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Lake Wanaka, Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown & Wanaka

Beauty & adventure in the New Zealand Alps

Things to do in Queenstown & Wanaka

Introduction

Queenstown bustles year-round with thrill-seekers looking for that ultimate adrenaline rush. And, with everything from jet boating and bungee jumping to hiking and skiing, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Meanwhile, nearby Wanaka offers all the same beauty, but with more of a laid-back vibe. Speak to our specialists to find out how to incorporate these two stunning destinations on your next New Zealand holiday.

Get adventurous in Queenstown

Of course, Queenstown’s reputation demands attention; with Lake Wakatipu at its fore and the Remarkables mountain range to its aft, it’s a well-worn trope to refer to it as the country’s ‘adventure capital’. However, look beyond the white-water rafting, skydiving and skiing and you’ll find everything from mountain hikes and relaxed vineyard tastings to laidback lakeside and historic gold rush towns. It’s also a figurative jetty for voyages into Fiordland. 


Paragliding above Queenstown

Get active in Wanaka & Mt. Aspiring National Park

Just a short drive through the Alps from Queenstown, Wanaka still offers a superb range of activities, but with a more relaxed, small-town atmosphere. In summer, lazy evenings can be spent at quiet cafés and restaurants overlooking the lake, while sunny days offer the chance to chill out on these same picturesque shores. And, if you're looking for some daytime thrills, the neighbouring Mt. Aspiring National Park delivers in spades, with everything from hiking and climbing to scenic flights and jet boating. In winter, the excellent Treble Cone ski a resort is a match for its more famous Queenstown cousins.


Hiking above Lake Wanaka

 

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Top itineraries in Queenstown & Wanaka

Queenstown, New Zealand

Highlights of New Zealand

19-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,725 pp incl. flights

With boutique hotel stays and car hire included throughout, this curated road trip perfectly showcases the unique cultures and natural wonders of New Zealand's North and South islands.

Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound

Best of New Zealand's South Island

13-day tailor-made self-drive & rail journey from £4,575 pp incl. flights

Discover New Zealand's South Island on this in-depth road trip, which includes a glacier heli-hike, an overnight Doubtful Sound cruise and a journey on the iconic TranzAlpine train.

Rotorua, New Zealand

Cultural Highlights of New Zealand

19-day tailor-made self-drive from £5,525 pp incl. flights

A tip-to-toe tour of New Zealand, taking in the best of its landscapes and culture, and calling into filming locations from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Wilderness Highlights of New Zealand

23-day tailor-made self-drive from £8,300 pp incl. flights

Discover the spectacular landscapes of New Zealand's north and south islands on this fly-drive holiday, which includes a journey across the Southern Alps aboard the iconic TranzAlpine Express.

See all itinerary ideas

Top places to stay in Queenstown & Wanaka

Main Lodge, Matakauri Lodge

Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown

Small & intimate lodge

Located just seven minutes from the lively centre of Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge sits on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu. With breathtaking views over the jagged peaks of the Remarkables mountain range, this lodge is a world away from the hustle and bustle of New Zealand's adventure capital.

St Moritz Queenstown room, New Zealand

St Moritz Hotel, Queenstown

Traditional hotel

Combine alpine chic with city slicking all overlooking Lake Wakatipu and some of New Zealand’s most impressive mountains.

Lime Tree Lodge lounge, New Zealand

Lime Tree Lodge, Wanaka

Contemporary lodge

Whether it’s fine dining, adventure activities or ambling garden strolls, you’ll enjoy it all in luxury at Lime Tree Lodge.

Blanket Bay Paradise Lodge Suite, New Zealand

Blanket Bay, Glenorchy

Traditional lodge

With a name that refers to the region’s idyllic sheep-rearing past, this is rural charm sprinkled with contemporary luxury.

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When to go to Queenstown & Wanaka

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Queenstown & Wanaka articles

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Meet our Queenstown & Wanaka experts

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Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7981 9996 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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