Queenstown-Wakatipu Ward

District ·🇳🇿 New Zealand

Area 4,766 km²

Time zone Pacific/Auckland

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Explore Queenstown-Wakatipu Ward

Queenstown-Wakatipu Ward Essentials

This selection covers the natural landmarks and adventure hubs of the Wakatipu Basin. It features the historic 1880 Kawarau Suspension Bridge, the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, and the 134-meter Nevis Bungy. Visitors can access panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu via the Skyline Gondola or the Devil's Staircase Lookout. The list also includes the Queenstown Gardens’ botanical collection, native species at Kiwi Birdlife Park, and high-speed jet boat operations within the narrow Shotover River canyons.

12 places

Queenstown's Majestic Peaks

Queenstown is defined by the dramatic topography of the Southern Alps and the Eyre Mountains surrounding Lake Wakatipu. This collection includes prominent landmarks like Ben Lomond and Walter Peak, known for their distinct silhouettes across the water. Elevations range from the accessible Bobs Peak, reached via the Skyline Gondola, to the remote 2,319-meter Eyre Peak. These summits feature varied terrain, including the jagged schist of the Remarkables range and the historical gold mining sites found on the slopes of Mount Crichton.

20 places

Wilderness Huts and Shelters

This collection features a diverse range of backcountry shelters across the Wakatipu Basin and Mount Aspiring National Park. It includes modern serviced huts on the Routeburn and Greenstone tracks, offering mattresses and heating, alongside historic stone structures from the 19th-century gold mining era in the Richardson Mountains. These sites provide essential refuge for hikers navigating the alpine terrain of the Rees, Caples, and Shotover valleys, with facilities ranging from basic bivouacs to multi-bunk lodges.

20 places

Lakes and Waterfalls

This collection features the glacial lakes and alpine waterfalls of the Wakatipu Basin and Mount Aspiring National Park. Highlights include Lake Wakatipu, known for its unique seiche tide, and the high-altitude Lake Alta on the Remarkables. Many sites, such as Routeburn Falls and Lake Harris, are accessible via the Routeburn Track, while others like Moke Lake and Lake Dispute offer secluded fishing spots. These landmarks showcase the region's dramatic topography, shaped by ancient glacial movement and high annual rainfall.

20 places

Viewpoints and Scenic Spots

This collection spans the dramatic landscapes of the Wakatipu Basin, from the 1,748-meter summit of Ben Lomond to the manicured paths of Queenstown Gardens. Several lookouts, such as the Devil’s Staircase and Jacks Point, offer perspectives of Lake Wakatipu’s glacial trench. Higher elevation spots along the Remarkables access road and the Crown Range provide views over the Kawarau River and the Arrow Basin, while the Pillars of the Kings marks a specific filming location used for the Argonath in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

17 places

Camping and Caravan Sites

This collection covers a diverse range of camping options across the Queenstown and Wakatipu region, from full-service holiday parks to remote Department of Conservation (DOC) sites. Featured locations include historic mining areas like Macetown and Skippers Canyon, alongside backcountry sites on the Routeburn Track. Facilities range from modern hubs with Wi-Fi and sanitary dump stations in urban centers to basic wilderness shelters and latrines near Glenorchy and Kingston.

20 places

Winter Sports & Activities

Queenstown's winter landscape centers on three major ski fields: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona Alpine Resort. Coronet Peak features extensive night skiing and snowmaking capabilities, while The Remarkables offers high-altitude terrain across three north-facing alpine basins. Cardrona is notable for its world-class terrain parks and the Southern Hemisphere's only Olympic-sized superpipe. Beyond the slopes, the Skyline Gondola provides access to Bob's Peak for luge runs, and the town center hosts unique cold-climate venues like the Minus 5° Ice Bar.

24 places