Ace Rental Cars Blog

As soon as you land in Queenstown, you’ll realise just how easy it could be to blow you entire travel budget on the myriad of exciting activities being sold from every second storefront. From sky diving to bungy jumping, jet boat riding to giant swings, it seems every experienced business in town is determined to get your blood pumping and your bowls trembling. 

Don’t lose your head and start making it rain cash just yet, you can still experience Queenstown while on a budget. From the more affordable activities to sights and experiences free of charge, we offer some tips on making your money last while in Queenstown. 

Free

Hike around Lake Wakatipu

As expected, one of the best things you can do in New Zealand for free is to simply walk and drink in the natural beauty. Lake Wakatipu is truly immense, offering hiking trails for those of all experience levels. It’s also one of the best ways to appreciate this diverse and stunning landscape. Just under two hours south of the Garden City you’ll find your first stop, Air Rangitata, and a unique charter flight. This company offers numerous aerial tours around the South Island, but its hour-long Canterbury Plains trip is the ultimate way to soak in the local region, which is the largest plain in the country and where you have been driving.

Under $50 pp

Eat a glorious Fergburger

You might wonder how a burger shop has made it onto an article competing with beautiful scenery and pulse-racing action sports, but Fergburger truly is worth the honour. While not an especially cost-effective takeaway meal, the price is well worth the mouth-watering quality – as the long lines out the door are a testament to. After just one bite, you’ll realise why this humble venue has become such an iconic Queenstown attraction

Under $100 pp

Gondola up, luge down

Looking for the best views in town plus an exciting activity the whole family can enjoy? Then the Skyline Gondola and Luge is the ultimate value for money package. You’ll find the gondola base complex just a five-minute walk from central Queenstown. The gentle journey up the mountainside promises excellent views of the nearby city and surrounds that only get better the higher you climb.

Once at the summit, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views that include The Remarkables mountain range, Coronet Peak, Walter Peak and Lake Wakatipu. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll also have the option to luge (partway) down the mountainside. The luge carts are powered purely by the laws of gravity, and only slow down if you apply the brake!

Queenstown’s number one car rental service

Don’t limit yourself to the affordable activities within walking distance, get yourself a vehicle with Ace Rental Cars and ensure you can use that budget wisely.

Ace Rental Cars Queenstown Location

Address: 50 Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown New Zealand Get Directions
Freephone: 0800 502 277 Phone: +64 3 442 3801 Email: queenstown@acerentals.co.nz