48:00 Queenstown

For some, Queenstown is known as the ‘Adventure-Adrenaline capital of the world.’ For others it’s a place they’d like to call home!

The breathtaking views along the road to Queenstown will fill you with much anticipation. While it may appear to be a quaint little town, Queenstown is the perfect destination with something to offer everyone. Do as little or as much as you’d like, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life!

Hours 0:00 – 24:00

Morning

Breathe in the sunrise as it’s one you won’t forget. Sit outside and enjoy a warm cup of coffee with a grand breakfast at Contiki’s host hotel, the Queenstown Lodge. The beautiful lake view is enough to inspire anyone to get the day started.

After breakfast, you can shock yourself awake with a ride on the Shotover Jet down the- yes, you guessed it, Shotover River. You’ll spend 40 minutes full of skimming impossibly close to the rock walls of the canyons and over crystal clear waters that are as shallow as 10 cm.

If you need to start your day off a bit more relaxed, head out on the ”Safari of the Scenes.” This half day tour of natural beauty takes you through the majestic Wakatipu basin, where you can explore film sites made famous in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Afternoon

Queenstown, home of bungee jumping, is widely recognized for some of the most adrenaline hair raising jumps. A.J. Hackett’s world’s premier bungee jumping excursions are not for the faint hearted but a must for all to at least consider. If one jump isn’t enough to satisfy your hunger, try the Bungee Trilogy. You’ll get to do all 3 of the AJ Hackett jumps: the Ledge (47 M), the Kawarau Bridge (43 m) and the Nevis Highwire (143 m).

All that excitement has made you hungry? Your 1st option must be Fergburger! These gourmet hamburgers are famous with burger connoisseurs from around the world and will have you dreaming of one for every meal during your stay. Vegetarian? Don’t fret; they even have a couple of great veggie options for you! In case you don’t believe the hype, check out their crazed fans on their Facebook page. People are definitely Fergin’ Out!

Evening

After a nap and relaxing Jacuzzi to recover and unwind from your first day, you’ll want to mosey over to Dux De Lux on Church Street for an amazing dinner. Serving a range of fresh seafood and delicious vegetarian meals, the Lux also has a great bar with pool tables and outdoor patio for you and your crew to recap the day. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a sampling of their fresh brewed award-winning beers.

Nightlife

The bars in Queenstown stay open late so prepare for a long night, only if you’d like of course.

First check out Minus 5, the ice bar where the walls, the bar, the sculptures, the seats and even the glasses are lickable! Enjoy famous vodka cocktails in warm New Zealand style sheepskin jackets, gloves and Uggs, while bumpin’ to some tunes. Don’t slip!

After a few drinks at Minus 5, parlay over to Altitude and then World bar to meet up with other friendly travelers. Or if you’re a locals type of hopper, check out Buffalo and Winnies where it’s a party every night!

Come 2:00am you might find yourself back at Fergburger. But that’s ok, because you’ll have a ton of friends dancing around outside in line with you fueling up! Next stop is Bardeaux which is open late night till early am. Just in time for you to get home for another nap before the next adventure…

Hours 24:00 – 48:00

Morning

It’s hard to believe you’ve only been in Queeny for 24 hours but like everything in New Zealand, the sites, the air, the people, the food and travelers you’ve met along your way have you psyched for your next day!

Locals recommend grabbing the ultimate hangover cure (breakfast) from Traffic located just under The World bar on Shotover St. Word is that the breakfast wraps and sandwiches are where it’s at.

Wander down the road a bit to find yourself at NZone Skydiving. Somehow I didn’t say no when asked if I wanted to jump out of a plane at 12,000 ft by an eager staff member. Before you knew it I was geared up and totally excited. Mostly because the NZone Skydiving staff was so delightful, professional and reassured me I wouldn’t plummet to my death.

For those brave enough, they’ll even take you up to 15,000 feet into the air then drop (tandem) over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range. The views from above and graceful fall make this excursion the ultimate experience that you won’t regret! Best thing I’ve ever done hands down.

For those that aren’t quite ready for the ultimate thrill of skydiving there is a ton of great shopping in town and a few great spa options to relieve any sore travel muscles. The brisk walk around the lake and Skyline Gondola views are worth shooting some stellar photos for your scrapbook (or MySpace or Facebook page).

Afternoon

While the thrill of being in Queenstown is still running through your veins, you’ll definitely need a souvenir to take back home! We have the perfect souvenir for you and your friends. Stop by CSTM Print at 34 Shotover Street and have Dave customize a shirt or hoodie for you and your peeps. He’ll hook you up with killer graphics but be sure to fill out the paperwork properly or you may have to do it all over again and end up at the back of the line! (Thanks for helping me get it right Dave. I may have ended up with a shirt that reads Zew Nealand)

Evening

As another day ends, you’ll want to enjoy a beautiful dinner up Coronet Peak above Queenstown on the Skyline Gondola. At the top you’ll enjoy a large buffet dinner, entertainment, fully stocked bar and breathtaking panoramic views of the town & lake.

Nightlife

Now you’re ready to check out Surreal Bar for a great DJ set and dancing. If it’s a bit early, stop by one of the other great watering holes around the corner or stay and enjoy a booth, the bartenders & DJ, as it WILL pick up!

It’s all up to you, but one thing is for sure; you’ll never be at a loss of amazing things to do, spectacular sites to see and intriguing people to meet while you’re in Queenstown. More profoundly, prepare yourself for your heart is sure to remain here long after you’ve gone.