Must-Do Activities in Queenstown, New Zealand

Note: All the photos in this post are taken in the fall. 

Queenstown, New Zealand is known as the adventure capital of the world. So when I got the chance to go to Queenstown for the second time, I made sure I filled my itinerary with heart stopping, adrenaline rush activities. But don't worry, not everything on this list is an adrenaline fix. Queenstown has great hiking spots, unique restaurants, and of course breathtaking scenery all year around. 

Here are 10 Unique Activities to do in Queenstown, New Zealand

1. Fergburger 

Who would think a burger joint would be such a popular attraction. Fergburger is open 7 days a week  from 8AM to 5AM (that's 21 hours a day!) and there's always have a line going out the door. So what makes this burger place so popular? Probably their innovated gourmet burgers. They don't just offer beef but also lamb, venison, chicken, and pork. I had a beef burger (Southern Swine) and my sister had a pork belly burger (Chief Wiggum). Both were so tender and not greasy at all-- like some other burger joints. They also have great mulled wine!

WEBSITE: Fergburger Menu

2. Milford Sound Cruise 

Technically Milford Sound is not in Queenstown but you can take a tour bus or you can drive on your own to get there. It's about a 3-4 hour drive from Queenstown and it's 100% worth it. To actually see Milford Sounds, you need to either take boat tour, kayak tour, or a helicopter tour. I opted for the boat tour because it's a lot cheaper and lunch is included (fish n' chips). Even though it was rainy and cold, Milford Sound is so stunning with it's cascading waterfalls and mountain peaks.

WEBSITE: Milford Sound Cruises

3. Bungy Jump

New Zealand is home of bungy jumping because of the founder AJ Hackett. I didn't bungy jump because I did another extreme activity instead. One extreme activity per country is enough for me. There are a couple bungy jumps around Queenstown ranging from different heights. The tallest bungy jump in New Zealand is the Navis Bungy standing at 134 meters (440ft). Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world for a reason.

WEBSITE: Bungy Jumps

4. Giant Swing 

I wasn't quite ready to dive head first off a bridge, so I opted for the Ledge Swing. You'll need to take the gondola up to the skyline to get to the Ledge. However, the gondola ride is not include in the Ledge Swing package, so you'll need to book for it separately. The Ledge  is a self-release swing that has a 47 meter (157ft) drop and an epic view of Queenstown. 

WEBSITE: Ledge Swing

5. Zip-Lining

If bungy jumping and the swing is too extreme for you, then zip-lining is a great option (or you can do all 3). I used Ziptrek Ecotours and they offer several different tours you can choose from. You're zip-lining through the forest which has a great view of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountains. What is unique about this tour company is not only are you getting the adrenaline rush but insight into the surrounding environment both locally and globally. 

WEBSITE: Ziptrek Ecotours

6. Shotover Jets

Jet boating on open lakes is fun, but for Shotover Jets you're weaving through narrow canyons, fast flowing water, and 360 degree spins. Even though I wasn't the one driving, I heart was racing because of the sharp turns and narrow canyons. Just a warning, you're going to get soaking wet!

WEBSITE: Shotover Jets

7. Hiking

Hiking in Queenstown is probably one of the best activity to do and it's free. They have some hikes that take only 30 minutes and some that will take a whole day. The most popular hikes are Queenstown Hill (2-3 hours), Ben Lomond (5-7 hours), and Bob's Cove (30-45 minutes). Whether you want something short and sweet or a long haul one, Queenstown has plenty of great hiking spots. 

8. Luge

You can't go to Queenstown and not try the luge. It kind of reminds me of real life Mario Kart but with the nice views. To get to the Luge, you'll need to take the gondola up to the skyline (you can purchase the gondola and luge together). There are two tracks you can choose from. There's a steep one with lots hills and sharp turns, or a gentle one that slowly weaves down the mountain. 

WEBSITE: Luge and Gondola

9. Kayak

I never thought kayaking would be so hard, especially since I've done it multiple times. I'm guessing my sister and I don't work well together. We rented the kayaks through Paddle Queenstown. You can choose to do a kayaking tour or rent it out for 2 hours. They also have stand up paddle boards but only available during the summer time. We kayaked on Moke Lake which is 20 minutes outside downtown Queenstown.

WEBSITE: Paddle Queenstown

10. Onsen Hot Pools 

Onsen Hot Pools is a great way to relax at the end of your trip. There are several different packages you can select from. We choose the least expensive package which is just the hot pool but there is also a premium package with massages and facials. You can add wine and snacks to your package with a charge and towels for $2. You get a private pool with a great view overlooking Shotover river and the mountains.  

WEBSITE: Onsen Hot Pools