Discover Queenstown Scavenger Hunt
Discover the adventure capital of the world with a scavenger hunt across Queenstown. Stand at the bridge where commercial bungy was invented, ride the Skyline gondola to Bob's Peak, watch the TSS Earnslaw steam across Lake Wakatipu and queue for a Fergburger after dark. The Remarkables on the horizon, adrenaline on tap.
Stops on this hunt
The geo-tagged checkpoints that anchor this route. You can rearrange, replace or remove any stop after using the template.
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1
Steamer Wharf
Navigate to the Queenstown waterfront at Steamer Wharf and check in by the TSS Earnslaw dock.
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2
Skyline Gondola
Walk one block north up Brecon Street to the Skyline Gondola base station and check in at the ticket office.
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3
Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Drive east on State Highway 6 to the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and check in at the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre.
Challenges (20)
Queenstown kick-off
The hunt begins! Find a classic Queenstown backdrop (Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables in the distance, an adventure-tour signboard) and take a group photo with the whole team in shot.
Checkpoint: Steamer Wharf
Navigate to the Queenstown waterfront at Steamer Wharf and check in by the TSS Earnslaw dock.
Lake Wakatipu wide shot
Lake Wakatipu is one of the longest lakes in New Zealand and famously shaped like a lightning bolt. Walk to the lakeside and take a group photo with the lake and the mountains behind everyone.
TSS Earnslaw photo
The TSS Earnslaw is a 1912 coal-fired steamship that has crossed Lake Wakatipu since the same year. Find the steamer at the wharf and take a group photo with the white-and-red hull behind the team.
Trivia: TSS Earnslaw launched
The TSS Earnslaw, the "Lady of the Lake", was launched on Lake Wakatipu in what year (within 1)?
Answers: 1912 / 1911 / 1913
Checkpoint: Skyline Gondola
Walk one block north up Brecon Street to the Skyline Gondola base station and check in at the ticket office.
Bob's Peak panorama
Ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for the postcard view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Take a group photo on the observation deck with the panorama spread behind everyone.
Skyline luge ride
The Skyline Luge at the top of the gondola is a concrete go-kart track down the mountainside. Take a group photo or short video at the start line with helmets on, or capture a luge whizzing past with the team waving.
Checkpoint: Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Drive east on State Highway 6 to the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and check in at the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre.
Bungy bridge watch
The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge was the world's first commercial bungy site. Watch a jumper plunge toward the river (or jump yourself), and capture the moment in a group photo with the bridge and the gorge in shot.
Trivia: Bungy height
The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge is how many metres above the Kawarau River (within 3)?
Answers: 43 / 40 / 41 / 42 / 44 / 45 / 46
Trivia: Commercial bungy started
AJ Hackett opened the world's first commercial bungy site at the Kawarau Bridge in what year?
Answer: 1988
Fergburger queue
Fergburger on Shotover Street has a queue out the door at almost all hours. Order a Big Al or Sweet Bambi, take a group photo in the queue (or with the iconic neon sign) and another with the team mid-bite once you score the burger.
Remarkables backdrop
The Remarkables mountain range frames every Queenstown view. Find a vantage point with the jagged ridge filling the background (the Steamer Wharf, Onsen Hot Pools road, the Skyline overlook) and take a group photo.
Shotover Jet shot
The Shotover Jet roars through the canyons north of Queenstown. If you can ride one, capture a group photo on the boat; otherwise find the Jet billboards along Gorge Road or at the Queenstown Visitor Centre and take a team photo in front of one.
Lakefront ice cream toast
Patagonia Chocolates on the waterfront serves Queenstown's best ice cream and gelato. Order a scoop each and take a group photo with everyone holding a cone up in a toast, the lake behind everyone.
Arrowtown side trip
Historic Arrowtown is a 20-minute drive northeast, with gold-rush-era buildings and willow-lined Buckingham Street. If the team can spare an hour, drive over and take a group photo on Buckingham Street. Otherwise photograph any "Arrowtown" sign in Queenstown.
Pinot Noir taste
Central Otago is one of the world's great Pinot Noir regions. Order a glass at Boatshed Cafe, Eichardt's or any wine bar in town and take a group photo with everyone holding their glass up in a toast.
Local Queenstowner tip
Convince a local Queenstown resident to share a tip about the city. Take a photo with your impromptu guide and remember the tip.
Queenstown finale
Final challenge. Find a beautiful Queenstown spot (Lake Wakatipu at sunset, the gondola lights at dusk, the Remarkables in evening light) and take an amazing closing group photo. Kia ora from the adventure capital!
Frequently asked questions
A full day. Five hours covers the Queenstown waterfront, the Skyline gondola, the Kawarau bungy bridge and a TSS Earnslaw cruise at a relaxed pace. The bungy bridge is a 25-minute drive east of town, so plan it as one focused outing. The CBD itself is compact and walkable.
No, but you should at least watch one. The Kawarau bungy bridge has a viewing platform on the side where non-jumpers can watch the 43-metre plunges into the Kawarau River below. The hunt photographs the bridge and a jumper. If anyone in the group jumps, book ahead online for AJ Hackett Bungy.
November to April for hiking, lake activities and clear gondola views. June to October for snow on the Remarkables and Coronet Peak skiing. Queenstown is busy year-round; book accommodation, the Skyline gondola and Fergburger online in advance. School holidays and ski season are peak.
The Queenstown waterfront at Steamer Wharf is the natural starting point: the Earnslaw dock, the lake panorama and Fergburger are all within a five-minute walk. The Skyline gondola base is one block north. From there drive east to the Kawarau bungy in the afternoon.
Yes. The Skyline gondola has luging and Stratosfare dining at the top that kids love, Steamer Wharf has the underwater observatory and Eichardt's lawn for picnics, the TSS Earnslaw welcomes families. The bungy bridge is great for watching even if children cannot jump.