Queenstown Tickets & Passes: Top 5 for Unforgettable Fun

Queenstown, pretty much the adventure capital of New Zealand (maybe even the entire globe!), is that kind of place which gets your pulse racing just thinking about it. Between those dramatic mountain views, super clear lakes, and yeah, that air of excitement that just seems to hang around every corner, it’s a spot where you wanna soak up every possible experience. You’ll probably want to make sure you make the most of your time there, and really the best way to do that is by grabbing tickets and passes to the things that appeal to you most. Let’s get right into some top picks, which should ensure your Queenstown visit is really one for keeps. Read our full review: Queenstown Activities Full Review and Details

1. Shotover Jet Ride: An Adrenaline Rush

The Shotover Jet? So, yeah, it’s a must-do, it’s almost legendary in Queenstown. What makes it special? That might just be the super narrow canyons of the Shotover River where you’re zooming through! These boats? Well, they are seriously crafted for speed and agility, so it’s very likely you’ll experience some serious G-force as the driver pulls off some crazy turns just inches from the rock walls. That sense of almost, you know, brushing against nature at, like, breakneck speed? Yeah, you’re likely to get that a lot, too. A little historical factoid, actually; the Shotover River once, that, was the site of a huge gold rush back in the 1860s, which seems quite different from jet boats, yet adds another cool layer to the adventure. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Shotover Jet)

“The Shotover Jet isn’t just a ride; it’s an iconic Queenstown adventure.”

2. Skyline Gondola & Luge: Views and Thrills

Want to, so, see Queenstown from way up high without all the climbing? The Skyline Gondola tends to be your best bet. You just glide up Bob’s Peak, and, just like that, bam! You get these breathtaking panoramic views that are frankly unreal, even with a good camera. Once you are at the top, and too it’s quite a draw, there’s the luge. These little carts are gravity powered and the ride is really a blast for pretty much anyone. They also tend to offer several tracks from which to choose, so that your experience could be fairly smooth, and in other ways, more adventurous depending upon what you choose. During the evening it’s not uncommon to see stargazers here, yet with city lights still twinkling below – really the very best of both of them! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Skyline Gondola & Luge)

3. TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise: Vintage Charm

Feel like getting back to a different era, right, but on the water? The TSS Earnslaw steamship just might offer that type of experience, but only it is still steaming along after more than a century of service! Seriously though, the vintage charm is really captivating as you go cruising across Lake Wakatipu. Then you can explore Walter Peak High Country Farm, see some sheep shearing, enjoy a yummy barbecue lunch. It’s all quite fun! If you are interested in the history, you know, the TSS Earnslaw, at one point, was the main transport link for remote farming communities around Lake Wakatipu, which is kinda neat as a legacy to keep going. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (TSS Earnslaw Cruise)

“The TSS Earnslaw offers a glimpse into Queenstown’s rich pastoral history.”

4. Queenstown Rafting: White Water Excitement

Want to get really wet and have some fun while doing so? Look at river rafting! There really are two main choices when it comes to, you know, tackling white water close to Queenstown: The Shotover River, known almost for its tight canyons and sheer adrenaline pumping rapids, or the Kawarau River, a little more relaxed, rather a more mellow vibe but hey! You are definitely still up for some solid thrills (and, incidentally, that river that happens to run through the gorge where they filmed those Argonath scenes from *The Lord of the Rings*). Seriously, any level of experience will probably be all right on the Kawarau; both rivers are extremely awesome in completely individual ways. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Queenstown Rafting)

5. Ziplining with Ziptrek Ecotours: Above the Trees

Fancy something kind of aerial and actually eco-friendly? So, Ziptrek Ecotours might just grab your attention! You can probably soar through the forest canopy on ziplines that give you a really different perspective on Queenstown’s surroundings, but they will very much share a fair bit about conservation and local ecosystems, too! It tends to be not only a good experience as far as adrenaline goes but just maybe you might feel better because, to some degree or another, it’s probably guilt-free (as eco-tourism really should be, very clearly!) One of Ziptrek’s ziplines is that, incidentally, the steepest tree-to-tree zipline in the world. The really fearless ought to apply themselves and attempt it. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ziptrek Ecotours)

“Ziptrek Ecotours combines adventure with ecological education for a unique Queenstown experience.”