Top Things to do in Queenstown
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What to do and see in Queenstown, New Zealand: The Best Places and Tips
Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits—much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region's 75 wineries.
Restaurants in Queenstown
1. Lake Wakatipu
Overall Ratings
5 based on 482 reviews
Reviewed By Gordy838 - Leigh-on Sea, United Kingdom
We drove up to Glenorchy today as well as running jet bikes along some of the lake. It's just gorgeous from any angle or view, including gondolas and whatever the place is up the top with the Luge.
2. Ben Lomond Track
Overall Ratings
5 based on 578 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Joanna M - Christchurch, New Zealand
Cheeky climb but well worth the view, 360 degree of Queenstown and surrounding areas. Great on a clear day.
3. Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Sharon H - Las Vegas, Nevada
The road between Queenstown and Glenorchy hugs a beautiful lake surrounded by towering Mountains and is a beautiful drive in itself, but once in Glenorchy, you must search out Paradise Road and drive it to see the locations where Lord of the Rings was actually filmed. If you go all the way into Mt. Aspiring National Park, you will see the locations for Isengard and the Lothlorien Forest from the film--also locations for Amontten, Ithilien, Dunharrow, and the Misty Mountains. It helps if you have an SUV since the road is mostly gravel and, in places you will have to ford small streams, but the views are well worth it. You can pay to take guided tours to this region, but we didn't want to, so we did it on our own and it was wonderful. On the way back, before returning to Glenorchy via the Paradise Road, we visited Kinloch and had coffee in an old lodge that has been there since the 1860's gold rush era. It was a fabulous day!
4. Queenstown Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 151 reviews
The 120km+ Queenstown cycling and walking trail is a world-class experience. A bike ride, walk or cycling tour through the greater Queenstown area takes you along the spectacular shores of two iconic lakes and the banks of three famous South Island rivers. Discover historic Arrowtown, the vineyards of Gibbston and beautiful Lake Wakatipu - all at your own pace!
Reviewed By Heather B - Preston, United Kingdom
Fabulous cycling along the Queenstown Trails. Mainly gravel tracks so I would recommend electric bikes to ensure you get to see as much of the wonderful scenery around Queenstown as possible. We cycled from Queenstown to Lake Hayes then on to Arrowtown and then Gibston...MoreWow Heather you managed to go a long way and it would have been a spectacular day for it too! We are so glad you had a great day out on our trails - thanks for your helpful comments also. Thanks! Queentown Trails Trust :)
5. Queenstown Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By graeme54-11 - Stockport, United Kingdom
Walking up from the centre you are initially in a residential area but the Queenstown Hill track signs guide you on to a well managed track which ultimately takes you to magnificent views of Queenstown, the lake and the surrounding Mountains. We were lucky enough to walk up on a gloriously sunny day with completely blue sky so everything looked superb. The only down side is that the noise from helicopters and aircraft can be rather obtrusive - not a lot that can be done about that. Although steep in places, the paths are well maintained and can be managed by people of reasonable fitness levels. Tip - take the loop back as this includes the pine forest which is dark and offers a wonderful contrast with the more exposed areas above.
6. Queenstown Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
