Things to do in Ben Ohau

Lake Pukaki Viewpoint

No. 11 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

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.

No. 1 of Spring Outings in New Zealand

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is located in the Mackenzie Basin in the central part of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a lake formed by glacial meltwater, with a surface altitude of approx. 700 m and an area of approx. 80 sq km. The lake water displays a distinct turquoise color, making it stand out in the alpine scenery of the South Island. This unique color comes from fine rock flour ground by glaciers: as glaciers move slowly, they grind rock layers into extremely fine particles, which flow into the lake with the meltwater and remain suspended for a long time. Under sunlight, the water color shifts between milky blue and emerald green, changing with the weather and light. The lake is surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps and open meadows. Standing on the lakeshore are the stone-built The Church of the Good Shepherd and a bronze statue of a sheepdog, which together with the lake and mountain scenery behind them form a common photo opportunity. Ascending Mount John on one side of the lake area also offers a panoramic view of the intertwined lake and basin. Lake Tekapo is also part of the Waitaki hydroelectric power system—the lake water is diverted for power generation, and the lake level is artificially regulated, rising and falling regularly within a certain range throughout the year. The lake area is far from city lights and has excellent night sky conditions; on clear nights, you can see the clear Milky Way and Southern Hemisphere constellations, and stargazing is a long-standing local experience. From late spring to early summer each year, the lakeshore is covered in patches of lupins, with pink and purple flower belts spreading along the shore; in other seasons, it takes on a simple color palette composed of snow-capped mountains, clear water, and short grass, with the scenery changing with the seasons. Walking, cycling, or boating along the lake are common ways to experience this alpine lake.

No. 15 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

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.

2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

▴Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is a world-renowned natural wonder, located in a glacial landscape within Fiordland National Park in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. Steep, rugged cliffs rise from the calm, dark waters, dense rainforest grows on the rock walls, and waterfalls cascade from hundreds of meters high into the sea. ▴The road from Queenstown to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, passing by many attractions along the way, such asMirror Lake, trails, and the Homer Tunnel, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and numerous small waterfalls formed by melting snow. ▴ A water cruise is the main way to fully appreciate the scenery of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. After the sightseeing boat slowly departs from the wharf at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, you can see the over 100-meter-high Bowen Falls, as well as marine life such as dolphins, Fiordland penguins, and seals. ▴ Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is also one of the filming locations for "The Lord of the Rings," attracting many fans to visit this place.

No. 18 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Hydro Attack

Operating from a berth in the heart of Queenstown, Shark Watercraft takes you on an adrenaline-fueled ride on the majestic Lake Wakatipu. The submarine's supercharged engine accelerates from 0 to 80 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Jumps up to 18 feet above the water and dives down to 5 feet deep, with a low center of gravity, 90-degree spins, and a couple of loops for a heart-pounding roller coaster ride. Each Shark boat accommodates only one passenger and is professionally steered on an unforgettable adventure. The pneumatically sealed cockpit and ready to feel G-forces give you a chance to push your limits underwater or on the surface.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Waitaki

Ōamaru Penguins

Ōamaru PenguinsThe location is only a few minutes away from the city center,It is a natural habitat for little blue penguins. The penguins here live entirely in their natural environment, and the conservation center has long conducted scientific monitoring and breeding research on the penguin population. The population has continued to grow in recent years, and in peak season the number of penguins returning to their nests at night is considerable. The conservation center offers two viewing experiences: daytime and dusk. The daytime visit allows you to enter the Blue Wing dark room and observe up close, through nest boxes, the little penguins that stay on shore during the day and do not head out to sea, learning about their habits. The dusk session is the core experience: after sunset, groups of little blue penguins return from feeding at sea, waddling ashore in small groups and crossing the grass back to their respective nest boxes, and the whole process is clearly visible under warm lighting. Dusk viewing offers standard seats and VIP seats; VIP seats are closer to the main route of the penguins returning to their nests, allowing a closer viewing distance, and you can also walk to the boardwalk where the penguins often pass. Staff are on site to provide a guide, introducing the habits of the little blue penguins and the conservation center's research work. Photography and video recording are prohibited in the viewing area. Night viewing seats are open-air with a roof, and bringing warm clothing is recommended even in summer.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

International Antarctic Centre

The International Antarctic Centre is located in Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. Christchurch is one of only five "Antarctic gateway cities" in the world, providing long-term logistical support for multinational Antarctic research expeditions, and this centre is a reflection of that unique status. The building's exterior was designed by Warren & Mahoney Architects, shaped like an ice wedge squeezed out from the Antarctic continent, echoing the geological features of the Antarctic ice sheet. Inside, there are multiple interactive experience zones. The Antarctic storm experience is one of the most popular attractions, with real snow laid indoors and low temperatures and fans simulating the onset of a blizzard, with perceived temperatures dropping to minus ten degrees or more. Before entering, visitors need to change into cold-weather jackets and shoe covers provided by the centre, and during breaks in the storm they can take photos in the ice cave area. The penguin rescue area houses little blue penguins rescued from the wild — the smallest species in the penguin family, with adults standing about 40 cm tall, each with its own name and story. Keepers hold scheduled feeding demonstrations, explaining each penguin's personality and rescue story while feeding them. Visitors who want a deeper understanding can also join the penguin behind-the-scenes tour, stepping into the keeper area to observe the penguins' daily care and feeding arrangements up close. The outdoor area offers the Hägglund all-terrain vehicle experience — riding this amphibious off-road vehicle developed by the Swedish military along a specially designed route that simulates Antarctic research teams crossing ice fields, climbing hills, and fording rivers, providing a bumpy and thrilling ride. The centre also features a 4D cinema showing immersive short films on Antarctic themes; the Antarctic science exhibition hall introduces Antarctica's geology, climate, ecology, and the research history of various countries through interactive exhibits; and visitors can learn about the real lives of New Zealand's Scott Base personnel in Antarctica. In addition, the centre keeps several husky dogs, and visitors can get up close and learn about the role of sled dogs in early Antarctic exploration.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Mackenzie Basin

Dark Sky Project

The Dark Sky Project at Lake Tekapo is an organization dedicated to providing unique astronomical experiences, situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Tekapo on New Zealand's South Island. It boasts exceptional stargazing conditions. The Lake Tekapo region is an International Dark Sky Reserve, with minimal light pollution and clear air, where the night sky resembles a brilliant painting. Dark Sky Project takes full advantage of this to bring visitors an unforgettable astronomical observation tour. Here, visitors can observe distant galaxies, stars, and planets through professional telescopes. Experienced astronomers serve as guides, not only leading visitors to appreciate the beauty of the starry sky but also explaining astronomical knowledge in an accessible way. Whether it is identifying constellations or discussing galaxy evolution, answers can be found in their explanations. In addition to stargazing activities, Dark Sky Project also offers astronomy-related educational exhibitions and events. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the formation and development of the universe through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays in the indoor exhibition hall.

Lake Ruataniwha