The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka William and Kate, will experience Queenstown’s vibrant energy next month with a visit to the scenic South Island resort town. Bustling with travellers all year round, Queenstown is the perfect fusion of action and adventure by day, and bar-hopping by night. Surrounded by vast lakes and spectacular mountain scenery – there’s an activity here for everybody. Get around easily with a car rental in Queenstown, it’ll make your life 100 times easier
With cycling, bungee jumps, parasailing, extreme sports, hiking, trekking, luge, kayaking, golf, fishing and skiing on offer, one thing’s for sure – you’ll never be bored!
Hop onboard the Shotover Jet
Kate and William will get a taste of the high –adrenalin adventures on offer I Queenstown with a ride on the Shotover Jet boat. The powerful ‘Big Red’ boat will tackle the canyons of the mighty Shotover River, scooting over even the shallowest pools at a speed of 85kph. Jet boats have plied their trade in this town for some fifty years and the pilot’s mastery is displayed via the carefully orchestrated stunts including 360 degree spins!
Cycle your heart out in the Queenstown Bike Park
With nine different cycling trails, this urban park is perfect for all the family. There are marked 14 trails catering to all abilities; from novice to expert. Take it easy on the grade 2 Hammy’s Track, which at 6km is the longest in the park. Challenge yourself with the grade 3 Vertigo trail and tackle the World Cup and Hobbit trails only if you dare – both are grade 6! And the best bit – the routes are connected by a gondola. Opt for a day pass and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch.
Try ziplining
There no better way to appreciate the stunning views and fresh air than flying through the air on a network of ziplines. Ziptrek opened here in 2009 and offer three different tours to get the most out if your visit. Tackle all six flying-foxes on a high-velocity adventure where you’ll sail on the steepest tree-to-tree zipline in the world! Or soak up the beautiful scenery on a combo tour; zip and climb Ben Lomond Crags or zip and ride around the gorges, river and lakes of the serene Wakatipu basin.
Experience remarkable skiing
Queenstown is cradled by the soaring Southern Alps, which dominate South Island’s landscape. And The Remarkables (yes really) is the ideal spot for skiing and snowboarding and stands at 7,608 feet (2,319 meters) tall. Beginners, intermediates and advanced are all well catered for and the laidback resort is popular with families, where kids under 10 can ride the lifts for free. Check out the dedicated learning facilities and try out the superb snow tubing park. The Remarkables ski season runs from June to September.
Tackle the oldest bungee jump in the world
The site at Kawarau Bridge was the very first to offer commercial bungee jumps back in 1998. This historic bridge dates back to 1880, but to be honest, that won’t take your mind off the fact that you’re about to plunge 43 meters!
Appreciate the views from above
Treat yourself to a flight onboard a light aircraft or helicopter to fully appreciate the world-class scenery. Cruise over world-famous Milford Sound, Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland, which are said to be amongst the very best landscapes in the world. There is even a dedicated Lord of the Rings and Hobbit flight which takes in some of the filming locations around Queenstown and Earnslaw Burn which starred as the Isengard Fortress and the Anduin Valley.
