If you’re an adrenaline junkie who lives for the next rush, now is the best time of year to head to Queenstown, New Zealand. Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is a beautiful town that is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the majestic mountain range known as The Remarkables. Often referred to as the “adrenaline capital of the world,” winter in Queenstown offers crisp, clear days and acres of snow covered mountains. While Queenstown is the perfect place to spend a few days skiing, it also enjoys year-round action-packed thrills and has a fantastic range of adventure charged travel activities to suit all tastes and budgets.

Skiing & Snowboarding

The Remarkables, or the The Remarks as it’s known to the locals, is a 45-minute drive from Queenstown and is set in a vast, natural amphitheater high in the rugged ranges at the eastern end of Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu. Extending over 700 hectares, there are 220 ski-able hectares within three sunny, wide open bowls that are accessible by three quad chairs. Being so far up is a huge benefit, giving the ski area a long, reliable season which usually lasts from the end of June to October. The Remarks has a European alpine kind of feel and gets lots of sun. Coronet Peak is located across the valley from its sister ski area, The Remarkables, and is the oldest and, perhaps, the most developed ski area on the South Island.

Heliskiing

If you were to ever try heliskiing, Queenstown is the place to enjoy a classic day of it. There are so many options to explore a variety of killer terrain. Most companies have groups of four, led by a guide committed to your safety and enjoyment. With extensive terrain, challenge yourself in steep valleys, wide bowls and challenging chutes. Heliskiing is a perfect escape from the everyday where you can enjoy solitude.

Sailing

Usually reserved for billionaires and their professional sailors, visitors to Queenstown can experience sailing aboard an America’s Cup yacht. A sail aboard the authentic Americas Cup yacht NZL 14, offers a truly unique opportunity for you to sail on a grand prix racing machine in Lake Wakatipu, one of the most picturesque locations in the world.

Mountain Biking

Rent a mountain bike in town and explore some of the amazing single tracks in the area. Charge down Skipper’s Canyon on a full suspension mountain bike with no uphill riding. Ride down the famous Gold Miners Trail and enjoy great views of the Shotover River while riding down the Skippers road. You can also ride up to Moke Lake with a picnic on a nice day. For a gentler ride, try the Frankton track or the Sunshine Bay track.

Bungy Jumping

Queenstown is the home of Bungy jumping. AJ Hackett created the very first commercially available jump here off the Kawarau bridge in 1988, which is still in use today. Since then, bungy jumping has become a worldwide phenomenon and there are now numerous sites to choose from in town.

Jet Boating

Jet boating is also very popular. The most famous ride is through the dramatic Shotover Canyon where you’ll skim across the river inches away from the cliff face. There’s a multitude of jet boating trips available in and around Queenstown. I found the ride on the Shotover to be an amazing one. The Shotover Canyon walls tower over you and your driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops and skims around crags and boulders. I was amazed at how the driver spun the boat around in its trademark 360 degree spin. In some parts of the river, we were in water that was only two and a half inches deep.

Paragliding

Take an exhilarating tandem paragliding flight from the top of the Skyline Gondola. This is the original company, established in 1991, and the only company to fly over spectacular Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Even if this experience isn’t your cup of tea, it’s worth heading up just to watch and take photos.

White Water Rafting

There are lots of rivers (Class II-V) and operators to choose from in Queenstown, ranging from novice-friendly to experienced paddlers only. Depending on the time of year and river, you could enjoy a scenic helicopter ride to the starting location. If you’re up for a challenge, then raft the Shotover River which features ten rapids and runs through the darkness of the 170 meter Oxenbridge Tunnel and the epic Cascade Rapid. This is a unique way to experience the rugged beauty and unspoiled grandeur of the breathtaking scenery that Queenstown has to offer.