Queenstown sits in a natural amphitheatre, Lake Wakatipu on one side and The Remarkables rising almost straight up on the other, so getting a proper view of it all usually means going up. Whether that is a seven minute gondola ride to Bob's Peak, a helicopter circuit over the lake, or a paraglide off Coronet Peak, here is what is actually worth booking for a first look at Queenstown from above.
Skyline Gondola and luge, Bob's Peak
The Skyline Gondola and Luge climbs to Bob's Peak in around seven minutes, opening up views over Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown township before you drop into five runs on the 800 metre luge track. Riders under 110cm ride tandem with an adult on the scenic track, while children 10 and over who clear 135cm can take on the advanced track solo. Child rates apply from six to 14, pre schoolers from two to five, and infants under one ride free, from $94 NZD. This one is not bookable online, so contact the team directly to lock it in.
Skyline Gondola and dinner, sunset over the Remarkables
The Skyline Gondola and Dinner times the same cable car ride for the evening, with a six course buffet at Stratosfare Restaurant looking out over Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak across the lake. Tiered seating means every table gets a clear line of sight through the floor to ceiling windows, and there is time to try the luge before your table is ready. Child rates apply from six to 14, from $162 NZD, and again this is a contact to book experience rather than an instant online purchase.
Panorama helicopter flight over Lake Wakatipu
The Queenstown Panorama Helicopter Flight is a shorter, more affordable way into the air, a 10 to 15 minute flight over Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown township with a mountain landing included in the 50 minute round trip. Chances of a snow landing improve between June and October. Child rates apply from four to 14, and infants under 15 kilograms travel free on an adult's lap, from $385 NZD.
Paragliding from Coronet Peak
The Skytrek Summer Paragliding launches from 4,000 feet at Coronet Peak, the highest paragliding take off point in the Southern Hemisphere, for a flight averaging 10 to 20 minutes with the option to take the controls under your pilot's supervision. There is no minimum age as long as the weight requirement is met, Skytrek has flown passengers from four to 84 years old, though anyone 16 or under needs a parent or guardian's permission. Operates October to May, from $349 NZD.
Frequently asked questions
What is the quickest way to get a view over Queenstown?
The Skyline Gondola is the fastest option, reaching Bob's Peak in around seven minutes and running daily all year.
Can I book the Skyline Gondola packages online?
No, both the Gondola and Luge and the Gondola and Dinner experiences need to be booked by contacting the Everything New Zealand team directly rather than through instant online checkout.
Is there a minimum age for paragliding in Queenstown?
Skytrek has no minimum age as long as the weight requirement is met, and has flown passengers as young as four, though those sixteen or under need a parent or guardian's permission.
Which sightseeing option is best value for a short visit?
The Queenstown Panorama Helicopter Flight is the shortest and most affordable of the four, at fifty minutes door to door including a mountain landing.
When does paragliding operate in Queenstown?
Skytrek's summer paragliding from Coronet Peak runs October to May, launching from around 4,000 feet at the ski field base.
Local tip: book the gondola up in the late afternoon if you can, the light over Lake Wakatipu softens before sunset and the Stratosfare dinner crowd tends to book the earlier sittings, leaving the later cabins quieter.
Book your Queenstown sightseeing experience above and see this part of the South Island the way it was meant to be seen, from above.