Car Hire Queenstown - Mini guide to Queenstown

Queenstown in the self-styled adventure capital of the world, offering every imaginable adrenalin pumping activity. Squeezed between Lake Wakitipu and several mountain ranges the well-equipped tourist town boasts an unrivalled location and is popular in both winter and summer.

Jet boating, parachuting, white water rafting, skiing, downhill mountain biking, sledding, canyoning, summer luging, paragliding, kayak surfing, off road biking, zorbing, snowboarding, rock climbing and tramping are some of the mind boggling activities offered by the many ‘adventure’ operators found in the small town. The Kawarau suspension bridge in Skippers canyon (just out of town), is where bungee jumping made it’s debut 15 years ago, and today boasts the world’s highest free fall (140m). Nearby, in the Shotover river Canyon, there are hair raising jet boat rides over rapids and within inches of the canyon walls, another legendary activity.

Just behind the town is a cable car (or hiking trail) to the observatory at the top of a hill, from here you can enjoy fine views out across the lovely lake, including the Remarkables range beyond. You can also pick out the many ski fields that surround the town.

The town centre is easily walkable and clusters around the waterfront area. A fake paddles steamer leaves from here and there are lovely walks along the lake front and through the modest botanical garden. Several of the streets are pedestrianised, and are full of restaurants, bars and up market souvenir shops. Not surprisingly the town has excellent tourist facilities geared up for summer and winter alike.

The major suburbs in Queenstown are: Boydtown, Fernhill, Sunshine Bay and Wakatipu Heights.