What to do in Kawarau Gorge

Activities, attractions and tours

Kawarau Gorge Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Kawarau Gorge has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Kawarau Gorge is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Kawarau Gorge to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Kawarau Gorge Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Kawarau Gorge.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Kawarau Gorge attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Top places to visit

1. Coronet Peak Ski Area

Traverse ski and snowboard runs for all skill levels at Coronet Peak, a 691-acre (280-hectare) ski field to the northeast of Queenstown. Take on moguls and off-piste areas, then recharge at one of the many cafés and restaurants that serve hot food and drinks throughout the day.
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2. The Remarkables Ski Area

Enjoy 543 acres (220 hectares) of slopes less than an hour’s drive from central Queenstown at the Remarkables. Test yourself at the terrain parks or watch the action from the warmth of a café while sipping a hot chocolate.
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3. Skyline Queenstown

Winding up the side of Bob’s Peak is the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 1967, the Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the summit of Bob’s Peak for views across the Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu area. Skyline also operates a number of adventure activities on the mountain. The gondola is the best way to access the mountain biking, hiking and paragliding that takes place on Bob’s Peak.
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4. Cardrona Alpine Resort

When the air is crisp and the snow fresh, Cardona Alpine Resort is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream. On-mountain accommodation will put you close to the action, letting you ski or snowboard right out onto its 850 acres (3.5 square kilometers) of skiable terrain. Test out the nursery slopes, practice flips, spins and slides in the four terrain parks, or tackle the challenging backcountry runs.
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5. Kiwi Park

The national symbol of New Zealand, the kiwi, is a timid and elusive bird that few have the chance to see in the wild. The Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown offers visitors the opportunity to get up-close with this at-risk species, and to learn about the birds in the process. The Kiwi Birdlife Park’s grounds are leafy and expansive, and are a popular destination for visitors to Queenstown for the peaceful escape they provide.
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6. Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens occupy a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu, on the outskirts of Queenstown. Since 1867 the gardens have been a central feature of the town, and provide a tranquil break from the busy streets. Visit the gardens to see historic, heritage-listed trees, marvel at the views of The Remarkables mountain range, or enjoy sporting and leisure activities.
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7. Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is a lightning bolt-shaped lake set in the shadow of dramatic mountain peaks and alpine forests. The lake is the ideal setting for outdoor pursuits such as biking, fishing, kayaking and walking. Lake Wakatipu is 84 kilometres (52 miles) long and extends for 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) at its widest point. Māori legend states that the lake formed after a giant was burnt to death and thus scorched a huge hole by melting the ice of the nearby mountains.
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Recommended things to do in Kawarau Gorge

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What to do in Kawarau Gorge

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kawarau Gorge

Goldfields Mining Centre

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Goldfields Mining Centre during your trip to Kawarau Gorge. Amble around this relaxing area's lakeside, or seek out the golf courses.

Goldfields Mining Centre

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Kawarau Gorge worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Kawarau Gorge is explore Akarua. Check this leading sight off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's adventure sports and nature.
How do I spend a day in Kawarau Gorge?
Begin your day with a visit to Goldfields Mining Centre. Then, check out other parts of Kawarau Gorge for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kawarau Gorge?
The top tourist attraction in Kawarau Gorge is Akarua, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Kawarau Gorge?
If you just want to see the most popular sights, three days is more than enough time for a vacation in Kawarau Gorge. Book for a week or longer for the chance to really appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby hotspots and explore some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Kawarau Gorge with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Kawarau Gorge with kids.
What to do in Kawarau Gorge for adults?
Akarua is one of the main things to do in Kawarau Gorge. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Kawarau Gorge?
There are lots of fun things to do in Kawarau Gorge. Stroll through the parks or join in on free events and festivals. Kawarau Gorge offers lots of budget-friendly experiences that let you discover this area without reaching for your wallet.

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