How Queenstown Became the Adventure Capital of the World

Thanks to these daring, determined people, Queenstown became an adventure playground for visitors from around the globe. But it wasn’t always so.

A Remote Mountain Region

Before the ease of travel we now take for granted, getting to Queenstown was an challenging adventure in itself. For centuries, Māori forged trails through the steep mountain passes, visiting the region for seasonal hunting and to gather prized pounamu. However, early attempts by European adventurers to reach Lake Whakatipu failed miserably until Māori chief Reko guided the first party to the shores of the lake in 1856.

Once routes into the region were established, the first European settlers quickly followed looking for fertile pastures and arable land. Queenstown delivered, but at a price. Lake Whakatipu and the rapid alpine rivers claimed the lives of many who tried to cross. Back on land, steep mountains, flash floods, and heavy snow were just a few of nature’s hardships these sturdy pioneers had to overcome.

The Call of Gold

Gold was discovered in the Arrow River in 1862, and an influx of goldminers, traders, entrepreneurs, labourers, and entertainers descended on Queenstown.

Mining life was brutal. Men and women needed great determination and courage to survive in basic living conditions in remote, inaccessible places. Along with the tough geography of the land, they had to contend with mud, floods, ice, and snow. Infants were often transported in gin cases slung over the backs of packhorses, with a child swinging on each side as the animal picked its way across sheer, narrow mountain trails.

When the gold ran out, some miners settled in the region, to raise families and follow other careers. Others moved to the West Coast when goal was found at Hohonu Creek in 1864.

The Lure of Mighty Peaks

The first miners embarked on perilous journeys over mountains and down cliffs to reach ore-bearing quartz reefs. For farmers, climbing steep slopes was simply part of working high country stations. It was only when the Reverend W.S. Green attempted to ascend Mt Earnslaw in March 1882 that mountaineering became a sought-after sport in Queenstown.

Eight years after the Reverend Green’s unsuccessful attempt, the honour of conquering Mt Earnslaw went to well-known Glenorchy guide Harry Birley. Harry built a large cairn of rocks at its peak which concealed a bottle of Irish Moss with a bent shilling inside. Many locals didn’t believe he’d made it, but he was vindicated two years later with the next successful ascent, when brothers Malcolm and Kenneth Ross retrieved the shilling.

By the turn of the 20^th century the region’s many walking and hiking trails were creating the summer demand for adventure tourism. Visitors arrived from all over New Zealand and the world, to experience the glorious views from hills and mountain peaks, or to walk remote hiking gems such as the Milford, Routeburn or Hollyford tracks. Today, thousands of mountaineers, rock climbers, abseilers and canyoners explore Queenstown’s valleys and peaks, and many trails are also enjoyed by cyclists, mountain bikers and marathon runners.

A Ski Destination is Born

Thanks to the invention of motor cars and fixed wing planes, Queenstown became a more accessible destination year-round. Alpine winter sports became popular in the early 1900s, when local ski clubs popped up across New Zealand. Coronet Peak became a popular place to ski for locals, who hiked up the mountain carrying home-made wooden skis and poles.

In 1947, inventor Bill Hamilton installed the very first rope ski tow at Coronet Peak, creating the country’s first commercial ski resort and establishing Queenstown as a winter destination. Then in 1955, local tourism pioneer and ski enthusiast Henry Wigley invented the world’s first ski-plane, creating a market for private backcountry snow experiences – a service now offered by helicopter.

Riding Mountain Rivers

Bill Hamilton can take the credit for inventing another famous Queenstown adventure activity: jet boating. Originally developed to give him the ability to travel up the shallow braided rivers that crossed his farm, his unique water jet propulsion design allowed jet boats to travel at high speeds in shallow waters previously inaccessible for propeller-driven craft. By 1960, commercial jet boats were thrilling tourists on the Shotover and Kawarau rivers. 

When commercial whitewater rafting followed in 1974, the rivers that once made life hazardous for early settlers began providing adrenalin-filled adventures for thousands of visitors. Today, these water adventures have expanded to include kayaking, river surfing and sledging. On Lake Whakatipu, you can experience kite skiing, parasailing, or even diving beneath the water in the world’s first commercial Seabreachers. 

Bungy Turns Up the Buzz

By now Queenstown had built a firm foundation for its future acclaim as adventure capital of the world. It was stacking up the New Zealand firsts: first commercial ski field, first whitewater rafting, and a few global firsts as well: first ski plane, first commercial jet boat.

But perhaps the most famous Queenstown world first is the commercial Bungy operation that launched on 12th November 1988, at Kawarau Bridge. 

Initially considered to be a passing fad by many locals, bungy became an international phenomenon and an essential Queenstown initiation rite for thousands of visitors every year. In turn, bungy inspired more world-first, gravity-defying adventures such as canyon swings and zip rides, complementing the dramatic natural landscape with their epic buzz.

In September 2014, Kiwi adventure sportsman Chuck Berry became the first person to complete the newly-launched 5X1NZ adrenalin adventure, conquering five iconic local adventure activities : skydiving, snowboarding, mountain biking, bungy jumping and jet boating, all in one day.

Two Ways to take in the Iconic Views

Some of the finest views of this stunning area are now enjoyed from the sky. Queenstown is also the birthplace of tandem paragliding, pioneered by Bruce Grant in 1990. Admiring visitors can look up towards the mountains and see equally spellbound paragliders, hang gliders and skydivers gazing back down.

For those who prefer to remain seated, the Skyline Gondola offers amazing views over Queenstown. Built in 1968, it’s the steepest gondola ride in the Southern Hemisphere, which offers enough of an adrenalin rush for most people. But if that isn’t enough, the luge ride at the top should do the trick.

A Rich Heritage of Adventure

Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible is in Queenstown’s DNA. Fuelled by a global hunger for thrilling adventures in magnificent surrounds, generations of creative entrepreneurs became pioneers of adventure, reinforcing Queenstown’s reputation as Adventure Capital of the World.

Today, steep and winding trails once traversed by wagons, packhorses and feet, are exhilarating backcountry 4-wheel drive and mountain biking adventures. Remote peaks that once took days or weeks to climb are just a helicopter ride away.

But the intrepid energy of the daring adventurers and entrepreneurs who have passed through over the centuries is still palpable wherever you go in Queenstown. It’s in the rugged mountains, the green valleys, the dusky plains, and the sparkling turquoise waters. It’s in the people who call this amazing place home.