Queenstown: New Zealand's Adventure Capital
Queenstown invented the modern adventure tourism industry — bungee jumping was commercialised here in 1988. Four decades later, the menu of adrenaline activities is extraordinary, set against the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.
The Activities
Bungee Jumping: The Kawarau Gorge bridge (43m) was the world's first commercial bungee site and remains the most atmospheric. Nevis Bungy (134m, 8.5 seconds of freefall) is for those who want to go further. AJ Hackett operates both.
Skydiving: NZONE Skydive offers tandem jumps from 15,000ft with the Remarkables and lake in the landing approach. In clear weather, the view during freefall is extraordinary.
Jet Boating: Shotover Jet on the Shotover Canyon offers 360-degree spins through a gorge with centimetres of clearance on either side. It is genuinely exciting.
Whitewater Rafting: The Shotover River Grade IV-V rapids are among the best commercial rafting in the Southern Hemisphere.
Beyond Adrenaline
Lake Wakatipu is 84km long and navigated by the historic twin-screw steamer TSS Earnslaw (restored 1912). Cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm for an afternoon with working sheepdogs and farm animals.
The Ski Fields
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski areas are 20-30 minutes from town. New Zealand's season runs June-October. Queenstown in ski season is a party town — accommodation books out far in advance.
Where to Eat
Rata (chef Josh Emett) is Queenstown's finest restaurant. Fergburger remains the queue-worth institution it has always been — best at midnight.
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