Queenstown is the kind of place that dares you to step outside your comfort zone. Known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, it’s packed with options for thrill seekers and sightseers alike. You can ski, hike, jet boat, raft, swing, and jump off just about anything. And yes, it’s practically mandatory to line up for the iconic Fergburger.
On our trip we went for the classics: skiing the Remarkables and Cardrona and ticking off the OG of bungee jumps at the Kawarau Bungy Centre.
I wasn’t brave enough to tackle the extreme Nevis jump or swing, but the original had its own reputation. At 43 metres, it’s set over the Kawarau River and the fact you’re above water feels like some form of safety net. That theory disappeared, though, when I was standing on the platform looking down.
Every part of my body was screaming not to do it.
Taking that step was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, pure instinct telling you to hold back. But once I was in the air it was all over quickly, bouncing up and down until I was finally lowered into the boat. Would I do it again? Absolutely not. I’ve done it once and that’s enough.
To keep the adrenaline flowing we tried something that turned out to be even scarier: the Fear Factory.
It’s an award-winning live-action haunted house experience that takes you through the dark hallways of the old Lockhart Hotel. Guided only by red lights, you never know what’s waiting for you in the shadows. It was part fright, part fun, and probably the most unexpected highlight of the trip.
But Queenstown isn’t just about pushing limits. It’s also the kind of place where you can slow down, wander the streets and just take in the scenery.
With a hire car you can easily explore Lord of the Rings filming locations scattered around the region. From the Remarkables doubling as the Misty Mountains to Twelve Mile Delta where the battle between the Rangers of Gondor and the men of Harad was shot, these spots are just a short drive away. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, the landscapes themselves are worth it, dramatic, cinematic and almost otherworldly.
That’s the beauty of Queenstown, a choose-your-own-adventure destination where you can spend as much or as little as you like.
Beyond the adrenaline and action, there are still moments of calm, like standing at the edge of Lake Wakatipu as the mountains cast their reflection across the water. It’s a view so striking it feels less like a landscape and more like a work of art.
If you’re looking for a holiday that’s not too far from Australia, easy on the budget, and packed with experiences for everyone, Queenstown should be at the top of your list.
