Queenstown

The Shotover and Kawarau rivers are top spots for white-water rafting, offering a bunch of challenging rapids and a backdrop of wild nature. Queenstown Rafting operates two daily expeditions on both rivers.

AJ Hackett operates four bungee jumping spots in Queenstown, ranging from the world´s home-place of bungee jumping, Kawarau Bridge Bungy, 43m (141ft.) high, to the Nevis Highwire Bungy, which, at 143m (440ft.), is one of the highest in the world.

Experience the thrills and spills of Jet Boating by speeding down the Shotover River, just a a few inches away from the rocky canyon walls. Shotover Jet has been providing adrenaline-boosting adventures since the 70’s, for more than three million brave souls.

Step off the edge of a cliff 109m / 360ft above the Shotover River on the world’s highest swing: the Shotover Canyon Swing. As they developed 10 different jump styles, there’s a level of thrill to suit everyone.

Test out your driving skills around the hairpin bends of the Skyline Luge as you hurtle on a gravity fueled vehicle. It operates from 9 am to dusk, and tickets are available from the Skyline Gondola terminals. Truly thrilling and with a stunning view across Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, this will be a ride you will not forget.

Take it easy and try something a little more leisurely by discovering Queenstown on one of the many boats that cross lazily Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown Fishing Charters offers a variety of cruise options, from fishing cruises to elegant functions.

Located in the heart of the hectic Queenstown, this wildlife sanctuary is an oasis of calm. Star attractions include the iconic kiwi bird and the tuatara, a unique 200-million-year-old reptile species which has a ‘third eye’ on the top of its head.

Queenstown is the perfect destination for ramblers, boasting excellent walking tracks that range from the tough Ben Lomond Summit Track to the more laid-back Frankton Arm Walkway along Lake Wakatipu’s shoreline, where you can hike and be surrounded by New Zeland´s unspoiled nature.

Guided Walks New Zealand:

Skyline Queenstown is an adventure for the whole family that is located only five minutes from the city centre. It is reached by Gondola cable-way that ends with a sweeping view of the city-centre and Lake Wakatipu, a restaurant, a playground for kids and the opportunity to bungee jump.

Located on a small peninsula on the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu´s, Queenstown gardens is a focal point for visitors who appreciate the opportunity to relax in a well-kept garden with magnificent lake and mountain views. The garden is a perfect picnic spot and is easily to reach due to the proximity to the city centre.

You do not have to be a professional golfer to go to Jacks Point and enjoy the surroundings or the impeccable service at the clubhouse. It is an 18 holes par 72 championship course that offers its golfers both a challenge and an unforgettable experience.

Despite being located close to Queenstown, Moke Lake offers its visitors a respite from the city noise and endless outdoor options. You can follow the track around it, go for horseback riding, fishing, kayaking or cycling.

Queenstown Mini-Golf offers entertainment for kids and families, providing a course equipped with 18 themed holes that can be booked for parties. Take a break from extreme sport activities and pop in for a round.

Coronet Peak is the most popular skiing area in South New Zealand, and it is located only a 20 minutes drive away from the city. The view up the mountain makes you feel on top of the world, and the dramatic slopes are provided with tracks for snow lovers of any ability.

This is not just another ordinary ice-skating experience. This ice arena, situated in Queenstown Gardens, is equipped with a LED lights system, ice sleds, and hockey gears for the more competitive ones, offering activities for all ages.

If you feel the urge of escaping the city for a day trip, you can venture to Arrowtown, a former gold-rush town located 25 minutes from Queenstown. Nowadays, this picturesque town is home to a number of delightful heritage buildings as well as inviting cafés, restaurants, boutiques and galleries.

The Public Kitchen and Bar offers local cuisine and boasts a superb waterfront location. On the menu, you can find dishes such as grilled marinated skirt steak, burgers, and salmon with fried capers, as well as a vast selection of drinks.

Winnies is a popular pizzeria that severs up delicious gourmet pizzas as well as tasty offerings from an à la carte menu. Its rustic interior features cosy booths, comfy sofas, a warm fire place and a sun drenched balcony, and hosts DJs and live music regularly, transforming the area in a dance-floor.

Boasting panoramic views of Queenstown skyline, Stratosfare is as much an experience as a delicious meal. Alongside the views, its ample selection of New Zealander delicacies compete for attention, offering a fine-dining experience of exceptional value.

Captains Restaurant is one of the best dining experiences in Queenstown, and it is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner, as well as for breakfast or lunch. This elegant restaurant is provided with a varied menu where seafood and ribs come highly recommended.

Fergburger has a reputation of serving the best burgers in town and it certainly live up to the hype. The restaurant has become an institution in town by serving beef, lamb or deer burgers, as well as vegetarian options.

Jervois Steak House is where to go to for a great selection of meat in all forms. Try their signature Prime Rib from a 150-day grain fed Black Angus, patiently roasted and prepared to perfection, or sample some "coq au vin" chicken. You won´t find yourself short of options.

The Spice Room is just what it sounds like, delicious Indian food wrapped up in flavourful spices. If you like curries, basmati rice or biryani, you will definitely enjoy your dinner here and find it an excellent value for money.

Rata serves European-inspired contemporary cuisine. The menu might be a bit pricey but give it a chance and you will find it worth your time. The food is beautifully decorated and it comes along with a fine wine selection and an outstanding service.

Farelli's Trattoria is a picturesque Italian restaurant with Vespa themed interiors, and some traditional specialties that will take you away to Italy. The dishes are made of the freshest seasonal ingredients, cooked to perfection by experienced chefs.

Botswana Butchery offers an amazing lake view, soothing log fires and a contemporary menu that features both dinner and lunch options. This little cottage is a popular dining place in Queenstown and it is recommended to book in advance.

No.5 Church Lane is both a cocktail bar and an unsurpassed Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. It combines a great selection of entrees, main dishes and tasty bites including signature cocktails, selected champagne and wine.

With a history that, as the name reminds, dates back to the 1876, this restaurant is a landmark in Queenstown. It has a quaint, intimate outdoor seating area and serves great-quality pub food with options of seafood and New Zealand flavours. 1876 livens up at night, hosting DJs or live music on a regular basis.

Situated in the central Queenstown, Tanoshi is a teppan and sake bar who offers a fun and intimate dining experience. Besides serving traditional Japanese cuisine from the teppan grill the menu also have contemporary interpretations of Japanese classics including dishes like grilled scallops with wasbi mayo, crispy fried pork with smoked sauce and grilled potato cheese crepe. Sake, whiskey and Japanese cocktail are all on the menu too.

Craving for some Mexican food? Then head over to this food track called Taco Medic where all tacos are made with fresh, daily-pressed corn masa tortillas and are gluten-free. The tacos are filled with the freshest local seasonal produce and with fresh fish or quality meats. There are a few covered benches where you can enjoy your mouth-watering meal while mingling with the locals.

Joe´s Garage is an American-style minimalist cafe with a buzzing atmosphere and a welcoming ambiance. This fashionable cafe serves strong espressos along with delicious buns, paninis and mouth-watering burgers.

Tucked in the back of Queenstown’s oldest house, this tiny cafe and design store offers a unique mix of history, contemporary design and traditional New Zeland art, showcasing unique gift ideas and pieces of art, as well as serving quality coffee.

A vibrant breakfast spot located in the bustling heart of the city, Vudu is a well-established meeting point in Queenstown. The cafe is a favourite among both locals and tourists alike, gaining popularity thanks to its locally roasted coffee beans and a huge cabinet of cakes and pastries.

Chocolates Patagonia is the ideal breakfast destination for a kick-start of the day. Serving delicious coffee, mouth-watering churros, smooth ice-cream and a hot chocolate that is to die for, this cafeteria in the city-centre will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Pop inside this coffee shop with a fantastic reputation for serving fresh, tasty eats and arguably one of the best coffees in the Wakatipu. With mouth-watering options for breakfast and lunch including local wines, craft beers and locally roasted Octane coffee, you will for sure find something that will suit your taste.

Not only serving excellent coffee but also offers a large range of breakfast, lunch and dinner meals that are available at any time of the day. With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, you can just relax and catch up with friends either inside or outside.

At this modern and unique cafe, you can enjoy flavours and tastes from around the world from the multiple food stations. Everything from pizzas, curries to ice cream and crepes are served here. If you are craving for something sweet than dig in on the freshly made pastries, muffins, scones and cakes that are all made onsite by the knowledgeable pastry chefs.

With a large selection of fresh baking and cabinet food including breakfast, brunch and lunch menu, you will for sure find what you are looking for. Everything from coffee to cold press juice, salads, raw slices salads and homemade pies are offered on the menu. If the weather permits, enjoy your food in the courtyard with panoramic views over the Coronet peak and the Remarkables.

Set in the original farm stables, The Hole in One cafe is a great place where to relax after a day's sightseeing while enjoying some delicious muffins, cakes or pastries, which are all freshly baked onsite. With an extensive casual cafe-dining menu, they also cater food for the hungry guests.

When in Queenstown and if you are looking for health food then this is the place to head for. Rehab serves natural food cooked with local, seasonal produce including delicious smoothies that will detox your body. Just pop in, have a relaxing time, and enjoy food that is good for you and the planet.

Conveniently located in Kawarau Village, The Lake Counter is a modern cafe/grocery and deli that provides a wide variety of snacks and light meals as well as hot and cold beverages. Kick back, relax and grab yourself a perfect made espresso while watching the boats come in.

This hidden gem boasts a sunny sheltered terrace overlooking the Shotover River with never-ending views of Central Otago’s striking mountain ranges. At this fully licensed cafe, with an additional wine and food store you can get organic coffee, delicious cabinet food made in-house and an all-day menu.

Bardeaux is an upmarket bar with an extensive wine and cocktail list that is probably more New York than New Zealand. Its warm open fire makes it a popular winter night-time retreat which is normally open until 4 in the morning.

A stylish cocktail bar with a huge open fire and comfy couches, Bar Up is perfect for a romantic rendezvous or to catch up with friends. The bar is widely renowned for its great repertoire of cocktails as well as for a comprehensive assortment of fine wines and premium whiskies.

A long-time local favourite, the upscale Eichardt’s boasts a vibrant atmosphere by providing its guests with comfortable sofas, a stunning fireplace and an impeccable service. In addition, its waterfront location donates a suggestive view of lake Wakatipu.

Minus 5°, as the name suggests, is literally Queenstown’s coolest bar. Everything, from the walls to seats and the glass you sip from, is made of ice, offering an unforgettable, yet icy, experience. Warm clothes are provided by the staff.

Surreal is a restaurant that has both a dinner and lunch menu, where, after 10 pm, chairs, tables and couches are moved away, cocktails start flowing, and DJs start pumping out upbeat tunes, transforming the area into a happening dance-floor.

Located off the beaten path, the Bunker Bar is favoured by a late 20’s-to-40’s crowd who prefer their drinks to be shaken, not stirred. The atmosphere is created by sophisticated interiors and an attentive service, allowing guests to relax over quality craft cocktails.

A traditional English pub that attracts both tourists and locals alike, Pig And Whistle serves bangers and mash, pies or burgers, along with an ample selection of beers, wines and soft drinks. Live bands are hosted frequently, creating a lively atmosphere to mix and mingle.

One of Queenstown’s favourite premium bar with a bit of class, Barmuda is an ideal place for an early drink in the courtyard or a late night party and is definitely well worth finding. With an extensive cocktail menu and wine list, you will for sure find something that will suit your palate.

At the bottom of the Brecon St, you will find Harry's Pool Bar, home to seven pool tables, wide screen TVs, large open fire and a relaxing lounge area. From the menu you can order thin crust pizza as well as classics beers, wines and spirits. A great place to hang out with friends or why not mingle with the locals?

A popular entertainment destination, SKYCITY Queenstown Casino is not only for gambling, but also offers free live entertainment and an onsite bar and restaurant. With table games, including blackjack, roulette, midi baccarat and Caribbean stud poker, as well as 86 gaming machines; you will for sure spend some time here.

One of the best way to explore the vibrant nightlife in Queenstown is pub-crawling where you get the chance to party from bar to bar with a group of fun people. The staff are super friendly and free pizza and shots are included in the tour as well as discounted drinks.

Rhino's Ski Shack is Queenstown's Après Ski Bar that will transport you into the authentic European Après lifestyle but with a kiwi twist. With a tranquil atmosphere, this is a great place to unwind and socialize with friends whilst sipping on hot-mulled wine and eating hot pretzels.

Grab a pint and try something new at this craft beer house where the focus lies on creative beer and food flavours. Smiths are keen to offer beverages from brewers who go off the beaten path to create something new, so this is for sure a place for any craft beer enthusiast. They also have great wine selections including spirits to cater all preferences.

Relax in the casual and contemporary Stacks Pub in Kawarau Village, where you can relish delicious and great value for money cuisine or just pop in for a drink. With a rustic interior design and two outdoor terrace, one of which is covered, this pub is the perfect place to meet up with friends or watch a game on the big screen.

Situated on the water's edge in the heart of Queenstown, Little Blackwood seduces you with a pleasant cocktail menu, local beers and wines and if the hunger kicks in, cheese and meat boards as well as tapas style food are served. While you are enjoying your food and drink be amazed over the million-dollar view over Lake Wakatipu from the heated outdoor deck.

O'Connells Shopping Centre is the place where to be headed for an afternoon of pure shopping in the heart of Queenstown. You will find everything you may need, ranging from clothing, accessories, shoes, as well as local shops with the perfect gift ideas.

Bonz NZ offers leather, hand knit clothing and accessories. Stop by and purchase cosy sweaters, warm jackets and any similar piece of clothing that you might need during your stay in town. Bonz NZ is located at The Mall in Queenstown.

Visit DF Souvenirs for quality souvenirs for reasonable prices. The shop is renowned for its wide range of made-in-Sweden products such as knitwear, jewellery, manuka honey, bee venom and Lanolin Skincare and health products.

The elegance of Bendon Lingerie lays in its beautifully designed men and women underwear, and a varied selection of internationally renowned brands such as Heidi Klum Intimates or Stella McCartney Lingerie.

A paradise for lovers of sweets of all sort, The Remarkable Sweet Shop satisfies any cravings by producing original candies, mouth-watering nougat or delicious chocolate inspired by the Kiwi traditions in candy making, as well as the American, British and Australian ones.

Tucked in the back of Queenstown’s oldest house, this tiny design store with a cafe offers a unique mix of history, contemporary design and traditional New Zeland art, showcasing unique gift ideas and pieces of art, as well as serving quality coffee.

Conveniently located adjacent to the Queenstown Airport, this modern, picturesque outdoor retail area provides an enjoyable and relaxed shopping experience with a wide variety of local, national and international stores, including medical centre and pharmacy. When the hunger kicks in, do not worry, there are restaurants and cafes here too.

A fashion institution in Queenstown since 1997, Angel Divine is a high-end designer store that boost national and international fashion labels. With an extensive background in fashion design, the owner Natalie Newlands and her team are more than happy to help you to find that perfect outfit to bring back home.

If you still looking for that perfect gift to bring back home right before leaving Queenstown! Do not worry; head over to Kapa Design Gallery at Queenstown International Airport. The store is displaying work from a large number of New Zealand artists, everything from beautiful jewellery to ceramics, prints, textiles, glassware, woodware and other artwork.

If cookies are your thing then you really, don´t want to miss this fun store with delicious hot cookies and cookie-inspired products, cookie drinks and ice cream. If you want to bring some cookies home as a gift, they have merchandise and packaged cookies in milk cartons, buckets, boxes and heart shaped tins. The cookie crackle bombs with popping candy is something you should try when here or why not try the cookie ice cream...yummy!

Come and browse local crafts and gifts or have a go on the tasty selection of local produce. The mellow vibes, the outstanding mountain views and the wide range of stalls are some of the reasons why visitors, families, friends and neighbours are attracted to this small but yet so charming market.

If you are looking for shoes, then Issimo Shoes is the ultimate store to visit, they offer shoes from all over the world and Italy is the place where they mostly get their products. Here you will find men and women shoes as well as bags and accessories.

Goldfields is the perfect destination for jewellery lovers. Step in and pick out the perfect gift for your significant other, or allow yourself a fine piece of jewellery - the shop displays a vast selection of original rings, bracelets, necklaces or earrings.

Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is located 9 km (6 miles) northeast of the city centre in the lakeside settlement of Frankton, and it is easily accessible by bus and taxi.

Taxis,airport shuttles and buses are located outside the terminal building.

Ritchies Connectabus provides a service between the airport and city centre every 20 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
+64 3441 4471
www.connectabus.com

You can also opt for a shared transfer with Super Shuttle Queenstown, that offers a door-to-door service.
+64 3 442 3639
www.supershuttle.co.nz

Alternatively you can choose to book a taxi online at: www.queenstowntaxis.com

Car rental: www.avis.co.nz

All major activity and accommodation operators provide transport to and from the city centre but, to be more indipendent, you can chooce to hire a car from one of the many car rental companies that operate in town.

Hertz
+64 3 442 4106
www.hertz.com

Queenstown Car Rentals
+64 3 442 9220
www.queenstowncarrentals.co.nz

Omega rental cars:

Queenstown, the adventurers paradise, does not lack of off-road options. Vertigo Bikes offers a comprehensive range of mountain bikes to hire for half day, daily and multi day trips, perfect to explore Queenstown and its surrounding with a zero impact on the environment.

Queenstown’s CBD is small, compact and can be walked easily. The local bus service, Connectabus, provides transport to Fernhill, Frankton and Arrowtown with day passes available. Services run from 7 am to around 11 pm.

Numerous taxi companies operate throughout Queenstown, representing a perfect way to get around in town and start exploring the surroundings by visiting the neighboring cities and sights.

Queenstown Taxis
+64 3 450 3000
www.queenstowntaxis.com

Green Cabs
1 Shotover Street, Queenstown

Post offices in Queenstown are run by NZ Post, providing several services throughout town. The offices can be found easily thanks to their red sign on the outside, with New Zealand Post written on.

The main bus stop is located in downtown Queenstown, from where you will be able to buy stamps or mail letters.

Country Code: +64

Area Code: 03

240 Volts AC, 50Hz flat, 3 pronged plug used