QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere's premiere four season alpine and lake resort. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range, Queenstown is the perfect destination all year round.
Summer burns hot under blue skies before cool autumn morning's change the leaves to vivid reds and gentle golds. With crisp, clear days and acres of snow covered mountains, winter is a time for snow enthusiasts, before nature bursts into colourful life during spring.
The town follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu - a deep blue pool of pure mountain water. Framing the picture is The Remarkables range with its purple-brown peaks topped with snow. Swathes of green decorate the area between town and mountain top.
Queenstown was named because ‘...it was fit for Queen Victoria.’ Certainly it’s lived up to that expectation. Today it’s an exhilarating alpine resort, perfect for both adventurers and leisure seekers.
There are year-round action-packed thrills, such as jet boating, white water rafting and parapenting. Queenstown is also the world capital and home of bungy jumping. In winter, Queenstown turns into an alpine playground - skiers and snowboarders come from all over the world to join in the fun at the annual Winter Festival. On Lake Wakatipu, the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamer has been beautifully restored to its original condition and takes visitors on daily trips.
Keen golfers shouldn't miss out on an opportunity to play some of the most scenic courses in the world, at award-winning Millbrook Resort, Kelvin Heights, Arrowtown and Frankton. The area has great rainbow trout, brown trout and quinnat salmon fishing.
Wine tasting is fast becoming one of the more popular ways to see the greater Queenstown region. Join one of the wine tours to Gibbston Valley, Chard Farm or Peregrine Winery among a number of top class boutique wineries.
Don't miss historical Arrowtown with its quaint, tree-lined streets, miners’ cottages and shops preserved as they were during the 19th century gold rush era, just a 20 minute drive away.
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Activities on offer:
WATER BASED ACTIVITIES
- Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
TWIN PP
SINGLE
This journey begins with a cruise across Lake Manapouri and a journey through the dense rainforest of the Wilmot Pass. At Deep Cove, board the Fiordland Navigator for a leisurely cruise. The vessel overnights in one of many sheltered coves and there is plenty of time to explore with a nature guide in the glass-bottomed tender crafts & kayaks. Stay in a private cabin with ensuite, enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner and a hearty cooked breakfast. An experience highly recommended.
Departs: 8:30am - 3:30pm (day 2) - 31 hours
- Milford Sound Overnight Nature Cruise
TWIN PP
SINGLE
Upon arrival at Milford, board the Milford Mariner for a leisurely cruise the full length of Milford Sound. Return under sail and anchor overnight in Harrison Cove. An opportunity to sea-kayak or explore the shoreline from the tender vessels. Stay in a private cabin with en suite, enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner and a hearty cooked breakfast. Return to Queenstown by coach & marvel at the breathtaking scenery.
Departs: 8:30am - 3:30pm (day 2) - 31 hours
- Spectacular Milford Sound
SCENIC CRUISE PP
NATURE CRUISE PP
Travel by luxury, glass-roofed coach to Te Anau. On to the sound via the spectacular Milford Road. On arrival, board your chosen cruise and travel the full length of the Fiord to the Tasman Sea. Both cruises provide excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, sea life & wildlife.
Departs: 7am - 7:30pm - 12 1/2 hours
- Doubtful Sound Excursion
PRICE FROM PP
Travel by coach to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri. Cruise across this picturesque lake to West Arm, then travel by coach across Wilmot Pass. At Deep Cove, begin your 3 hour cruise of beautiful Doubtful Sound. This fiord is three times larger than Milford and ten times larger in surface area. It remains an area of unspoilt and remote wilderness.
Departs: 6:45am - 7:30pm - 12 3/4 hours
- World Famous Shotover Jet
PRICE FROM PP
There’s no mistaking the thrill and adrenalin rush of the Shotover Jet, which operates in the famous Shotover River Canyons. You’ll marvel at the speed, the action and manoeuvres of this spectacular ride. Over 1.8 million passengers can testify to the non-stop excitement of this exhilarating experience. Suitable for everyone.
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
- Original Dart River Safari
PRICE FROM PP
It’s more than a jetboat ride it’s a rare journey to the enchanted wilderness of a world-heritage area. Jetboat on crystal clear water amidst the towering peaks, glaciers and ancient forests of Mt Aspiring National Park. A short bush walk is also included. An experience to mesmerize the most seasoned travellers.
Departs: 8am and 12pm
Duration: 6 hours
- White Water River Rafting
PRICE SHOTOVER PP
PRICE KAWARAU PP
The ultimate thrill seeking experience! Choose from the mighty Kawarau or the famous Shotover Rivers, both graded 3-5. Paddle over peaceful waters & travel exhilarating rapids. You’ll be kitted out in top quality equipment and your licensed river guides will go through safety & paddle techniques. Not for the faint-hearted!
Departs: 8:30am and 1:30pm
Duration: 4.5 hours
- Shotover High Five
PRICE FROM PP
An exhilarating ride on the worlds most exciting jetboat is the start to this adventure. Next up into the sky by helicopter to the Skyline Gondola for stunning views of Queenstown and the Remarkable Mountains. Kiwi Magic, a crazy movie journey through New Zealand follows and the action finishes with a scenic luge and finally a gondola ride back down the mountain. Its all go!
Departs: 1:45pm
Duration: 3.5 hours
- Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Station
PRICE FROM PP
Cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Join in the farmyard walking tour or relax in the magnificent lakeside gardens. Farm & lunchtime BBQ.
Departs: 10am and 12pm
Duration: 3.5 hours
LAND BASED ACTIVITIES
- Walk the Hollyford Track, Milford Track or Routeburn Track.
- Golf at Millbrook Resort.
- Milford Encounter
ADULTS FROM PP
CHILDREN FROM PP
The Milford Track is well known as one of the best walking tracks in the world. If you have the time then the 5 day walk is your best option, but if you don't have 5 days then this 1 day taster is an excellent alternative. Set your own pace & the walk is well within the ability of a reasonably active person. Snacks & lunch provided.
Tours run late October to late April each year
Duration: 8am - 6pm - 10 hours
- Routeburn Encounter
ADULTS FROM PP
CHILDREN FROM PP
The Routeburn Valley has been described by Sir Edmund Hillary, conqueror of Mt Everest, as "one of the superb walking areas of the world". Professional guides accompany you on this leisurely 13kilometre (8 mile) trek and explain the history, geology and ecology of the ancient beech forests. Set your own pace & the walk is well within the ability of a reasonably active person. Snacks & lunch provided.
Tours run late October to late April each year
Duration: 8am - 6pm - 10 hours
- Boutique Wine Tour
PRICE FROM PP
A personalised & sociable tour visiting 4 wineries in the Gibbston Valley & Bannockburn. Enjoy a relaxing lunch in the quiet ambience of a delightful vineyard setting (included). Highlights include Kawarau Gorge, Otago Goldfields, Old Cromwell Town & Lake Dunstan.
Duration: 12pm - 5pm - 5 hours
- Gondola and Dinner
PRICE FROM PP
A scenic gondola cableway transports you to the top of Bob’s Peak, high above Queenstown, before enjoying a six course buffet dinner. You’ll enjoy this sumptuous meal whilst enjoying stunning panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu & The Remarkables.
Departs: 6pm
- Pamper Yourself
PRICE FROM PP
Relax & indulge in therapy for the body & soul at The Spa at Millbrook Resort, which has been exclusively designed to provide the finest health & beauty treatments. Price for this introductory package includes use of the fully equipped gymnasium, indoor pool, saunas, jacuzzis, hot pool, tennis courts, mountain bikes, 1 hour facial & 1/2 hour therapeutic massage. Ideal for men & women alike!
(transfers included if required)
- 4WD Skippers Canyon
PRICE FROM PP
The Skippers Road was hacked by hand through solid rock and clings to sheer cliff sides with breathtaking drops into the river gorge below. Cross the spectacular Skippers suspension bridge built in 1900 to the old township of Skippers. There is much to see and do on this exciting 4WD safari and you’ll also have the chance to pan for gold in the Shotover River.
Duration: 8:30am - 1:30pm - 4 hours