4 Days of Alpine Magic, Adrenaline, and Epic Landscapes in Queenstown

Nestled on the shores of Lake Whakatipu and ringed by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables and Southern Alps, Queenstown is New Zealand’s undisputed adventure capital. To make the most of this playground, this 4-day itinerary gives you an example of how to enjoy the heart-racing adventure activities, breathtaking landscapes or just taking in the surroundings. Whether you’re unwinding with a glass of Central Otago pinot or free-falling at 200 km/h, these perfectly paced days capture the South Island’s ultimate blend of relaxation and exhilaration.

Day 1 - Start your trip slow with coffee and lake views at a waterfront café. 
Stroll the Queenstown garden’s paths - frisbee golf, duck-spotting, and the magnificent Remarkables range as your backdrop. Mid-morning, hop on the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, for a relaxed 90-minute cruise to a high-country station; sip tea while sheepdogs round up merino sheep. 
Back in town, grab dinner on the go and have a picnic on the beach or bring your food to Perky’s, a floating bar right at the wharf. End with sunset from the Skyline gondola - pure panoramic bliss and a glass of Central Otago wine - the perfect way to unwind from your travels and kick off your Queenstown holiday.

Day 2 - Time for adventure! 
Start your day with an epic white-water rafting with Challenge Rafting run down the Shotover River - tackle grade 3-5 rapids through sheer rock canyons, emerging soaked and buzzing. Lift off for a scenic helicopter flight with The Helicopter Line over the Remarkables and Lake Whakatipu, landing on a glacier for jaw-dropping alpine views and year-round snow. Finish with a 43-metre bungee leap from the Kawarau Bridge, free-falling toward the turquoise river below - or swap the jump for a tandem skydive from 15,000 ft: free-fall at 200 km/h for up to 60 seconds over the Southern Alps and glittering lake, then glide under canopy for five serene minutes before touching down with the ultimate rush! An adrenaline-filled day to remember for the rest of your life.

Day 3 - Explore the local area, wildlife, flora, and fauna. 
Kick your day off at the Kiwi Park, where you’ll spot rare kiwi birds, Tuataras, and other native wildlife in a lush native setting. From there, choose your scenic escape: cruise to Glenorchy along Lake Wakatipu’s emerald shores, framed by the jagged Southern Alps and explore Lord of the Rings filming locations, or wind over the Crown Range to the quiet township of Wānaka for its iconic lone tree and Roy’s Peak views. Alternatively, make the trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi with Milford Sound Scenic Flights and lose yourself in Fiordland National Park’s cathedral of cliffs and waterfalls. Soar above the Southern Alps’ dramatic spines by plane or helicopter, or wind along the legendary road where every hairpin turn unveils a new gasp-worthy vista.

Day 4 - Power through an active day your way. 
Hire bikes and ride the flat Lake Dunstan Trail - 40 km of vineyard-fringed bliss to Cromwell - or pedal the gentler Gibbston River Trail for winery stops and tastings. For legs that crave height, swap wheels for boots: summit Ben Lomond (6-8 hrs return) or ease up Queenstown Hill (2-3 hrs return) for sweeping lake vistas. Or mix both - bike the wineries, hike the hill for an active day in the adventure capital of the world.