Queenstowns Top 5 Adventure Activities - the complete guide for first time visitors

Queenstowns Top 5 Adventure Activities (for First-Time Visitors)

Over the last 30 years or so, we have watched Queenstown grow to what is now one of the most complete holiday destinations in the world.

Queenstown New Zealand is basically an outdoor playground wrapped around a stunning lake, with the Remarkables mountain range as the backdrop. If it’s your first time here, it can be hard to narrow down what’s “must-do” versus “nice if you have time.”

To make it easy, we've chosen our five iconic Queenstown adventure activities that give you a real taste of the town—each with where to do it, how long it takes, how accessible it is, why it’s worth it, how popular it is, and a recommended tour provider, so you can book your tour.

Queenstowns Top 5 Adventure Activities - our short list

1) Bungy Jumping at Kawarau Bridge (The Original)

Location

Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre, State Highway 6, about 20 minutes from central Queenstown (toward Arrowtown).

Accessibility

• Easy to reach by car, shuttle, or tour transfer. Ample free on-site parking.
• Good option if you’re short on time.
• Viewing area for friends/family, plus café, gift shop and facilities on site.
• There are ramps and elevators within the complex for those with mobility issues.

Time to complete

• The actual jump lasts for only 10-20 seconds or so (but every second is gold), but plan 1.5–2.5 hours total (transfer + check-in + safety briefing + jump + photos/video).

Why we recommended it

• The home of bungy and the world’s first commercial bungy jump—pure Queenstown history.
• The jump is high enough to be thrilling but not as intimidating as some of the mega-height options.
• You can choose to touch the water (depending on conditions), which makes it extra memorable.
• Something to brag about when you get home (our relatives didn't believe us until we showed them the video).

Popularity

Very high. This is one of the most booked first-timer adventures in Queenstown, and it runs all day.

Extra tips

• Wear secure footwear and remember to remove any valuables from your pockets (lockers are available to hire if needed).
• If you’re doing multiple activities, bungy early in your trip can be a great confidence boost (everything else feels easier afterward).

2) The iconic Shotover Jet Boat Ride (High-Speed Canyon Adventure)

This is one of those activities that is just synonymous with Queenstown. It's one of our all-time favourites, and has a well deserved spot in our short-list of Queenstowns top 5 adventure activities.

This is the perfect “adrenaline without fear” activity—it's fast, splashy, and fun. And perhaps best of all, you don't need to jump off anything.

The thrill of tearing through the Shotover Canyon at speed, just metres from the towering cliffs, is one that's hard to beat. And just when you think your captain is slowing for a break, he gives a hand signal, and throws the boat into a spin (that's where you may get a little damp). 

Location

Shotover River, departing from Shotover Jet base (a short drive from Queenstown, near Arthurs Point).

Accessibility

• Quick drive from town; you can book transfers from town, but it's an easy 15 - 20 minute drive.
• Suitable for most visitors, including those who want adventure but prefer staying seated.
• Not ideal if you have certain neck/back issues—check operator guidance.
• Rug up in the cooler months (say April to November) and wear a spray jacket as your outer layer. Wind chill can be a factor.

Time to complete

Around 1–2 hours total, with the jet ride itself typically about 25–30 minutes.

Why it’s recommended

• Queenstown jet boating is famous for a reason: tight canyon walls, crystal water, and those signature 360-degree spins.
• It’s a great “group” activity—everyone comes out laughing (and usually slightly damp).

Have a look at our dedicated Shotover Jet page for a more detailed review.

Popularity

Extremely popular year-round, especially in summer afternoons. Booking ahead is smart.

Extra tips

• Bring a warm layer; the wind chill can surprise you.
• Wear something you don’t mind getting a little wet.

3) Milford Sound Day Trip with a Cruise (Epic Scenery + Easy Adventure)

Not all Queenstown adventure has to be extreme—Milford Sound is the kind of “wow” that stays with you forever, and it’s a must for first-timers if you can spare a day. The English author Rudyard Kipling (The Jungle Book) called it the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and when you visit you will see why.

Location

Milford Sound is located on the South Island's lower West Coast in the World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park. Most road tours depart from Queenstown and travel via Te Anau.

Accessibility - important

If you look on a map, Milford Sound is only around 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Queenstown in a direct line. However, the two are separated by a little mountain range known as the Southern Alps. This means that the road trip is much longer and takes around 4-5 hours each way. So you are faced with 8-10 hours driving, on winding and unfamiliar roads, to reach your tour boat. And this is why sensible people take a coach tour from Queenstown. These are excellent, and allow you to sit back in comfort while your tour driver provides expert commentary, and will also make a couple of stops at points of interest. Yep, it's a long day, at around 13 hours from leaving to returning to Queenstown. You can also fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound. This is a much quicker option, but flights are very much weather dependant, and cancellations are common. If you have your heart set on driving yourself, we recommend staying for a night or two in Te Anau, the closest town to Milford Sound (1.5 to 2 hours drive).

• Very easy if you book a coach tour: you can relax, nap, and enjoy the views.
• Long day, but low physical effort.
• Ideal for first-time visitors who want iconic scenery without planning logistics.

Time to complete

Usually 12–13+ hours round trip from Queenstown (including the cruise). If time permits, an overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner is highly recommended. The serenity of a night in the Sound is something to remember.

Why it’s recommended

• A UNESCO World Heritage area with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and often seals/dolphins (sometimes penguins).
• The journey there is part of the experience—lakes, valleys, dramatic mountain passes, and the Homer Tunnel.
• Great balance: “big nature” with comfortable transport.

Popularity

Perhaps New Zealand's most popular attraction. Sells out often in peak season. Once you have your itinerary locked in, this is a bucket list item that you need to book months in advance.

Extra tips

• Pack snacks and a reusable water bottle.
• Weather changes fast—bring a rain jacket even if it’s sunny in Queenstown.
• Consider a glass-roof coach option if available; it’s amazing for photos.

Check Available Tours

You can search a range of available tours and make your bookings below.

4) Skyline Queenstown Gondola + Luge (Easy, Fun, and Weirdly Addictive)

This is the most accessible of “Queenstowns Top 5 Adventure Activities”, and it’s honestly a first-timer essential—especially if you want something fun that doesn’t require a whole day. We've done this one multiple times over the years, as much for the views, as for the chance to ride the luge again. Tim and I are addicted, and although it has taken him quite a few years, he is pretty happy that he is now faster than me lol. We also love the buffet meal (window seat) at Stratosfare restaurant. 

Location

Skyline Queenstown, 450 metres above town on Bob’s Peak (gondola departs from 53 Brecon Street in central Queenstown).

Accessibility

• Walkable from most central accommodation, taking around 15 minutes (although it's uphill most of the way). There's a pay as you use parking station at the Skyline base.
• Gondola makes it easy even if you’re not hiking. The views are sensational.
• Great for families, couples, and mixed groups.

Time to complete

Allow 2–3 hours (more if you add dinner, stargazing, or extra luge rides).

Why we recommended

• Great for all ages.
• Best quick-viewpoint in town with sweeping Lake Wakatipu panoramas. 
• Luge is surprisingly thrilling—like downhill go-karting with incredible scenery.
• Easy “win” activity if the weather is mixed (often still great above town).
• Dining options at Stratosfare restaurant (be sure to book a window seat for dinner to catch the changing light as the sun sets).
• Optional Star Gazing tours with sky unpolluted by artificial light.

Popularity

Very popular, especially late morning through sunset. Go earlier for shorter lines.

Extra tips

• If you can time it for the sunset golden hour, do it.
• Bring a light jacket—it's cooler up top even in summer.
• Be careful - the luge is addictive.

Bookings and more information

All bookings can be made through the Skyline website.

5) White Water Rafting on the Kawarau or Shotover River (Big Smiles, Big Splash)

If you want a hands-on adventure where you feel like you earned it, rafting is the one. Perfect conditions and jaw dropping scenery make this one of Queenstown's most popular adrenaline charged thrills, and without a doubt, one of Queenstowns top 5 adventure activities.

Location

• Kawarau River: generally wider, friendlier rapids (great for beginners).
• Shotover River: more dramatic canyon setting, typically a step up in intensity.

Accessibility

• Tour operators provide transport, wetsuits, helmets, and full safety briefing.
• You should be comfortable in water, but you don’t need prior experience.
• Some tours involve short walks on uneven ground—worth noting if mobility is limited.

Time to complete

Typically 4–5 hours door-to-door (including gearing up, briefing, rafting time, and return).

Why it’s recommended

• It’s a full experience: teamwork, scenery, adrenaline, and plenty of laughs.
• Great option if you want a “real adventure day” without committing to multi-day trekking.

Popularity

High—especially in summer. Rafting is a classic Queenstown bucket-list item. For an extra "adventure shot", combine your rafting with a jetboat ride. You will not believe where these amazing boats can go.

Extra tips

• Don’t worry if you’re not super fit; guides do a great job coaching.
• Bring a towel and dry clothes for afterward.

Recommended provider

RealNZ (Kawarau or Shotover rafting). You can book your tours below.

Quick Planning Tips (So Your Trip Flows Smoothly)

A few final tips to help with your adventure plans:

• Best “first day” combo: Skyline (easy) + Shotover Jet (high energy) + dinner in town.
• Book the “big-ticket” day early: Milford Sound trips are very popular and weather-dependent if you choose to fly.
• If you want one truly iconic adrenaline hit: choose Kawarau Bridge Bungy (or upgrade to higher jumps later).