Filed under: adventure, outdoor recreation, sports, top-feature
It’s an Adventure in Queenstown
Gorgeous, eh? That’s the view from the hills above Queenstown (map), New Zealand’s adventure capital that’s tucked far, far away in the south west corner of the country. From the hiking in summer to skiing in winter, Queenstown is popular and busy year round, and adventure seekers will find it hard to leave given the great food, unique atmosphere, and tons of options for things to do. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular adventure options, which are mostly available year-round.
Bungy Jump
Did you know the classic bungy (bungee) jump was invented right here in the heart of New Zealand? A. J. Hackett’s now worldwide adrenaline empire began with experiments here in Queenstown, and you can actually do a bungy jump from the first commercial jump site, Kawarau Bridge (map), which they say it’s one of the prettiest on the island. However, if you want scary, OMG hardcore jump, then you’ll want to head to Hackett’s Nevis arc (map), one of the highest in the world.
Hike (Summer) and Ski (Winter)
Hiking is another great option for adventure in New Zealand, and it’s a way for you to infuse some adventure into your trip without doing some insane adventure thing. A few of the trails I really liked:
- The Skyline Trail (starts at the Skyline gondola [map], although there are stairs – very steep stairs…!)
- The Moonlight Track
- Queenstown Gardens (map) – this is a very flat trail if you just want a stroll with great views and less exertion
In winter, the higher tracks turn from hike to ski. Ski season is mostly from early June through October (Queenstown has a lot of snow making facilities so there’s a good buffer against the seasons). A few of the popular ski areas:
- The Remarkables ([map] which have to be the most beautiful terrain in the world when snow capped )
- Coronet Peak ([map] so popular that at night they turn on the lights and you can keep going)
- Cardrona (map)
- Treble Cone (map)
If you’re coming to ski, speak to your accommodation provider, because locals often have agreements for discount coupons or know which ski shuttles will pick you up from their establishment.
Horseback Riding
Whether you love horseback riding, or if this is the first time you’ve ever been on a horse, Queenstown is the place to enjoy it. Here’s a list of all the providers — as you can see, there are plenty of choices. The reason I recommend it is because horseback is a great way to explore some of the Lord of the Rings backdrops (not all providers go here, but many do).
You don’t have to love the films to enjoy the film sets, because these places were selected for their natural beauty – some of the incredible “effects” in Lord of the Rings weren’t effects at all, but just New Zealand’s mother nature at work.
Jet Boats
The jet boat tour is one of the most popular because of the many providers that promote their services along the pier in the center of Queenstown. These boats have very specialized motors that use forced jet action instead of a rotating blade, which allows the boat to maneuver in extremely shallow water (so shallow that actually the boat can just power itself through sand and rocks!).
From the lake there are several tributaries that the boats go up and around and zip down at lightening speed. You are pretty much guaranteed to get wet, and you might even end up with a sore back/neck because these boats are not a joy ride – be prepared!
The Luge
Last but not least, The Luge is another popular spot in Queenstown to get some wind in your face and get the blood pumping. And it’s fun – who doesn’t to drive a little wagon-thingy (for lack of the proper term) downhill on a winding track with gorgeous views like you see above? I know it looks pretty scary but you have a lot of control on the Luge, so if you want something a little more exciting than a hike but less scary than bungy, this is a good option. Check it out – just off the top of the Skyline Gondola.
Getting There
Queenstown is pretty far off the main path, but because it is so popular with tourists, it is easy to get to. You pretty much have three options:
- Car: You can drive here, which is a recommendation for hikers and those who want to enjoy the many daytrips. Leave early though – it’s a 6 hour drive from Christchurch, and 10 hours from the ferry port at Picton.
- Air: Queenstown does have an airport.
- Bus: Nearly all bus services, such as Naked Bus (naked as in cheap fares, not a lack of clothing) and Intercity (regular, frequent bus service)
Yes, Queenstown is out there. But it is well worth making the trip. You won’t forget it.
Photo Credit: Trailsource.com
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