If you’re looking for the most unreal weeklong trip of your abroad semester, New Zealand is the move. It takes a little more effort to get there, but once you do, it’s nonstop adventure and scenery that doesn’t even look real. The best place to base yourself? Queenstown 🇳🇿. It’s basically the adrenaline capital of the world and still has wineries, lakes, and chill vibes if you're not trying to go full send every day.
Here’s what makes Queenstown such an all-time abroad trip:
Queenstown invented commercial bungee jumping — so if you’re gonna try it, this is the spot. You can also skydive over glaciers and lakes, go canyon swinging, or jump on a jet boat that spins through narrow river canyons.
If you're into wine (or just want an afternoon with mountain views and top-tier drinks), book the QT Wine Trail. You’ll get picked up in Queenstown and visit boutique vineyards in the surrounding region.
- Local Pinot Noir, Rosé, and crisp whites — all legit quality
- Epic scenery, small group vibes, and zero tourist traps
- Optional food pairings and cheese boards
Great energy, quick drive, and a solid contrast to the adrenaline stuff — no downtime needed.
If you need a full reset day, this is where to go. The Onsen Hot Pools are built into the cliffs with private cedar tubs overlooking the Shotover River.
- Book a private soak at sunset for golden hour views
-Add on spa treatments like massages or facials if you want to go full luxury
-Heated mineral water, mood lighting, and full chill vibes
It’s the perfect post-adventure recovery move — and one of the most photogenic spots in Queenstown.
If you rent a car, the drive to Glenorchy is one of the prettiest in the world. If you want the full Lord of the Rings landscape, do a day trip to Milford Sound — waterfalls, mountains, dolphins, and a boat cruise through the fjords.
-ATV tour through backcountry trails
-Kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Wakatipu
-Skyline Gondola ride for sunset views
💡 Quick Tips:
📅Book big stuff (skydiving, Milford Sound) ahead — they fill up fast
✅ New Zealand’s super safe and solo-travel friendly
🔗 Most experiences are linked on our Queenstown page — book direct or use "Let Us Book" if a site doesn’t take cards
Whether you want to go full adrenaline mode or mix in wine, lakes, and hikes, New Zealand gives you the space to do it all. Queenstown works no matter what kind of trip your group wants — and it almost always ends up being someone’s favorite.
