Queenstown, New Zealand, is known as the "adventure capital of the world," and for good reason! This vibrant town in the heart of the Southern Alps offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

From the moment I stepped off the plane, my jaw dropped. It is what I like to call "Colorado on 20 steroids". It's that beautiful and that adventurous.

Whether you're bungee jumping off a bridge or enjoying a scenic hike, Queenstown is the ultimate destination for those seeking adventure. In this blog post, I'll share the top 8 things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand, that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.

Shot Over Jet

The high-speed Shot Over Jet boat ride is an experience like no other. You'll feel the full force of the New Zealand rapids as you race down the Shotover River at speeds of up to 85km/h. It's pretty crazy how close you get to the side of the canyons–not for the faint of heart!

I didn't rent a car in Queenstown; they offer a complimentary shuttle service from downtown. It was super easy!

Book your Shot Over Jet tickets.

Skyline Queenstown

Take a leisurely ride up the Skyline Queenstown gondola to admire the stunning vistas of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. You can even book luge tickets to zip down the mountain. For even bigger adrenaline junkies, you can book a paragliding experience to get back down. Crazy stuff up there.

Even if you're just going up for the views, it is truly worth the time and cost to see Queenstown from way up high.

Sing the Night Away at Cowboy’s Queenstown

I've been told by locals that you haven't really "done Queenstown" until you've stayed up way too late singing at Cowboys. Some pals and I found ourselves at the American West-themed bar on karaoke night, and it, well, delivered. There's even a mechanical bull! Good times all around. Cowboys is the place to go for a good time. 

Drink on a Boat at Perky’s

This little floating bar, called Perky's, was absolutely delightful. The bottom of the boat is a casual bar, and you can sit up top and enjoy epic views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. It's a casual joint with decent beer but iconic views worth enjoying. 

Hike Hooker Lake near Mt. Cook.

If you enjoy a little physical challenge on your vacation, make your way to Mt. Cook. I used Cheeky Kiwi Travel as my transfer service, so I didn't even need to rent a car for the day.

The drive from Queenstown to Mt. Cook is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It's pretty darn easy to see why.

I spent about 3 hours hiking Hooker Lake, where I saw glacier-filled water, bountiful plant life, and just jaw-dropping views. 

Take a Day Trip to Milford Sound

The day trip to Milford Sound was absolutely exhausting but entirely worth it. Most tours will pick you up around 6 am, and its a 4-5 hour ride (one way) to the sound. 

However, you will stop and see some filming locations from Lord of the Rings. I've never seen the films but was very impressed with the abundant natural beauty.

You'll have a two-hour boat cruise when you get to the sound. Apparently, Milford really comes to life in the rain. It has been reported that as many as 10,000 waterfalls can occur at once in the sound.

I went on a sunny day, but it was still stunning. I enjoyed it, and it is definitely a bucket list experience. However, I wasn't as moved as I think I would have been had I visited in the rain. 

Related: Book a Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Day Trip

Visit Kiwi Park

I honestly just stumbled upon Kiwi Park when I was leaving the Skyline. It's just a stone's throw away. 

It's an adorable 5-acre park that features New Zealand's native birds, including the iconic kiwi. The staff were really nice and offered me a self-guided audio tour. I even stayed for the 30-minute bird show. 

It's a really cute spot, and I learned a lot about New Zealand's nature.

Sip on New Zealand Wine on a Guided Tour

I had taken a wine tour of the Yarra Valley during my time in Australia, so I knew I wanted to give New Zealand wine a try. 

There are lots of wine tour options available; I booked this one with GetYourGuide. My pals and I were certainly the youngest on the tour, but we had a great time bonding with some older Brits and Australians.