golf Club in Kelvin Heights (tel. 03/442-9169), is a full-service course with NZ$110 to NZ$150 greens fees (depending on the season).
Bungee jumping in Queenstown.
Human Catapulting and Bungee Jumping
Brought to you by the team at AJ Hackett Bungy, the Nevis Catapult (tel. 800/286-4958) propels daredevils 150 metres out across the Nevis Valley, reaching speeds that exert of to 3Gs of force on the body. It costs NZ$230. But, if you’d prefer to drag a friend into your bad ideas, may we suggest the Nevis Swing? This tandem swing is kind of like a seated bungee jump. In total, you’ll complete a 300m arch over the valley. It costs NZ$245.
Queenstown also has three bungy-jumping sites: Kawarau Bridge, at 43m (140 ft.) high, was the world’s first commercial bungy operation, and the only spot where you can touch the water. The Nevis Bungy is the highest bungy site in NZ at 134m (440 ft.). The Ledge Bungy, reached from the Skyline Gondola, has awe-inspiring views. A.J. Hackett Bungy (see above) operates them all, with jumps from NZ$210 to NZ$290.
Jetboating
Experience extreme G-Force in a jet sprint boat. Jetboating, an NZ invention, can now be done on braided rivers across the country. But the Shotover River is the spot where commercial jetboating was created in 1958. The Shotover Jet (pictured above; tel. 03/442-8570) offers incredibly sightseeing on the Shotover River’s unreal blue waters—but if you’ve already been on a jetboat, you might find its spins a bit sedate. One level up, thrillwise: the jet sprint boat. The custom-built four-seat boats at the Oxbow Adventure Co., 2696 Gibbston Hwy. (tel. 09/307-6353) can accelerate from 0 to 100km/hr (60 miles/hour) in just 2.5 seconds, and they do spins that put the same amount of pressure on your body as you would experience in a stunt jet plane. Rides are short, but guaranteed to get your blood pumping. Oxbow’s boats operate on a pond—which makes it a good option for when river levels are too high for the jet boats to run.
Or you can make like a shark. This is probably one of the stranger Queenstown activities: Hydro Attack (tel. 027/477-9074) is the world’s only commercial operator of semi-submersible boats (painted like sharks) that can dive under the water at speeds of 40km/h, before diving out again. Fifteen-minute rides are NZ$155.
The Skyline luge track.
Luging (Hand Controlled)
Yet another invented-in-NZ activity, you can file the luge carts at Skyline (tel. 03/441-0101) under family-friendly adventure. You’ll zoom down the hill and around twists, controlling your speed by pumping the handles up and down. Once isn’t enough, so you’ll want to purchase the gondola plus two-ride combo pass: NZ$71 adults, NZ$49 ages 6 to 14, and NZ$149 for a family of four. Kids tend to enjoy this one more than adults.
River Surfing & Whitewater Rafting
Swim through whitewater rapids! The grade 3 to 5 rapids of the Shotover River are a mecca for the country’s whitewater rafters, with Challenge Rafting (tel. 03/442-7318) showing you the ropes on its half-day tours (from NZ$219). But for something truly unusual, try river surfing or river sledging. These activites fully submerge participants in the rapids (in a wet suit, of course), with a bodyboard to keep them afloat and allow them to surf the whitewater. Serious Fun Riverboarding (tel. 027/467-6552) lives up to its name; its most popular excursion on the Kawarau River lasts for roughly 4.5 hours and costs NZ$255 adults, NZ$235 kids ages 8 to 17, and NZ$880 for a family of four.
Heliskiing in the Southern Alps near Queenstown.
Skiing
From late June to September, international skiers and boarders flock to Queenstown to enjoy the accessible slopes of Coronet Peak, the closest ski hill to Queenstown and its sister site the Remarkables, the wide open cruisy slopes at Cardrona with its 360-degree views at the top (www.cardrona.com); and the challenging downhills at Treble Cone near Wānaka.
Heli-skiing is hot in these mountain regions with plenty of thrills (and fresh powder). Harris Mountains Heliski (tel. 03/442-6722) and Glacier Southern Lakes Heliski (tel. 03/442-3016) are two recommended tour operators.
Walking
There are at least 10 walks of between one to eight hours in and around town. A reasonably testing walk is the two to three-hour uphill Queenstown Hill Track, which starts and finishes on Belfast Trace. There are also several excellent walks around Lake Wakatipu, including the easy Bob’s Cove Track and Nature Trail, which starts 14km (9 miles) from Queenstown on the road to Glenorchy. Guided Walks of New Zealand (tel. 0800/455-712 in NZ) specializes in hikes with an emphasis on nature interpretation. Half- and full-day options for a maximum of seven people cost from NZ$125 to NZ$455 per person. If you want to reach great heights, but lack the outdoor skills to do it on your own, head up the Skyline Gondola, which is the start of guided walks up to the Ben Lomond saddle (four hours for NZ$155 adults; NZ$155 children; NZ$450 families) or its summit at 1,748 meters (5,734 feet), which takes six hours (NZ$199 adults; NZ$139 children; NZ$575 families).
Ziplining
High at the top of the Skyline gondola, you’ll find Ziptrek Ecotours (tel. 0800/947-873 in NZ), a series of six ziplines that zoom high over the forest, including the world’s steepest zipline, which reaches speeds of 70km/high. Unfortunately, staff (very reasonably) don’t let you go that fast, but it’s still pretty fun—and a real rush for those who are afraid of heights. It costs NZ$199 for adults and NZ$159 for kids.
