What to do on your Queenstown campervan road trip?

There are few places in the world that are quite as spectacular as Queenstown. Situated on the edge of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, Queenstown is known for its four distinct seasons, natural scenery and thrilling attractions. From the moment you arrive in your campervan, you’ll see just why Queenstown is New Zealand’s leading visitor destination.

Discover the ultimate adventure

Queenstown has forged an enduring reputation as the adventure capital of the world with more than 200 different adrenaline-pumping activities on offer. Experience some of Aotearoa's most beautiful scenery in thrilling style with skydiving, river surfing, ziplining, white water rafting, and mountain biking – just to name a few!

Queentown’s dramatic alpine ranges are perfect for jet boating and bungee jumping – both of which were pioneered in New Zealand. The iconic Shotover Jet provides you with a world-class jet boating experience as you weave in and out of canyons at breathtaking speed while your pilot pulls 360 degree “jet spins” to keep you on the edge of your seat! Kawarau Bungy Centre is home to the world's first ever bungee jump. Plummet straight down so close to the river below that you can reach out and touch it for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Winter is all about skiing and snowboarding with four excellent ski fields in the Queenstown area. The closest is Coronet Peak, which has been the premier winter playground since 1947 when the first rope lift in New Zealand was installed there. Queenstown's local ski area offers epic views over the Wakatipu basin while the huge variety of mountain terrain caters for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Coronet Peak is also home to the night ski for a unique snow sports experience.

Relax with serene cultural delights

If thrill seeking isn’t your style, there is still so much to experience in Queenstown. Take a stroll through the beautiful and tranquil Queenstown Gardens, relax aboard a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or enjoy dinner at the top of the Skyline Gondola with a bird's eye view of Queenstown's unique surroundings. After all that sightseeing, you’ll have earned a soak in the Onsen Hot Pools. Heal your body and mind with the soothing benefits of pure water and panoramic views of the Shotover River.

Queenstown is celebrated for its delicious food, spectacular wines, and vibrant nightlife. The city’s restaurants offer a gastronomic adventure with a wide range of cuisines using the freshest local produce. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal after a day of exploring or a fine dining restaurant, you’ll find something to satisfy every taste and every mood in New Zealand’s ultimate foodie destination.

Explore the stunning South Island

The fun and adventure doesn’t stop at Queenstown with plenty of nearby tours and day trips featuring gorgeous landscapes, calm blue waters and walking trails to explore. Embark on the scenic drive to Glenorchy before visiting the Kiwi Bird Life Park where you can meet New Zealand's beloved animals up close! During the warmer months, travel through the Gibbston Valley which is home to New Zealand’s most famous wine regions. Known as the Valley of Vines, you can enjoy some of the world’s best Pinot Noir at over 75 boutique wineries along with perfectly paired cheeses.

Driving to the top of the Remarkables mountain range and taking the 40-minute hike up to the picturesque, snow-fed Lake Alta is also well worth the trip during summer. Enjoy a romantic picnic by the lake nestled amongst the rugged backdrop of the Remarkables and, if you are feeling brave, a refreshing dip in the icy green waters.

The South Island road trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound is considered one the most scenic drives in the world. Located on the Wild West Coast about a 4-hour drive from Queenstown, Milford Sound is an awe-inspiring destination with its rugged cliffs, snow-capped peaks, lush green rainforests and cascading waterfalls that dissolve into mist. You can experience this majestic scenery from helicopter flights, guided kayaking tours, or the popular Milford hiking track.

Whatever you want to do and whatever your style is, Queenstown will feed your imagination, fuel your passions and revitalise your spirit.

Things to do in Queenstown

Alyssa Tresider / Wednesday, 15 May 2024

/ Categories: AU Blog

10 Things to See and Do in Noosa

One of the most scenic locations in the country, Noosa is high on the list of must do Australian destinations. Whether you’re an international traveller exploring Australia or an Australian exploring a little bit more of your backyard, there are so many incredible Noosa activities, attractions, and things to do that make this coastal Queensland town and its quaint surrounding region a cannot miss on your travel itinerary.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the gorgeous national parks, eating your way through the delicious food and drink, or getting active on the Noosa River, read on to discover why you should visit Noosa, the best way to explore and ten great things to see and do in Noosa.

Why you should visit Noosa

Nestled at the top of the stunning Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, Noosa stands as a beacon of natural beauty and coastal charm. Renowned for its pristine beaches, lush national park, and vibrant atmosphere, Noosa offers a captivating blend of relaxation and adventure for travellers of all kinds.

Thanks to its year-round enjoyable climate, the best time to visit this Queensland town is whenever it suits you! Due to its stunning summer (ranging from 22-29°C), crisp and clear winter (ranging from 13-22°C), and pleasantly pleasing shoulder seasons (ranging from 15-28°C), there is no bad time to explore the many Noosa attractions and activities.

The best way to explore Noosa

Is Noosa in Australia worth visiting? It sure is and the best way to visit and explore Noosa is by road trip. Spread out across the coast, river, and hinterland, Noosa covers some ground and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in it than by a camper or motorhome road trip. Skip the wasted time spent packing those annoying day packs as an Apollo camper holiday means you can bring everything you need with you as you explore. And whenever you’re ready for a break in the adventure, you know you’re never that far away from a cup of tea in your self-contained kitchen or a comfy bed to chill out in.

10 things to see and do in Noosa

How many days do you need in Noosa? Well, that depends on what you’ll like to include in your Noosa travel itinerary. Discover our ten recommendations for things to see and do in Noosa to help plan your road trip.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

1. Noosa Main Beach

Arguably, the most well-known Noosa attraction is Noosa Main Beach – and for good reason! One of the best beaches in Queensland and one of the top things to do in Noosa Heads, a day at Noosa Main Beach will instantly give you that ‘I’m on holiday’ feeling.

Those looking to swim in Noosa waters will be pleased to know that Noosa Main Beach is fantastic for year-round swimming and it is patrolled every day of the year. Enjoy splashing in the waves or for those who don’t want to swim at Noosa Main Beach, enjoy people-watching or spotting dolphins jumping through the nearby waves.

2. Noosa National Park

One of those ‘must do’ things to do in Noosa is the Noosa National Park. Situated next to Noosa Heads, at Noosa National Park you can spend the day exploring the scenic walking trails that wind through the lush greenery this park is known for. Bring your camera on this popular Noosa activity as you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Noosa coastline (especially from the Instagram famous Noosa Fairy Pools and Hell’s Gate).

While exploring Noosa National Park be sure to also keep your eyes out for wildlife, including turtles, whales, dolphins, koalas, and kookaburras which are often spotted by those exploring the area.

3. Hastings Street

One of the most popular things to do in Noosa Heads is indulge in shopping, dining and entertainment on Hastings Street. This bustling Noosa street is lined with boutique shops and chic cafes. Lucky for you, Apollo motorhomes and campers come with considerable storage space, so after you’ve worked your way through Hasting Street, you’ll have plenty of room for whatever shopping escapades this famous street has taken you on.

4. Noosa Everglades

An absolute must do on your Noosa road trip is the Noosa Everglades. Incredible not just for its serene beauty or untouched wilderness, the Noosa Everglades is even more special once you learn there are only two everglades systems on earth (and the other one is pretty far away in Florida, USA!). Include an everglades Noosa tour to your Noosa travel itinerary and discover the home of more than 40% of Australia’s bird species as you glide through the tea tree infused “river of mirrors.”

5. Sunset kayaking

Another popular Noosa activity is sunset kayaking down the beautiful Noosa River. Join a Noosa kayak tour, where you’ll paddle along the tranquil waters as golden hues light up the spectacular natural environment around you. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or doing so for the first time, be sure to time your Noosa road trip with either a Friday or Saturday afternoon to take advantage of this incredible experience.

6. Noosa Farmers Market

If you’re visiting Noosa on a Sunday, make sure you include the Noosa Farmers Market into your travel itinerary. Wander through the market stalls, sampling fresh local produce, gourmet delights and admiring the artisanal crafts along the way. Use this visit as a chance to stock up on ingredients or tasty treats to enjoy for the rest of your Noosa road trip.

7. Stand-up paddleboarding

A popular thing to do in Noosa, stand-up paddleboarding is a fun Noosa activity whether you’re pro or have never paddle-boarded in your life. Situated on the Noosa River, beginners can take stand-up paddleboarding lessons, pros can enjoy daily or hourly board hire and those ready for adventure can partake in the epic stand-up paddleboarding tours that explore the mangroves and the Noosa River shoreline.

8. Noosa Heads Coastal Walk

A part of the earlier mentioned Noosa National Park, the Noosa Heads Coastal Walk is not to be missed if you’re active and looking for what to do in Noosa. Lace up your walking shoes and allow 4 hours for this 10.8km return walk. On the way you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Noosa coastline and Pacific Ocean, plus you’re likely to spot a number of Australian wildlife as well.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

9. Go whale watching

Embark on a thrilling whale watching adventure in the pristine waters off the coast of Noosa. Whale watching season is between July and October so if your road trip falls within the season, make sure you join a Noosa whale watching tour. One for the lifelong memories and an epic activity to include in your travel itinerary, on a Noosa whale watching tour you’ll witness majestic humpback whales breaching and playing as they migrate along the Australian coastline.

10. Noosa Botanic Gardens

Take to the Noosa hinterlands with a visit to the Noosa Botanic Gardens. Just a short drive from the Noosa hinterland town of Cooroy, the Noosa Botanic Gardens are a fantastic Noosa attraction.

Enjoy peace and tranquillity in the lush gardens as you wander through the exotic plants and serene waterways. We recommend bringing food and a picnic blanket with you as there are a number of peaceful picnic spots to take advantage of when visiting the gardens.

Where to stay in Noosa

A fantastic Noosa road trip needs a great place to base yourself from. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or your pet (see our best pet-friendly campsites and holiday parks in Queensland guide), make sure you’re making the most of your Noosa holiday by choosing a camper or motorhome site best suited to your needs.

Noosa River Holiday Park

Park your Apollo camper in the heart of Noosa and enjoy gorgeous Noosa River access right from your home on wheels at the Noosa River Holiday Park. Tick off the essentials with a camp kitchen, charging points, microwave, drinking water and more before jumping into the enjoyable Noosa activities like kayaking, fishing, and sailing all available from this camper and motorhome site.

Ingenia Holidays Noosa

Found near Noosaville, the Ingenia Holidays Noosa camper and motorhome site is a perfect base for families exploring the Noosa region. Enjoy swimming pools and jumping cushions onsite and easy access to whale watching, Noosa river cruises and delicious cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area.

Check out Noosa with Apollo

Get to Noosa quicker by starting your Noosa road trip in Brisbane. Our Apollo Brisbane branch is located near the Brisbane International and Domestic Airport. So, you can book your Apollo camper or motorhome online, pick up at our conveniently located branch and get on your way to Noosa even sooner.

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Tags: Apollo Camper Queensland things to do

Where to stay with your campervan in Queenstown?

There are plenty of accommodation options for campervan travellers in Queenstown with excellent holiday parks and camping grounds close to the town’s centre.

Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park is located just 15 minutes from Coronet Peak and 15 minutes from the Queenstown CBD making it perfectly placed to enjoy the various adventure activities and spectacular scenic spots.

New Zealand is also a free camping nation which means you can park where you want and stay the night (unless signed otherwise). Freedom camping is a great way to see New Zealand on a budget, but it’s not for everyone and you need to ensure that you have a certified self-contained vehicle. This means it must have an on-board toilet, fresh water storage, waste water storage and a rubbish bin with a lid.

As you continue your South Island road trip, Glendhu Bay Motor Camp is an idyllic campsite nestled right on the edge of the beautiful Lake Wanaka – about an hour’s drive from Queenstown. It is conveniently located next to the Roys Peak track head along with the access road to Treble Cone ski fields (30 minutes) and only a short drive (1 hour) to the Cardrona resort.

Whether you choose to stay at a Queenstown holiday park or take advantage of freedom camping sites, a campervan road trip to New Zealand’s adventure capital is sure to provide a memorable experience.

Why choose Apollo for campervan rental in Queenstown?

You can depend on Apollo for the best campervan rentals in New Zealand. We offer a wide range of vehicles to suit any budget and group size, so you can hit the open road and explore Queenstown and the spectacular South Island.

Our premium quality rental campers are custom built for New Zealand's unique climate by leading RV manufacturers. With quality furnishings and appliances, our vehicles come with all the comforts of home.

Whether you are an intrepid explorer, an adrenaline junkie, or prefer a more sedate pace, you can enjoy absolute confidence travelling in a rental campervan from New Zealand's most modern fleet. Contact our friendly team at Apollo today!

Inspiration for your Queenstown campervan rental

From pure natural landscapes and adventure activities to world class wineries and abundant wildlife, the South Island is a must do for every New Zealand traveller. There is no better way to experience this awe-inspiring region than a road trip with an Apollo campervan! Start your holiday in Christchurch and explore everything the South Island has to offer, including the thrills and sights of Queenstown, with these tried and tested New Zealand campervan itineraries.

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