The striking sights of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu are ever present throughout Queenstown. Whether you plan to hit the ski fields, immerse yourself in the city’s nightlife or explore the historic Arrowtown region, you’re sure to enjoy the backdrop that these two feats of nature provide.
The city centre is a vibrant tourist hub with a reputation for being a party-goers delight during peak season. With over 50 bars and numerous dining options, Queenstown has a fast-paced atmosphere that compliments the wealth of adventure sports in the region.
Once you’ve picked up your rental car from the convenient Queenstown Downtown location, here’s where you can get your action-packed adventure started.
Taking your vacation on the wild side
Queenstown isn’t known as ‘the adventure capital of the world’ for any old reason! The city is proud to be the location of the world’s first and longest running commercially licenced bungee jumping operation and delights in its reputation as a must-visit location for adrenaline-junkies the world over.
Backcountry skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps may not seem an adventure sport compared to bungee, but with the challenging slopes around Queenstown you might be surprised! Those same slopes are a treat for the thrill-seeker even if you miss the ski season, with Queenstown being home to some of the world’s most exciting and difficult downhill mountain biking courses as well.
For the thrill-seekers, Queenstown has a multitude of options for lovers of both land and sea:
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Jet boating in Skippers Canyon or Shotover River for panoramic views and a rush of exhilaration
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White water rafting in the Kawarau River to test your teamwork skills
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Self-guided jet ski tours
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Flyboarding to experience the sensation of flying across Lake Wakatipu
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Skydiving over the majestic Southern Alps for your daily dose of adrenaline
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Bungy jumping off the historic Kawarau Bridge; the world’s first commercial bungy jump location
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Ziplining on the highest flying-fox in the Southern Hemisphere
Don’t forget these other must-do experiences
Of course, we can’t all be fearless adventure tourists! For those of us who prefer to keep our feet firmly on the ground and take things at a more sedate pace, Queenstown is a truly beautiful city with countless sights and cultural experiences to enjoy.
Central Otago is certainly a fantastic place to start for anyone looking to enjoy the calmer side of Queenstown, as New Zealand’s fastest growing and most acclaimed wine region located just over an hour’s drive from the city centre. There’s nothing quite like enjoying your favourite drop to a backdrop of sprawling vineyards and stunning snow-capped mountains – we’re jealous of you already!
And if you didn’t get enough of that spectacular scenery in wine country, you may consider playing a few holes at Jack’s Point Golf Course, a championship par 72 course that winds its way through lush greenery, native tussock and stark rock outcrops located at the foot of Remarkables mountain range just an unbelievably short 20 minute drive from the CBD.
For those who are looking for activities that err on the tranquil side, Queenstown has plenty of activities to suit your adrenaline levels (and budget):
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Ride the Skyline Gondola up to the Skyline Luge track for incredible views and a fun ride for the whole family
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Embark on a Lord of the Rings tour to explore the landscapes used in the epic film series
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Take a short drive to the historic towns of Arrowtown and Wanaka for a taste of the 19th-century gold rush
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Embark on a bike tour along the Arrow River trail and visit the nearby wineries
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Go on a day trip to visit the incredible Milford Sound, a fiord that is one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations
With so much to see and do in this alpine town, hiring a car is the easiest way to ensure you tick off as much of your bucket list as you can. Hertz in Queenstown’s Downtown can be found at the heart of the city, conveniently located close to some of Queenstown’s top accommodation choices. Whether you’re driving to another one of New Zealand’s top destinations or you’re exploring the stunning terrain of this pocket of the South Island, renting a car will offer you the convenience of efficiently traveling from place to place.
