What do you think of Queenstown, President Clinton?
"Breathtaking . . . I wish I had weeks to spend here. You know, when we were coming in the airplane landing, everybody on the plane was just gasping when we saw the landscape. It's just so beautiful. You're all very fortunate." US President Bill Clinton in 1999.

Queenstown was named because '...it was fit for Queen Victoria.' Certainly it's lived up to that expectation. The area has captured hearts and imaginations since the first Maori came in search of pounamu (greenstone) and the giant Moa bird. Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere's premiere four season alpine and lake resort. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range, Queenstown is the perfect destination all year round. Ride the gondola to the top of Bob's Peak for unforgettable views across the lake to the Remarkable mountain range. Play a round of golf at one of the four local courses. Join an art or wine trail. Cruise the lake on a historic steamship. Queenstown offers so much for the visitor to experience, even if you choose to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The town follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu - a deep blue lake of pure mountain water. Framing the picture is The Remarkables range with its purple-brown peaks topped with snow. Swathes of green decorate the area between town and mountain top. Queenstown, also known as the Adventure Capital of the World, is more than just a place, it's a whole feeling'. Bungy Jumping, White-Water Rafting and Jet boating have their New Zealand roots here. As well there are a mind boggling other activities, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, paragliding and river surfing just to name a few.

Skippers Canyon - the Road to High Adventure : From the 1860s until recently, Skippers Canyon was the very centre of gold mining activity in the Queenstown region - historical sites still exist today. Known in adventure circles as 'Skippers Grand Canyon' the area encompasses 20 acres and is home to the Pipeline Bungy, Skippers Flying Fox, Winky's Museum, Skippers Canyon Jet and the Pipeline Walkway. You can also see a number of original gold mining workings that are progressively being restored. Hand carved out of solid rock, the Skippers Road is an adventure in itself…don't look down!
“Lady of the Lake” historic Steamship : Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel  with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, the only coal fired passenger carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere.  Affectionately known as the “Lady of the Lake”, the TSS Earnslaw has a special place in the hearts of Queenstown people.  She has been transporting goods to remote settlements and conveying passengers on beautiful Lake Wakatipu since 1912.  What better way to view the magnificent scenery than by taking a cruise a board the TSS Earnslaw. You will be transported in style and comfort on one of our regular departures to Walter Peak High Country Farm, located on the western shores of the lake. It provides visitors the opportunity to experience New Zealand high country life including Walter Peak Farm show or heritage excursion. Alternatively, saddle up for a horse trek across the stunning countryside or enjoy a delectable barbecue lunch / dinner inside the Colonel's Homestead or relax on the lakeside terrace.  As you relax on board, choose from a range of delicious café style food or a drink from the bar (extra cost). Every cruise allows you plenty of time to explore the TSS Earnslaw’s decks and bridge, view the engine room and historic displays in the Fo’c’sle Gallery and join a sing-along with the ship’s pianist.

Follow Your Nose - the Queenstown Wine Trail : Spend an afternoon sampling award winning local vintages and learning the secrets of the world's southernmost wine growing region. Central Otago has won more gold medals for Pinot Noir than any other New Zealand region. Grapes were first grown here during the gold rush of the late 1800s, when Frenchman Jean Desire Feraud recognised potential and planted vines. A cruise around the local vineyards is a must - there are numerous wine tours on offer.
Shotover Jet Queenstown : Acknowledged as the World’s most famous Jet Boat operation, it's a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet, as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds.  And a major highlight - hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins! No visit to Queenstown is complete without ‘Catching the Canyons’ with award winning Shotover Jet, ‘the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride’and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. Since 1970 over 2 million passengers have been thrilled by the unique Shotover Jet experience. Nothing you have experienced will have you prepared for the thrill and excitement of a Shotover Jet ride; it's an adrenaline rush you'll never forget. The best thing of all… this is actually good for you.
History is Alive and Well in Arrowtown : Twenty-one kilometres from Queenstown, Arrowtown is home to the superb Lakes District Museum, often described as one of New Zealand's best small museums. Much of Arrowtown's history is very much alive and in daily use. Wander the banks of the Arrow river and discover life as it was for the thousands of Chinese miners - their humble village can still be seen tucked into the riverbank. The main street, Buckingham St, is testament to the town's determination to preserve its illustrious past. Historical buildings line the streets, housing a stylish shopping and dining precinct. Pick up a directory of historical buildings from the museum and spend an afternoon soaking up Arrowtown's unique history.

Queenstown Skyline Gondola : One of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown is the distinctive outline of the Skyline complex etched against the sky high above the town. Skyline is reached by Gondola cableway which whisks you smoothly up 450 metres as Queenstown drops away below. Breathtaking views from the top extend almost full circle, from Coronet Peak around to The Remarkables and on to Cecil and Walter Peaks on the other side of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Offering expansive views with unsurpassed facilities, the Skyline Gondola, Restaurant and Luge complex sits high above Queenstown on Bob's Peak, 790m above sea level. The Complex is reached by gondola cableway. The gondola base station is located 5 minutes walk from central Queenstown. Skyline is open 365 days a year.

Activities / Sightseeing

DWQD - 1 : Queenstown Gondola
Cost : $22.00 Per Person
Include : Gondola Ride

DWQD - 2 : Queenstown Gondola with Buffet Lunch
Cost : $50.00 Per Person
Include : Not only are you guaranteed stunning views from every table, you can enjoy a lavish 'Taste of New Zealand' buffet at exceptional value for money - and the views are absolutely free!

DWQD - 3 : Queenstown Gondola with Buffet Dinner (5 pm till late)
Cost : $70.00 Per Person
Include : 6 Course "Taste of New Zealand Buffet" Dinner Menu include choice of Soup, Hot Entrees, Carvey, Cold Tables of mouth watering seafood, meats and salads, Desserts, Cheeseboard, Tea/Coffee and Live Entertainment. All menus inclusive of Gondola Ride.

Milford Sound and Fiordland : Enjoy an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Here the power of nature stuns and enthralls the visitors from its waterfalls tumbling hundreds of meters into virgin forested valleys, to endless stretches of shimmering lakes and towering granite peaks. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with Remarkables, dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Travel through the Southern Alps, Mirror Lakes, Te Anau Lake, Fiordland National Park via the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2 Kms. tunnel carved through a solid mountain of rock and Cleddeau Valley. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board a choice of luxury Scenic Cruises or Nature Cruises for a breath taking experience in New Zealand's most famous waterway, viewing the spectacular waterfalls including the Sterling and Bowen Falls and famous Mitre Peak. Return back to Queenstown in the evening. Scenic Flight may be taken for the return journey to Queenstown.

Milford Sound Scenic Cruises (Duration 1 hr 40-45 mins)

DWQD - 4 : Ex Milford (11 AM - 12.40 PM)
Cost : Adult : NZ$ 70.00, Child : 35.00

DWQD - 5 : Ex Queenstown (7.00 AM - 7.30 PM)
Including Luxury Coach + Scenic Cruise
Cost : Adult : NZ$ 225.00, Child : 112.00

DWQD - 6 : Ex Queenstown (7.00 AM - 3.40 PM)
Including Luxury Coach + Scenic Cruise + Flight
Cost : Adult : NZ$ 585.00, Child : 350.00

DWQD - 7 : Ex Queenstown (10.00 AM - 1.40 PM)
Including Flight + Scenic Cruise + Flight
Cost : Adult : NZ$ 400.00, Child : 245.00
Milford Sound Nature Cruises (Duration 2 hr 30 mins)

DWQD - 8 : Ex Milford (12.30 PM - 3.00 PM)
Cost : Adult : NZ$ 80.00, Child : 40.00

DWQD - 9 : Ex Queenstown (7.30 AM - 8.30 PM)
Including Luxury Coach + Nature Cruise
Cost : Adult : NZ$ 230.00, Child : 115.00

DWQD - 10 : Ex Queenstown (7.30 AM - 5.40 PM)
Including Luxury Coach + Nature Cruise + Flight
Cost : Adult : NZ$ 585.00, Child : 350.00

Doubtful Sound : When you discover Doubtful Sound you will be struck by its silence - a silence broken only by birdsong, or maybe the rushing of a distant waterfall. Doubtful Sound located in a World Heritage Area, is an overwhelming place. You can feel the power of nature here - the remoteness, the wildness and the peace. Known for its wilderness and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and it is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it's over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland's densest rainforest and to view the colourful alpine moss gardens. On reaching Deep Cove, you will board the spacious catamaran for a three hour cruise that takes in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. The skippers provide a detailed commentary and point out highlights. Keep a look out for wildlife as bottlenose dolphins frequently come alongside our vessel, fur seals bask on the rocks around the fiord and rare penguins can at times be observed. What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, woolen sunscreen / sunglasses, insect repellent, camera and lots of film. Duration 8 Hours · Delicious lunch box (must be pre-ordered). Suitable for all ages.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises
Including Luxury Coach + Wilderness Cruise

DWQD - 11 : Ex Manapouri (9.30 AM - 5.30 PM)                                   
Cost : NZ$ 245.00               

DWQD - 12 : Ex Te Anau (8.30 AM - 6.15 PM)                           
Cost : NZ$ 265.00               

DWQD - 13 : Ex Queenstown (6.55 AM - 7.30 PM)                    
Cost : NZ$ 325.00               

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises

DWQD - 14 : Ex Manapouri (1200 HRS – 1200 HRS) Twin Share          
Cost : NZ$ 565.00                        

DWQD - 15 : Ex Te Anau (1130 HRS – 1245 HRS) Twin Share  
Cost : NZ$ 585.00               

DWQD - 16 : Ex Queenstown (0830 HRS – 1530 HRS) Twin Share       
Cost : NZ$ 635.00               

Queenstown Bungy

DWQD - 17 :Kawarau Bridge Bungy – The Original                  
Cost : NZ$ 140.00                    

DWQD - 18 :The Ledge - Queenstown Urban Bungy (Incl. Gondola)
Cost : NZ$ 140.00        

DWQD - 19 :  Queenstown’s Urban Sky Swing    (Incl. Gondola)          
Cost : NZ$ 75.00                        

DWQD - 20 : The Secrets of Bungy Tour                                               
Cost : NZ$ 20.00

Queenstown Shotover Jet "the worlds most exciting jet boat ride"

DWQD - 21 :Shotover Jet                                                         
Cost : NZ$ 109.00

DWQD - 22 :Queenstown Rafting                                             
Cost : NZ$ 169.00        

TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship with Walter Peak Excursion (with Farm Show+ Tea/Coffee)

DWQD - 23 :TSS Earnslaw with Walter Peak Excursion
Cost : NZ$ 62.00