Queenstown gay friendly bars

Not surprisingly, really, given its setting of unparalleled natural beauty that draws in the international jet set. With a small local population far outnumbered by the annual throngs of domestic and international visitors, a gay scene in Queenstown has not really established itself — even though the town has become increasingly gay-popular.

Taking place annually in September, the town is practically dripping with rainbows as thousands of gay boys and girls fly into parties all night and ski all day.

Queenstown Gay Scene

Theta Events even hosts an annual White Party to close the festival. New Zealand was the first country in Oceania to legalize same-sex marriage back in ; renewed interest has come from gay travelers who sought to bar what this progressive South Pacific nation was all about. Kiwis might be shy — who would have figured in a country known for dare-devil sports, testosterone-fuelled DIY attitudes gay hulking rugby players?

So why not let them? There are no specifically gay things to do in Queenstown, and the entire city is popular with gay travelers who jet in from Auckland or Australia for the weekend! We promise there are more than enough trails, vineyards and historic mining towns for everyone!

Queenstown Skyline Gondola and Restaurant. Get the best view of Queenstown from this almost stratospheric location perched above it all. Take the gondola up — or make use of the almost vertical free-walking track — and enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain views over lunch or dinner. Queenstown Gardens. A friendly botanical garden filled with native trees, a large pond, gorgeous views and plenty of spots to sit and contemplate.

You can also play a game of frisbee-golf here, but we never quite figured out the rules…. Seriously, this is the first thing many people tell us to do when going to New Zealand. Fergburger is a Queenstown institution known for high-end, inventive burgers that are famed to be among the best in the world. The lines can be insanely long, but it is worth the wait — but the Ferg Empire is expanding in Queenstown, so you could also try Fergbaker and Mrs.

Ferg Gelateria. Seriously, how a non-chain restaurant has gotten this famous, we will never know! Cardrona Skiing. There are, of course, other ski fields here, and you could also consider something closer like Queenstown Peak approx 20 mins away or the Remarkables approx 40 mins away.

Milford Sound. One of the most breathtaking destinations in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveler. The highlight at the end of the journey, however, is the Milford Sound fiord with the towering Mitre Peak, rainforests, waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, and dolphins. If heaven is a place on Earth, this is it!

Routeburn Valley Walk. Expect plenty of birds, vegetation, gorges, valleys, and wilderness.