Where Alpine Peaks, Lakeside Beauty & High-Energy Adventure Meet
 
Queenstown beats with an energy all its own –  a place where dramatic mountains, crystal-clear lakes and high-adrenaline experiences come together in a landscape that feels alive. Start your day with a lakeside stroll beneath the Remarkables, cruise across the shifting waters of Lake Wakatipu, explore nearby historic gold-mining towns, or dive straight into iconic activities like jet boating, bungy jumping or the scenic gondola. Whether you're chasing heart-racing thrills or quiet alpine moments, these top things to do in Queenstown make every day unforgettable.
 
This is your essential Queenstown guide – revealing must-do adventures, natural highlights and local favourites so planning your trip is effortless from the very start.
 
 
The Legend Behind the Giant Heartbeat
Lake Wakatipu’s waters have a rhythm – rising and falling roughly every five minutes, almost as if something beneath the surface is alive. According to Māori kōrero, that “heartbeat” belongs to the giant Matau, whose body is said to form the lake’s distinctive S-shape. While science explains the effect as a natural standing wave, the kōrero connects the landscape to something more deeply human: a land that remembers, breathes, and carries stories.
 
It’s just one of those pieces of Queenstown magic – a reminder that behind the stunning views and adventure lies a place rich in myth, meaning, and connection.