Queenstown 🇳🇿
"The adventure capital of the world for adrenaline junkies."
Queenstown offers unparalleled access to the Southern Alps. Whether it's hiking the Routeburn Track or mountain biking at Skyline Park, the infrastructure for sports and mountain activities is the best in the southern hemisphere.
An adventure-packed week blending strenuous alpine hikes, heart-pumping water sports, and the majestic landscapes of Milford Sound and Wanaka.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Arrival and Skyline Views
Morning — Arrive in Queenstown. Walk the lakeside path along Lake Wakatipu to orient yourself and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Afternoon — Take the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak. Hike the Tiki Trail detour for views before challenging your friends to several laps on the Luge tracks.
Evening — Grab a seat at the vertical-themed Altitude Bar or enjoy a burger at the world-famous Fergburger (order ahead to skip the line).
💡 Download the 'Choice' app for local transport and deals.
Day 2 · Heights and High Speeds
Morning — Embark on the Ben Lomond Track. Aim for the saddle (3-4 hours return) for panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Afternoon — Rest your legs with a 2-hour jet boat ride through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River—a Queenstown adrenaline staple.
Evening — Dinner at Winnies Gourmet Pizza Bar in the mall, a favorite for its opening roof and lively atmosphere.
💡 Check the weather forecast strictly before heading up Ben Lomond.
Day 3 · Gold Rush History and Biking
Morning — Drive or take the bus to Arrowtown. Rent an e-bike and ride a section of the Queenstown Trail along the Arrow River.
Afternoon — Visit the historic Arrowtown. Walk the Sawpit Gully Trail (2-3 hours) for varying terrain and gold-mining history.
Evening — Sample local craft beers at Cargo at Gantley's or Smith's Craft Beer House back in town.
💡 The autumn colors in Arrowtown (April/May) are spectacular.
Day 4 · The Eighth Wonder: Milford Sound
Morning — Early morning departure for a full-day tour to Milford Sound. The drive through the Homer Tunnel is legendary.
Afternoon — Boat cruise on the fjord to see Stirling Falls and Mitre Peak. Keep an eye out for seals and penguins. Drive back to Queenstown.
Evening — A late-night pizza and a quiet drink; it's been a long day of travel.
💡 Book a 'Glass Roof' bus for the best views of the vertical granite cliffs.
Day 5 · Hidden Lakes and Relaxation
Morning — Try your hand at Disc Golf in the Queenstown Gardens (rent discs from local sports shops) or walk the lakeside perimeter.
Afternoon — Drive to Moke Lake. Complete the Moke Lake Loop Track—an easy but incredibly scenic 2-hour boardwalk and grassland walk.
Evening — Head to Onsen Hot Pools for a soak in a private cedar-lined tub overlooking the Shotover River.
💡 Book Onsen at least 2 months in advance.
Day 6 · Peak Performance in Wanaka
Morning — Drive to Wanaka (1 hour). Hike the famous Roy's Peak (5-6 hours) for the most photographed view in New Zealand.
Afternoon — Visit the Cardrona Hotel for a drink by the fire. Return via the Crown Range Road, stopping at the lookout point.
Evening — Final celebratory dinner at The Cow, a hidden gem tucked in a stone stable serving hearty Italian fare.
💡 Start Roy's Peak before sunrise to beat the heat and the crowds.
Day 7 · The Road to Glenorchy
Morning — A leisurely morning at the Glenorchy wharf. Walk the Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk for views of the 'mountains of power'.
Afternoon — Last-minute souvenir shopping for Merino wool or greenstone (Pounamu) at the lakeside markets.
Evening — Depart Queenstown Airport.
💡 The drive to Glenorchy is ranked one of the most beautiful in the world.