Things to do in Kawarau Gorge
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Top 10 attractions in Kawarau Gorge
Cromwell
Cromwell is situated in the arid basin of Central Otago, New Zealand, surrounded by the Pisa and Dunstan mountain ranges. Multiple highways converge here. Heading west through the Kawarau Gorge leads toward Queenstown, north goes to Wanaka, and south reaches Alexandra. Travelers on a self-drive tour of the central South Island often use this town as a hub for a stopover. The town enjoys plenty of sunshine and is dry with little rain, earning it the reputation as New Zealand's fruit bowl. Cafes, galleries, and craft shops are nestled among weathered stone walls and old wooden houses, and the giant fruit sculpture at the town entrance, erected to celebrate the orchard industry, is a popular photo spot for many visitors.Cromwell · 4.8 km from Kawarau Gorge
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre
Set on the iconic Kawarau River, the Kawarau Bungy Centre is the birthplace of commercial bungy and a must-visit adventure hub in Queenstown. Home to the world's first 43m bungy jump, this legendary site also features the Kawarau Swing and Zipride—offering something for every level of thrill. Watch live action from the viewing deck or take the leap yourself, solo or tandem. With its stunning riverside setting, vibrant atmosphere, and range of experiences, Kawarau is more than a jump—it's where adventure began and where unforgettable memories are made.Gibbston · 19.3 km from Kawarau Gorge
RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
Known as the "Princess on the Lake", the TSS Earnslaw steamship (TSSEarnslaw) was born in 1912 - a golden age in the history of steamships including the world-famous cruise ship "Titanic" . Today, as a coal-fired ferry, she has sailed for 100 years and is a fascinating sight on Lake Wakatipu, transporting you back in time and enjoying the gorgeous European style of the early 20th century. During the voyage, you can lean on the railings on the deck and overlook the beautiful lakes and mountains of Queenstown. You can also climb the watchtower to steal the superb steering skills of the captain. You can also sneak into the steam boiler room to understand the operation principle of the steam engine. △ Take a steamer ride on Lake Wakatipu, where you can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and the serenity of the lake △ On board, visit the engine room, sailor's cabin art gallery, and listen to songs accompanied by a piano for a taste of turn-of-the-century elegance △ Upon arrival at Walter Peak Highlands Ranch, you can see and feed the farm animals up close, participate in a sheep shearing show and a working sheepdog showQueenstown · 37.7 km from Kawarau Gorge
Oxbow Adventure Co
Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, the world's adrenaline capital, Oxbow Adventure Co is an essential destination for thrill-seekers. Renowned both locally and nationally, the dedicated team at Oxbow Adventure Co aims to ensure visitors leave with wide smiles, an endorphin rush, and unforgettable memories. Dive into an array of exhilarating activities in Queenstown, such as Jet Sprint Boating, Clay Target Shooting, and Ultimate Off-Roading—each guaranteed to ignite your inner adrenaline enthusiast.Gibbston · 9.7 km from Kawarau Gorge
Real Guns New Zealand
Real Guns New Zealand is a shooting experience venue located in Cardrona, Otago, New Zealand. The environment here combines New Zealand's unique natural scenery with professional shooting facilities, providing visitors with a unique experience opportunity. The venue is surrounded by magnificent mountains and open grasslands, which add to the fun and challenge of shooting activities. Real Guns New Zealand offers a variety of shooting programs suitable for visitors of different interests and experience levels. Accompanied by professional instructors, visitors can safely experience the fun of shooting. The venue is fully equipped to ensure the safety and comfort of the activities. Whether it is a beginner or an experienced shooting enthusiast, it can provide an unforgettable experience. Real Guns New Zealand is not only a shooting venue, but also a good place to experience New Zealand's natural beauty and outdoor activities.Cardrona · 30.5 km from Kawarau Gorge
NZONE Skydive Queenstown
Gold tier trial period: October to April of the following year NZONE Skydive Queenstown in New Zealand 1. Tandem skydiving origin experience: New Zealand tandem skydiving started in Queenstown in 1990. Complete the challenge at this legendary starting point. 2. New Zealand tourism awards certification: A skydiving brand awarded by the New Zealand tourism awards, ensuring both safety and experience with double authority. 3. Queenstown core view aerial perspective: Free fall to enjoy the "S"-shaped bay of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range and the panoramic view of Queenstown. 4. 360° unobstructed "God's-eye view": Aerial panoramic vision, far surpassing cable cars and viewing platforms, truly seeing all the highlights of Queenstown at once. 5. Multiple height options suitable for all ages: Offers various skydiving height choices, available for ages 6 and up. 6. Tandem skydiving for beginners: Professional instructors provide one-on-one guidance throughout the experience, no prior skydiving experience required. 7. Complies with New Zealand safety standards: equipment, processes, and instructor qualifications have all met the high standards of New Zealand's aviation and safety regulatory system certification. 8. Scenic flight + free fall + dual gliding experience: First enjoy a scenic fixed-wing flight in Queenstown, followed by the thrill of high-speed free fall, then glide smoothly under the parachute to admire the scenery. 9. Free shuttle service in Queenstown downtown: Located in the heart of Queenstown, offering complimentary transfers year-round (weather permitting) for more flexible itinerary arrangements.Queenstown · 37.6 km from Kawarau Gorge
Skyline Queenstown
The Skyline sits on top of Bobt's Peak in Queenstown, a location overlooking downtown Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the city to the cable car ride point, and take the cable car in the southern hemisphere to the top of the mountain. The sightseeing corridor on the second floor offers a 270-degree panoramic view of the town, and the scenery at sunset is even more intoxicating. The Sky Cable Car is a highly comprehensive attraction. In addition to the view, there is also a very famous restaurant, Stratosfare Restaurant, which was once rated as "the best restaurant in the world" by the ABC. △ Take the cable car to enjoy stunning scenery △ Marvel at the 270-degree view of the mountain and lake △ Explore more exciting experiencesQueenstown · 37.9 km from Kawarau Gorge
Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a century-old town that rose to prominence during the gold rush. In 1862, gold was discovered in the Arrow River. After the news spread, thousands of prospectors flocked to this valley, and the town took shape. At its peak, the population was several times larger than today's permanent population. Today, more than 60 wooden and stone buildings from the gold rush era are still preserved, many of which have been converted into cafes, craft shops, and boutiques, keeping the vibrant atmosphere of the old street alive. The essence of the town is concentrated on the main street, Buckingham Street, where a row of Victorian-style buildings houses an array of craft shops, candy stores, and specialty boutiques. The rows of trees along the street turn golden and orange between April and May, covering the entire old street in rich fall colors, making the town a popular spot for fall foliage in New Zealand's South Island. Take a short walk along the Arrow River trail to visit the preserved Chinese settlement, where simple huts record the history of Chinese miners during the gold rush. Visitors interested in history may want to visit the Lakes District Museum & Gallery on Buckingham Street, which houses exhibits and stories from the gold rush era and offers information about tours of the historic buildings.Arrowtown · 27.4 km from Kawarau Gorge
Shotover Jet Queenstown
Shotover Jet Queenstown is the iconic speedboating experience in Queenstown, operating continuously in the Shotover Canyon since the 1960s and having hosted millions of travelers. It is also the only commercial speedboat company permitted to operate in this section of the canyon river. The river channel was formed by years of erosion from rapid currents, with nearly vertical rock walls on both sides enclosing the water surface. Located less than a ten-minute drive from Queenstown town center, it is now owned and operated by the local Māori tribe, Ngāi Tahu, whose ancestors once traveled this waterway to gather food and greenstone. The bright red speedboats are locally built in Queenstown, specifically designed for the canyon river. Each boat can carry over ten passengers and is powered by twin V8 engines, using jet propulsion for movement, steering, and control—allowing it to skim at speeds of nearly 90 km/h in water as shallow as approx. 10 cm. The entire experience lasts approx. 25 minutes, featuring continuous sharp turns and cliff-hugging maneuvers from the moment you depart the dock. Skilled drivers take you at high speed through whitewater rapids and tight bends, performing thrilling close-to-the-wall stunts, including the signature 360-degree spin at full throttle, sending water splashing into your face as if the boat has lifted off the surface. Life jackets and storage lockers are provided on board. As the spins generate significant splashes, it is advisable to prepare to get wet. During colder seasons, extra attention to warmth is recommended.Queenstown · 37.4 km from Kawarau Gorge
Onsen Hot Pools
Onsen Hot Pools is built on the edge of a high mountain cliff, facing the Shotover Canyon and snow-capped mountains. Here you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views and overlook the speedboating on the Shotover River. The water temperature at Onsen Hot Pools remains at 37.8°C or 39.8°C year-round, and can also be adjusted to your preference. With a light touch of a button, you can open or close the roof canopy. On clear days, it feels like an outdoor hot spring where you can admire the starry sky, while staying dry even on rainy days.Queenstown · 36.4 km from Kawarau Gorge
Experiences you can't miss in Kawarau Gorge
Featured Cultural experiences in Kawarau Gorge
View all Cultural experiences![Queenstown Glenorchy half-day tour [Lord of the Rings filming location/Paradise Valley/Red Boat Shed]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351p12000etyvcvu56C1_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
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![Queenstown Glenorchy horse riding experience [Explore the Lord of the rings filming location in depth + suitable for beginners]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353l12000sqfcsm70801_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
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Featured Day tours in Kawarau Gorge
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![New Zealand Mount Cook + Hooker Valley trail tour [round-trip by Mercedes minibus with hotel transfers]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352i12000lhdkcs76CDC_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
![Queenstown food and wine all-inclusive ~ Gibbston, Cromwell, Bannockburn regions [English]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0356012000td86x8aCF0F_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
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Featured Food & drink in Kawarau Gorge
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Free things to do in Kawarau Gorge
What travelers say about Kawarau Gorge
Two traveling monkeys9 May 2023
4.0
Cromwell is the capital of stonefruit ! You can find many cherry orchards in this area and a few real fruit-ice cream places. the Icecream is so so good!! Make sure to tase the ice cream!
Cromwell
张知珩4 December 2020
4.0
Extreme sports that you must experience when you come to New Zealand! Adrenaline is soaring!
I jumped down with the mentality of experiencing it once in my life, hahahaha.
You have to weigh yourself before jumping. New Zealand's beef, lamb chops and salmon are so delicious that I am five pounds heavier than when I set out. . .
After the jump, you can buy pictures or videos, which are very expensive, but they are also souvenirs. You will also get a T-shirt with a 43-meter bungee jump printed on it as a souvenir.
If it is not open, there is a free shuttle bus to Queenstown.
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre
网站老张10 October 2026
5.0
A very unique steamship, still providing excellent service despite being over a century old. There are Chinese staff on board, and the buffet restaurant on the other side is quite good. Enjoy a relaxed and pleasant time in Queenstown.
RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
135***826 July 2024
5.0
There are many types of guns, and the shooting is in the ranch area. There are many types of targets, and if you don't understand the instructions at all, you may be refused to play. I experienced playing Frisbee with rifles and shotguns. The experience of playing Frisbee is very novel, and I have never played with a shotgun. I scored 8 out of 10, and the coach praised me as a genius.
Real Guns New Zealand
道治11 March 2025
5.0
Skydiving is super fun, 15,000 feet, the free fall feels like life is free!
The package comes with a handheld camera, with photos and videos.
After the jump, it will be sent directly to your email for you to download.
It takes about 20 minutes to drive to the base.
NZONE Skydive Queenstown
_TT***5622 October 2026
5.0
One of best activity in Queenstown. Super convenient when reach the check in counter, just show the booking and get the ticket within a min. Can skip the line during peak hour.
Skyline Queenstown
zj073616 February 2026
4.0
It was February, the tail end of summer, and we didn't see anything particularly special. It was just a small town with a main street lined with various shops and a post office. There was a gold panning museum where you could pay to take a gold panning class and learn how to pan for gold.
We took bus number 4 from Queenstown; it was only $2.50 one way, which was quite reasonable, and we considered it a chance to enjoy the natural scenery of New Zealand along the way.
Arrowtown
Sherwin Solis16 October 2026
5.0
We blasted through the dramatic, towering walls of the Shotover Canyons at mind-bending speeds. Skimming over water that felt mere centimeters deep and executing those famous full 360-degree spins was pure exhilaration! Our driver was an absolute master at the helm—delivering maximum heart-pounding thrill while keeping everyone feeling completely safe and secure throughout the ride.It’s an unforgettable experience to share together—equal parts breathtaking scenery and high-octane excitement. Easily one of the absolute highlights of our trip to New Zealand. 10/10 MUST DO!
Shotover Jet Queenstown
M19***9219 April 2024
4.0
The environment is very dreamy. I think it is worth the money. But the bad thing is that children are not allowed to enter at night. I don't know why. But overall it is still a good experience.
Onsen Hot Pools