Skyline Queenstown

When locals want to show off Queenstown to visitors, we take them up the Skyline Gondola. This isn't just another tourist attraction – it's been Queenstown's most iconic experience since 1967, when it first carried skiers up Bob's Peak. The four-minute journey in the glass-walled cabins is pure magic, especially at sunset when the Remarkables mountains glow pink and Lake Wakatipu stretches endlessly below. At 450 metres above town, you'll understand why this view made Queenstown famous.

The real fun starts at the top. The Skyline Luge is absolutely addictive – I've never met anyone who does just one ride. Take the chairlift up and gravity-race back down on the winding concrete tracks through the forest. Pro tip: the scenic track is gentler with better lake views, while the advanced track gets your adrenaline pumping. Kids love it, but honestly, the adults are usually more competitive. For the ultimate rush, The Ledge Bungy offers the most spectacular jump site in the world – leaping off a cliff with Queenstown spread out 400 metres below.

Stratosfare Restaurant serves surprisingly excellent food with those million-dollar views. The green-lipped mussels and Central Otago lamb are standouts, but even their burgers taste better at this altitude. Come for the sunset session around 6pm (summer) or 4pm (winter) when the light is golden and the crowds thin out. The stargazing tours are brilliant on clear nights – Queenstown's dark sky status means you'll see the Southern Cross and Milky Way like never before. Book the last gondola down if you want the mountain bike trails nearly to yourself, or catch the first morning ride up for sunrise photography that'll make your Instagram followers seriously jealous.