Things to do in Queenstown, Wānaka & Milford Sound

Queenstown is packed with thrills: ride the Skyline gondola up Bob's Peak and steer the luge back down, blast through the Shotover River canyons on the Shotover Jet or bungy from the Kawarau Bridge, then cross Lake Whakatipu on the coal-fired steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Wander the gold-rush village of Arrowtown, and head into Fiordland for cruises on Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound and the Te Anau Glowworm Caves; on Dunedin's Otago Peninsula, the Royal Albatross Centre looks for royal albatross from its observatory.

Good to knowMilford Sound coaches leave Queenstown around 7am and take 5–6 hours each way, and very strong wind is the main cause of cruise cancellations. For the Shotover Jet, wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket and closed-toe shoes. Photography is not allowed inside the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, and the required silent period may not suit young children.