Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown has an endless array of adrenaline-rush activities and attractions, as well as a full calendar of events and festivals. Rent a campervan with VroomVroomVroom to navigate through the stunning scenery of the region in and around Queenstown and to make your stay at The Remarkables worthwhile.
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Located on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic mountains, you will find plenty of excitement things to do in Queenstown. You can go skiing in winter, experience the Shotover Canyons or take an exciting white-water rafting trip in the summer. The city is also the perfect spot to start your campervan adventure if you are planning to explore the South Island.
Some of our favourite things to do year-round in Queenstown are:
Summer (December, January, February): This is the best time to explore the outdoors and get your adrenaline pumping. Hike the Ben Lomond Track, ride the gondola, jump from a plane with NZONE SkydiveBay or take a boat cruise across Lake Wakatipu. Hosting the highest jump in New Zealand, you can go full throttle with Nevis Bungy. If bungy jumping isn’t your thing, AJ Hackett also offers swings, zipline rides and climbs.
Autumn (March, April, May): Only a 20-minute drive from Queenstown via Malaghans Road, your eyes can feast on the spectacular displays of autumn colours in Arrowtown. Don’t miss the annual Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival, which also falls on Anzac weekend. The 5-day festival celebrates the iconic Market Day & Street Parade, the Gold Panning Championships and the Fun Dog Show, including the very popular Pie, Pint and Pinot day.
Winter (June, July, August): Queenstown is full of life through the cold winters when sports enthusiasts flock to the city to test their skills. Head to Coronet Peak or The Remarkables and experience the famous ski fields. Cited as the biggest winter party in the Southern Hemisphere, the Real Journeys Queenstown Winter Festival is an event you shouldn't miss. The whole festival, which lasts for 10 days in late June and early July offers plenty of fun, including its main highlight - Dog's Derby.
Spring (September, October, November): There are plenty of wineries with cellar doors open to the public in the Gibbston Valley. For a unique tasting experience, take a cellar cave tour at Gibbston Valley Winery. The award-winning and must-see architecture of Peregrine Winery is an experience in itself. If you’re looking for other amazing places to explore just a few hours away from the city, go on a day trip to visit Glenorchy, Wanaka and Milford Sound.
Year-Round: There are many attractions that you can explore in Queenstown for free. These include the Bob’s Peak, Skippers Canyon, Ben Lomond Track, Sam Summers Hut, and Queenstown Hill. Other favourite highlights in the city include the Queenstown Markets, Skyline Gondola, Shotover River, Marine Parade, and Queenstown Gardens. Of course, no trip to Queenstown is complete without a visit to world-renowned Fergburger.
Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park is the most centrally located holiday park in Queenstown, just a 500m walk from the town centre and lakefront. Offering accommodations of 1 and 2 bedroom units, flats, studios, and campsites, powered or unpowered, it is ideal to park your campervan and enjoy your stay surrounding by scenic views.
Arrowtown Holiday Park sits 700m from the Arrowtown centre with its shops, cafes, and restaurants. The park, which can be found at 12 Centennial Avenue provides first-rate caravan and campervan sites that have concrete hardstand or grass sites complete with power, water and drainage hook-ups. Great amenities include playground, kitchen, showers and toilets, BBQ area, picnic tables, laundry, tennis court, nearby community swimming pool and WiFi access.
Queenstown Holiday Park & Motels Creeksyde is located at 54 Robins Road, Queenstown. The park offers a magnificently landscaped lawn and drive-on sites as well as a broad selection of accommodation to meet your needs and budget. Take pleasure in your stay at Creeksyde for an unforgettable and remarkable holiday park experience.
Kawarau River which drains Lake Wakatipu is a prime spot for water sport activities such as jet boating, white-water rafting, and river surfing. The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge is also popular for being the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping.
Arrowtown is a gold rush village situated on the base of the picturesque peaks surrounding Arrow River. The town has a scenic campground and delicious local restaurants. Try the Chop Shop for breakfast, and La Rumbla for dinner.
Queenston to Glenorchy journey is one of the world's most scenic drives. While you are there, seek out stunning Lord of the Rings filming locations, or do a Funyak (inflatable canoe) safari. Over summer, you can park at Mrs. Woolley's boutique campground in Glenorchy.
Arrow River Bridges Trail stretches from Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley. Enjoy wine tasting, without having to drive. Shuttles are available to transfer you and your bike back to base.
You must be at least 21. However, few campervan providers will accept 18-year-old drivers but an underage surcharge may apply.
No. Your current and valid driver's licence (not expired) is enough. An International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation in English will be asked if your license is not printed in English.
Visit immigration.govt.nz for updates on New Zealand travel restrictions.
You can camp for free at the Queenstown Rotary Club, Meiklejohns Bay, Twenty Five Mile Stream, Gibbston Valley, and Kawarau Bridge Car Park as long as you are travelling in a certified self-contained campervan.
There are 33 dedicated car parks for large campervans located in the Boundary Street Carpark. Take note that large campervans are not permitted from parking in Queenstown CBD. You could face an infringement fee if you’re caught parking the wrong way.
To avoid any unwanted fines, make sure to keep out of no camping zones. These areas are usually town centres and residential areas within the Queenstown Lakes District. If you’re caught camping in a No Camping Zone, you’ll be issued with a penalty notice and will have to pay a fine. Visit the Queenstown Lakes District Council website to know more.
