3 Exciting Optional Activities in Queenstown

Queenstown is well-known as the popular adventure capital of New Zealand; so it’s worthwhile soaking up the activities and experiences on offer during your stay there. Most GPT tours include a two-night stay with plenty of free time to explore.

Set on the stunning waterfront of Lake Wakatipu, you’re surrounded 360-degrees by snow topped mountains that come alive with avid skiers during the wintertime. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a perfect place to appreciate mother nature.

On your free evening in Queenstown, there are many fine restaurants ranging from traditional pub food to delicate Asian cuisine along the waterfront and Church St, a popular dining precinct. There is also time to peruse the local gift shops and pick up an iconic kiwi tea towel, a popular souvenir of your New Zealand holiday.

Although a well-known and vibrant destination, Queenstown itself is not a large place, with an urban population in 2019 of only 15,000. It’s good to note that most hotels included on tour are walking distance or a short 5-minute taxi ride away from the centre of town but do expect an incline when walking to some hotels and attractions. After dinner, pass by the popular Cookie Time Cookie Bar® for dessert before retiring to your hotel.

On your free day, there are many optional activities to choose from and below are just three of the options available. There is no pre-booking required, your tour leader or coach captain will help arrange optional activities for you while on tour. They’re also a great wealth of knowledge for what optional activities can be experienced if you’re tight on time.

Jet Boating

Whether it’s KJet, Shotover Jet or Dart River Wilderness Jet, this enthralling experience is one not to be missed. 

Designed to navigate shallow waters, the craft uses waterjet propulsion, basically sucking in and forcing out water to propel forward. It gets the heart pumping as you glide over riverbeds at around 85-95 km/h.

When you’re not holding on for dear life, you can also enjoy the scenic surroundings, some of the best that Queenstown has to offer.

Dart River Wilderness Jet

Kiwi Birdlife Park 

This is a must-do activity for anyone who loves animals, especially birds. The 5-acre park is family owned and has been operating since 1986. It is an integral part of breeding and conservation for over 20 native bird and reptile species, including 4 species which are bred for release: The South Island Kākā, North Island Brown Kiwi, Pāteke (Brown Teal) and the Whio (Blue Duck).

Enjoy a stroll around the park, visit the kiwi habitat, watch a conservation show and learn about New Zealand’s living dinosaur, the tuatara! The average time spent at the park is around 2 hours. On your way out, pass by the gift shop and buy some honey from their personal hive.

Meet a Kiwi at Kiwi Birdlife Park

Skyline Queenstown 

Just up the hill from the Kiwi Birdlife park is another fantastic Queenstown attraction, the Skyline Gondola. Ride 450-metres in the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest cable car to witness some of the most spectacular views from Bob’s Peak.

In the Skyline hub there are facilities, a restaurant and gift shop, however the best experience is looking out over 220-degree views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown. It’s a great place to step back and marvel at wonderous New Zealand.

Stunning views on the Skyline Gondola

There are plenty of other Optional Activities to experience while in Queenstown, consult your Tour Leader or Optional Tours Directory for more information.

> Click here to view optional activities for all Grand Pacific tours.