Queenstown: The Adventure Capital
Welcome to the adventure capital of the world! This small but exciting city has earned its nickname.
Let me start off by saying that I typically spend no more than two nights in popular cities, I find they're all pretty similar. But let me tell you, Queenstown exceeded all of my expectations. I ended up breaking my rule and extended my stay to five nights. I would suggest planning for three or more nights depending on how much you want to fit in.
Enjoy my Queenstown travel guide of places I loved and others I can't wait to try next time!
Queenstown at night
The best burger I’ve had
Grab a Bite at Fergburg
Anyone who has been to Queenstown is familiar with the iconic FergBurger, in the years since my visit I have gushed over how tasty their burgers are with many travellers. FergBurg has such an incredible reputation that it's hard to believe it could possibly live up to the hype, but I'm here to assure you it absolutely does! Something about that New Zealand minced beef just hits different.
The menu isn't limited to beef though, they also have vegetarian, chicken, fish, lamb, venison and pork options. Check out their menu.
If there's a line, don't let it deter you, the staff works hard to serve orders quickly and the wait is pretty reasonable. I loved it so much I visited twice.
Make sure you check out the other Ferg&co establishments too: FergBaker for breakfast, Mrs Ferg for a sweet treat and their newest addition Ferg's Bar for a drink!
Day Trip to Milford Sound
I suggest taking a full day to make the journey - the drive alone takes about 4 hours each way, and the roads are prone to rockslides so I would suggest going on an organized tour. Queenstown has tons of tour operators in the city centre offering trips so shop around and find which one works best for you!
The bus made a stop in Te Anu, our tour guide suggested stopping to grab minced pies at Miles Better Pies … if you have this opportunity, DO NOT pass it up. Easily one of the best meals of the trip.
Milford Sound is truly a place of beauty. You will spend about two hours on the boat seeing wildlife, waterfalls and enjoying the gorgeous fiords around you.
When I went, the weather was overcast, and I was worried it would ruin the experience. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Something about the misty mountains (LoTR reference anyone?) added so much to the incredible views.
Legend has it, the water is like a fountain of youth, making you appear ten years younger!
Milford Sound on a foggy day
Standing on the front of a boat being drenched by the rushing water of Stirling Falls is a moment I will never forget. As for the youthful benefits? I got IDed in Italy the other day, where the drinking age is 18… so you tell me!
Adrenaline Rush: Bungee and Canyon Swinging
If you ever plan on bungee jumping (or bungy as the kiwis spell it) you have to go in New Zealand. A.J. Hackett, an icon in the sport, is responsible for its commercialization. Creating the first commercial jump site, a short way out of Queenstown, he brought it to the masses. The man himself has jumped all over the world, including off of the Eiffel Tower (illegally) in 1987.
The original site at Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge is available for jumping, but for the real adventure seekers, the A.J. Hackett Nevis site is located just down the road. Nevis is the highest bungee in New Zealand at 134 m (439.5 ft) with an 8.5-second free fall.
To my great dismay, it was too windy for the bungee the day I was there (which apparently only happens about two times a year) so we jumped at the chance to try the canyon swing instead. All of the free-falling adrenaline without the headfirst swan dive!
When I visit New Zealand next, you can bet this will be one of my first stops so I can finally take the plunge!
Embrace Being a Tourist
Being a tourist town, of course there's a bunch of touristy gimmicks, and in true New Zealand fashion they were so much better than anything I'd experienced anywhere else.
Coming in at no. 1 by a landslide was Fear Factory. This haunted experience blew me away! They've had celebrities visit, like Ed Sheeran and Norman Reedus and it's no surprise, the staff puts on a show! It only costs 20NZD and takes about 15 minutes to go through. If you like the thrills, I cannot recommend it enough for a good laugh and a few screams!
If you, unlike me, are from somewhere that isn't snowy and freezing cold half of the year, you should check out one of the ice bars. The novelty of sitting in the cold with a cocktail was a little lost on me. The Minus 5° Ice Bar was where I went. They supply your coat and gloves in the cost of admission (about 30-45NZD depending on how many drinks you want included).
I also checked out Odyssey Sensory Maze and Smash It which are located in the same building. Both were a good time, but if you find yourself limited on time, these were the lowest on the cost-to-entertainment scale!
Bar Hopping Along the Water
So many amazing bars with different vibes and menus offering local wines and brews. I was always a red wine girl until I got my hands on a glass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc in New Zealand, and now anyone who knows me, knows Kim Crawford and I are the best of friends.
Here are a few of my favourite stops in the heart of Queenstown:
First stop, Pier for wine. November is the beginning of New Zealand summer, so we enjoyed a glass on the patio.
A few steps away is Pub on Wharf, this bar has live music 7 nights a week. We had a few beers here, enjoying the music and chatting with a lovely retired couple. They'd been visiting Queenstown for over 20 years and said that every time they come, they stop into this bar and always have a wonderful time.
Across the street is a restaurant with a small cocktail bar, Sardine. Popped in here for a quick negroni - one of my all-time favourite cocktails. The bar has a very polished and sleek vibe about it and they serve a great drink.
The bartender at Pub on Wharf suggested The Sundeck Rooftop Bar. It's just around the corner from Sardine and is a great place to wind down the evening. Grab your drink at the bar and seat yourself on one of the patio couches around a fireplace. A very trendy but laidback spot to cap off the night with a G&T.
Take in the views from Bob's Peak
Whether you choose to hike, bike or ride the steepest cable car in the southern hemisphere, summiting Bob's Peak is a must. The Gondola ride itself offers some views overlooking Queenstown, the lake, and the mountains in the background.
Once you're up there, you can fill up a few hours with fun activities, including mountain biking, a bite or beverage at the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, riding the Luge a couple times, hiking the trails, ziplining, or bungee jumping!
I took a few rides down the luge track (similar to the one in Calgary, Alberta) and had a blast speeding down the pavement. Then grabbed lunch and coffee with a gorgeous view, before heading back down to Queenstown's core.
Hoping to check off a few more peaks in New Zealand? Here are some of my favourite South Island Treks.
More to See:
• spend a few hours in Arrowtown
• hike Ben Lomond
• white water rafting
• walk along the water
• visit wineries
• skydiving
• skiing
• jet boating
Bob’s Peak Gondola
