Reasons to Visit Queenstown

Until you touch down, it’s hard to envision a place quite like Queenstown. The village is framed by dramatic snow-capped mountain ranges and nestled on the edge of an incredible glacially-fed lake.

As well as incredible beauty the region’s diversity lends itself to many activities, from vineyards and bicycle tours to adrenalin-filled adventures to incredible Queenstown accommodation, you’ll never be bored here.
But you came for facts. Here are our top reasons to visit Queenstown.
  1. Everything Is Picture-Perfect
From the dramatic alpine ranges of the Remarkables to the crystal-clear Lake Wakitipu to the quaint and historic Arrowtown - everything is beautiful. This makes for excellent holiday snaps, but more importantly, spectacular holiday experiences. 

  1. Food.
Queenstown is famous for dining. From the world renowned Ferg Burger or Gypsy Kitchen to finer dining options such as Jervois Steak House and Gantleys Restaurant there is something for everyone. In fact, many holiday makers plan their entire Queenstown Holiday around their meals – the dining is THAT impressive. 

  1. Adventure.
This reason to visit Queenstown is almost too big to be just one! Get a thrill in the air with stunts such as heli skiing, paragliding, Nevis swing, paraflights, skydiving, and zip trekking. Or you can take on a land adventure like mountain trekking, off road expeditions, and Game Over QT. With plenty of water to take advantage of try out river surfing, canyoning, challenge rafting or the Queenstown favourite - shotover jet boat rides! There is no shortage of fear-inducing events to get the blood pumping and appreciate the scenery in Queenstown. 

  1. Wineries.
Beautiful, rugged, undulating – this is wine country. Queenstown is the gateway to Central Otago which is home to over 200 wineries across 6 regions all of which are within 40 minutes of Queenstown. Some of our favourites include Gibbston Valley for it’s amazing wine tasting and unique underground cellar tours, Amisfield for it’s proximity to town (20 minutes) and specialty pinot nior, and Peregrine who have more accolades than the Remarkables have peaks! 

  1. Relaxation.
With a backdrop like Queenstown it’s hard to not feel relaxed when you look out the window. Of course there are plenty of other opportunities to enhance this relaxation experience in town. One of our favourite is the Onsen Hot Spas overlooking Coronet Peak and the Shot Over River. Body Sanctum Day Spa is the perfect place to unwind with a massage or other treatment of your choosing. While the Central Art Gallery is a beautiful amalgamation of creations waiting to be appreciated by those committed to appreciation and relaxation. 

  1. Family Friendly.
You may be thinking since you don’t want to take your 4 year old skydiving or on a winery tour Queenstown isn’t a family destination, hold tight and keep reading! One of our favourites for little ones is the Minus 5 Ice Bar, okay yes – it’s a bar, but it’s completely made from ice! Kids love drinking lemonade from their ice cups and marvelling at the sculptures. The luge is another popular choice, as is the ice skating arena, Lord of the Rings Tour, horse riding, Dark Ride interactive motion theatre, mini golf, vortex 12D motion theatre, escape quest, Kidz club Queenstown and of course, the Mall. 

  1. Golf
Being a popular holidaying destination, Queenstown is home to 7 golf courses! Over The Top Golf is a unique experience all golfers must indulge in. A short helicopter trip will have you 4500 feet high in the alps driving, chipping and putting with one of the most incredible views the town has to offer. Jack’s Point Golf Club is a 1200 hectare masterpiece on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. This championship course is also home to 35 kilometres of mountain biking trails and an incredible restaurant. The Hills Golf Club is absolutely drowning in awards as the host of the 2007 New Zealand open and the winner of many architectural accolades. While this is a private course, there are opportunities for visitors to score a round. 

  1. Accommodation
Completely surrounding by incredible scenery means that nearly all accommodation in Queenstown has an incredible view. For a luxurious escape our favourites include Peppers Beacon, Oaks Shores Queenstown and Mantra Marina all of which are nestled on Lake Wakatipu. For accommodation in the heart of town you cannot look past Crown Plaza Queenstown or Base Queenstown as both are walking distance to the famous dining and activities of the town.

Can’t wait to escape to Queenstown? Let us help you find the perfect accommodation to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand! Call your personal holiday consultant on 1300 886 779 or browse your Queenstown holiday now.

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Base Queenstown

Everything you could want is under one roof - your bed, your entertainment and your adventure all catered for by the friendliest team in town. Whether you're travelling alone or with a group, Base Queenstown pride themselves in ensuring each individual feels right at home.

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Maple Lodge Wanaka

Experience this 5-star B&B, located in the beautiful alpine resort of Lake Wanaka just 4km from the town centre.

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