What are the top experiences for visitors to Queenstown?
Bungy jumping
The birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, Queenstown is renowned for its adrenaline-fueled extreme sports. Queenstown is home to three different bungy jump sites, and the opportunity to take this heart-pumping leap is what brings many visitors to town. If you’re keen to bungy, jump from the edge of Kawarau Bridge, seek out the Ledge Bungy site, or test your nerve with the Nevis Bungy, the highest bungy jump in the country. If you can’t quite muster the courage to bungy jump yourself, you can still head to any of the town’s jump sites once your Palmerston North to Queenstown flights arrive and just watch on as thrillseekers take a leap into the valley below.
Kiwi Birdlife Park
Home to more than 20 different species of native wildlife from kiwis and keas to tuataras, the Kiwi Birdlife Park is a great place to head if you’re wanting to see some of New Zealand’s unique birds and animals up close. Dedicated to protecting endangered species, the family-owned park works to rebuild populations of animals that are currently under threat of extinction, while also helping to educate the public who visit the park. Enjoy a Kiwi Encounter during your visit, stop by the daily Conservation Show to learn more about the country’s native species, or explore at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour.
Queenstown Hill
If you’re wanting to lace up your hiking boots during your stay in Queenstown, the trail to the top of Queenstown Hill is one to have on your radar. Known as the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, it takes about three hours to complete the return journey to the summit and your effort is rewarded with spectacular views across Queenstown and its surrounds. If you choose to hike to the summit after your cheap flights from Palmerston North to Queenstown touch down, be sure to keep an eye out for fascinating sculptures and information plates along the way. The trail can get quite steep in places, so is best suited to hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.
What should you know about travelling with children to Queenstown?
This popular New Zealand destination also offers plenty of great activities for kids of all ages. While some restrictions (age, height, weight) may apply for certain activities, such as skydiving and bungy jumping, there are other fun-filled ways to keep the kids entertained once your flights from Palmerston North to Queenstown arrive.
Reconnect with nature during your stay with a visit to the Queenstown Gardens. Settle in for a picnic within the landscaped grounds, spend time exploring the different sections of the garden or let the kids burn off some energy with a round of frisbee golf, a game of tennis or a visit to the Queenstown Ice Arena, where ice skating and ice bumper cars make for a fun afternoon on the ice. There are several other parks, playgrounds and reserves throughout the town, providing plenty of great spots for a picnic or a play break.
There are plenty of great ways to experience the beauty of Queenstown with kids. The pram-accessible carriages of the Skyline Gondola make sightseeing an option for families, with baby change facilities also available at the summit of Bob’s Peak. Scenic cruises of Lake Wakatipu make for a relaxing day on the water.
What are the top tips for first-time travellers to Queenstown?
Queenstown may be known as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, but there’s certainly more to this corner of New Zealand than just extreme sports. As well as a wide variety of adrenaline-fueled activities, the town has a number of scenic hikes and bike trails, lively nightlife, great cultural experiences, and excellent restaurants. If you’re not wanting to bungy jump, skydive or go white water rafting, you’ll find plenty of other great ways to spend your time in Queenstown.
Given its smaller size, accommodation options available in Queenstown can be quite limited, especially when popular events and festivals are taking place in the town. If you want to find accommodation after securing your flights from Palmerston North to Queenstown, it’s best to do so early to ensure you’re able to book the type of stay you’re after.
Queenstown can get quite warm during summer, but it’s a good idea to add a jacket to your packing list before you board your Palmerston North to Queenstown flights no matter the time of year you plan to visit. Even though the days might be warm, temperatures can drop early in the morning or after dark.
If you’re wanting to try a burger from Queenstown’s famous Fergburger, call ahead of time to place your order instead of lining up for an hour or more to order. Queuing at the popular burger shop might be an experience in itself, but ordering ahead leaves you with more time to explore the town.
FAQs
What days are flights available from Palmerston North to Queenstown?
Flights from Palmerston North to Queenstown generally operate every day of the week.
How long is the flight time from Palmerston North to Queenstown?
There are currently no direct flights from Palmerston North and Queenstown, so flight times do vary. The length of each flight depends on the chosen route and the length of each stopover. On average, the journey to Queenstown from Palmerston North takes at least three hours.
How many airlines fly from Palmerston North to Queenstown?
Air New Zealand is currently the only airline that flies between Palmerston North and Queenstown.
