Affectionately known as the adventure capital of the world, there is anything but a shortage of activities to explore in Queenstown. In this bucket list, you will find a mix of 13 things to do and places to visit, with just the right splash of adventure!
Get Your Heart Pounding..
Pick your own adventure with Nomad Safari tours, featuring a variety of 4WD explorations like navigating through Lord Of The Rings Territory to cliff-hugging drives to the heritage gold-mining township of Macetown.
Down to earth and expertly operated, let your guide take you to the outskirts of some of Queenstown's most scenic hotspots, off-road style! Expect river crossings, great laughs and admiration for the humble Defender and its overlanding abilities!
Bucket list tip: Book the Macetown tour if you're up for am authentic off-road, 4WD experience, this is one for the thrill seekers who don't have a fear of heights!
There are many tours to select from when it comes to jet boating in the Queenstown region. Tried and tested the Skippers Canyon Jet tour not only takes you through some of the narrowest canyons on the river, the drive to get there is an adventure itself.
Winding through some of the steepest cliff faces, the drive into Skippers Canyon is a kick of adrenalin not for the faint-hearted. Scenic and exciting, this is an experience you will be talking about for years to come.
Bucket list tip: If you have a GoPro or any action camera make sure you pack it to capture and relive all the action! The helmets come fitted with attachments. Best spot to sit is on the side or front of the boat.
Fuel Up!
After all that adventure it's time to feast! Queenstown has its fair share of dining options catering to all budgets and tastebuds. We're going to start with one of the city's most well known names in the food game...
If you see a queue of backpackers, some selfie sticks and hangry faces, congratulations you have found the line to Fergburger!
Hands down one of the most famous dining institutions in Queenstown, Fergburger has been feeding the masses since its first beginnings as a ' hole-in-the-wall' in 2001. With their increasing popularity over the years, Fergburger is now located in bigger premises on Shooter Street.
Keeping with tradition the signature Fergburger showcases prime NZ beef, topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli and tomato relish. Grab a side of fries, sit back and enjoy NZ's iconic burger.
Bucket list tip: Fergburger is open 21 hours a day 8am-5am!
Fergburger: 42 Shotover St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Make sure you make time to pop next door to visit Fergburgers little sister....
This is flakey golden pastry heaven. If you don't feel like lining up for a burger, grab a baked delight from Fergbaker. Pies, sausage rolls, baguettes and fresh loaves of bread fill the shelves of this bakery treasure.
Open 6.30am-4.30am, swap your midnight kebab for a steaming freshly baked Ferg steak or pork belly and apple pie. For the sweettooth's there is a delicious selection of cakes and fruity pastries.
Bucket list tip: If you visit late at night you can grab a 1/2price baked bargain, with many items heavily reduced.
Fergbakery: 40 Shotover St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Located just out of the main strip of Queenstown, Sherwood is a dining experience that encapsulates some of New Zealand's best produce in a fun and quirky fashion.
Welcoming, rustic and full of character, the decor is inspired with scandi, alpine accents and seasonal menu that is 'deeply connected to nature'. Produce is harvested from the Sherwood garden, orchard, foraged from morning walks and through working closely with local farmers.
The dinner menu features clever flavour combinations like venison with smoked beetroot and pickled plums to duck liver parfait, cherry and horopito.
Bucket list tip: Why not make it a getaway and stay the night or two? The community hotel offers cosy accommodation, yoga classes and live events. Get an insiders experience here.
Sherwood: 554 Frankton Road, Queenstown 9300
Another popular dining hotspot in the heart of Queenstown, Winnies is a casual bar and restaurant, perfect for families, couples and groups of friends.
Taste your way through the creative list of international flavour like the Peking pizza of confit Chinese seasonal chicken thighs with hoisin sauce, the Moroccan lamb or spice things up with the Tandoori chicken.
Steaks, salads, soups and burgers are also available.
Bucket list tip: Order the cheesy garlic loaf to start. You will not be disappointed.
Winnies: 7-9 The Mall, Queenstown 9348
Make a short drive out to the other side of town to Kelvin Heights for gourmet pizza, modern pub grub and amazing views at Stacks Pub.
Part of the Hilton Hotel, the popular restaurant and bar is open to guests and the general public.
If you like your pizza with a side of craft beer and sports, then this is the dining destination for you with several large screen tv's streaming live sports from across the world.
Bucket list tip: Stay warm by the roaring outdoor fireplace in the alfresco dining area. The perfect spot to take in the views with a tasting platter and local drop of wine.
Stacks Pub: 79 Peninsula Rd, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown 9300
Time for a cold one
For such a small city, Queenstown well and truly has all the drinking scenes covered from traditional Irish pubs, laneway rum bars to waterfront cocktail lounges. Let's start with a Queenstown's home of craft beer.
It may be small, but Atlas Beer Cafe stocks a hoard of craft beer varieties. Located on Steamers Wharf, this is a friendly and laid-back bar where you can take it easy, listen to great tunes and enjoy a mix of local and international brews.
Graze on tapas or feast on sizzling steak and sides with the kitchen open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bucket list tip: Enjoy brunch in style, grab one of the outside tables and enjoy the breakfast menu served til 1 pm.
Atlas Beer Cafe: Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown Town Centre 9300
Established in a heritage cottage, Yonder is a lively and playful space that has a conservatorium feel created with pops of greenery and natural streams of light.
Come along and listen to live music, sip on creative cocktails and dine from a menu inspired by all corners of the world, open for brunch and dinner. Vegan and gluten-free items are also available.
Bucket list tip: Check out their happy hours with a range of great deals from house wines to cocktails and craft beers.
Yonder: 14 Church St, Queenstown
It feels like you are stepping into a luxurious alpine lodge with all the trimmings, flashes of tartan and cocktails inspired by the seasons.
Perched overlooking Lake Wakatipu, The Lodge Bar is created by the stylish and effortlessly chic fashion team of Rodd & Gunn, capturing the natural essence of the surrounds throughout the drinks and food menu.
Bucket list tip: For the winter months try the " Old Fashioned Charlotte" cocktail it features chocolate & chilli bitters and will be sure to warm you up!
The Lodge Bar: 2 Rees St, Queenstown
One of Queenstown's best-kept secrets, The Bunker specialises in the art of cocktails. Head up the stairs and unlock a buzzing and cosy space adorned with framed photos of the stars of Hollywood from the golden age and dark timber walls.
An impressively stocked bar features a variety of high-end spirits and an assortment of fruits and garnishes.
Bucket list tip: Try and get a seat at the bar and watch the theatre of the cocktail artists at work, complete with fire, sparks and sprinkles.
The Bunker: 14 Cow Ln, Queenstown 9300
Unwind and relax
Filling all the senses with adventure, wining and dining what better way to end the Queenstown experience then the tranquil surrounds of your own private hot pool.
Located in Arthur’s Point, Onsen Hot Pools is the perfect way to put up your feet and truly relax. The steaming hot qualities of the spa’s are bought to life with the open air windows which face out over the Shotover river.
There are a variety of packages you can select from, with massages, snacks and drinks available as a little extra. The Onsen by lantern light experience is held during sunset to evening sessions and transforms your private hot pool space with the elegant flicker of lanterns as you look out to the starry sky above.
Bucket List tip: One of the most popular experiences in Queenstown, it is advised to book well ahead of your trip. During peak seasons it can be booked out by at least 2months! Get in early and book your session.
Olsen Hot Pools: 160 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point 9371
Watch the adventures in action with the crew at Inspiration Adventure
Got something you would like to add to the list? Leave a comment below or drop us a line at hello@clovarcreative.com