Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day
Deeper, quieter, and three times longer than Milford, Doubtful Sound is the lesser-known jewel of Fiordland. Begin your adventure with a lake crossing and mountain pass drive before entering a realm of profound silence and untouched nature. With no direct road access, Doubtful Sound feels like another planet — vast, reflective, and soul-stirring. Keep watch for rare penguins and dolphins as you glide through this hauntingly beautiful landscape.
Glenorchy & Paradise Scenic Drive
Take the road less travelled to Glenorchy and Paradise — a cinematic drive along Lake Wakatipu that weaves past beech forests, braided rivers, and snow-capped peaks. Often used as a backdrop for fantasy films, this route is pure New Zealand magic. Optional add-ons include horse riding, jet boating, or hikes into Mt Aspiring National Park.
Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump
Where it all began — the world’s first commercial bungy jump still beckons the brave. Stand on the edge of the Kawarau Bridge and take the 43-metre plunge over a rushing river, cheered on by fellow daredevils. Equal parts ritual and rite of passage, this leap isn’t just about thrill — it’s about saying yes to the unknown.
Lake Tekapo & Stargazing
Venture to Tekapo, where snow-capped peaks frame turquoise glacial waters and the night sky is among the clearest on Earth. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd by day, and by night, explore the heavens at the Mt John Observatory. This International Dark Sky Reserve offers deep sky viewing like few places in the world — where stars don’t just shine, they dazzle.
Lake Wanaka Exploration
Just over an hour from Queenstown, Lake Wanaka offers a quieter, more contemplative beauty. Kayak across calm waters, hike to Instagram-famous Roy’s Peak, or simply wander the lakefront with an artisan coffee in hand. It’s also the gateway to Mt Aspiring’s alpine trails and glacier valleys — ideal for slow travellers and adventurers alike.
Milford Sound Cruise
Sail through the mist-shrouded majesty of Milford Sound, where sheer cliffs rise from inky waters and waterfalls tumble from ancient granite. Often called the eighth wonder of the world, this fjord delivers cinematic drama at every turn — whether spotted from the bow of a boat or beneath low-flying clouds. With seals, dolphins, and rainbows often joining the show, Milford is not just a cruise, but a journey into New Zealand’s rawest and most poetic wilderness.
Minus 5º Ice Bar
Step into a frosty wonderland sculpted entirely from ice — walls, glasses, furniture and all. At Minus 5º Ice Bar, don a cosy parka, sip cocktails from frozen tumblers, and pose beside dazzling ice art installations. Cool, quirky, and utterly unique, it’s a short but unforgettable chill between Queenstown’s high-octane adventures.
Mt Cook National Park Adventure
Home to glaciers, alpine lakes, and New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mt Cook National Park offers hiking, heli-touring, and stargazing in sublime surroundings. Walk the Hooker Valley Track, cruise the iceberg-dotted Tasman Lake, or take a helicopter to remote snowfields. It’s a place that humbles — wild, windswept, and sacred to the Māori as Aoraki, the sky piercer.
Nevis Catapult Launch
Blast 150 metres across a dramatic canyon in 1.5 seconds with the Nevis Catapult — the only one of its kind. Set high in the Nevis Valley, this high-speed sling launches you forward and upward before a weightless drop into space. It’s futuristic, physics-defying fun for adrenaline junkies who’ve done everything else.
Paragliding over Lake Wakatipu
Take flight from Coronet Peak or Bob’s Peak and glide silently over Queenstown’s jaw-dropping landscapes. Tandem paragliding offers a bird’s-eye view of lake, mountain, and sky — peaceful, surreal, and unforgettable. With experienced pilots guiding your descent, you can sit back, soar, and let the wind carry you across paradise.
Scenic Flight Over Mt Cook
Soar above New Zealand’s highest peak on a breathtaking flight past glaciers, alpine lakes, and the jagged ridgelines of the Southern Alps. From the sky, Aoraki/Mount Cook reveals its full scale and majesty — a landscape that stirs both silence and awe. Some flights include glacier landings, adding a rare, once-in-a-lifetime touch to the journey.
Shotover Jet Boat Experience
Buckle in for the legendary Shotover Jet — a thrilling ride through narrow canyons and crystal-clear riverbeds at up to 85 km/h. Powered by twin V8 engines, the jet boat skims past cliff faces with just inches to spare, executing 360° spins in mere moments. It’s adrenaline with a view, set against the rugged grandeur of Queenstown’s Shotover River gorge.
Skydiving over the Southern Alps
Leap from a plane at 15,000 feet and freefall toward snow-dusted peaks, sapphire lakes, and patchwork valleys. Queenstown’s skydiving experience is one of the world’s most scenic — a heart-pounding thrill wrapped in spectacular serenity. As your parachute opens, the world below stretches in silence, from Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables. Pure, unfiltered exhilaration.v
Skyline Gondola & Luge Rides
Ride the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere to Bob’s Peak, where panoramic views of Queenstown await. At the top, hop onto a gravity-fuelled luge for a twisty, scenic descent that’s as fun for adults as it is for kids. Sunset here is something special — golden light dancing on lake and mountain.
Walter Peak Cruise & Farm Experience
Board a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu and arrive at Walter Peak Station — a working high-country farm with sweeping alpine views. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch, watch sheepdog demonstrations, and stroll the gardens by the lake. Perfect for families or those seeking a gentler pace, this experience blends rural charm with Queenstown’s dramatic scenery.v
White Water Rafting in Queenstown
Conquer the rapids of the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers on a guided rafting trip through dramatic canyons and roaring whitewater. Whether you’re navigating tunnels blasted through rock or paddling under suspension bridges, the mix of heart-racing moments and calm floats makes for an unforgettable day on the water.