Top Things to See
Even though Queenstown is more about things to do rather than things to see, by simply looking around at the panoramic views surrounding town you’ll discover there are indeed some stunning sights. Most of the highlights are natural wonders such as Milford Sound, but there is also Arrowtown which oozes charm as well as the myriad local wineries which dot the lush interior.
 Arrowtown
Just a short drive from Queenstown is the historic gold rush hamlet of Arrowtown. Many of the original buildings from the 1862 gold rush remain, and are now home to some truly charming shops, hotels, and pubs. You can spend the night in one of the country’s oldest hotels at the Royal Oak, or make it a day outing. The Lake District Museum will fill you in on the unique history of this region, and there are some nice walks along the Arrow River. A visit during autumn is a real treat as the century-old trees burst into unbelievable colour.
 Chard Farm Vineyard
One of New Zealand’s most prestigious wineries happens to be situated in one of the most spectacular settings in the country. Perched along a narrow ridge between the Kawarau River Gorge and an endless range of mountains, Chard Farm is well worth a visit. They grow six different varietals, and are always happy to receive visitors for tours and tastings. The vineyard is located on State Highway 6. Phone: +64 3 442 6110.
 Fiordland National Park
This World Heritage site is also New Zealand’s largest national park, encompassing such global beauties as Milford Sound and Mitre Peak. Visitors to Queenstown with a passion for natural beauty won’t want to miss a visit to this sublime environment. There are countless activities to do in Fjordland, and a number of excellent choices for accommodation which make it easy to stay over after the long drive from Queenstown.
 Glenorchy
Sitting at the northern edge of Lake Wakatipu, the charming little village of Glenorchy is the gateway to the outdoor wonderland of the mountains around Queenstown. The drive to get here is spectacular in itself, but once you wander around the town you’ll see why so many visitors become instantly enchanted. Many of the best scenes in the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed around Glenorchy, and many of the world’s greatest walking routes begin and finish here as well. Glenorchy is located 30 miles north of Queenstown.
 Kiwi and Birdlife Park
This peaceful oasis near the gondola consists of eight acres of natural landscape full of native birds and other animals. With a focus on conservation, this park is the best spot in Queenstown to learn about the native kiwi and other rare birds which are found nowhere else in the world. There are three conservation shows each day, and at night the Maori Hunting Village puts on a fantastic performance of traditional dance. The park is located on Brecon street. Phone: +64 3 442 8059.
 Milford Sound
One of the planet’s most surreal natural environments is within striking distance of Queenstown, located just 220 miles away. Like most remote wonders, you have to work to get here. The coach trips can take up most of a day, so flying straight into Milford from Queenstown is money well spent. Once you get to Milford Sound, you’ll want to take a boat tour which lasts about two hours. Overnight cruises are another special way to experience the Sound. Believe it or not, despite its remote location, Milford Sound is New Zealand’s most popular tourist site.
 Wanaka Lake
One of the most beautiful daytrips from Queenstown is this stunningly sublime lake and its little town which lies adjacent to Mount Aspiring, 50 minutes drive from Queenstown. The town itself has a charming compact downtown with shops and cafés, but the real attribute of Wanaka is its access to the magnificent Mount Aspiring National Park. With more than 100 glaciers, hanging valleys, and myriad geological formations, this park is widely regarded as one of the greatest places on earth.
Top Things to Do
 Fly in style to secret spots high in the mountains by helicopter. Although it’s not a cheap excursion, a helicopter ride with local legend Choppy Patterson will give you more than just the best views of Lord of the Rings country. Choppy is a local, and knows all the magical spots tucked away in the alpine where you can relax and have a picnic in utter solitude. She’ll drop you off, leave you in peace, and return a few hours later. Talk about romance! Phone: +64 3 442 2233.
 Get a bird’s eye perspective of Queenstown from the summit of Bob’s Peak. There is no better view of this beautiful region than from the top of Queenstown’s resident mountain, Bob’s Peak. The Skyline Gondola will gently sweep you up the slope right from the heart of town and drop you off at the summit. There’s a restaurant at the top should you wish to linger over the panoramic views.
 Rent a car and explore the picturesque wine growing region of Central Otago. The climate in the region surrounding Queenstown is ideal for growing grapes with this area producing some of New Zealand’s top wines. The Central Otago Wine Trail is a self-driven tour of some of the 71 vineyards in the area. Luckily, three of the finest are close to Queenstown: Chard Farm, Peregrine and Gibbston Valley. Nearly all the wineries in Otago have tasting rooms and welcome visitors. Be sure to check out the country’s largest wine cavern at Gibbston Valley, which also has a stellar restaurant. Brochures detailing the route are available at the tourism office.
 Ride on a vintage pre-1930s steam train through the scenic countryside south of Queenstown. A wonderful day excursion for train buffs is to drive 40 minutes to the southern end of Lake Wakatipu and the small town of Kingston. Here you can board New Zealand’s most famous classic train pulled by a steam engine as it makes its round trip to the town of Fairlight.
 Take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on a classic steamer. This massive body of water, which happens to be the longest lake on the South Island, is an icon of Queenstown. All kinds of water sports take place on Lake Wakatipu, but the most relaxing way to experience it is aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship which has been in use since 1912. The ‘Lady of the Lake’, as she’s known, runs daytime and evening cruises.
 Try your luck at one of Queenstown’s two casinos. Proving that Queenstown is about more than just stellar outdoor adventure, the town has two casinos. SKYCITY and Wharf Casino have all the usual trappings such as gaming machines and standard table games. You must be 20 years or older and dressed well to gain entry.
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