Queenstown is the sort of city that will impress you with its beauty, surprise you with its scenic sights that are to be seen, and totally sucker punch you when it comes to the sheer volume of activities that one can do here. This city is for the adventure lovers, for the thrill seekers, for the ones in need of a rush, and for the ones looking for a challenge, and to jolt a change in their daily lives.
It also helps that after all these activities, Queenstown is also an ideal place for the laid back people who want to sit back, have a cup of coffee, and enjoy the beauty of the place. Both these ends of the spectrum meet in Queenstown, which makes it a tourist magnet.
Mountain Biking in Queenstown: From Skyline Gondola to Alpine Descents
If Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, its mountain biking scene is the crown jewel. This isn’t just a casual cycle around the park; it’s a high-octane descent through some of the most scenic and technical terrain on the planet. The city offers three lift-assisted bike parks, making it a “gravity-fed” paradise where you can spend more time flying down trails and less time pedaling up them.
The Queenstown Bike Park, accessed via the iconic Skyline Gondola, was the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. With a vertical rise of 450 meters and over 30 world-class trails, it caters to everyone from beginners finding their “flow” on Hammy’s Track to experts seeking the adrenaline-pumping jumps of Huck Yeah.
For those who want to venture further out, Coronet Peak and Cardrona offer massive alpine descents with views that will make you want to stop mid-trail just to take a photo. If you prefer a cross-country vibe, the 7 Mile Scenic Reserve offers winding tracks through native bush, while the Queenstown Trail provides over 130 kilometers of easier paths connecting the town to Arrowtown and the Gibbston wine region. Whether you are a professional rider or a curious amateur, the sheer variety of dirt and “hero dirt” here is a total sucker punch to the senses.
Bungee Jumping
The Lake Wakatipu that surrounds the town of Queenstown is the hub and heart of many adventure sports. Bungee jumping is considered to be one of the best adventure sports popularly due to the mad rush of blood towards the brain. The Kawarau Bridge offers just that, as the hotspot for bungee jumping. Commercial Bungy Jumping was born here in 1988 and every year tens of thousands make the 43 meter jump with the options of a dip in the river below, every individual should definitely experience this once in a lifetime.
The Kawarau Zip Ride: Speed with a View
If bungee jumping feels a bit too “vertical” for your liking, the Kawarau Zip Ride offers a high-speed alternative that doesn’t skimp on the rush. This isn’t your average backyard zipline; here, you’ll reach speeds of over 60 km/h as you blast 130 meters alongside the dramatic Kawarau River.
The beauty of the Zip Ride is its versatility. You can go solo to embrace the wind-in-your-face speed, or ride tandem with a friend to share the screams. You can even choose your style—flying superhero-style or backwards for a total disorientation thrill. After the initial rush, the line takes a smooth U-turn, giving you a moment to actually catch your breath and soak in the rugged wilderness and turquoise waters below. It’s the perfect “gateway” thrill for those starting their Queenstown adventure in 2026.
Paragliding: A Bird’s-Eye View of Middle-earth
Queenstown is stunning from the ground, but it is truly a sight to behold from the sky. Launching yourself into the blue from atop the Skyline Gondola is a surreal experience; as the ground drops away, you’re greeted by the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Remarkables and the distant, mystical allure of Glenorchy.
Whether you opt for a serene, soaring glide to soak in the silence or ask your pilot for a series of high-G “wingovers” to whiz past the landscape, the choice is yours. The scenery below is so cinematic that it famously served as the backdrop for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies. Floating above these iconic filming locations feels less like a tourist activity and more like stepping directly into a fantasy epic. In 2026, it remains one of the most peaceful—yet heart-pounding—ways to experience the “Heaven” that is Central Otago.
River Rafting
River rafting is another highly recommended sport for the ones seeking thrill. The rapids at Kawarau River and Shotover River range from a grade 2 to a tumultuous grade 6 and stretches over 9 kilometres. So, it caters to amateurs and professional alike. Proper training and safety measurements are undertaken so one can rest assured and plunge into this heart thumping sport. Also, when in the rivers, river surfing might be a good idea. Queenstown is one of the three places in the world that has the facility for river surfing, so one might want to look into it for a new refreshing sport.
Canyoning and spelunking
Canyoning and spelunking are one of the most underrated adventure sports due to the amount of time and strength they consume without the so called thrill factor. But give the 12 mile long stretch of the Delta Canyon a chance to change your perception. Amazing waterfalls, narrow passageways to be explored, and exotic pools in the canyons are stuff of dreams for explorers.
Travelling to all these places is easier by hiring a car. So kick back, with a glass of wine, or just star gaze atop the gondola; and let Queenstown take over.
New for 2026: The Kawarau Trail
If you are visiting in 2026, there’s a brand new way to see the landscape. The Kawarau Trail (opening March 2026) offers a 32km journey through the heart of the Kawarau Gorge. Featuring dramatic cantilevered bridges and sweeping canyon views, it’s the perfect addition for those who want to combine the rush of the Kawarau Bridge bungee with a scenic ride back to the Gibbston wine region.
Essential 2026 Queenstown Travel Tips
Queenstown is more popular than ever this year, so a little bit of planning goes a long way to ensure your adventure is seamless.
- Book Your Thrills Early: In 2026, the “spontaneous jump” is a thing of the past. Popular activities like the Nevis Bungy and Shotover Jet are often booked out weeks in advance. Aim to secure your spots at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
- The “Carbon-Zero” Shift: Queenstown is pushing hard to become the world’s first carbon-neutral destination. You’ll notice more electric shuttle options and “Leave No Trace” initiatives. As a nomad, consider joining a local tree-planting day if you’re staying for a while!
- Accommodation Strategy: If you’re visiting during the peak 2026 winter season (June–August) or the summer biking season (December–February), book your stay 4–6 months out. Prices have climbed, so looking at nearby areas like Frankton or Hanley’s Farm can save you some serious cash.
- The 2026 Event Calendar: Keep an eye out for McGazzaFest in early February—it’s the ultimate mountain biking celebration and a must-see for anyone into the dirt jump scene.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
