What to do in Kawarau Gorge

Activities, attractions and tours

Places to Visit in Kawarau Gorge

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Kawarau Gorge, Otago while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Kawarau Gorge attractions from NZ$25, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Kawarau Gorge tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 66 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Kawarau Gorge. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Queenstown: Clay Target Shooting Experience

Queenstown: Clay Target Shooting Experience

NZ$149
per adult
Queenstown: Clay Target Shooting Experience
A visit to our winery isn’t complete without a wine tasting tour through New Zealand’s largest wine cave.

Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour

NZ$48
per adult
Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour
Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience

Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience

NZ$30
per adult
Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience
Gibbston Valley Wines - Wine & Cheese Experience

Gibbston Valley Wines - Wine & Cheese Experience

NZ$48
per adult
Gibbston Valley Wines - Wine & Cheese Experience
Experience wine tasting in New Zealand's largest wine cave.

Gibbston Valley Wines - Cave Tour

NZ$28
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Gibbston Valley Wines - Cave Tour
Queenstown: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience

Queenstown: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience

NZ$30
per adult
Queenstown: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience
Ultimate Off-Roading In Gibbston Valley

Ultimate Off-Roading In Gibbston Valley

NZ$149
per adult
Ultimate Off-Roading In Gibbston Valley
Picture 4 for Activity Queenstown: Ultimate Off-Roading Experience

Queenstown: Ultimate Off-Roading Experience

NZ$149
per adult
Queenstown: Ultimate Off-Roading Experience
Kinross Winery: Valli Wine Tasting Experience

Kinross Winery: Valli Wine Tasting Experience

NZ$45
per adult
Kinross Winery: Valli Wine Tasting Experience
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Top places to visit

1. 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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A lake surrounded by mountains with a winding road.

2. Queenstown Gardens

Dating all the way back to 1867, the Queenstown Gardens are a peaceful haven away from the thriving city. They are home to heritage-listed trees and boast captivating views of The Remarkables mountain range. Situated out on the outskirts of Queenstown on a small peninsula on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, the area the place to head to for an idyllic respite.
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A stone bridge over a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and red flowers.

3. Skyline Queenstown

For nearly five decades, visitors have been ascending Bob’s Peak to enjoy the stunning views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. It's all thanks to the Skyline Gondola, which takes you across the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest cable car line. As well as its panoramic views, the car also connects you to the mountain biking and hiking trails as well as the paragliding spots on the mountain.
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A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

4. 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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A group of skiers ascending a snowy mountain slope during sunset.

5. 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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A snowy ski slope with people skiing and standing, a sign for 'Adult / Learner', and a 'Cardrona Snow Sports Lane' sign.

6. 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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A ski lift with passengers against a snowy mountain backdrop.

7. Kiwi Park

In spite of the kiwi being a national symbol, being an endangered species, you’ll have to be very lucky to spot the shy and elusive kiwi out in the wild. The best way to get a glimpse of this are bird is by visiting Queenstown’s Kiwi Birdlife Park, where you will get the chance to see it up close and learn more about New Zealand’s national symbol, as well as more of the region’s avian life.
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A green parrot perched on a human hand.

Recommended things to do in Kawarau Gorge

Number of things to do
66
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Gibbston: Mt Rosa Wine Tasting Experience: NZ$25
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Kawarau Gorge

Stay near popular Kawarau Gorge attractions

Goldfields Mining Centre

8.0/10 (10 reviews)
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Goldfields Mining Centre during your travels in Kawarau Gorge. Amble around this relaxing area's lakeside or seek out the golf courses.
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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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Kawarau Gorge

A calm lake reflecting mountains, a pine tree, and a clear sky.

Cromwell

A river flowing through a mountainous valley with a bridge and a road.

Gibbston

A rural road with a mountain range in the background.

Bannockburn

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 holiday 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 holidaying 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.