10 Things to Do in Queenstown in Summer

Queenstown is known as the Adventure Capital of New Zealand and much of that fame is due to the number of natural activities on offer. Mountains, lush trails, lakes, hills and fjords are all part of the region's geographic appeal, which is most prominent during the summer months from December to March when the weather is ideal for these experiences.

Some of the best things to do in Queenstown in the summer include taking a speedboat ride on the popular Shotover River, experiencing a zip-line experience, discovering the town's decorations at the New Year's Festival of Lights, enjoying water sports on Lake Wakatipu and exploring the hiking trails.

Taking a speedboat ride on the Shotover River in Queenstown in summer is a thrilling experience that will take you through turbulent waters and steep canyons. The Shotover River is famous for its scenic beauty and fast-flowing rapids, making it a popular destination for adventure lovers.

During the speedboat ride, you'll feel like you're on a water rollercoaster as you glide at high speed down the river and face sharp turns and thrilling descents. Adrenaline will be the common denominator in these excursions that will have you navigating through turbulent waters in the mild summer weather, so you won't have to worry about falling off the boat.

In addition to the thrill, the speedboat ride down the Shotover River will allow you to appreciate the natural beauty of the canyon. Craggy rock walls, crystal clear waters and lush vegetation will surround you as you make your way down the river. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding scenery and take pictures as you enjoy one of the best tours in Queenstown.

As these are guided experiences, experts will accompany you on the tour, providing information on the history, geology and flora and fauna of the area, which is very varied.

A Queenstown zip line experience in the summer is an adventure not to be missed, allowing you to soar through the region's landscapes while enjoying the best views and a dose of adrenaline.

One of the highlights of the zip line experience is the Ziptrek circuit. With its multiple cables and platforms connected between the trees, you will be able to glide at high speed and enjoy the beauty of the native forest while you advance suspended in the air. In addition to the experience, you'll get an insight into how Ziptrek focuses on sustainability and conservation of the natural environment.

Another place to enjoy zip lining in Queenstown is at the Skyline Queenstown terminus. Here you can take a cable car up to the top of Bob 's Peak and ride a series of thrilling cable circuits. You'll fly through the air, with panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

In addition to the zip lines, both Ziptrek Ecotours and Skyline Queenstown offer additional activities, such as suspension bridges and scenic trails, to complement your experience.

Experience summer concerts at the Gibbston Valley Winery in Queenstown is a unique experience that combines live music, fine wines and breathtaking scenery. Gibbston Valley Winery is famous for its outdoor music events, which attract renowned artists and music enthusiasts from around the world.

During the summer concerts, you can enjoy live performances by talented musicians while relaxing in the winery's vineyards. The combination of great music and the picturesque setting of the vine-covered hills creates a magical and unique atmosphere.

In addition to the music, you can sample a selection of award-winning wines from the Gibbston Valley Winery, which also offers one of the best tours from Queenstown. You can pair your music experience with high quality local wines, enjoying the perfect fusion of music and flavour.

Concerts at the Gibbston Valley Winery offer an intimate and relaxed experience where you can enjoy the music up close and create lasting memories with friends and loved ones. The combination of music, wine and the enchanting setting makes these concerts an unforgettable experience.

Discovering the best open sunsets from The Remarkables in Queenstown's summer is a magical experience that allows you to witness breathtaking natural beauty. The Remarkables is an iconic mountain range that offers sweeping views and spectacular scenery that is further intensified during sunsets.

During the summer, the warm, clear weather creates the perfect conditions for enjoying sunsets at The Remarkables. As the sun sets over the horizon, the warm, golden hues reflect off the mountains, creating a fascinating light and colour show.

One of the best ways to enjoy the sunsets at The Remarkables is by hiking the nearby trails. Access to the peaks and the panoramic views give you a unique perspective and allow you to take unparalleled photographs as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Another option is to take the Skyline cable car to the top of The Remarkables and enjoy the views while relaxing on one of the panoramic terraces. From there you can admire the majesty of the mountains and enjoy the changing colours of the sky at sunset. And if you are looking for a complete adventure, you can also choose to experience this mountain on a helicopter tour.

Taking a summer bungee jumping experience at the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown is a unique opportunity for a thrilling, adrenaline-fuelled adventure. Kawarau Bridge is the birthplace of this extreme sport and has become an iconic destination for bungee jumpers.

During this experience you will launch yourself from a suspended platform on the bridge, plummeting into the crystal clear waters of the Kawarau River. The sensation of free-falling and the thrill of jumping will leave you with an adrenaline rush after a journey of almost 130 metres.

Bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bridge is especially impressive in summer, as the warm and sunny weather will give you the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere as you prepare for the jump. In addition, the water of the Kawarau River offers a refreshing plunge after the jump.

If you want to experience this adventure, please note that no previous bungee jumping experience is necessary, as you will receive safety instructions and be equipped with the appropriate equipment before jumping. Are you up for the challenge?

Exploring Queenstown's hiking trails in summer is an enriching experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This region has a variety of hiking tra ils that will take you through beautiful scenery and allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

One of the most popular hikes is the Queenstown Hill Track. This hike takes you through lush forests and over steep hills, offering panoramic views of the city, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, such as the popular The Remarkables.

Another outstanding route is the Ben Lomond Track. This challenging trail takes you to the top of Mount Ben Lomond, from where you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountain peaks. The low difficulty of this trail makes it an ideal trail to hike with the little ones if you're planning to visit Queenstown with children.

For those looking for a longer adventure, the Routeburn Track is an excellent option. This multi-day trail takes you through ancient forests, rugged mountains and pristine valleys. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to swap the trails for a more adrenaline-fuelled experience, you can also opt for an ATV adventure tour in the area.

Enjoying water sports on Lake Wakatipu in the summer in Queenstown is a refreshing and exciting experience that will allow you to make the most of the warm and sunny weather. Lake Wakatipu is one of New Zealand's most iconic lakes and offers an unbeatable setting for watersports.

One of the most popular activities is kayaking. Hiring a kayak gives you the opportunity to explore the lake's crystal clear waters at your own pace. You can paddle along the shoreline, discover quiet bays and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Another interesting option is paddleboarding. Hopping on a paddleboard will allow you to glide over the waters of the lake while enjoying the scenery in a fun and challenging way to enjoy Lake Wakatipu. In addition, those looking for an extra dose of adrenaline can try high-speed jet boating.

If you're looking for a relaxing experience instead, you can also opt for a leisurely boat or sailboat ride on the lake. You'll enjoy some quiet time on the water, admiring the scenic beauty and soaking up the serenity of the place, in an experience that is also very popular during the winter in Queenstown.

Discovering Queenstown's decorations during the New Year's Lights Festival is a magical experience that immerses you in a festive and joyful atmosphere. During this event, which runs throughout the month of December, the town is transformed into a dazzling light show that illuminates the streets and buildings, creating an atmosphere conducive to the festive eve.

During the Festival of Lights, Queenstown Gardens becomes the epicentre of celebration. Here you'll find light art installations, glowing sculptures and breathtaking projections that will leave you in awe. Stroll the walkways and discover every illuminated corner for a visually stunning experience.

Aside from the decorations in Queenstown Gardens, the entire town is dressed in light and colour to celebrate the New Year. Buildings, shops and main streets are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere around every corner.

During the Festival of Lights, themed events and activities also take place, such as open-air concerts and fireworks displays. And if you're planning to visit the town from early summer, you can also discover Queenstown's special activities, such as Christmas Nightmare at the Fear Factory Haunted House, one of the region's most famous haunted house sites.

Enjoying Queenstown's street art on a night walk through the town in summer is a fascinating experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and creativity of the town. Queenstown has a vibrant street art scene, with colourful and expressive artwork adorning the walls of buildings and streets, which you'll discover illuminated in all its glory on a night walk.

During your night walk you'll catch a glimpse of a variety of artistic styles and techniques that bring the local streets to life. From large murals to innovative graffiti, each piece of art tells a story and reflects the diversity and creative identity of the city, which also features colourful styles, making it an ideal plan if you plan to visit Queenstown with children.

One of the top areas for exploring street art is the city centre, where you'll find numerous open-air galleries and building facades transformed into artistic canvases. From Shotover Street to Beach Street, you can enjoy an immersive stroll surrounded by unique artistic expressions.

In addition to the artwork, the night walk allows you to enjoy a magical atmosphere. The lights of the city, combined with the illuminated artworks, create a special atmosphere and immerse you in a world of creativity and beauty at night.

Taking a skydiving tour is an adventure that will give you the opportunity to experience the thrill of taking the plunge. Queenstown, during the summer, offers a variety of options for those wishing to experience this unique New Zealand experience.

One of the most popular places for skydiving in Queenstown is Queenstown Airport. From there, you'll take off in a plane and ascend to amazing heights before plunging into the air for an adrenaline-filled freefall. While in the air, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables Mountain and the natural beauty of the region.

Another popular skydiving spot is Glenorchy, a picturesque village on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Skydiving from this site allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the magnificent scenery that surrounds the region.

In addition, some skydiving operators offer the option of jumping over the Paradise region, a scenic area located near Queenstown. Skydiving here allows you to enjoy the mountain peaks, rivers and lush valleys.

Temperatures in Queenstown in summer are generally pleasant and offer ideal weather for outdoor activities. During the summer months of December, January and February, daytime temperatures usually range between 20° and 30°, with sunny days and clear skies.

However, it is important to note that Queenstown is located in a mountainous region, so temperatures can vary and nights can be cooler. At night, temperatures can drop to around 10°C, so always pack a light jacket or jumper to be prepared.

Queenstown's summer tourist numbers are remarkably high due to its reputation as one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. During the summer months, which cover December, January and February, the town attracts a large number of local and international visitors looking to enjoy the warm weather, outdoor activities and stunning scenery.

The high summer tourist influx is reflected in the occupancy of accommodation, restaurants and popular tourist attractions. It is important to book accommodation and activities in advance to ensure availability and avoid disappointment, as the summer tourist density far exceeds that of Queenstown during the winter.

Prices in Queenstown in summer can be relatively high due to the high tourist demand during this season. Queenstown's popularity as a tourist destination and its reputation as an adventure capital can lead to higher prices compared to other times of the year.

It is important to note that prices may vary according to location, category of accommodation or popularity of activities. Luxury hotels and resorts tend to have higher rates, while cheaper accommodation options, such as hostels or guesthouses, may be more affordable.

Temperatures in Queenstown in summer are warm, but can drop significantly at night, so pack the following items in your suitcase:

• Safe hiking shoes
• Mountain coats
• Wool jumpers
• Light jacket
• Comfortable shoes
• Lightweight T-shirt
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight trousers