Queenstown is a charming town known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The town is nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, which provide a stunning backdrop to the town’s picturesque landscape.
During our road trip, we made sure to include Queenstown in our itinerary, and we were not disappointed! We were mesmerized by the stunning views of the lake and the mountains. We also enjoyed exploring the town’s charming streets, lined with quaint shops, cafes, and galleries.
Why is Queenstown so famous?
Queenstown is renowned for being the world’s adventure capital, attracting thrill-seekers from all over the globe.
Stimulating Activities
Among these activities, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy jump is the world’s first and most famous one, offering a thrilling experience to those daring enough to take the plunge. As for the jet boat rides, they are not only exciting but also a great way to explore the rugged beauty of the Shotover River, with its towering canyons, steep rock walls, and crystal-clear water.
Calmer Activities
Queenstown is an ideal place for those who want to unwind and relax. It provides more than just adventure sports. You can sit by the lake, savor a glass of wine, and explore the nearby trails, mountains, and the lake. You could also take a calm cruise, enjoy lunch, and admire the magnificent view over Lake Wakatipu. We found it very peaceful.
Other Activities
Skyline Gondola
If you want to see the town from a unique perspective, you can ride on the Skyline Gondola. During the ride, you can admire stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables Mountains. Once you reach the top, there are many things to do. You can grab some delicious food at the café or treat yourself to unique souvenirs or sweets at the Jelly Bean Factory. Or, if you’re like me, you can sit back and soak up the incredible view.
Queenstown Botanic Gardens
you can take a stroll by the beautiful lakeshore, which is sure to leave you rejuvenated. You can also visit the Queenstown Botanic Gardens. It offers a variety of fascinating native plants and flowers, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
You can go on the Queenstown Hill Time Walk to learn more about the area’s history. This walk takes about two and a half hours and contains exciting exhibits that teach you about the area’s rich cultural heritage and history. You’ll be amazed at the breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains from the top of the hill. So, don’t miss out on this incredible experience!
Why is it called Queenstown?
Queenstown, known as Tāhuna in Maori, means “shallow bay.”
The name of Queenstown has an interesting history, with various stories about its origin. However, the most widely accepted one is that it was named after Queen Victoria’s birthplace in Ireland. The Irish town was initially called Cobh, but it was renamed Queenstown in honor of the queen in 1850.
When William Rees arrived in the Otago area, he built his homestead, The Station. The discovery of gold in the region in the 1860s attracted miners who settled in the area, calling their settlement The Camp. In January 1863, they held a public meeting to name the township on the lake and officially chose to name it Queenstown, after Ireland’s Queenstown. Interestingly, several reports written by a correspondent in the Otago Witness in January 1863 referred to the city as Queenstown.
Is Queenstown worth visiting?
Queenstown is a stunning area that we can’t get enough of! We are delighted to have stopped here during our road trip to the center of Otago. We absolutely loved it.
It’s perfect for all you outdoor enthusiasts out there, as there are a ton of activities available year-round. You can kayak on the lake, hop on a jet boat, go biking on the mountain, or try out more daring options like the Kawarau Bridge Bungy jump in the summer. And in the winter, you can hit the slopes for some skiing. Plus, there are plenty of other unique activities, like rock climbing and skydiving, that you can enjoy any time of the year.
However, I want to give you a heads-up that Queenstown is a tourist hotspot, so it tends to be pricier than other areas in New Zealand. Some shops in the town center may charge you higher tourist prices, so be sure to keep that in mind. Also, rental costs in the town center can be quite steep and get pretty crowded sometimes.