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Queenstown Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

Queenstown is a small, picturesque town surrounded by The Remarkables mountain range. Home to some under 20,000 people, Queenstown overlooks Lake Wakatipu and is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, wonderful food, and a crazy nightlife scene.

It’s also the “adventure capital” of New Zealand and the launching pad for every sort of adventure or adrenaline activity you can think of (as well as copious wine tours). Hugely popular, it tends to be a bit pricier than other destinations in the country.

However, as popular as it is, it’s still one of the best places in the country. I love sitting by the lake, watching the sunset with a bottle of wine, hiking the nearby trails, and heading into the mountains or out onto the lake. There are a ton of travelers here and it’s always easy to meet people too.

The crowds may have gotten bigger in recent years but the city remains the best base for exploring the Otago region.

This Queenstown travel guide will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time here!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Queenstown

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Queenstown

1. Do the Nevis Jump

This famous 134-meter (440-foot) jump is one of the highest swings in the world (you’ll free fall for 8.5 seconds!). It’s one of the most popular adrenaline activities in the country and a must for any adrenaline junkie. If you’re ready to take the leap, it costs 275 NZD. You can either do it solo or tandem. Here’s what it looks like . Other activities at the site include the Nevis Catapult (the world’s biggest human catapult) or a more “typical” bungee jump. Buses to the site leave from downtown Queenstown.

2. Go ziplining

Ziplining courses in Queenstown are constantly expanding and changing routes so there’s always something new to try. For example, you can zip down the mountain near the city’s gondola, whizzing through the forest as you look down over the city and Lake Wakatipu. Prices start at 99 NZD.

3. Hit the slopes

Queenstown is located right in the heart of the Southern Alps, making it an ideal spot for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The Remarkables has family-friendly slopes while Treble Cone offers uncrowded slopes and pristine vistas. A single-day ski pass costs around 140 NZD. You can also get packages that include a lift pass, lesson, and gear rental starting at 289 NZD.

4. Explore the vineyards

The Otago area is known for its white wines. If you plan to take an organized tour to visit the vineyards, expect to pay around 95 NZD for a half-day tour and 150-200 NZD for a full-day tour. A self-organized tour is cheaper though, and you can bike to a lot of the wineries on the 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) Gibbston River Trail just outside of Queenstown. My favorite wineries in the area include Waitiri Creek, Kinross, and Wet Jacket.

5. Enjoy the waters of Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu surrounds the town, offering sailing, boating, swimming, and other water activities. One thing to note is that the lake is very, very cold. Even in summer, it’s what I would consider “refreshing.” You can take a sightseeing boat tour out of Queenstown with the ironically named Million Dollar Cruise for as low as 49 NZD for a 90-minute cruise. And for 40 NZD you can hop on board The Luanda Experience, a 70’s-themed party boat! Expect to pay around 25 NZD for a kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP) rental.

Other Things to See and Do in Queenstown

1. go biking.

Exploring Queenstown by bike is an excellent way to get to the more remote areas around town. There’s the gondola-accessed downhill Queenstown Bike Park or the 75-mile Queenstown Trail that takes you through Lake Wakatipu, Lake Hayes, and Gibbston. Full-day mountain bike rentals start around 69 NZD while e-bike rentals are 129 NZD.

2. Take a helicopter flight

Queenstown is set against a backdrop of The Remarkables mountain range. A scenic flight takes you over secluded alpine lakes, lush forests, and rugged mountain peaks. You can fly over the high points of Coronet Peak, Kawarau Gorge, Shotover River, and Skippers Canyon. For a 25-minute ride, you’ll pay around 215 NZD. It’s not cheap, but the views are epic!

3. Visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park

Located near the Skyline Queenstown, this park is home to more than 10,000 native flora and fauna, various birds, and, most importantly, thousands of kiwis (flightless birds endemic to New Zealand). Beyond a pleasant walk around the sanctuary, there is a cultural show put on by the local Maori. There’s also a Honey Bee Center, with both an outdoor and indoor viewing hive. Admission is 49 NZD for adults.

4. Go off-roading

Queenstown is surrounded by a rugged terrain that’s perfect for off-roading adventures. Tours take you through Skippers Canyon, where you’ll encounter some amazing cliffside views and do some river crossings. Expect to pay around 200-300 NZD for a tour depending on if you go by dirtbike, ATV, buggy, or 4WD jeep.

5. Go skydiving

Queenstown is one of the best places in the world to skydive. You’ll jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet and free fall towards the earth at 200 kilometers (124 miles) an hour for some 60 seconds, all while enjoying the stunning views over the mountains and lake. A dive from 2,700 meters (9,000 feet) costs about 299 NZD, while dives from 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) cost around 479 NZD.

6. Relax on the beach

Cool down in summer by taking a dip at one of the many beaches along Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown Bay, which looks out towards Cecil and Walter Peaks, is the main beach. Since it’s right in town, it’s always packed so arrive early to beat the crowds. You can also visit Sunshine Bay, a small beach west of the city. It’s quieter than Queenstown Bay and offers stunning views of Cecil Peak. There’s also Kelvin Heights beach, located 20-30 minutes from central Queenstown which offers incredible views of The Remarkables.

7. Day trip to Wanaka

Located an hour away,  Wanaka  is a resort town surrounded by wineries. There’s great hiking here, too (Rob Roy Glacier and Diamond Lake are two trails to check out). It’s the gateway to the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, with some incredible mountains, alpine lakes, and glaciers. While I would spend a couple of days here, if you are short on time, this small town is still an easy day trip to do!

8. Explore Milford Sound

Milford Sound is probably the most popular fjord in New Zealand (maybe even in the world). Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park, it’s known for towering Mitre Peak, lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, seal colonies, penguins and dolphins, and rare black coral. It’s a long day from Queenstown with buses leaving at 6am and getting back around 7pm.

While I think it is far better to go from Te Anau (which is much closer), if you are short on time, there are plenty of trips from Queenstown. If you don’t have time but have more money, you can take a scenic flight over the area instead. Prices start from 199 NZD and go up from there, depending on how long you want to fly and whether you also want to land and take a cruise. If you’d rather take the bus for a day trip, you can find tours with companies like awesomeNZ and InterCity starting around 179 NZD.

9. Enjoy a jet boat ride

Jetboat rides are quite popular in New Zealand, but the one on the Shotover Canyon is one of the most iconic. For 25 minutes, you cruise along the river surrounded by canyon cliffs and admire the unique scenery around you. The boat hits an exhilarating 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour, making it a nice mix of scenic beauty and adrenaline-pumping adventure. It’s suitable for families and children too. Expect to pay around 139 NZD per person.

10. Hop on the Skyline Gondola

Just five minutes from town, the Skyline Gondola takes you up the mountain for some stunning views of the area. It’s the steepest gondola in the Southern hemisphere and stretches over 450 meters (1,476 feet). Beyond the amazing view, there is also plenty of hiking and biking to be done at the summit as well as a luge track that you can try. You’ll also find a restaurant with a panoramic view of Queenstown. Round-trip tickets for the gondola are 46 NZD for adults, with discounted combo tickets available that include luge rides and/or a meal at the restaurant.

11. Hike Ben Lomond

Looking for a view from the highest point of Queenstown? Hike Ben Lomond! It’s a steep and challenging hike for experienced hikers only. It starts at the top of the Skyline Gondola and it takes 5-8 hours to complete. The hike allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of both the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Once you reach the top of Ben Lomond, you’ll have a 360-degree panoramic view of the region. Be sure to check the weather before you go. Also, avoid climbing in the winter!

12. Climb Queenstown Hill

This hike is a lot easier than Ben Lomond and only takes about one hour from the city center to reach the top. If you don’t feel brave enough (or don’t have the time) to hike Ben Lomond, climbing Queenstown Hill is just as interesting, especially if you climb the hill for sunrise. It’s safe to do in the winter too.

13. Drive to Moke Lake

Located 30-minutes from Queenstown, this lake sees very few international tourists. It’s a tranquil place surrounded by mountains in the middle of nowhere. You can swim or fish and hike around the lake. There’s nothing else around, making it a good place to relax. You can camp here too, with basic plots starting at 15 NZD per person.

14. Drive to Glenorchy

Glenorchy is a town 48 kilometers (30 miles) away from Queenstown. The main point of interest is actually not Glenorchy itself but the drive to get there. The road follows Lake Wakatipu and you can stop on your way there to admire the lake with the mountains in the background. Many locals say it’s one of the most scenic drives of New Zealand. The area was also the main filming location for the Lord of the Rings movies due to the epic landscapes and mystical forests here. Once you get to Glenorchy, take some time to walk to the Glenorchy Walkway Scenic Point to take in the view.

15. Enjoy Lake Hayes

Lake Hayes is located 15 minutes away from Queenstown by car and is another good place to disconnect and relax. The lake attracts runners, cyclists, walkers but also families looking to BBQ. It’s possible to swim, kayak, and fish here as well. You’ll see many tables and chairs if you want to picnic, there’s also an 8-kilometer (5-mile) walking trail along the lake too.

  For more information on other destinations in New Zealand, check out these guides:

• Auckland Travel Guide
• Bay of Islands Travel Guide
• Christchurch Travel Guide
• Franz Josef Travel Guide
• Nelson Travel Guide
• Rotorua Travel Guide
• Taupo Travel Guide
• Waitomo Travel Guide
• Wanaka Travel Guide
• Wellington Travel Guide

Queenstown Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms cost 25-35 NZD per night in the off-season and 35-50 NZD in peak season, regardless of size. For a private room with a shared bathroom, expect to pay at least 90-110 NZD (private double rooms with an ensuite bathroom are 150 NZD). Free Wi-Fi is standard as are self-catering facilities. Most hostels don’t include breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, basic plots (without electricity) can be found around Moke Lake for 15 NZD (which includes space for two people). For the larger holiday parks, expect to pay closer to 40 NZD per night for an unpowered site.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotel rooms begin at 150 NZD per night for a double bed, regardless of the time of year. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers. Some budget hotels include a basic breakfast as well.

Airbnb is also available with private rooms starting at 70-80 NZD. For an entire home or apartment, expect to spend at least 150-175 NZD. Prices double if you don’t book early.

Food – Food in New Zealand consists mostly of seafood, lamb, fish and chips, and specialties like Maori hangi (meat and vegetables cooked underground). Expect to indulge in things like roast lamb, muscles, scallops, oysters, and snapper.

Generally, food prices in Queenstown are a little more affordable than in other cities but, like all places in the country, eating out will kill your budget. A typical restaurant meal of traditional cuisine costs around 17-25 NZD. A burger is 14-20 NZD, while seafood dishes start at 25-30 NZD.

For a three-course meal with a drink, expect to pay at least 50 NZD. You can find sandwiches for around 10 NZD and fast food (think McDonald’s) for around 12 NZD. Chinese, Thai and Indian food is around 14-20 NZD for a filling meal, while a large pizza is around 15 NZD.

Expect to pay around 8-10 NZD for a beer and 11-13 NZD for a glass of wine. Cocktails are 14-18 NZD while a latte/cappuccino is 5 NZD.

My favorite places to eat out are Devil Burger (Fergburger is good but overrated), Left Bank Bistro, Yonder, Kappa, No. 5 Church Lane, World Bar, and 1876.

Backpacking Queenstown Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking, my suggested budget is 75 NZD per day. On this budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm room, use public transportation to get around, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, and do free activities like hiking. If you want to drink more, add an extra 10-15 NZD per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 205 NZD per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do some paid activities like bungee jumping or riding the gondola.

On a “luxury” budget of 425 NZD per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car, and do some big-ticket activities like skydiving. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NZD.

Queenstown Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Unless you plan on doing a lot of adventure tours in Queenstown, you can easily stick to a budget here. Here are some tips to help you save money in Queenstown:

• Walk everywhere – Being a small town, it doesn’t take long to walk places. Save your money and walk everywhere if you’re on a budget.
• Cook your own meals – Most of the restaurants in this city aren’t super cheap so you’ll want to cook your own meals if you’re on a tight budget. It’s not glamorous, but it’s cheap!
• Find deals with bookme.co.nz  – You’ll often find last-minute deals on tours and activities by using this website. As long as you’re flexible on dates/times, you can save upwards of 30% off! Also try grabone.co.nz for more deals.
• Limit your drinking – Drinking in Queenstown is expensive, and who wants to enjoy some outdoor adventure while hungover anyway? If you must drink, pick up your booze from the supermarket.
• Stay with a local – Even though Queenstown is small, there are still a good number of Couchsurfing hosts here. Just be sure to send requests early if you’re visiting during the busier summer months. You’ll save money on accommodation and be able to get insider tips from a local.
• Get a temporary job – If you’re running low on money and still have plenty of time left in New Zealand, check Backpackerboard.co.nz for temporary paying gigs.
• Transport vehicles – Campervan and car relocation services will provide you with a free vehicle and gas as you drive it from one destination to another. This can be a great way to save a lot of money if you’re flexible with timing. Check Transfercar.co.nz to see what’s available.
• Hitchhike – If you’re heading out of town, hitchhiking is common and surprisingly easy on the main roads. It’s perfectly safe too! HitchWiki has helpful tips for hitchhiking in New Zealand.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle so you can save money and the environment. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle that has a built-in filter so you can always be sure your water is clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Queenstown has a lot of hostels. If you’re still looking for a place to stay, here are my favorites:

• Haka Lodge Queenstown
• Nomads Queenstown
• Adventure Queenstown Hostel

For more suggestions, check out this list of the best hostels in Queenstown.

How to Get Around Queenstown

Public transportation – You can go anywhere around town on the Queenstown bus. A Bee Card (which you can buy in town, on the bus, or online and load with 5 NZD) makes fares just 2 NZD all around town. Without the card, fares are 3 NZD.

Bike rental – If you want to rent a bike, expect to pay around 39 NZD per day for a city bike. Mountain bikes are 69 NZD and e-bikes are 129 NZD for full-day rentals.

Taxis – Taking a taxi in Queenstown is not necessary since it’s a small town — they are also not cheap. Prices start at 3.25 NZD and go up by 3.40 NZD per kilometer. Avoid them if you can!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Queenstown but it’s not much cheaper than the taxis. Again, since the town is small, I’d skip the rideshare services unless it’s an emergency.

Car rental – For a small car, expect to pay 35 NZD per day if you rent for at least a week. For short-term rentals, prices are closer to 50 NZD per day. Keep in mind that they drive on the left here. An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is required for car rentals.

When to Go to Queenstown

Summer is the best time to visit Queenstown, from December to February (remember we’re in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are opposite). The weather is nice all summer, averaging 21°C (70°F). This is also the busiest time of the year so prices are a little higher. However, the town is buzzing with activities so as long as you book your stay in advance you’ll be fine.

Autumn and spring are tricky because the weather is unpredictable. One day is rainy, then snowy, then cloudy, then sunny again. With such varying weather, it can be hard to plan ahead. Unsurprisingly, this is when the prices are the lowest since few people go there during that time. Just make sure to bring rain gear!

If you’re into winter sports, head to Queenstown in wintertime (June-August). Expect temperatures ranging from -4°C to 12°C (25-55°F). That said, if you’re not planning to do any winter sports, I’d avoid visiting in the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Queenstown

Queenstown is a super safe city — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. There is a relatively low crime rate here and New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world so incidents are few and far between.

If you rent a car, don’t leave your belongings in your vehicle while out hiking or overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

As earthquakes and tsunamis do occur in New Zealand, consider downloading the Hazard App from the Red Cross. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters and will also send out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated at night, etc.).

If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here . There aren’t many in New Zealand though.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 111 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your important documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to friends or family so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance, especially if you’re participating in any adventure activities. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Queenstown Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
• bookme.co.nz – You’ll get some really good last minute deals and discounts on this website! Just select what area you’re traveling in, and see what activities are on sale.
• treatme.co.nz – The locals use this website to find discount hotels, restaurants, and tours. You can save up to 50% off things like catamaran sailing lessons or three-course dinners.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Queenstown Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling New Zealand and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Christchurch

Where to Stay in Christchurch: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Auckland

The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Where to Stay in Auckland: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hostels in Queenstown

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• Food & Drink
• Milford Sound
• Itineraries
• Work With Me

The Ultimate Queenstown Travel Guide for 2024

Queenstown is an adventurer’s paradise. From high mountain peaks to lush forests and idyllic lakes, Queenstown has it all. This comprehensive Queenstown travel guide provides everything you need to know to plan the ultimate vacation.

Whether you’re heading to this stunning alpine paradise for outdoor adventures or a fun-filled family holiday, you are in for a treat. A few things come to mind when thinking about Queenstown, New Zealand.

For one, the blue glacial waters of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and lush forests. Add to that an extensive list of things to do from adrenaline-packed adventures to relaxing in award-winning vineyards, and you’ve got a holiday destination that’s hard to beat. 

Queenstown is a place I visit as often as I can. Luckily, I live in New Zealand so frequent visits aren’t a problem. In this guide I’m sharing everything I know from my local experience and frequent visits to this stunning region.

READ ON FOR MY COMPLETE QUEENSTOWN TRAVEL GUIDE, THE BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO, POPULAR PLACES TO EAT, WHERE TO STAY AND MORE!

Table of Contents

How to Get There

Flying into Queenstown is the quickest and most convenient way to get to Queenstown. As one of the busiest airports in New Zealand, there are flights throughout the day from other major cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Being an international airport, there are also direct flights from major cities outside of New Zealand such as Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

There are a few options to get to central Queenstown from the airport. You can take a taxi, shuttle or bus to Queenstown from the airport if you don’t have your own car. 

Taxis are the most expensive and will cost you around $30 to $40 New Zealand dollars for the short journey.

Shuttles are an easy and convenient option. We like Super Shuttle which will cost around $20 per person on a shared bus. There may be a few stops along the way to drop off other passengers. 

The most affordable option is to take the public bus. Bus number 1 goes from the airport to central Queenstown. You can either pay cash for a single ride which is $10 per adult ($8 per child) or you can buy a Bee Card and load money onto it ($5 minimum). The bus fare using a Bee Card is only $2. It’s a good option if you plan on using the bus to get around during your visit.  

Driving to Queenstown is another option, especially if you have arrived in Christchurch, Dunedin or one of the other cities around New Zealand. There are only three main roads that will get you to Queenstown so it’s pretty easy to navigate. 

Road trips are a popular way to experience New Zealand and the drive to Queenstown is one of the most scenic road trips on offer.

» Find out everything you need to know about renting a car in New Zealand .

Best Time to Go

Queenstown is great to visit in any season. The best time to visit Queenstown depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to do while you’re there. 

If you want to experience the best weather, the best time to go to Queenstown is December to February which is the summer months here in New Zealand. These months generally have the warmest temperatures and the least amount of rainfall. 

If you’re heading to Queenstown for awesome winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding, the best time to visit is from June to August, New Zealand’s winter months. 

Summer and winter are obviously popular months to visit and fantastic seasons to experience Queenstown, but keep in mind that the prices of hotels, flights and car rentals tend to be higher during these peak seasons. 

New Zealand and Australian school holidays also fall within the summer and winter months, with shorter school holiday breaks in autumn and spring. It’s worth checking out the up-to-date New Zealand school holiday calendar if you want to avoid these busiest times. 

There will be more crowds during peak seasons and accommodation, car rentals and popular activities can book out. If you’re visiting in the summer and winter seasons planning is essential and it’s best to book as far in advance as possible. 

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Queenstown is from April to May (late autumn) or September to November (spring). These months generally have lower prices and fewer crowds. My favourite time to visit is the end of April or May, for this reason. Plus the temperatures are cooler for hiking and the beautiful colours of autumn are on full display. 

What to Pack

If you’re wondering what to pack for Queenstown and New Zealand in general , we recommend bringing layers. Deciding what to wear while in Queenstown will depend on what type of activities you’ll be doing as well as the time of year you’ll be visiting. 

Although, the weather can fluctuate any time of the year so be prepared for four seasons in one day. That’s New Zealand weather for you!

In general, Queenstown is pretty casual so you won’t need anything too fancy. Unless you plan on eating at one of Queenstown’s fine dining establishments, then a collar shirt may be required. 

Being an alpine environment, the range in temperature between night and day can be significant, even in the warmer months.

For summer, we recommend bringing light layers for the cooler mornings and evenings and lighter clothes for the day. We also recommend bringing along a sun hat, sunglasses and a quick dry towel, handy for drying off after an impromptu swim in one of the local waterfalls or lakes.

For the spring and autumn seasons, a light, mid and warm layer is best. This way you can adjust your layers throughout the day to stay comfortable. I’ve been out hiking during the day in a t-shirt and bundled up in a puffer coat at night during the autumn months. 

Queenstown can get cold in winter so you’ll need to be prepared for the colder temps that require warmer winter gear, especially if you’ll be spending time on the slopes. 

Be sure to pack warm layers including thermals and a winter coat. A hat, insulated gloves, thick socks, a scarf and a warm pair of boots are also essential during the colder months.

Additional things to bring for any season. 

• Sunscreen, the sun is intense here in New Zealand so sunscreen is a must all year round.
• Bug Spray, particularly if you’ll be spending time near the bush or lakes where you may encounter sand flies. We recommend bringing a high deet insect repellent to help with that.
• Raincoat and windproof umbrella (just in case!). A backpack with a rainproof cover is also useful especially if you’ll be carrying expensive camera equipment around.
• Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots or shoes if you plan on spending time on the trails.
• Plug adapter if visiting from overseas, small first aid kit and water bottle.

Where to Stay

Choosing where to stay is an important decision to ensure you have a great stay. Many visitors to Queenstown stay in either Frankton or central Queenstown. Here are some pros and cons to consider for each, as well as a couple of other areas you might like to consider. 

Frankton is a good option if you have a car and plan to use Queenstown as the starting point for visiting other places in the area, plus it’s close to the ski fields in winter. There is a regular bus service into central Queenstown if you prefer not to drive.

Frankton is usually more affordable than central Queenstown and most properties will offer free parking. There are a couple of big shopping centres in Frankton that have plenty of restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and fuel (gas) stations.

On the flip side, Frankton has more of an industrial feel, which may not have the vibe you are after for your Queenstown vacation. Also, if you do drive into Queenstown parking can be tricky to find, especially during busy periods.

For a luxurious stay in the Frankton area, you might like to consider the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa. Located near the Queenstown airport, it’s the perfect base to explore other areas around Queenstown and there is a water taxi you can take to downtown Queenstown. Read reviews on TripAdvisor.

If you’re looking for something more affordable we really like Driftaway Queenstown , a newer holiday park in the Frankton area. It has a range of accommodation options from camping to private cabins. There is even an option to book a private cedar hot tub experience with lake views!

Central Queenstown

Central Queenstown is a great option for a variety of things to do and nice places to stay. It’s also handy if you don’t have a car and will be exploring the area on foot or via guided tours.

You will have bars, restaurants, popular attractions and nightlife at your doorstep. Many attractions outside of town offer a complimentary shuttle service from central Queenstown. There are also many different tours you can choose from that will pick you up from a central Queenstown location.

Just be aware that accommodation in central Queenstown is generally more expensive than in Frankton and parking can be tricky, especially during busy seasons. Not all properties have parking and the ones that do will usually charge extra to park. You may also experience more noise with some properties located right in the centre.

We like the Crown Plaza Queenstown on Beach Street. Their rooms are a little dated but we really like the location especially if you prefer to explore downtown Queenstown on foot. Read reviews on Trip Advisor . 

The Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is also a good centrally located property. It’s a larger property and does get busy at times but can’t beat the location right by the lake. Read reviews on Trip Advisor .

Here are a couple of other areas near central Queenstown that we think are worth considering.

Fernhill 

Fernhill is a suburb of Queenstown, a fifteen minute walk to the central area, restaurants and bars. It’s one of the highest points in central Queenstown. Because of the elevation many of the properties have beautiful views overlooking Lake Wakatipu. 

Just be aware, the walk back from town is up a big hill however, there is a bus service that runs between Queenstown and Fernhill. Alternatively, you can take a taxi which should cost you under $20.

The Kamana Lakehouse is a  boutique luxury property located in the Fernhill area. It has beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. There are a variety of room types to choose from and they even have their own private hot tub experience on-site that guests can book. 

Kelvin Heights

Kelvin Heights is located just opposite Lake Wakatipu from central Queenstown, about a 20-minute drive away. It’s quieter with easy access to town, Frankton and SH6. There is also a ferry service that runs between Kelvin Heights and central Queenstown. 

It’s a quieter residential area with a big golf course at the end. Being on a peninsula there can be traffic depending on the time of day.

We recommend looking for an Airbnb close to the ferry wharf in Kelvin Heights. This way you have the option of taking the ferry into central Queenstown. 

Arrowtown 

If you prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle, Arrowtown is a quaint and charming area to stay in. It’s an easy 20-minute drive from central Queenstown. There are many different accommodation options in Arrowtown to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.

You can check out our Queenstown Accommodation Guide for more recommendations on the best places to stay in each area to suit a variety of budgets.

What to Eat

Queenstown is one of the best places to eat out in New Zealand for the variety of cuisines to choose from and how many good places there are for such a relatively small area.  Here are some options we really like.

• The famous Fergburger is a must-try when in Queenstown. Their burgers really are as good as everyone says.
• Flame Bar and Grill specialise in NZ & South African-style meat dishes, and their signature ribs are the best!
• The Stratosfare Restaurant is a buffet-style restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the best panoramic views of Queenstown.
• The Blue Kanu is a fusion of Asian and Pacifica style cuisines in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The dishes may be a little different but the food is absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect place to try something new and enjoy a unique food experience.
• Rata is a fine dining restaurant offering top-notch New Zealand cuisine in a warm vibrant atmosphere with exceptional service. The food is fresh and cooked to perfection.

For more great restaurant options check out our blog on the top 5 restaurants in Queenstown . Or, you can read about our top 10 picks for amazing food to try in Queenstown from budget-friendly casual eats to indulgent sweet treats.

Breakfast lovers won’t want to miss these top places for breakfast in Queenstown.

From adrenaline filled adventure activities to award winning vineyards there is no shortage of things to do in Queenstown. There truly is something for everyone. Here are our most recommended things to do in Queenstown.

• Ride the Queenstown Skyline , the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest gondola ride. 
• Relax and unwind at the Queenstown Onsen Hot Tubs , a unique kiwi twist on this Japanese tradition. 
• Take an exhilarating jet boat ride through the fast-flowing waters of the Shotover River.
• Experience the adventure activities Queenstown is known for. There are so many options to choose from. We’ve put together the top 10 activities for the adventurous to help you decide. 
• If skydiving is on your bucket list, then Queenstown is the place to do it! We had a great experience skydiving with NZone .

• Have a picnic at Moke Lake , a Queenstown hidden gem. 
• Go on a hike. Queenstown is home to some incredible hiking trails suitable for a range of fitness levels. From the short and easy Bob’s Cove trail to the more advanced full-day hike Ben Lomond , there is a trail for everyone. 
• If you prefer a more leisurely walk, take a stroll along one of Queenstown’s beautiful day walks . You don’t need to get amongst the high mountain peaks to experience the scenic views.
• Take a drive to Glenorchy on one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. 
• Once there, spend the day exploring Glenorchy. There are many things to see and do including the iconic red boat shed and Lord of the Rings filming locations to name a few. 
• Go on a day trip from Queenstown .  We highly recommend a day trip to Arrowtown and Milford Sound. From the quaint and charming streets of historic Arrowtown to the dramatic moody peaks of the Milford Sound , both are great day trips offering completely different experiences of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes.  Cromwell is another great option with its award-winning wineries and picturesque vistas.

🤩 I love this award winning tour of Milford Sound for its small groups and exceptional guides.

• Take a scenic tour from Queenstown . We highly recommend a cruise along Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamship the TSS Earnslaw, or sampling the region’s award-winning wineries via a Queenstown wine tour , and LOTR fans cannot miss the Lord of the Rings tour featuring many of the famous filming locations.

How to Get Around

The best option for getting around Queenstown and the surrounding areas is to rent a car . This will give you the most flexibility to explore this beautiful region. 

However, this may not be an option for everyone and if you plan to spend most of your time in central Queenstown parking can be tricky to find and expensive, especially during the busy seasons.

If you don’t have a car, here are some useful alternatives for getting around.

• Take the bus. Queenstown has a reliable bus service that operates between downtown Queenstown and surrounding areas including Frankton, Lake Hayes, Arrowtown, Arthurs Point, Kelvin Heights and Sunshine Bay.
• A ferry service runs between downtown Queenstown and Kelvin Heights, useful if you are staying in the Kelvin Heights area such as the Hilton or an Airbnb.
• Tours are a good option if you don’t have a car and want to explore further than the bus schedule. You can choose from half-day, full-day or multi-day tour options for a variety of experiences.
• Use a shuttle service. Many activities that are based outside of downtown Queenstown such as jet boating and skydiving offer a shuttle service, usually for no additional cost, that will pick you up and drop you off from central Queenstown.

Wrapping Up Your Queenstown Travel Guide

There you have it! Your complete Queenstown travel guide. We hope this guide helps you to start planning for an epic adventure. Queenstown is full of fun experiences waiting to be had. 

This stunning alpine resort destination is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand, and for good reason. We hope you love it as much as we do and you’ll leave with memories that won’t soon be forgotten.

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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.

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36 Hours in Queenstown, New Zealand

The adventure capital is a gateway to countless thrills, but after all the hiking and bungee jumping, the town offers a few adventures of its own.

By Elaine Glusac

The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, the South Island’s magnetic mountain resort, thrives on adrenaline. Site of the first commercial bungee-jumping operation — established in 1988 over the Kawarau River — Queenstown is the place to test your courage by jumping off, flying over or skimming above things. During the winter (June through September), visitors flock to four ski areas in the surrounding Southern Alps. The rest of the year, Queenstown serves as the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park , Fiordland National Park in the west, and countless hikes, including multiday treks on the Milford , Routeburn Greenstone and Caples tracks. In March, the beginning of fall, the crowds have eased but the weather is still great for outdoor adventures. The Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival in nearby Arrowtown is from April 16 to 20, and the LUMA Southern Light Project, which brings light installations to Queenstown Gardens, takes place May 29 to June 1. On the shores of glacially carved Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s third largest lake, Queenstown offers a respite from the wild with sophisticated dining and shopping, each with a distinct Kiwi accent.

1) 4 p.m. Panoramic perches

To get a sense of the jewel-like, mountain-encircled setting of Queenstown, go vertical one of two ways. Ride the Skyline Gondola (44 New Zealand dollars, or about $28) to ascend some 1,475 feet to the top of Bob’s Peak, high enough to appreciate how the town hugs the protected bays of the lightning-bolt-shaped lake, and the wall of mountains in the distance, known as the Remarkables (recognizable to “Lord of the Rings” film fans). In true Kiwi fashion, the gondola provides extra thrills once you reach the top, including a sled luge track (from 61 dollars, including gondola), but there’s plenty of awe-inspiring scenery to freely appreciate along its mountaintop hiking trails. To save gondola fare entirely, get a similar high via the 1,640-foot climb up the Queenstown Hill Time Walk .

2) 7 p.m. Dinner and a show

Billing itself as a community hotel, the Sherwood Queenstown , a former Tudor-inspired motel given a hipster overhaul on a hillside just outside of the downtown area, has become a destination for locals and travelers interested in culture and sustainability. Join in by reserving a table at its restaurant, provisioned in part by its own gardens. Locavore dishes might include green salad from the garden (10 dollars), venison tartare (18 dollars) and barbecued lamb (32 dollars). On weekend evenings, there’s a good chance a concert will be going on in its intimate lounge; at the very least, there are outdoor fires around which to mingle and gaze at the starry night sky.

3) 8 a.m. Breakfast and browsing

Rise and shine before the breakfast lines form at Bespoke Kitchen , the four-year-old cafe known for its use of organic produce. The menu reinvents breakfast by offering substantial vegan chile tofu scramble (20.50 dollars), gluten-free potato, fennel and summer greens hash with a fried egg (20 dollars), and even a spicy pulled chicken burger (23.50 dollars). Dine in the sunny, window-wrapped space or on shady patios. Afterward, stroll a few blocks to the harbor to attend the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market , which sets up every Saturday morning, offering ceramics, knitwear, photography, graphic design and more.

4) 10 a.m. Thrill ride

Any walk around Queenstown will introduce the range of adventure options on offer by outfitters here, including bungee jumping, bungee swinging, skydiving, paragliding, rafting and heli-touring. Among the most thrilling is jet boating in vessels propelled by water ejected behind boats that are designed to skim over New Zealand’s shallow rivers. The Maori-owned Shotover Jet races on the Shotover River in depths as shallow as about four inches in a 14-passenger jet boat, then enters the narrow canyons where the company has exclusive access. Boats seemingly clear the rock walls by inches, thrills that are amplified by spinning 360 degrees (159 dollars).

5) 12:30 p.m. A burger worth waiting for

Who is Ferg, the man who scowls from signage around Fergburger , the cult burger joint generating long lines at all hours? The restaurant claims that in 2001 he decreed, “Let there be burgers fir (sic) the people to eat when they are drunk to hell.” He may be fictional, but the quality of the burgers is real. Lines of fans, drunk or not, snake down Shotover Street for nearly all of the 21 hours it is open daily. Menu choices thoroughly explore the burger range, from the standard beef Fergburger (12.50 dollars) to the venison Sweet Bambi (14.40 dollars) and the Little Lamby made with New Zealand lamb (14.40 dollars). Jockey for a seat at one of the few tables after ordering, or take your lunch to the beach about a two-minute walk away.

6) 2 p.m. Onsen Zen

Escape the crowds for an hour while basking in the views from a cedar hot tub at the recently expanded Onsen Hot Pools . Nine tubs overlook a scenic bend in the Shotover River from individual rooms with retractable windows that open the spa to the outdoors, and another five reside in the gardens outdoors. Book a four-person-capacity tub by the hour (from 87.50 dollars for one, or up to 212 dollars for four), which includes a glass of beer, wine or juice and a snack. Advance booking is highly recommended; reservations often run weeks in advance.

7) 4:30 p.m. Kiwi-style shopping

Spend an hour browsing the many shops and galleries of Queenstown, filled with Kiwi brands like Swanndri , makers of the classic “Swanny,” or long woolen bush shirt, and the outdoor clothier Icebreaker , which specializes in natural fabrics. For gifts and graphics, visit Vesta Design Boutique, housed in William’s Cottage, which was built in 1864 on the lakefront and is registered as Queenstown’s oldest house. Inside, check out limited edition prints of the mountains by Nicola Tucker, prints of New Zealand native birds by Marika Jones, and vintage-inspired travel posters of the region.

8) 6 p.m. Remarkable sunsets

Pick a spot to toast sunset in Queenstown, where the Alpenglow paints the distant Remarkables mountains pink. Reds bar, at the QT Queenstown hotel, specializes in Negronis, including classic and barrel-aged selections (19 dollars). The modernist lounge features window-seat-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the aptly named range as tour boats ply the lake below. Alternatively, from the main beach in town, pop into The Bathhouse , a vintage 1911 bathhouse with a distinctive crown on the roof now converted into a popular lakefront cafe. (Bear in mind sunset in Queenstown, at 45 degrees latitude south, may come as late as 9:30 p.m. in summer.)

9) 7:30 p.m. South Island on a plate

Like those of many upscale mountain towns, the Queenstown dining scene offers strong carnivorous choices, including Botswana Butchery and Jervois Steak House . But for a sense of the terroir of southern New Zealand, book a table at Rata , named for a native tree. A backlit photo mural of a mossy rainforest in Fiordland National Park sets a tranquil tone in the open-plan dining room featuring local polished stone and warm wood, and presided over by the chef Josh Emett. Regional ingredients fill the menu, which changes daily and recently included kingfish crudo (24 dollars), grass-fed beef tartare with Canterbury truffles (24 dollars), venison loin with onion purée (48 dollars) and slow-braised lamb shoulder for two (50 dollars per person). Finish with a tableside visit from the trolley filled with New Zealand cheeses (three for 20 dollars).

10) 9 p.m. Shaken and stirred

Queenstown is a party town, from the lakefront where budget travelers flock with six-packs of beer, to classic pubs and swanky cocktail parlors, including Upstairs @ The Bunker . Above the restaurant of the same name, the lounge features vintage black-and-white photos of Hollywood stars like Audrey Hepburn, and nattily dressed bartenders shaking up craft cocktails in an intimate, fire-lit room. On the patio, drink a frothy “From Russia With Love,” with vodka and peach liqueur (19 dollars) while watching old James Bond movies screened silently on an adjacent wall.

11) 8 a.m. Make tracks

There are hiking trails, also known as tracks in New Zealand, all around Queenstown. Driving north along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road about 15 or 20 minutes leads to several inspiring walks, including the Moke Lake Loop Track . Under four miles, the easy trail rings a highland lake that reflects the steep and treeless mountains surrounding it. If it’s warm, stick to Lake Wakatipu and take the short Bob’s Cove Trail , which leads to the rocky lakefront within minutes. Take the plunge into the bracing water from the pier on the far side of the cove.

12) 10 a.m. Rush the gold

Go Sunday driving to Arrowtown , about 13 miles from Queenstown, where gold was originally found in 1862 in the Arrow River, sparking a short, but intense, gold rush that left behind about 70 vintage structures, many now housing shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. The Lakes District Museum & Gallery (admission 10 dollars) tells the story of Arrowtown’s history, from its indigenous Maori roots as hunting grounds for moa (including a display of bones from the extinct bird) to the establishment of a Chinese village of miners. Stop for a local beer and a bite at The Fork and Tap , a family-friendly pub with a generous outdoor patio, or taste a few pinot noirs from the nearby Central Otago wine region at The Winery , a wine shop dispensing samples from vintners around the country.

The lively Sherwood Queenstown has 78 motel rooms updated in industrial-meets-bohemian style with army blankets atop beds and oversize cushions made from recycled kilim rugs. The restaurant is a destination in itself, and monthly programming includes art workshops and concerts. Rooms from 180 dollars.

There are plenty of short-term rentals in Queenstown. Rates start around 74 dollars for a room in a centrally located condo , and from $107 for a one-bedroom guesthouse driving distance from downtown.

52 PLACES AND MUCH, MUCH MORE Discover the best places to go in 2020, and find more Travel coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter : Each week you’ll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world.

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The Ultimate Queenstown Itinerary & Travel Guide

Spending some time on the South Island of New Zealand and looking for an epic Queenstown itinerary? Well, look no further because I’ve got you covered (and you’re definitely not alone).

Queenstown is by far one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand , and this is for a very good reason. As the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown offers so many activities for you to experience. 

From skydiving over massive mountains to bungee jumping at the first-ever commercial bungy site and rafting the famous Shooter river, you’ll find so much to do here. You simply can’t visit Queenstown without taking part in at least one of the many adrenaline-inducing activities available.

Additionally, the town is surrounded by mountains, making it the perfect location for hiking, and in the winter months, you can take to the epic slopes for some skiing and snowboarding.

Queenstown will always hold a special place in my heart, so I am truly stoked to be sharing this itinerary with you guys.

The thriving nightlife and the scenic picnics by the lake make Queenstown a place where memories are made and good times are compulsory. I hope that you have just as good a time as I had in Queenstown, New Zealand, and I hope you enjoy using my ultimate Queenstown itinerary.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Queenstown is a lot smaller than most people realize when they first arrive, and the city center can be explored in less than 10-15 minutes really. Because of this, accommodation does get booked well in advance, so you want to book your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb ASAP.

Luxury Accommodation – Scenic Quites

Scenic Suites Queenstown is a hillside resort with excellent lake and mountain views. The facilities you’ll enjoy include an on-site restaurant, a bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Just take a look at the pictures, and you’ll be sold.

While it may be a little pricey, it’s worth every penny and would be the highlight of your trip to Queenstown. It’s also just a six-minute drive from Lake Wakatipu and about four minutes from downtown Queenstown.

Mid-Range Accommodation – Park Boutique Hotel

Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is an award-winning luxury hotel that comes complete with stunning panoramic alpine views, world-class service, and incredibly stylish rooms. It’s well located, being just a few minutes walk from the city center.

The Wi-Fi is free, and the restaurant on-site regularly receives stellar reviews. It’s one of the top picks in the city and would definitely provide for an unbelievably comfortable stay in Queenstown.

Budget Accommodation – Adventure Q2 Hostel

Adventure Q2 Hostel is perfect for backpackers and by far the best hostel in Queenstown. I have personally stayed in four different Queenstown hostels during my time in New Zealand, and this was hands down the best hostel I’ve stayed in. 

Not only is it clean and organized (not something you find often in Queenstown hostels), but it’s also very social. With in-house activities run most nights of the week and also being close to The Village Green, which is perfect for enjoying a drink with friends.

It’s a smaller hostel which I personally prefer because I find these are much more homely and are better for making new friends. Adventure Q2 is also perfectly located, it’s only a couple of minutes walk into the city center. It’s actually the perfect distance for finding your way home after a fun night out in Queenstown.

Getting Around Queenstown

The truth is, if you really want to get off the beaten path and see what New Zealand truly has to offer in terms of natural wonders, I would always suggest driving around by yourself.

As a country that really does lack reliable public transport, I would always suggest that you have access to your own car while traveling anywhere within New Zealand. However, Queenstown is definitely an exception here.

It is by far one of the best set-up places in New Zealand for getting around using public transport alone. The majority of the tour companies, like Canyon Swing, White Water Rafting, and popular day trips to places like Milford Sound, offer coach services to and from all major attractions. This way, Queenstown really takes care of its car-free tourists.

Therefore, most transport to and from any surrounding activities can be planned from within the city center itself, which is very small and easy to walk around simply on foot.

And in the winter there are buses which will take you to and from the local ski slopes. There is also a bus service that will take you to and from the Queenstown Airport and neighboring towns too.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN QUEENSTOWN | TRAVEL GUIDE

“There is a reason Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world. Gather your courage and discover why first hand.”

The legends who precede you have jumped off bridges, conquered shallow rivers with spinning jet boats and explored the depths of these towering mountains. Queenstown is a beautiful natural playground, inviting you to ‘go big or go home’.

Hit The Slopes!

Many people like to explore New Zealand in the summertime, but they forget that Queenstown and its surrounding mountains truly transform into a winter wonderland as well. There are actually three different ski resorts, all operating within a few hours from Queenstown, so you definitely won’t be stuck for places to try out.

The three resorts include:

• Coronet Peak – “Only 20 minutes from central Queenstown. New Zealand’s first commercial ski field, celebrating good times since 1947.”
• Cardrona – “With wide open trails, challenging chutes, world-class beginner facilities and the Southern Hemisphere’s most extensive terrain park, there’s something for every snow enthusiast who likes skiing and snowboarding at Cardrona.”
• The Remarkables – “Experience big mountain terrain just 45 minutes from central Queenstown.”

All three are very popular spots for beginners and professionals alike and are guaranteed to be some of the best snowboarding and skiing facilities you’ll ever experience.   

Fair warning, though, they’re always quite busy during the winter season, so if you’re around at the right time, don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn some new skills.

VISIT NEVIS – AJ HACKETT BUNGY, SWING & CATAPULT

Try out the most famous swing in the world –  The Nevis Swing . Featuring a terrifying 300m arc to swing across, it is actually one of the biggest swings in the world. And it is definitely one of the most thrilling experiences you can sign up for while in Queenstown.

But what I think is actually more terrifying is New Zealand’s highest bungee jump. I found the courage to conquer this one, and it was an unforgettable adrenaline rush and bucket list achievement.

The Nevis Bungy : “Go full throttle with our 440-foot bungy – the highest in New Zealand. Freefall for 8.5 seconds in a blitz of pure fear and adrenaline. Don’t say we didn’t warn you because this will definitely put the cement in your coffee.”

EXPERIENCE THE WORLD’S HIGHEST CLIFF JUMP

The Shotover Canyon Swing is not only the world’s highest cliff-jumping adventure, but I’d argue that it’s the most scenic as well. After running and launching yourself off the 358-foot Shotover Canyon cliff edge, you’ll look down at the beautiful bright blue Shotover River.

The free fall itself is 197 feet, combined with a 656-foot swing out across the stunning canyon, which is the only place in the world where this adventure design system exists. Next up is the Shotover Canyon FOX, which was my personal favorite.

The best part about it is that you can choose all these different “swing styles”.  I went with “The Chair” because it seemed the most interesting. They play around with you a bit with the feeling of “leaning too far back in your chair”, which really added to the experience.

The highlight for me was the staff working there. Not only are they extremely professional, but they’re also absolutely hilarious. They go out of their way to be playful and comedic while making fun and trying to scare you that little bit more.

They know when to be serious, but for the most part, they will have a lot of fun and have an amazing laugh. They absolutely make the experience of jumping off a cliff one to remember.

You could do just one of these, but the combo for both of these is only $369 N.Z.D, which I think is a pretty sweet deal.

GO ON A SHOTOVER JET BOAT RIDE

The Shotover Jet Boat ride looks so much fun. I never had the chance to try this one because I decided to go for the whitewater rafting experience instead. But when I saw this ride in action during my time rafting, I wished I had the chance to give it a go as well.

It’s fast, powerful, and extremely adrenaline-inducing. You get to experience the real contrast of a serene, beautiful river and canyon environment mixed with a fast and powerful jet boat ride.

It’s been around since 1965 and is considered one of the world’s ultimate jet boating experiences. It’s definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Queenstown and not something you want to skip.

GO WHITEWATER RAFTING ON THE SHOTOVER RIVER

An experience of a lifetime. Whitewater rafting is exciting, scary, and full of surprises. There is a real danger when it comes to taking on the uncontrollable grade 4-5 rapids of the famous Shotover River. Rapids include Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, and Pinball. You also get to raft down a small waterfall at the end.

The instructors were professional. They knew exactly when to get us thinking quickly and panicking for our life. But they also knew how to make us feel safe and in control of the boat.

Teamwork is hugely emphasized, but don’t be afraid to go solo either.

I wasn’t the only solo traveler taking on the rapids, so it felt great when they put me in a boat with many other solo travelers too. Whitewater rafting is the only real extreme sport that’s left in Queenstown that you can partake in.

So don’t miss out on this exciting adventure.

VISIT THE LEDGE BUNGY JUMP & SWING

It’s not the highest, but it is the most unique jump you can do in Queenstown. You have the choice of choosing the 154-foot bungee jump or the swing. Both are stomach-dropping and are located right in the heart of the town, which means it’s super accessible and is set over the most stunning views available in all of Queenstown.

You can enjoy a gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, where you can view the gorgeous lakes and mountains surrounding the town. Then you can launch yourself off the edge with the ultimate freestyle bungee. This means you can jump off any way you like so you can make the most dramatic jump you can possibly think of.

GO CANYONING

This is one of the most enjoyable and diverse things to do in Queenstown. There are zip lines across the gorge and opportunities for climbing, hiking, scrambling, swimming, and hiking.

As you work from the top of the gorge to the bottom, you get the chance to slide down natural water slides, dive through waterfalls, and jump off rocks into stunningly clear blue pools. You will feel like a badass, and you will have a lot of fun.

Like all of the adventure activities, the staff at Canyoning Queenstown are professional and fun. The guides know the perfect balance between having a laugh with you, and also making sure you are being safe during the whole adventure.

TRY SKYDIVING

EMBRACE THE FEAR!

Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet with a 60-second free-fall at 124m/hour. This will be the ultimate experience of a lifetime as you’ll get to marvel at the incredible skyline Queenstown is blessed with.

With mind-blowing views over the lakes and mountains, this isn’t just a regular skydiving experience. It’s considered one of the most beautiful ranges in the world. And with the choice of jumping out at altitudes of 15,000 feet, 12,000 feet, and 9,000 feet, I can guarantee you will make some memories for life.

I didn’t get to jump with them, but I’d recommend the people at NZONE Skydive .

“NZONE Skydive, Queenstown is New Zealand’s 1st Tandem Skydive Operation. Having commenced operating in 1990 we have gained over 25 years experience in the industry and jumped over 300,000 customers to-date.”

GO TO THE ORIGINAL KAWARAU BRIDGE BUNGY JUMP

Another bungee jump? Well, this is Queenstown, so what did you expect? This bungee jump is special, though. It’s the original site of the Queenstown bungy jump. This means it was the first ever organized commercial bungy site in history.

It’s seen over 650,000 people jump from the historic suspension bridge over the years. It even offers the option for splashing into the crystal blue water with your head as you reach the end of your bungee line.

It’s also the only company in Queenstown that offers the chance to bungee jump in tandem.  I think if you’re going to bungy jump, you should do the biggest one possible, but this one is great for people who might be really scared or for people who are on a tighter budget.

“As you shuffle out to the edge of the bridge, heart pounding and mind racing, remember this – you’ve found yourself at the World Home of Bungy. This is the original . Many people have come and gone, on a mission to push the limits and test themselves. Time for you to make the same leap of faith.”

HIKE TO THE TOP OF BEN LOMOND PEAK

The Ben Lomond track is the perfect full-day hike to get your insulin levels back down after all of the thrilling adrenaline-boosting activities you must have been having. The roundtrip journey to the peak will take you anywhere from five to eight hours to return.

Personally, as someone with a decent fitness level who is used to full-day hiking, I found it only took me around five hours to complete (and I did have quite a few breaks on the way).

The return journey to Ben Lomond Peak is steep and challenging at times. The last hour of the hike does require some climbing abilities and good fitness levels.

But overall, I saw many people doing this with their (older) kids, and I myself didn’t wear hiking shoes (just a pair of basic runners). So don’t be put off; I feel that anyone with standard fitness can do the Ben Lomond hike, and the views at the top are well worth the hours of hiking to get there.

The trailhead begins at the top of the Skyline Gondola on Queenstown Hill, but you can walk from the bottom (at Tiki Track) if you want the extra challenge or to save some cash.

I definitely recommend you start early in the morning (because the track is very exposed and can get hot) and take lots of water.

Thoroughly enjoy taking in the breathtaking views of the Remarkables Mountains range and Coronet Peak standing across the lake. The views get better and better the more you climb, and trust me, that final push at the end makes it all worth it.

Tip : Avoid this in the wintertime as often the track will be closed due to snow and avalanche warnings.

CATCH THE SUNRISE OR SUNSET AT THE TOP OF QUEENSTOWN HILL

This is the perfect place to find the most incredible views without a full day of hiking. It has similar views to the Ben Lomond, but Queenstown Hill is only a 2-3 hour return walk.

Watching a sunrise or sunset here is one of the best things to see in Queenstown – and it’s easy to see why. The track starts on Belfast Street and takes you through a woodland trail on the way, which is perfect on a hot summer’s day to keep you out of the direct sun.

In the end, the hike will reward you with a fantastic 360-degree view of the surroundings. Including Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Kawarau River. It’s well worth the effort and is the perfect stop for sunset.

Tip : Make sure to take a torch with you for the return journey coming back down.

GOOD FOOD & DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS IN QUEENSTOWN

Finding the perfect place to eat is one of the best things to do in Queenstown. Adding well-reviewed restaurants and local favorites to your Queenstown itinerary will make sure you only get the best of New Zealand cuisine.

FERGBURGER – RATED ONE OF THE TOP 10 BEST BURGERS IN THE WORLD

This might sound bad… But the first thing I did when I drove into Queenstown was to park my car and head straight into Fergbuger to find out what the hype was all about.

You really can’t miss it. There is usually a long line of people waiting outside. It’s always busy, and it’s considered one of the top 10 Best Burgers in the World. Some people think they’re overrated; some say a Fergburger is the best burger they have ever tried.

In my opinion, it’s worth finding out.

With a decent menu of options, you will have plenty of time to decide which one to order as you queue outside for over an hour. However, a local tip I heard was that you could ring the shop in advance to order your burger, avoiding the queue.

But in my experience, this didn’t work as I found that the phone lines were always too busy to take my call. Personally, I found waiting in line part of the experience. But if you truly hate queuing up, I’d recommend going in at a less busy time, such as in the mornings or later at night.

Tip : Order your burger to go (the shop is always too packed to sit inside and eat anyways), then you can walk over to Queenstown Lake and enjoy your burger with a stunning view.  Also, these burgers are huge. One is filling, so make sure you go in on an empty stomach.

TRY AN ICONIC NEW ZEALAND COOKIE TIME AT THE COOKIE MUNCHER COOKIE BAR

One of my favorite memories in New Zealand was as simple as tasting my first ever Cookie Time Cookie . They’re all over the supermarkets, gas stations, and general stores.

Cookie Time is iconic in the whole country, and what better way to try your first Cookie Time Cookie than by having a warm, freshly baked one? Cookie Time Queenstown’s menu is packed with so many incredible choices and flavors and is the perfect sweet treat after a full day of adventuring.

Image via https://cookiebar.co.nz/

HAVE THE BEST ICE CREAM AT PATAGONIA CHOCOLATES

Literally, the best ice cream you can find in New Zealand is at Patagonia Chocolates. I tried my first-ever Patagonia ice cream while I was in Wanaka. It was so delicious I just had to have some again on my visit to Queenstown.

They don’t only sell ice cream, though. There is also an extensive selection of world-class chocolates and truffles, as well as hot drinks such as coffee and hot chocolate.

PIG AND WHISTLE, QUEENSTOWN

If you’re not really interested in lining up for over an hour to order a Fergurger, and sweet treats aren’t really going to cut it either. Then the Pig And Whistle should definitely satisfy your appetite with some wholesome, hearty, and traditional English pub food.

One of my favorite things about New Zealand was the homely pub meals. Serving traditional Kiwi meat pies, bangers and mash, and traditional roast dinners, the Pig And Whistle, like most Kiwi pubs, will make you feel right at home.

There’s also a great choice of beers, ciders, and wines to choose from. As well as the lively atmosphere and often live music which make this place feel perfect no matter what the time of year.

NIGHTLIFE IN QUEENSTOWN

Every Queenstown itinerary must feature a few bars or pubs. This way, you get to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant nightlife, and you’ll get to meet some of the locals.

Rhino’s Ski Shack

If you want a little European/Kiwi bar hybrid, then Rhino’s Ski Shack is the perfect little bar for you. It’s where many of the skiers and snowboarders hang out after a day on the slopes (but in the summer, it’s just as busy and cool).

It has a little hidden basement shack-style bar with options for food, drinks, and party games. Rhino’s is the ultimate evening spot to socialize, chat, meet new people and experience a truly warm and friendly vibe. Later on, the place takes on more of a club vibe with a dance floor and buzzing music.

Vinyl Underground

A lesser-known club featuring a live DJ, open mic nights, and a pool table, Vinyl Underground is open until 4 am for drinking, dancing, and socializing. It’s a popular spot for ending your night in Queenstown, and it’s always thriving with good vibes and fun people.

If you’re looking for a cozy little cocktail bar, then BarUp is the place for you. Perfect in summer and winter alike, this spot is popular for its comprehensive cocktail menu and its open fire and cozy vibe. You’ll also enjoy live music, New Zealand wines, and craft beers.

QUEENSTOWN TRAVEL TIPS

Like with any holiday, there are certain tips and tricks that one could use to get a better deal. From the best Airbnbs in Queenstown to combo deals and some of the best free things to do in Queenstown, I’ve got you covered.

SAVE MONEY WITH COMBO DEALS

When I booked my adventure activities in Queenstown, I found it was great to book a few at once with the combo deals.

Personally, I chose to book a deal that included the Shotover Flying Fox and Canyon Swing Combo. This is a helicopter ride over the canyon that ends at the top of the Shotover River for a whitewater rafting experience.

I saved over $150, and it was all organized for me on the day as the staff was all aware of the deal I purchased. So I was picked up and dropped off at all the correct places at the right time. This is a good way to get a lot packed into one day, and it makes the day super exciting, and action-packed.

I highly recommend booking a combo deal if you plan on taking on a lot of activities in a short space of time.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION & ACTIVITIES IN ADVANCE

Seriously, Queenstown books up fast. I am definitely one of those last-minuters when traveling. I like flexibility, and I never know how long I want to be someplace. However, with Queenstown, it really is necessary to have an idea of where you want to stay and what you want to do before you arrive.

I found myself having to sleep in my car twice due to my lack of planning and pre-booking a hostel (they were all sold out). I visited in December and January (the busiest times of the year), but generally, Queenstown is one place that is always busy. So it’s not worth the risk of leaving things to the last minute.

This includes hostels, Airbnbs, hotels, tours, and activities. I know a few people who couldn’t even get in for the Canyon Swing because it was already fully booked for the week they were there.

Aerial view of Queenstown downtown at twilight sunset, South Island, New Zealand

TAKE A FREE WALKING TOUR

For a real Kiwi experience, discover Queenstown with a friendly local guide on a 2-2.5 hour walking tour.  It’s the perfect way to learn about the town and how to find your way around.

The tours start at either 10 am or 2 pm daily at the Memorial Arch and include lots of useful info such as history, stories, and even some tips on the best nightlife spots.

In a typical Kiwi manner, they are always running no matter the weather. So if it’s cold, wrap up, turn up, and don’t forget to tip your guide at the end if you enjoyed it.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM QUEENSTOWN

Now if you’ve got a bit more time in Queenstown to explore the nearby attractions (which I’d highly recommend), here are a few amazing day trips to book 

Milford Sound Early Bird Coach & Cruise Day Trip : “Catch the sunrise, avoid the crowds, and be back in time for Happy Hour aboard the “Sunriser”. Take in the stunning views and wonderful wildlife as you boat cruise around Milford Sound. Relax on board with tea and coffee, enjoying the commentary as you go.”

Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise : “Climb aboard a smaller boat for a 2-hour scenic cruise of Milford Sound. Navigate closer to the shoreline and get right up close to cascading waterfalls, rainforest, and wildlife under the expert care of your friendly, local crew.”

Spirit of Queenstown Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise : “Cruise farther and see more on this 1.5-hour Queenstown scenic cruise. Sit back, relax and enjoy spectacular views of the Remarkables, Bob’s Cove, Cecil Peak, and Mt. Earnslaw from the comfort of the Spirit of Queenstown – an environmentally friendly and luxurious cruise boat. Take in panoramic views from the open top deck. Enjoy refreshments, snacks, and lunch served in the café on board.”

AM I MISSING ANYTHING FROM MY QUEENSTOWN ITINERARY

Have you been to Queenstown recently and think I need any specific restaurants, activities, adventures, or tours on my list? I’d love to keep this list as up-to-date as possible, so please do let me know how I can make this post better. 

Just writing this article has gotten me super keen to get back to Queenstown myself, and potentially even find a cute little mountain apartment.

PLANNING A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND…? 

Well, that was all from me on the ultimate Queenstown guide. I hope you found this useful and that it’s helped you to plan your trip to Queenstown so much more efficiently. Visiting any other spots in New Zealand?

I also have tons of other articles surrounding New Zealand, so take a look while you’re here:)

• North Island of New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary + Highlights
• The 15 Best Music Festivals in New Zealand to Experience Before You Die
• Traveling the North Island of New Zealand with Kiwi Experience
• Top 10 South Island of New Zealand Highlights with Kiwi Experience
• Top 6 Adventures in New Zealand
• Top 17 Travel Tips for Exploring New Zealand with Kiwi Experience
• 80 Fun, Interesting, and Weird Facts About Australia

Thanks so much for reading my Queenstown Itinerary!

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The Essential Queenstown New Zealand Travel Guide

LAST UPDATE – 10/13/2022 – Queenstown New Zealand Travel Guide

If you are an outdoor adventure enthusiast, there may be no location on Earth that is better suited to fulfill your dreams than the city of Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island.  Widely regarded to be the “Adventure Capital of the World”, every year Queenstown attracts millions of tourists from throughout the world who flock to the city to test their mettle bungy jumping, skydiving, jetboat riding, canyon swinging, downhill mountain bike riding, and a myriad of other amazing outdoor adventures.  Around every corner in the city, it seems is the headquarters of another adventure activity. Many of those incredible adventures I cover in this Queenstown New Zealand travel guide.

Not only is Queenstown known for its amazing adventure activities, but it is also known for its incredible beauty.  In fact, the area around Queenstown is so beautiful that Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson decided to use the area for a number of shots in his epic movies.  For those interested in soaking up as much of the beautiful landscape as you can, there are several hikes around the city that give you some truly spectacular views of the city, the lake, and the surrounding mountains.  Believe me, it is the kind of beauty that you never want to leave.

In this Queenstown New Zealand travel guide, I am going to give you all of the information you need to plan a successful trip to Queenstown, New Zealand.  I cover the best times to visit and the best ways to get there so that you can maximize what you are able to see and do on your trip.  In addition, I outline the top things to see and do while you are there and where the best places to stay and eat are.  With this information in hand, you can be confident that your trip to Queenstown will be one that you remember for the rest of your life.

At a Glance

Before you start making any travel plans, you will want to make sure you have all of the passport, VISA, and immunization tasks for your trip are taken care of.  In addition, you will want to make sure you have a clear understanding of what language they speak in New Zealand and what currency they use so that you can plan any translation needs you might have for your trip and exchange currency before your trip if necessary.  I have included some of this key information in my Queenstown New Zealand travel guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport Requirements

In order to assist you in navigating the legal requirements for visiting New Zealand, I have included a link to my New Zealand Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements for Visitors Guide below for you to review.  This guide will give you all of the information that you will need to meet the VISA, passport, customs, and immunizations requirements and recommendations for visiting New Zealand.

Travel Immunizations

Before you leave for your trip to New Zealand, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations.  Not only to protect yourself but to protect others.  If you have questions on what immunizations you will need and what to look out for when you go to get them, below are some general guidelines I can pass on to you from experience.

• Most specialized travel clinics will not accept insurance so you will have to pay for your travel consultation and immunizations and then request reimbursement from your insurance company later.
• Some immunizations aren’t accepted by every insurance company, so check with your insurance provider before getting your immunizations.
• Check with your regular doctor first, as often they can do a travel consultation for you and write you the necessary prescriptions for your immunizations, even if they aren’t able to give them to you.  This way you can ensure that at least your travel consultant will be covered by your insurance up-front.
• Check with  Walgreens   or other drug stores that give flu shots to see if they have any of the immunization shots that you require before going to a specialized clinic that doesn’t accept insurance to get them.  Walgreens can give you many of the immunizations necessary for international travel, and they accept insurance up-front.
• The  Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website   can be a great resource for answering any travel immunization questions that you have.

In case you are unsure of what travel vaccinations you might need, I have compiled a list below of some of what you might expect your physician to recommend.

• Hepatitis A & B  (if you haven’t had them).
• Tetanus  (if you aren’t current).
• Transderm SCōP Patch (for motion sickness) or at minimum Dramamine pills if you get motion sickness easily and you plan on getting out on the water or doing adventure activities.

Packing Tips

Outside of taking care of the passport, visa, and immunization requirements so that you can get into New Zealand and don’t get sick, there is no more important pre-travel planning task than making sure you pack the right clothing and gear for your trip.  To help make sure you are properly packed and prepared, I have included links to some of my packing resources in my Queenstown New Zealand travel guide below for you to review.

Top Things to See and Do

If there is one thing that Queenstown and the surrounding area are not short on it is outdoor activities.  In fact, there are so many amazing things to see and do in the area that you will likely have trouble deciding what you want to do and see and which adventures will need to wait for another trip.  If you are starting to plan your trip to Queenstown and need some help finding things to see and do to fill out your itinerary, I have included a list of my favorite things to experience in the city in my Queenstown New Zealand travel guide below for you to review.

View Larger Map

Take a Shotover Canyon Jetboat Ride

For the adventure seekers who might be afraid of heights, but still want to get their adrenaline flowing, taking a jetboat ride up the Shotover Canyon is an excellent option.  These boats are specially designed to navigate shallow waters, so you will be amazed at how fast the boat takes you over the rapids as it makes its way up the canyon.  The gorgeous glacial fed water of the Shotover River and the breathtaking mountains it circumvents make the ride as beautiful as it is thrilling.

Hike the Ben Lomond Track

If you are a hiking enthusiast who is visiting New Zealand’s South Island to check off some of the island’s most epic hikes, then you definitely won’t want to miss the Ben Lomond Track in Queenstown.  Not only is the Ben Lomond Track one of the South Island’s most challenging hikes, it is also one of the most beautiful.  The trailhead is located near the One-Mile Carpark on the edge of the city and the hike ascends over 4,000 feet (over 1,300 meters) to the Ben Lomond Lookout.  The views of the city, the mountains, and Lake Wakatipu from the top are absolutely spectacular!

If you aren’t quite up to hiking the whole track, a shortcut that you can take is to start from the trailhead near the Skyline Gondola.  By taking the gondola up about a mile, you bypass roughly 1,000 feet (or roughly 300 meters) of elevation.  While this doesn’t substantially shorten the hike, it can be a big difference for someone who wants to tackle the track, but is concerned about the amount of time it would require to do it at their pace.

Ride the Skyline Luge

One activity that everyone needs to try before they leave Queenstown is a ride on the Skyline luge track.  With two thrilling concrete tracks that you navigate on wheeled sleds, the luge is a great activity for grown adventurerers and families with kids.  There is a beginner track and a challenging track, so you can go your own speed with the novices or race for gold with the other thrill seekers.  You will need to take the Skyline Gondola up to the starting spot for the luge.  After you are finished riding, you can enjoy a nice meal and enjoy the stunning views at the Stratosphere Restaurant.  Tickets for the gondola and luge can be bought in packages and can even include your meal at the restaurant, depending on the package you choose.

Climb Queenstown Hill

For those who are interested in doing some hiking and checking out the beautiful sights while in Queenstown, but may not be up for a hike as challenging as the Ben Lomond Track, the Queenstown Hill Walk might be more your speed.  While no walk in the park itself, the Queenstown Hill Walk is far less strenuous than the Ben Lomond Track.  But don’t worry, you aren’t sacrificing all of the views as the Queenstown Hill still offers some absolutely breathtaking views of the city, lake, and mountains.

The trailhead for the track is located on the northern edge of the city and the path splits into two paths about a third of the way into the hike.  This is great because you can take one path up and the other one down so that you don’t have to see the same scenery twice.  If you go your own pace, most hikers will be able to complete this hike without too much of an issue.

Take a Skydiving Adventure

One of the most amazing experiences that I had while touring New Zealand’s South Island was the skydiving adventure that I went on.  Actually, saying the experience was amazing is a complete and total understatement.  Not only was skydiving incredible, but I cannot imagine doing it in a more breathtaking landscape.  The stunning Southern Alps and glacially fed rivers that criss-cross the lush green fields in between the mountains are beautiful to look at from above.  There are many places that you can skydive on the Southern Island and a few of the best are in the Queenstown area.  If you would like to learn more about how and where to skydive while in New Zealand, I have included a link to my guide on Everything You Need to Know About Skydiving in New Zealand for you to review below.

Drive the Road to Glenorchy

While it is easy to get caught up in all of the thrilling adventure activities in the Queenstown area, you should make sure to take some time to stop and smell the roses as well.  I cannot think of many places in this world that are as beautiful as Queenstown and the surrounding area.  Surrounded by some of the largest of the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu is so beautiful that you will swear it isn’t real.  One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the lake and the mountains is to take a drive from Queenstown up to the city of Glenorchy.  The road between the cities follows the shore of the lake and offers some of the most breathtaking views you will find in the area.  One of my favorite stops along the way is at the infamous Bennetts Bluff Lookout (pictured above).  With views like this, you will need to pinch yourself to make sure you aren’t dreaming.

Take a Walk Through Queenstown Gardens

After a long day exploring the Queenstown area and testing your limits with extreme sports, you might be in the mood to take a casual stroll after dinner.  One of the best places to take a relaxing walk in Queenstown is at the Queenstown Gardens.  Located on the shore of Lake Wakatipu near downtown, the Queenstown Gardens is a beautiful collection of trees, plants, flowers, and ponds with fountains that you can walk thru and enjoy.  There is no fee to walk thru the park, so it is also a low cost way to enjoy yourself in between the more costly adventures you have planned.

Go Downhill Mountain Biking

For many travelers visiting Queenstown, there is a specific outdoor adventure activity that is the driving force behind their visit.  With the Remarkables ski resort nearby, downhill skiing is definitely one of this activities.  The other activity that draws a lot of travelers to Queenstown each year is mountain biking.  With some of the most challenging and scenic mountain bike trails in New Zealand, Queenstown is a hot spot for mountain biking enthusiasts from around the world.  If you would like to try your hand at downhill mountain biking, there are a number of shops around Queenstown that will rent you a bike.  The Skyline Gondola cars are especially equipped to carry bikes to the top, so catch a ride up on the gondola and then enjoy a thrilling ride down on a bike.

Go Bungee Jumping at the AJ Hackett Bungy Ledge

Those of you who are adrenaline junkies are going to really love this adventure opportunity.  If getting your heart pumping and your senses heightened to the extreme is your thing, then bungy jumping at AJ Hackett’s Bungy Ledge is something you are definitely going to want to do.  Perched roughly 150 feet (47 meters) above Queenstown, the AJ Hackett Bundgy Ledge is accessible by taking the Skyline Gondola.  Once up, it’s a thrilling freestyle bungy jump into the air above the city that you will never soon forget.  If you love these types of adventures, there are some other bungy jumping adventures around Queenstown that you might want to check out as well.  I have included a short list below to get you started.

• The Shotover Canyon Swing
• Nevis Bungy, Swing & Catapult

Take a Relaxing Wine Tour

The final item on my list of the top things to see and do in the Queenstown area is to take a nice and relaxing wine tour in the nearby Central Otago Wine Valley.  New Zealand is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the world and the wine that is being produced in the Central Otago Wine Valleys (there is more than one valley in the region) is simply spectacular.  If you are looking to take a day to slow things down and enjoy the company of your travel companions and some excellent wine, then I would strongly suggest you look into a wine tour in the Central Otago Wine Region.  For some tips on where to go and what tours to take, I have included my Guide to Wine Tours in New Zealand’s Central Otago Valley for you to review in my Queenstown New Zealand travel guide below.

How to Get There

If you are visiting Queenstown from outside of New Zealand, the quickest way to get there is to fly directly into the International Airport ( ZQN ) right outside of the city.  From there, it is a short 15-minute car ride into Queenstown.  For those of you who are planning on visiting from the North Island, you can either fly from Wellington ( WLG ) to Queenstown, or take the ferry from Wellington to Picton and then drive down to Queenstown if you are taking a driving tour of the country.   If you decide to take a ferry, there are two companies that offer ferry services from Wellington to Picton to choose from.  If you are just planning on touring the South Island, you have the option of flying into Christchurch ( CHC ) as well.  You can start at either Christchurch or Queenstown and loop around the island and back to the airport you flew into for your return flight.  Another alternative if you are short on time is to fly into either Christchur or Queenstown and then fly home from the other.  This will allow you to shorten your trip without having to cut out as many stops.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for you to visit Queenstown is going to largely depend on what you would like to do while you are there.  For instance, if you are planning to go downhill skiing, then visiting during the middle of summer would probably not be the best idea.  In order to assist you in deciding when you plan your trip, I have included some helpful weather and activity related information on Queenstown for you to review in my Queenstown New Zealand travel guide below.

• Skiing – The winter months of June thru August are the best times to catch fresh powder, but there will still be snow and you will find less crowds on the slopes during the month of September.
• Extreme Sports – If you are looking to enjoy some extreme outdoor sports like bungy jumping and skydiving while in Queenstown, you will find they are in operation year-round.  However, you will want to avoid the autumn months of March thru May as this is when Queenstown has the most unpredictable weather.
• Wineries – While the wineries in the Central Otago wine valleys are open year round, the peak season for wine tastings on New Zealand’s South Island is during the summer months of December thru February. However, these can also be the busiest times of year at the wineries, so visiting during the spring season may be your best bet.
• Hiking – If you want to avoid large crowds on the Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill trails, then I would avoid visiting during the busy summer months of December thru February.  Instead, visit during the spring months of September thru November.  Not only will there be less crowds, but you will be able to avoid the summer heat.
• Sightseeing – If your goal is to see as much as you can without breaking the bank, then the spring months of September to November is your best bet.  Not only will you be greeted by the beautiful blooming trees and flower, but you will also avoid the spendy peak prices of the summer months.
• Water Sports – If you plan on doing some rafting or getting in the water to swim or go kayaking, I would aim to visit during the warm summer months of December thru February.

Average Temperature (°F)

Queenstown is located in an alpine region, so the temperature can get chilly during the winter months.  If you are visiting to go skiing, the cold temperatures are a good thing.  However, if you are visiting Queenstown to do some hiking, skydiving, bungy jumping, or another outdoor adventure activity, you probably don’t want to do so in cold weather.  That’s why the summer months of December thru February are so popular with toursits who visit Queenstown for the outdoor adventure activities.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

If you are planning on visiting Queenstown to take part in outdoor adventure activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, canyon swinging, or jet boat riding, then you are going to want to plan your visit when the weather is the nicest.  Some of these activities will only operate when the weather is nice and isn’t a safety hazard.  In Queenstown, the months of the year where there is typically the lowest amount of precipitation is during the late summer and early autumn months of February thru April.  You will want to avoid the spring and early summer months of September thru December as the weather can be unpredictable during this time.

Average Number of Tourists (by Month)

Another factor that you will want to consider before planning your trip to Queenstown is how busy the city is with other tourists throughout the year.  If you are planning to visit to go skiing or try some of the areas famous outdoor adventure activities, you may be competing with other tourists for room on the slopes or openings in availability.  July is by far the busiest month of the year in Queenstown, as this is the height of the downhill skiing season in New Zealand and the slopes at the Remarkables are typically packed.  After July, the number of tourists in the city tends to decline until October.  This is when the outdoor adventure crowds start to arrive in Queenstown and the number of tourists start to pick up again.  The number of tourists in the city will grow again until December, before falling off thru the remainder of the summer and autumn.  The city typically sees the lowest tourism numbers in the late fall before the ski season starts up again, with the month of May consistently having the lowest numbers of tourists visiting.

Where to Stay

One of the most important decisions you are going to have to make when planning your trip to Queenstown is where you will stay.  The city of Queenstown depends on tourism, so there are quite a few hotels to choose from in town.  There are also a number of really nice hotels on the other side of the lake that you can choose from as well.  If you decide to stay on the other side of the lake, there is a water taxi that runs about once an hour that can take you to downtown Queenstown.  If you are starting to plan your trip to Queenstown and want some hotel and hostel suggestions, I have included some great options at different price points in my Queenstown New Zealand travel guide below for you to review.

Where to Eat

While Queenstown is most well-known for being the outdoor adventure capital of the world, the city’s wonderful food scene seems to fly more under the radar.  If you are looking for some great restaurants to try while visiting Queenstown, I have included some of the most recommended options for you to review in my Queenstown New Zealand travel guide below.  The most notable options on this list are the Ferberger and Stratosfare restaurants, which I highlighted on my list of the top things to see and do in Queenstown as they are amazing experiences in addition to great restaurants.  The Ferberger restaurant is world-renown for its amazing hamburgers of all varieties, while the Stratosfare Restaurant offers great buffet-style food and views of Queenstown to die for.

Recommended Tours and Excursions

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the Queenstown area and one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour.  If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my Queenstown New Zealand travel guide below.

Photo Gallery

Queenstown is one of the most beautiful and amazing cities that I have visited in my many travels.  Visiting as a travel photographer was an unbelievable experience.  I was able to capture so many beautiful photographs, some of which I have included in a gallery for you to see below.

If you would like to view some more of my top photos from some of my many other travel adventures, make sure you are following me on Instagram as well!

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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4 comments ›.

As usual, I am astonished by how comprehensive this is and a great read for a bit of escapism right now! Such beautiful landscape and the outdoor activities look awesome,

Thank you so much for the kind words Anna!! And thank you for reading! 😃

Wonderful post! The hiking looks amazing and I think it would be fun to do the luge, too. Oddly, while I can imagine (and have experienced) leaving home in the winter to visit warm, sunny locations, it seems very weird to me to leave home in summer to go somewhere to ski!!

Thank you so much for the kind words!! I totally agree, the Northern Hemisphere versus Southern Hemisphere and weather thing still throws me off sometimes too!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Thank you so much for your kind words!!

Wonderful & very informative article. Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help.

Gibraltar is so beautiful, I never thought of visiting this place, your always adorable photography has made Gibraltar even more…

Thank you so much for the kind words!!

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10 Queenstown Travel Tips for First-Timers [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, tips for visiting queenstown.

Queenstown is its own little bubble. The buzzing tourist town sits on the edge of the grand Lake Wakatipu surrounded by majestic mountains and harbouring an array of exciting activities. It has its set of quirks and trends unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of Queenstown travel tips for first-timers, that will be useful for international and local visitors alike.

If you need more general travel tips in your life, be sure to check out the 31 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand . Oh, and you might want to bookmark  The Complete Travel Guide to Queenstown – that will be handy.

1. There’s More to Queenstown than Bungy Jumping

Queenstown might have a name for itself being the “adventure capital”, but many first-timers don’t realise just how much there is to do in this town. Wine tours , lake cruises, hiking trails , helicopter flights , golf courses , bike trails, snowsports , nightlife , day trips to national parks, white water rafting, jet boating and paragliding are all on the activity menu here, and that’s barely the half of it. Take a look at some of our Queenstown articles to see what’s really available to do in Queenstown. That way, you’ll leave with no regrets. Good places to start include the 20 Epic Adventure Activities in Queenstown and  45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown .

2. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely

The accommodation offering in Queenstown is extensive and can be a little overwhelming. There are accommodation options from luxury hotels to backpacker joints; from the town centre to a lengthy bus ride away from the town centre. We’ve made your research a little easier by compiling our top Queenstown accommodation picks into different travel styles. Check out these listicles to find the perfect accommodation for you:

• The 50 Best Accommodations in Queenstown
• 10 Best Hotels in Queenstown
• 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Queenstown
• 10 Best Luxury Accommodation in Queenstown
• 10 Best Family Accommodation in Queenstown
• 10 Best Romantic Accommodation in Queenstown
• 10 Best Accommodation in Queenstown for Foodies
• Where to Camp in Queenstown
• 5 Free Camping Spots in Queenstown

3. Book Your Accommodation as Soon as Possible

Speaking of accommodation, make sure you book your accommodation as soon as possible! Even with the huge amount of accommodations available, the town can get booked up quickly especially in summer , during the school holidays , and for the Queenstown Winter Festival .

4. Freedom Camping is a No-No

For those that are road-tripping around New Zealand in a campervan, campercar or motorhome, be aware of the strict freedom camping rules in Queenstown. You cannot park up and camp for free for the night anywhere in Queenstown. In fact, even if you park your campervan in a public car park on an evening and are not sleeping in it, you’re still likely to receive a fine. For camping in Queenstown, you can either stay in a holiday park or return your rental campervan to a Queenstown depot while staying in the town.

See rental companies with Queenstown depots in The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Queenstown , as well as safe places to camp in  Where to Camp in Queenstown .

5. Don’t Visit Too Early for the Ski Season

For those seeking some snow, Queenstown has an epic ski season. But a mistake that first-timers make is booking a ski holiday too early in the season. While ski fields may be open from mid- June /early July , that doesn’t mean that all the trails are open. You’ll be paying full price for a lift pass to use only a fraction of the ski field. We recommend waiting until August to get the best conditions for a ski holiday. Find out more in The Ultimate Guide to the Queenstown Ski Season .

6. Know How to Get Around

Queenstown might have a small town centre, but its suburbs are spread far and wide, as are its activities. The first mistake that first-timers make is that they think they will have to find their way to most activities. This is not the case, as most activity providers provide pick-ups or have a central Queenstown transport to their activity for free (usually at the Station Building on the corner of Duke and Shotover Street). Second, if you’re staying outside of the town centre, then know that some suburbs are up to 1-2 hours walk away. Bus services and taxis are available, so take a look at Public Transport in Queenstown for more tips.

7. Pack a Jacket

Needless to say that you will need to pack warm clothing for Queenstown in the winter season (June-August). However, even in summer (December-February), it’s smart to have some warm layers, like a jacket, with you. While Queenstown experiences warm and long sunny days during summer, it can get pretty chilly when the sun goes down or is stuck behind a cloud all day.

Get more packing tips in What Clothes to Pack to Travel in New Zealand , as well as the right weather expectations from  Queenstown Weather & Climate: What is the Weather Like in Queenstown?

8. Keep an Eye on Your Budget

Queenstown is one of the most expensive towns in New Zealand. Your budget can easily spiral out of control if you do a paid activity every day. We recommend filling out some of your time with some of the free and cheap activities to do in Queenstown. See our recommendations in 30 Free or Cheap Things to do in Queenstown , as well as more money-saving tips in   The Travel Guide to Queenstown on a Budget .

9. Don’t Queue for a Fergburger

Ah, the famous Fergburger . Everyone knows about this burger joint with its oversized burgers, but first-timers tend to not know that you don’t have to join the hour-long queue to order your burger. Just have a look at the menu outside of the burger takeaway, place your order at 03 441 1232 and pick your burger up later. Alternatively, Devil Burger also does outstanding oversized burgers. See more recommendations in The Top Cheap Eats in Queenstown .

10. Rent a Car for at Least Part of Your Stay

If Queenstown is your main base for your holiday in New Zealand, then we fully recommend taking the time to get out of its little bubble and see some of the real New Zealand. Rent a car or a campervan and do a road trip to Milford Sound (over a couple of days – if you want to do it in one day, take one of the 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown instead). Take a day trip to historic Arrowtown or scenic Wanaka . Take a trip down the Kawarau Gorge and the Gibbston Valley to stop at some wineries . The list goes on!

Take a look at some of The Best Car Rental Companies in Queenstown or  The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Queenstown , as well as places to visit in  The Best Day Trips from Queenstown .

More About Queenstown

And that’s just a concise list of our Queenstown travel tips! See the following guides for more advice for first-timers:

• The Complete Travel Guide to Queenstown
• The Food Guide to Queenstown: Places to Eat & Food Tours
• The Travel Guide to Queenstown for Families
• The Travel Guide to Queenstown on a Budget
• The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Queenstown
• The Luxury Travel Guide to Queenstown
• Queenstown – Guide for Backpackers

Finally, plan the rest of your travels around the South Island using the  South Island in Two Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary and South Island in One Week: Road Trip Itinerary .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Queenstown New Zealand (Regional tourism website)
• Queenstown Lakes District Council (Local council website)
• Otago Regional Council (Local council website)

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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Related posts, the travel guide to queenstown for families [2024], the best time to visit queenstown, 20 things to do in queenstown with kids 👪 [2024], 10 best luxury experiences in queenstown 🥂 [2024], 13 best foodie experiences in queenstown 🍔 [2024], 15 best things to do in glenorchy: activities, tours & hikes ⛰️ [2024], recommended for you, otago – guide for backpackers, 20 best things to do on stewart island 🔥 [2024], 10 best things to do in murchison, destinations, travel tips, connect with us, accommodation.

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The view from the top of Bob's Peak offers wide open landscapes, and sometimes even a paraglider.

An adventurer's perfect day in Queenstown

A local shares their favorite activities in The Adventure Capital of the World.

Meet the explorer: Kyle Mulinder, known as Bare Kiwi , provides an authentic glimpse into his and his fiancée's adventures around New Zealand . Kyle is a self-taught photographer and filmmaker, who makes nature and adventure photography and inspirational video.

Queenstown. It really is a place that needs no introduction. It’s a guaranteed good time year-round. The city is constantly humming, occupied by an endless stream of travelers eager to taste the Adventure Capital of the World. With a lucrative tourism industry and high number of visitors, Queenstown is often referred to as “the bubble.” Here’s how to experience Queenstown’s jaw-dropping scenery and fun-loving atmosphere like the locals do.

Get Up Early: With many great places to watch the sunrise in Queenstown, it’s hard to choose where to go! If you’re up for a bit of early morning exercise, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views from the top of Queenstown Hill. If you prefer to ease into the day, take a drive to Lake Hayes for mirrorlike reflections or stroll along the Queenstown waterfront to the One Mile car park for views of The Remarkables .

Eat at the Chop Shop: Located down a little alleyway and up a flight of stairs, the Chop Shop Food Merchants used to be Arrowtown’s best-kept secret. With its cozy setting, unique furniture (think lamps constructed out of bike chains, plants in bags), and reputation for being consistently outstanding, the cat is out of the bag. If you have to wait to be seated for breakfast, it’s worth it. The Asian fusion menu blends flavors creatively and the coffee is some of the best I’ve had in Central Otago. You might even get seated at the bar, which overlooks the chefs in action.

Originally a settlement of Chinese miners working on the 1860s gold rush, Arrowtown is now a bustling town where you can still explore the now historic Chinese Village.

Explore Arrowtown’s History: A visit to Arrowtown , with its quaint buildings steeped in history, feels like you’ve stepped back in time. A gold rush in the 1860s brought 1,500 miners who camped along the river, which eventually led to the establishment of a permanent town. Today a procession of small heritage buildings stretches toward a tree-lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages. Take a stroll through the historic Chinese Village; the people who lived there were the definition of resilient.

Site Trampoline: Unleash your inner child on the world’s biggest, most powerful trampolines. Site Trampoline has Olympic-quality trampolines as well as a trampoline park with over 30 interconnected trampolines! Get your bounce on and attempt the freestyle tricks you’ve seen the pros do—the foam pit and airbag have your back. There’s also the option for group or private coaching sessions if you want to master something in particular.

Lunch at Frank’s Eatery: Frank’s Eatery is a welcoming, bright space with comfy, cushioned corners. Like its name suggests, Frank’s is all about being straightforward, providing wholesome food that is ethical, organic, and local. The café is a little bit off the beaten track, located out past the Remarkables Park shopping area, but that just makes it even more of a local spot.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

A Round of Disc Golf: If you haven’t heard of disc golf, imagine traditional golf, but instead of a ball and clubs players use a flying disc, or Frisbee. Like traditional golf courses, disc golf courses are typically in beautiful settings. Queenstown has two disc golf courses : the original course at Queenstown Gardens and the new course at Tucker Beach. If you need to rent a disc, you can do so at Small Planet Sports .

Take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak.

Skyline Gondola: The most iconic view of Queenstown is from the top of Bob’s Peak. It’s undeniably breathtaking; the view never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. The easy way up is to take the Skyline Gondola , a scenic cable car ride that gains 450 meters in altitude. (If you’re going to stay in Queenstown longer you can buy a gondola annual, which also entitles you to exclusive discounts.) The harder, or more active, way is to hike up the Tiki Trail. You’ll reach the top in about an hour, which emphasizes how steep the track is.

Luge: A trip up the gondola combined with a few spins on the luge track is a must-do when visiting Queenstown. It’s competitively priced, super scenic, and undeniably fun. The luge slogan, “once is never enough,” is so apt—make sure you go for the five-ride option. And while you’re not allowed to race on the track, it’s hard not to get a little bit competitive.

Race down the luge of a mountain in Queenstown.

Sunset at Bob’s Peak: Bob’s Peak is the best place to watch the sunset in Queenstown. The sun goes down behind the peak, so you get to see the last rays of light illuminate the snow as they make their way up The Remarkables and Walter and Cecil Peaks. The sky turns a beautiful shade of pink and purple mixed with gray and blue once the sunlight disappears. This soft lighting only occurs in winter, with the cooler air temperature.

Take in the sights around Lake Wakatipu around Queenstown.

Atlas Craft Beer Café: Atlas does craft beer really well. Discreetly located at Steamer Wharf, the bar is modest in size, giving it the feeling of being a place only the locals know about. Atlas has 22 different beers on tap and has a traditional English-style hand pump. Beers aside, Atlas is renowned for its $19.90 steak meal. Actually, everything on their dinner menu is under $20! The bathrooms are a feature in and of themselves.

Queenstown’s Nightlife: Within the space of 500 meters, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to bars. Whether it’s craft beer, boutique rum, wine, cocktails, an ice bar, or cheap drinks you’re after, there’s something for everyone. For live music try Little Blackwood; for cocktails served in a teapot head to World Bar; for the cheapest drinks in town it has to be 1876; and for a good time, simply go anywhere! Be sure to walk through the alleyways that link up between Beach Street and Church Street where there are lots of hidden gems to be discovered.

Curry Chips at Devil Burger: It’s a given that a visit to Queenstown is likely to result in at least one big night out on the town. I don't know of anywhere else in New Zealand where the bars are full and open late every night of the week. Should you find yourself caught up in the party scene and out late, swing by Devil Burger before heading home. Sure, they do great burgers, but try their curry cheese chips—they’re New Zealand’s version of poutine. Afterward, book a ride with Savy to get home safely.

Related Topics

• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• ADVENTURE SPORTS

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Queenstown itinerary – best things to do in Queenstown in 3, 5 & 7 days

• October 6, 2022
• New Zealand , Oceania

Queenstown is fun, bustling with life, offers insanely scenic views, incredible nature, and a vast playground spread over forests, mountains, lakes, and valleys. It is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand (for a good reason, or rather several good reasons!), but Queenstown can also be laid back and calm.

So whether you want a calm and relaxing getaway, a fun and adventurous escape, a mind-blowing culinary experience, or luxurious pampering, Queenstown won’t disappoint!

I was lucky enough to call Queenstown home and for this, it will always have a special place in my heart. But you don’t need to move here to fall in love with this beautiful town!

Below I’m sharing my insider knowledge and carefully crafted itineraries with recommendations on the best things to do in Queenstown in 3, 5, and 7 days.

Queenstown itinerary overview – the best of Queenstown, New Zealand

How many days in queenstown, where to stay in queenstown, day 1 – qt town and lake cruise, day 2 – glenorchy, paradise and party, day 3 – adventure and wine, day 4 – milford sound cruise, day 5 – wanaka and haast pass road trip, day 6 – hikes and views, day 7 – mt. cook np day trip, day 1 – qt town, lake cruise and adventure, day 2 – glenorchy, paradise, skyline and party, day 3 – day trip of choice, getting to queenstown, getting around in queenstown, where to eat in queenstown, best time to visit queenstown, planning a trip to queenstown, reliable travel insurance.

Queenstown must-do’s

Short on time? These are the best,  most unique things to do in Queenstown  that you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on!

Canyon Swing Milford Sound tour Dart River Funyak and Jet Boat Paradise Valley TSS Ernslaw Lake Cruise

For several years I’ve been lucky enough to call Queenstown home and putting together an itinerary for a place this close to my heart brought up all sorts of feelings.

Mostly, it felt impossible to squeeze all this beautiful town has to offer into just a few days. But below are my best attempts to create a balanced experience that will give you a pretty good taste for this little piece of heaven on earth.

I’ll be giving you plenty of information with links to other relevant articles for each place or activity whenever I mention it for the first time in the 7-day itinerary. But since these activities repeat for different itineraries I left those as a list and you can refer back up for more info when needed.

As many as you can! I came to Queenstown for a couple of days but ended up staying for several years. And I’m not the only one who did so.

Three days is the minimum you’ll need to experience Queenstown and its immediate surroundings. Queenstown is also a great hub to explore the lower part of the South Island and five days or more will allow you to do some day trips and explore the wider area.

Accommodation in Queenstown is plentiful and there are options for any budget and preference. I recommend you stay Downtown or on Queenstown hill if you don’t have a car since you can easily walk here. This is also the best place to base yourself if it’s your first time in Queenstown.

Scenic Suites Queenstown  

GREAT VALUE & DELICIOUS BREAKFAST

Located at the edge of town this complex boosts breathtaking views and comfortable facilities at a great price. The food here is delicious too!

CHECK PRICES

Kamana Lakehouse

MODERN, BEAUTIFUL & FANTASTIC VIEWS

With breathtaking views, floor to ceiling windows and its contemporary decor, this modern lake house might just be our favourite place to stay in Queenstown, not to mention the delicious buffet breakfast!

Shotover Penthouse & Spa

CENTRAL, OPULENT AND PERFECT

This Penthouse is something else. Located smack in the middle of town and boosting some incredible views and a massive terrace with a hot tub, this apartment can sleep 6 and is perfect for groups.

Read next: Best accommodation in Queenstown

7 day itinerary

A week in Queenstown is perfect to really take in everything this town has to offer and explore some of the surroundings. With 7 days at your disposal, you’ll be able to take it easy in Queenstown or, if you prefer your holiday to be packed, you can squeeze in a few more hikes and activities.

Queenstown town

Start the day by exploring Queenstown town and take a stroll around. Most of downtown is pedestrian only and there are plenty of shops, cafes, and food options for you to explore. Hop into Vudu Cafe for brunch or grab breakfast on the go from Ferg Bakery , pop into Remarkable Sweet Shop, grab a hot chocolate from Cookie Time, or ice cream from Patagonia . Explore the waterfront and marvel at the incredible Lake Wakatipu. You can also check out the underwater observatory or get your share of adrenaline early on and try Jet skiing or Hydro Attack. For some bad weather fun check out the Ice Bar or Fear Factory .

Wakatipu Lake Cruise

Wakatipu Lake is best explored from the water so you should definitely book a boat cruise and take in the views from a different perspective. There are many lake cruises available, but I highly recommend you book the TSS Ernslaw. This century-old steamship is somewhat of an icon in Queenstown and you can visit the engine room and learn about its history. There is also an option to book a cruise with lunch, high country dinner or animal farm visit.

For the ultimate experience book the Walter Peak Fly/Dine/Cruise tour which includes a scenic flight over Arrowtown, Coronet Peak, Queenstown, Wakatipu lake, and all the way to Walter Peak. The flight is followed by a farm tour, dinner, and a TSS Earnslaw cruise back to town.

For a budget-friendly alternative, check out the Million Dollar cruise.

Book your lake cruise: TSS Ernslaw Steamship Cruise TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch TSS Earnslaw & Dinner at Walter Peak Farm TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm Walter Peak Fly/Dine/Cruise  Million Dollar Cruise

Queenstown Gardens

On the outskirts of town, along the lakefront, you’ll find the Queenstown Gardens. There is a nice walking path along the lake and into the rose gardens that offers stunning views over the lake, the Remarkables and the waterfront. If you’re up for some fun you can hire a frisbee at a hostel or sports shop in town and join the locals for a round of frisbee golf. For a different experience you can also join this Segway tour that explores the gardens and the waterfront.

Book your tour: Segway lakefront tour

Queenstown Hill

Depending on how much time and energy you have left, you can head up to Queenstown hill for some incredible views and a magical sunset. Alternatively, grab dinner or drinks in town for the perfect end to your first day in Queenstown.

Queenstown to Glenorchy Scenic Drive

We can all agree that Queenstown is stunning. But the scenery gets even better when you venture outside of town. The road from Queenstown to Glenorchy runs alongside the shimmering blue Wakatipu Lake and the mist-covered mountains provide the perfect backdrop while the drive takes you through the forest and along cliff edges, with a new spectacular view around every bend.

Read next: Queenstown to Glenorchy Scenic Drive

Glenorchy town

Glenorchy is a small charming town at the very edge where the Dart river flows into Wakatipu Lake and is a popular escape from Queenstown. Here you can enjoy pristine nature, fabulous scenery, eat some wonderful food, go on hikes and even get your adrenaline fix with some thrilling activities.

Read next: Best things to do in Glenorchy

Dart River Jet Boat or Funyaking

Funyaking is one of the most fun (as the name suggests) activities in New Zealand. It starts with a thrilling jet boat ride up the Dart River, complete with commentary courtesy of the wonderful guides, then the boat drops you off upstream. Here you’ll step into your funyak and slowly drift downstream, get a chance to jump into some pools, have a picnic and get a chance to see some of the LOTR filming locations.

Book your adventure: Dart River Funyak and Jet Boat Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

Drive to Paradise

If you continue driving up from Glenorchy past Diamond Lake and over a few streams you get to a place that is literally called Paradise , and for lovers of the outdoors this place is true to its name.

The scenery is simply epic with massive mountain ranges in every direction and the Dart River meandering through the landscape like a massive snake. With scenery like this, it’s no wonder this area was chosen as a filming location for LOTR!

Book your adventure: Paradise Valley

Read next: Lord of the Rings filming locations

Party the night away

Queenstown is not just scenic and surrounded by nature, but it offers great nightlife too! The fun begins with happy hour already in the afternoon and can go on till the early morning hours. For happy hour head to 1876 (4-6 PM daily) or World Bar (4-5 PM and 9-11 PM). Join a pub crawl for a night of ultimate fun or continue the evening at some of the town’s favorite bars and clubs like The Bunker, Surreal, Cowboys, Bungalow, or Vinyl Underground.

Get your adrenaline fix

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. The crazy Bungy jumps, canyon swings, zip lines, jet boats, and God knows what are part of the reason why more than three million visitors rush to Queenstown each year!

No visit is complete without an adrenaline rush and screaming your lungs out. There is no shortage of blood-pumping activities for you to choose from so pick whatever makes your heart stop and have fun.

I absolutely loved the Shootover Canyon Swing where you first jump down into a 60-meter free-fall to then swing for more than 200 meters through the Shotover Canyon. They offer  a whole array of crazy and funny jump styles to spice things up and they’ll mess with you for added fun.

The Shotover Jet is another favorite of many. On the Shotover Jet boat, you’ll zip through the canyon, getting dangerously close to the edge and spinning in circles. But I have to be honest, I was expecting a bit more thrill from it.

If you’re into mountain biking then the Queenstown Bike Park is a no-brainer. Queenstown offers some of the world’s best MTB trails and you can take advantage of the gondola or MTB taxi on the way up.

Other awesome things you can do include Skydiving , Rafting, Canyoning, 4WD and so much more. Just take your pick below!

Choose your adventure: Shotover Canyon Swing Zipline Adventure Shotover River Rafting Shotover River Jet Boat  Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Queenstown ATV Tour Mt Aspiring Canyoning Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour Tandem Paragliding Southern Glacier Helicopter Flight

Enjoy some wine

Otago is known as one of the best wine regions in New Zealand and the Pinot Noir here is to die for! There are plenty of wine-tasting tours to choose from but on a sunny day it doesn’t get any better than hopping on a bike and doing the Queenstown wine trail. Some of the more popular ones include Gibbson Valley Winery, Peregrine Wines and Waitiri Creek Winery. Just make sure you have a sober driver or hire one so you can enjoy this day safely.

Book your wine tour: Guided Ebike Wine Tour Bike The Wineries Half Day Tour Central Otago Wine Tour with Lunch Hop on Hop off Wine Tour

End the evening with a visit to the quaint Arrowtown, a historic little village full of charm. Head out to Fork & Tap for drinks and dinner, here you’ll be able to join the fun at the Irish night every Wednesday.

Or end the evening with a visit to Dorothy Browns Cinema. This is the cutest and quirkiest boutique cinema with miss-matched armchairs and pink chiffon curtains screening both contemporary and arthouse films and serving amazing cheese boards and wine at your seat.

Milford Sound is often named the 8th wonder of the world and it should absolutely be on your New Zealand bucket list! Imagine hundreds of waterfalls, lush rainforests, steep fjords, minimal light or sound pollution, the prettiest sunsets and sunrises, and that’s only the start!

While Queenstown and Milford Sound are only 70 km away from each other in a straight line, a massive mountain range separates the two. If you want to drive to Milford Sound, the only option is still to go all the way around the Humboldt and Eyre mountains or hop on a scenic flight.

The best way to tour Milford Sound is a  coach, cruise & flight tour from Queenstown as it lets you see Milford from all vantage points – air, water, and land. It also includes a scenic drive with plenty of stops along the gorgeous Milford Road.

Since flying ain’t cheap most people opt for a coach & cruise tour which is much more affordable but you won’t get a chance to see the fjords from above, and it takes quite a bit longer. Alternatively, you can drive to Milford Sound on your own accord and hop on a boat cruise once there.

Book your Milford Sound trip: Coach, cruise & flight tour from Queenstown Small group tour from Queenstown Small boat cruise from MS Cruise and kayak tour from MS

Best Milford Sound tours

Your guide to Milford Sound

Crown range drive and Cardrona Valley

The drive from Queenstown to Wanaka is a treat in itself with beautiful views around every corner. Just take it easy as the road is steep, narrow and windy. There are plenty of stopping bays along the way for you to take in the views but don’t take too long, the best is yet to come!

Have you even been to Wanaka if you didn’t take a photo of  that Wanaka tree ? This willow tree stands alone in the water, about 15 meters from the shore. It has been photographed hundreds of thousands of times and it is Wanaka’s most popular tourist attraction. To be fair, it is a really picturesque shot with the Southern Alps in the backdrop.

Wanaka is Queenstown’s smaller sister and it’s just as scenic. Take a stroll through town and along the lakefront. If you like hiking you won’t want to miss Roys Peak and Diamond Lake Track.

Haast pass and Blue Pools

Drive past beautiful Lake Hawea and head into the stunning Haast Pass. This mountain pass is a UNESCO World Heritage area and it is easy to see why. Deep gorges, thundering rivers and waterfalls, and rainforest-covered mountains are everywhere you look.

The Blue Pools are an absolute must-stop. Two suspension bridges hang above the incredibly blue water, and if you’re keen on a dip in the ice-cold water you can jump from the second bridge into the pools.

Next up is Wilsons Creek. Not far from the road, Wilsons Creek flows through an unmarked and unnamed but gorgeous little gorge (pun intended), with small waterfalls dropping down everywhere.

2 minute drive from Wilsons Creek lie the popular Fantail Falls. Personally, we weren’t really impressed with the Fantail Falls, but since they’re basically next to the road checking them out doesn’t really cost you any time. There is however another, more appealing reason to visit this spot.

When you’ve made it through Haast Pass you actually arrive on the West Coast of New Zealand. From here beautiful coastal views stretch out as far as you can see and impressive mountain ranges tower on the back. Depending on how much time you have left (you still need to drive back to Queenstown today) you might be able to check out some of the beaches or even Lake Matheson.

Read next: West Coast Road Trip

Queenstown Skyline

It’s time to see Queenstown from above! Either take the Tiki Trail or ride the Gondola up from on Brecon Street to Bob’s Peak. Here you can go for a fun Luge ride, walk the Skyline Loop, grab a snack at Market Kitchen Café, go Zip lining down the world’s steepest zip line, or soar over Queenstown in a paraglide.

Book your adventure: Zipline Adventure Above The Skyline Quads Tandem Paragliding

Ben Lomond hike

If you like hiking then you’ll love Ben Lomond, arguably one of the most rewarding day hikes in New Zealand. The views from the summit are truly epic, no matter which direction you look. Beautiful Queenstown down below, Lake Wakatipu winding in front of you, the Remarkables and Bayonet Peaks across the lake in the distance, Moke Lake far below on the other side and the Southern Alps stretching behind it.

This hike is quite challenging and it takes 4-6h from the top of the gondola, or add an extra 2h if you’re walking up from town. But trust me, it’s worth the effort!

Read next: Ben Lomond hike guide

There’s no better way to relax those sore muscles after a big hike than soaking up in a hot tub.

You’ve probably seen photos of the Onsen pools all over Instagram. These private hot tubs offer gorgeous views over the Shotover Valley and are definitely a bucket list item in Queenstown so make sure to  book them well in advance.

While absolutely fabulous and definitely a must-try, the Onsen pools are quite pricey and often booked out, but worry not, Millbrook Resort might not be as popular on Instagram, but the pools, set in a beautiful garden outside, are just as hot and wonderful. You don’t have to stay at the resort to visit the hot pools and can purchase a day ticket to the pools, sauna, and fitness facilities.

The drive to Mt. Cook NP is already mind-blowing and you’ll be driving over stunning Lindis Pass and along the incredible Lake Pukaki. Trust me, you’ve never seen anything as blue! This big, bright blue glacial lake is wrapped in big mountains (seriously big) and shows the magnificent Mount Cook towering above them all on the other side of the lake.

Make sure to do the Hooker Valley hike. This 10-kilometer long return track offers countless breathtaking views and looks different around every bend. It takes you through a wide river valley with snow-capped mountains on both sides, goes over big suspension bridges, over boardwalks through the high tussock grass and ends at a glacial lake speckled with icebergs right under Mount Cook.

Mount Cook and its surroundings are an incredible sight no matter from where you look at it, but the impressive perspective is without a doubt from the air. There are several small airports in the area offering experiences like a helicopter flight around the mountain including a landing on the Tasman Glacier, or a scenic flight around the mountain in a ski plane. And if you’re into more adrenaline-filled activities, how about you go  skydiving over Mount Cook National Park !

Book your Mt. Cook trip: Mt Cook Small Group Tour Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Tour Mt Cook Tour and Sky Dive Combo Skydive Mt. Cook Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo

Best hikes in Mt. Cook National Park

Lord of the Rings filming locations

5 day itinerary

By picking up the tempo and having a tighter schedule you can do almost everything I’ve outlined in the week-long itinerary, but you will have to compromise on day trips and hikes. On the last day you can pick between a trip to Wanaka and Haast Pass, alternatively, you could to the LOTR tour or visit Mt Cook NP as outlined above.

Wakatipu Lake Cruise | TSS Ernslaw

Queenstown Gardens | Segway lakefront tour

Queenstown Hill or Queenstown Skyline and Bob’s Peak | Tandem Paragliding

Queenstown to Glenorchy Scenic Drive | Glenorchy and Paradise Half-Day Explorer

Glenorchy town | Glenorchy Kiwi Special Tour

Funyaking | Dart River Funyak and Jet Boat

Drive to Paradise | Paradise Valley

Party the night away | Pub crawl

Get your adrenaline fix | QT adventures

Enjoy some wine | Ebike Wine Tour | Hop on Hop off Wine Tour

Arrowtown | Half-day tour

Milford sound | Milford Sound tours from QT

Hot Pools | Onsen hot pools

Crown range drive and Cardrona Valley | Cardrona High Country Horse Treck

Wanaka | Arrowtown & Wanaka tour from QT | Wanaka 4×4 Explorer

3 day itinerary

If you only have 3 days in Queenstown then your itinerary will get pretty packed, but you’ll still be able to do most of the highlights.

Queenstown Gardens | Segway Lakefront tour

Get your adrenaline fix or enjoy some wine | QT thrills | wine tours

Queenstown Skyline and Bob’s Peak | Tandem Paragliding

Milford Sound | Milford Sound tours from QT

or Wanaka | Arrowtown & Wanaka tour from QT

Hot pools | Onsen hot pools

There is an international airport in Queenstown and most people will fly in here. Landing in Queenstown is a treat of its own so make sure to secure a window seat as the views over Dart Valley, Wakatipu Lake and Aspiring National Park will make your jaw drop.

To get into town, book this airport shuttle to your accommodation. Or better yet, hire a rental car so you’ll have more flexibility and you’ll be able to do some of the day trips and scenic drives in the area.

Queenstown city center is fairly small and mostly closed to traffic so walking is your best bet. Most tours and activities will pick you up in town or at your accommodation so you can get by without a car if you’re staying central.

If you want to explore Wanaka, Glenorchy, Arrowtown or the wider surroundings then renting a car is your best bet. You’ll also need wheels if you’re staying in Fernhill, Frankton or further out of town.

Often I struggle to suggest enough good restaurant options but with Queenstown I’m struggling to narrow it down to just a few. The culinary options in Queenstown are plentiful, diverse and so incredibly good! These are some of my favorites (but there are so many more great restaurants!)

Botswana Butchery – For all you meat lovers, Botswana Butchery is a must! Choose from a selection of fine cuts with the perfect marble score and enjoy the impeccable service.

Bazaar – a marketplace foodie experience with no menu. The journey through the food market starts with desert and ends with the best views over Wakatipu lake and the Remarkables. An experience not to be missed.

Tanoshi Cow Lane – One of the best Japanese restaurants I’ve ever been to. The sashimi here is something else.

Atlas Cafe – My go-to place for Friday after work beer and steak. I’ve lost count of the hours spent in this little hole in the wall. And if you can’t find the loo, try the fridge door.

The World Bar & Restaurant – Taking pub food to a whole new level and home to teapot cocktails. The World Bar is also a fun place for a few drinks at night.

Taco Medic – Best option for a quick bite on the go. But there is nothing quick about the way the meat was cooked! Braised for 6-12 hours, these tacos will melt in your mouth!

Vudu Cafe – My favorite brunch spot. Try the eggs benny or pancakes and drink all the coffee you can.

The best time to visit Queenstown is in late spring or summer when the days are longer, the weather is warm and the outdoors can become your playground.

Queenstown is also great in winter, especially if you’d like to ski or snowboard in New Zealand.

But in all honesty, any time is a good time to visit Queenstown! This town is lively and filled with amazing things to do no matter the season. Just keep in mind that the peak of summer and peak of winter can get quite busy and pricey.

Queenstown is a treat to visit and here is so much to do and see here! I’m sure you’ll love this little corner of New Zealand, just as you will love the rest of the country.

To help you plan your NZ trip I’ve prepared a series of  New Zealand travel guides  and you can find out more about the Coromandel Peninsula in the articles below.

Queenstown & Glenorchy : Where to stay in Queenstown – best accommodation Best things to do in Queenstown in winter Queenstown to Glenorchy scenic drive Best things to do in Glenorchy

Milford sound: Best Milford Sound tours Best things to do in Milford Sound Te Anau to Milford Sound scenic drive

NZ South Island: 2 & 3 week South Island itineraries Christchurch to Queenstown road trip

Best skydiving in New Zealand

Good travel insurance is an absolute must when traveling abroad, and I’ve learned that the hard way!

Now I always get insured before leaving and  Travel Insurance  Masters is my go-to platform to find the best insurance options for a specific trip.

The TIM platform works as a search engine and suggests the best insurance company and insurance plan for your criteria. This way you don’t end up paying more for things you don’t need! It also takes into account your age, nationality, destination etc. which can greatly impact the final price.

You can get your quote & provider recommendations  here.

Zi @Craving Adventure

Zi is the Founder and Editor in Chief behind Craving Adventure.

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The Wandering Blonde

Solo Female Travel Blog

New Zealand , Oceania , Travel Guides · February 26, 2020

The Ultimate Queenstown Travel Guide

Oh, Queenstown. You absolute stunner! You gem of a city!

When I first began planning our 10 day trip to New Zealand, Queenstown was one of the very first destinations I added to my “must visit” list. Even from that initial research, it was clear that Queenstown had a lot to offer travelers.

Not only is it the “The Adventure Capital of the World,” it’s also a jumping off point for countless day trips and other adventures. I was sold!

That said, I did initially waver on how much time we should spend in Queenstown. Was 4 nights in one place too many for a trip of this length? Would splitting nights between Queenstown and nearby Wanaka be a better use of our time?

Ultimately, I chose to trust my gut—and I am so very glad I did.

Queenstown blew my expectations out of the water, and our four days there flew by. Not only that, but those four days were some of the most enjoyable I’ve spent in any city in the world.

What’s In This Queenstown Travel Guide?

Why you need to visit queenstown, best things to do in queenstown, where to stay in queenstown, where to eat in queenstown.

My love affair with Queenstown pretty much began from the moment we stepped out of the plane and onto the tarmac.

Even from the airport, I could see glimpses of epic mountain ranges in the distance, and feel that glorious New Zealand sunshine on my skin (there’s less ozone here than in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning a higher risk of sunburns—but man, it sure feels nice for a moment or two).

After checking into our amazing Airbnb on Lake Wakatipu just a few minutes outside of town, we hopped back in our rental car and headed into downtown…and just like that, Queenstown had my heart.

I quickly realized that the entire downtown was small enough to thoroughly explore on foot, which is a quality I really love in a city or town. And all those lovely little streets were lined with adorable cafes, lively open air bars, and tour companies promising amazing adventures and experiences.

The weather was absolute perfection—mild temperatures, blue skies, and a crisp breeze coming in off Lake Wakatipu. People of all ages were lounging in a grassy lawn near the waterfront, soaking in the sunshine, sipping bottles of beer, licking ice cream cones, and laughing with friends.

Somewhere around the corner, a street performer was playing upbeat music. Young kids were squealing with delight as dozens of ducks and seagulls splashed around in the bright blue water. Groups of backpackers dotted the beach area, and a few brave souls had even swum out to a floating dock in the lake.

…um, how did it take me a full 28 years to learn that A REAL LIFE PARADISE EXISTS HERE ON EARTH?!

As lame and bungling as it sounds, Queenstown just has a great vibe…and it’s that indefinable quality that makes it so darn lovable. I guess I officially fail as a travel writer, huh?

In all seriousness: Queenstown is incredibly laid back (denim shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers are the unofficial uniform), it’s vibrant and energizing, it’s stunningly beautiful, and it’s FUN. What more could you ask for in a destination?

At least I was mentally prepared for the amazing nature and overwhelming list of activities, but the food and wine scene in and around Queenstown really shocked the hell out of me. Step aside Paris and Barcelona— Queenstown is my new favorite cafe city. You heard it here first, folks!

Skyline Gondola – There’s no better way to experience panoramic views of Queenstown than by riding the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob’s Peak. From way up here, you’ll be treated to views of the city, Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range, and some of the region’s most iconic peaks. The luge was surprisingly thrilling (seriously, that thing feels pretty fast!), and we enjoyed having a drink at the bar before taking the gondola back into town.

Queenstown Bay Beach – If you’re looking for one of the most social atmospheres in Queenstown, this is it. You’ll find dozens of backpackers drinking and sunning themselves on this small-yet-scenic stretch of beach, along with kids chasing seagulls and couples strolling hand-in-hand. The beach seemed to be liveliest in the late afternoon around and early evening; around 7:30pm or so in February, when the sun was warm, golden, and just starting to inch towards the horizon. Pure, fun, summery goodness!

Queenstown Gardens –  These lush gardens were perhaps the most pleasant, unexpected surprise during our stay in Queenstown. In fact, we ended up revisiting them every single day! Located just a few minutes walk from the city center, the Queenstown Gardens felt like a blissful, tranquil retreat from the bustle of downtown. Here you’ll find couples napping in the shade of giant sequoia trees, students and backpackers playing disc golf, and locals and travelers alike enjoying the pristine grounds. Be sure to walk all the way to the far end of the park and down the hill to the water for amazing views of Lake Wakatipu.

Onsen Hot Pools – You may have seen these beautiful cedar pools on Instagram, but I’m here to tell you that photos don’t even come close to doing Onsen Hot Pools justice. We visited a few hours after arriving in Queenstown (following our 13-hour long-haul flight) and it was glorious . Feel all your tension and achiness melt away as you soak in the hot water, admire the views of the Shotover River below, and enjoy your complimentary beverage and snack (we both selected Pinot Noir and chocolate).

Wine Tasting – The Central Otago wine region is known for its Pinot Noir, and there are many excellent vineyards and wineries (called “cellar doors” in New Zealand) within a short 30-minute drive from Queenstown. We did a tasting at Chard Farms Winery, which has a spectacularly beautiful location. Also, this California gal was shocked to learn that tastings are FREE here. Not something you’re likely to find in Napa ! We also stopped by Gibbston Valley Winery for some wine by the glass. Gibbston has an onsite cheesery, so you know we had to order a cheese plate too. The goat cheese topped with real honeycomb was unreal . You can find more wineries and wine tours in Queenstown here .

Kiwi Birdlife Park – The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a 5-acre wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Queenstown. More than 20 species of birds and reptiles live within the park, including kea, parakeets, wood pigeons, and yes, kiwis! You can actually go inside the enclosures with some of the exotic birds, which really enhances the experience. Kiwis are nocturnal animals, which means their houses are kept dark during the daytime. This makes it pretty difficult to see them, but when you do catch a glimpse, they’re quite entertaining creatures. Full disclosure: At almost $40 USD per person, I did find this activity to be a bit overpriced for what you get. That said, your ticket does remain valid for multiple entries over the span of 3 days.

Milford Sound – This remote fiord located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island is known for its dramatic landscapes, namely its towering peaks (oh hello, Mitre Peak) and dozens of waterfalls. It’s also home to marine life, like  dolphins and seals! Many travelers visit Milford Sound as a day trip from Queenstown, either independently or as part of a tour. Once in Milford Sound, you can enjoy some hiking or a cruise through the fiord. Driving to Milford Sound takes around 4.5 hours each way , making for a very long day! Travelers can also book a Fly-Cruise-Fly tour, which combines a scenic flight with a fiord cruise. Our cruise was unfortunately cancelled due to flooding, but the scenic flight alone was one of the best things we did in New Zealand.

Glenorchy – Nestled among snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes, just 45 minutes from Queenstown by car, is the darling frontier town of Glenorchy. Many scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed around Glenorchy, including scenes in Isengard and Lothlorien. Even if you’re not a LOTR fan, you’re sure to appreciate the beautiful wharf and bucolic scenery. My favorite part about our day trip to Glenorchy was walking the Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk.

Hiking – Hiking and walking opportunities abound in Queenstown. Some of the most popular trails in Queenstown include Queenstown Hill, Bob’s Peak, Bob’s Cove, and Moke Lake. We ended up doing less hiking than we expected as we stayed busy with other activities, but you can learn more about hiking in Queenstown here .

Bungy Jumping – Did you know the first commercial bungy jump took place in Queenstown in the 1980s? What better way to pay homage to Queenstown’s rich history of bungy jumping than by…er…throwing yourself off a bridge? 😬 We’re not quite so brave, but we did stop by the Kawarau Bridge to enjoy the show as other people flung themselves towards the bright blue water below. Even if you don’t plan to bungy jump, watching others is a fun way to pass some time. See all 3 Queenstown bungy jump locations here .

Jetboating – Fancy an adventurous boat ride through the Shotover River Canyons? Look no further than the Shotover Jet ! You’ll speed through rapids, twist alongside canyon walls, and experience 360-degree spins in shallow waters. We unfortunately didn’t have time to include this activity, but it was definitely something I had on my wishlist originally.

Travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding accommodation in Queenstown. There are more than 700 properties in and around Queenstown…and that’s not including the hundreds of great Airbnbs.

We booked an AMAZING Airbnb just a few minutes outside of town, right on Lake Wakatipu , and I honestly believe it’s the best Airbnb we’ve ever stayed in. Every room had gorgeous views of the lake, the surrounding hills, and the mountains in the distance.

It felt so homey and comfortable, and like our own little peaceful escape from downtown; each night, we would head back to our Airbnb after dinner and enjoy a glass of wine on the patio.

When the evening air became too chilly, we would move into the living room and listen to The Hobbit audiobook while watching the sunset (usually around 9pm). Talk about a lot of perfect ends to a lot of perfect days!

Get $55 off your first Airbnb booking!

Even budget travelers and backpackers have a lot of options to choose from in Queenstown. Some of the top-rated hostels in Queenstown include:

• Absoloot Hostel Queenstown
• JUCY Snooze Queenstown
• The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers
• YHA Queenstown Lakefront
• Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel
• Nomads Queenstown Backpackers

And for the mid-range and luxury travelers reading this post, you have even more  great options to choose from. Some of the top-rated hotels in Queenstown include:

• Eichardt’s Private Hotel
• Hotel St Moritz Queenstown – MGallery by Sofitel
• The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
• Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
• The Spire Hotel
• QT Queenstown
• Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

I’ll be real with you guys, Queenstown’s food scene SHOCKED me. Cuisine often plays a big role in my travel experiences, but to be honest, I wasn’t all that excited to dine in New Zealand. It just doesn’t have the same romance as eating street food in Thailand, or enjoying paella and sangria in Spain…right?

Wrong ! Y’all, we ate some truly excellent meals in Queenstown. Below are a few of our personal favorites:

Best Cafes in Queenstown

Vudu Cafe & Larder – A cozy little spot in the heart of town where you can order from an expansive menu of sit-down breakfasts, as well as pastries and sandwiches from the display case. My veggie tart (with goat cheese, caramelized onions, balsamic vinaigrette, and tomato chutney) was absolutely divine . Derek thoroughly enjoyed his pork and mushroom roll as well.

Bespoke Kitchen – The sister cafe of Vudu. It’s located on the way to the gondola, and is much roomier with plenty of outdoor patio seating. The two menus looked nearly identical, as far as I could tell.

The Exchange Cafe – This cafe offers a nice selection of ready-made breakfast items from the display case (scones, rolls, sandwiches, tarts, pastries) as well as hot breakfast and brunch dishes that you can order. I only sampled a cheese scone, but my flat white was really tasty.

Best Restaurants in Queenstown

Tatsumi – This upscale Japanese restaurant wins the award for “best meal I had in Queenstown.” The spicy tuna and mango roll was genuinely delicious, and the miso soup and edamame with sea salt were both excellent. I know, who even says that about miso soup?! But somehow this spot truly nailed the flavor on every dish.

@Thai – If you find yourself craving authentic Thai food during your stay in Queenstown, @Thai is just the place to satisfy those desires. Derek and I shared the basil chili chicken and fried chicken with cashews; both very good, with a slight edge to the basil dish.

Fergburger – See that restaurant with a line of 30 people out the door? Yep, that’s the one—the ultra famous Fergburger, known equally for its creative burgers and hour-long wait times. Pro Tip: Skip the line altogether by calling in your order! Our wait time was a mere 15 minutes, and it was so nice strolling up to the outdoor window and bypassing that huge crowd of people. Oh, and while the burger was very enjoyable, I would ultimately classify it as an average burger. Maybe I’ve just had a lot of really superb burgers in the past? Sorry Ferg fanatics!

Muskets and Moonshine – Southern American cuisine in Queenstown? You betcha! We ordered the jambalaya and the brisket burger, which were both extremely flavorful and satisfying. They have a ton of fun cocktails to choose from as well, many of which feature—you guessed it—moonshine.

Best Dessert in Queenstown

Cookie Time – This cookie bar (!!!) was one of our favorite culinary finds in Queenstown…in fact, we ended up visiting almost every day that we were in town. The cookie dough shakes were insanely delicious, and I loved the warm cookie s’mores. You can also order straight up scoops of cookie dough!

Best Bars in Queenstown

Surreal Bar & Restaurant – With a small but lively rooftop area, this bar is a nice spot to spend an afternoon. We preferred a bit more shade, so we enjoyed watching the world go by from the front porch seating area.

The World Bar – Who knew teapot cocktails were a thing? I kept it a bit simpler with a glass of sauvignon blanc, but this bar definitely had an interesting vibe and a fun atmosphere.

Attiqa Bar & Med Kitchen  – Two words: Rose. Spritzer. Head straight up to the rooftop for a great social scene, and plenty of couches for lounging and enjoying the weather.

We snapped this photo during one of our last days in Queenstown, and I think it pretty accurately sums up our mood during our four days in the city: relaxed, happy, content, with big goofy smiles on our faces.

Saying goodbye to Queenstown was hard, even knowing that we were heading onwards to other epic destinations. Now, as I sit in my kitchen and put the finishing touches on this Queenstown travel guide, I can feel that familiar tug on my heartstrings—the bittersweet feeling I always experience when I start to feel “homesick” for a city that isn’t home 💔

If you’re reading this post because you’re planning a visit to Queenstown, all I can say is that you’re a very lucky traveler indeed.

I hope this Queenstown travel guide is helpful as you plan your trip! Do you have any other questions about visiting Queenstown, things to do in Queenstown, or where to stay in Queenstown? Leave them in the comments below!

Note: This post contains several affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. My affiliate income helps offset the cost of running this blog, and allows me to keep this site free from sponsored content. So, thank you!!

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The Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide to Queenstown on a Budget

In Queenstown, you’ll find joy in awesome hikes, soak in the scenic beauty on cheap day trips, or revel in an economical cruise. This small wonder bordered by majestic mountains offers a lot and we’re here to break it all down for you.

Here’s our Queenstown budget travel guide for backpackers.

Guide Index

Travel costs: detailed breakdown.

• Explore Queenstown: Things to Do

Where to Stay on a Budget

Eating and drinking.

• How to get around
• Best Time to Visit

Essentials, Money & Safety Tips

Queenstown caters to a variety of budgets, so here’s a breakdown to help you plan your trip in Euros (assuming an exchange rate of €1 = NZ$1.70):

Suggested Budget per person

• Low: €41 – Shoestring adventurer (hostels, self-catering, free activities)
• Middle: €88 – Comfortably exploring (mid-range accommodation, some paid activities, meals out)
• High: €176+ – Living the high life (luxury accommodation, adventure activities, fine dining)

Detailed Costs: Backpacking Queenstown

Accommodation

• Low: Hostels or budget guesthouses: €17-29 per night (dorm bed)
• Middle: Mid-range hotels or B&Bs: €59-118 per night (private room)
• High: Luxury hotels or upscale apartments: €176+ per night (breathtaking views, top-notch amenities)

Read: Best Hostels in Queenstown

Public Transportation: Queenstown lacks a metro system. Here are some options (converted prices):

• Bus ticket (one way): €3-6 depending on distance
• Queenstown Flexipass (24-hour access): €15
• Queenstown Explorer (multi-day pass): Prices vary depending on duration

Entrance Fees

• Low (mostly Free Activities): Hiking trails, Queenstown Gardens, Earnslaw Park
• Middle: Skyline Gondola for panoramic views: €47 (adults), Kiwi Birdlife Park: €32 (adults)
• High: Shotover Jet (white-water rafting): €132 (adults)

Restaurants

• Low: Fergburger (legendary!) or kebabs: €6-9
• Middle: Mid-range restaurants: €12-18 for main course
• High: High-end restaurants: €29+ for main course

Queenstown’s Food Staple: Fergburger

• Low: Classic Fergburger: €7
• Middle: Gourmet Fergburger creations: €9-12
• High: Add premium toppings for an extra luxurious burger
• Low: Takeaway coffee at a local cafe: €2.35
• Middle: Cafe latte in a scenic spot: €3-3.50
• High: Fancy flat white with a lake view: €4+

Beer & Wine

• Low: Local beer at a pub: €4.70-5.90
• Middle: Craft beer or glass of wine at a mid-range restaurant: €7-8.80
• High: Premium craft beers or New Zealand vintage wines: €8.80+

Exploring Queenstown: Things to See & Do

From jaw-dropping mountain views to adrenaline-inducing activities, Queenstown offers something for every thrill seeker.

Must Do in Queenstown

• Bungy Jump: Take the plunge! Queenstown is the birthplace of bungy jumping, so why not experience the original?
• Shotover Jet: Hold on tight for a white-water adventure on the Shotover River, navigating canyons and thrilling rapids.
• Skyline Gondola: Ascend Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range, and glistening Lake Wakatipu.
• Jet Boating: Zoom across Lake Wakatipu at breakneck speeds, performing spins and heart-stopping maneuvers.
• Mountain Biking: Shred world-class downhill trails at the Queenstown Bike Park, or explore scenic backcountry tracks.
• Hiking: Lace up your boots and conquer Queenstown’s many trails, offering stunning lake and mountain vistas. Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill are popular choices.
• Ziplining: Soar through native forests and canyons on zipline adventures, offering breathtaking views and exhilarating drops.
• Rafting: Paddle down thrilling rapids on the Dart or Kawarau Rivers, encountering exciting challenges and beautiful scenery.
• Paragliding or Parasailing: Take flight and experience Queenstown from a bird’s-eye view, gliding over mountains and sparkling lakes.
• Skiing or Snowboarding (Winter): Hit the slopes at nearby Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, or Cardrona Alpine Resort, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain.
• Milford Sound Day Trip:  Witness the grandeur of Fiordland National Park’s iconic fiord. Look for combo deals that include transport and lunch

Bonus Adventure: Feeling extra adventurous and have some extra time? Consider a multi-day trek on the world-famous Routeburn Track, which traverses through stunning mountain scenery and connects to Mount Aspiring National Park. This option requires planning and budgeting in advance, but the experience is unforgettable.

Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown

• Queenstown Gardens: Stroll through these beautiful lakeside gardens, boasting flower displays, historic sites, and stunning views.
• Earnslaw Park: Explore this scenic reserve, offering sheep shearing demonstrations, walking trails, and opportunities to spot native wildlife.
• Queenstown Trail: Embark on a scenic cycling or walking adventure along this network of trails, showcasing stunning lake and mountain views.
• Arrowtown: Explore this charming historic gold mining town, with its preserved buildings, craft shops, and delicious cafes.
• Lake Wakatipu: Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, go kayaking or paddleboarding, or simply relax on the shores and soak up the scenery.
• Free Walking Tours: Join a free walking tour for a budget-friendly introduction to Queenstown’s history, landmarks, and hidden gems.
• Scenic Lookouts: Visit Bob’s Peak (accessible via gondola) or Queenstown Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Top Museums in Queenstown

• Kiwi Birdlife Park: Learn about New Zealand’s iconic flightless bird, the kiwi, and see other native wildlife in a beautiful setting.
• TSS Earnslaw: Take a historic steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a charming vintage vessel offering scenic views and onboard dining. (Free ferry option available across the lake)
• Queenstown Artspace: Discover contemporary art exhibitions by local and national artists in this downtown gallery. (Free entry)
• Earl’s Restaurant & Bar: This historic pub houses a fascinating collection of mining artifacts and memorabilia, offering a glimpse into Queenstown’s gold mining past.
• The National Kiwi Centre: Learn all about the kiwi bird, and its conservation efforts, and see them up close in a nocturnal house setting. (Discounts available for students and seniors)

Hidden Gems Queenstown

• Secret Moke Lake Viewpoint : Take a short detour off the Glenorchy Road and be rewarded with a jaw-dropping panorama of snow-capped mountains reflected in Moke Lake. Perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
• Searchlight Brewery: Escape the tourist crowds and mingle with locals at this hidden gem brewery. Sample their craft beers and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. 3. Frisbee Golf at the Queenstown Gardens: Who needs fancy equipment? Grab a frisbee and challenge your friends to a fun and free round on the picturesque course within the gardens.
• Glenorchy Animal Experience : get up close and personal with some friendly farm animals at the Glenorchy Animal Experience. This family-friendly spot allows you to feed sheep, goats, and even alpacas! It’s a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown.
• Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Tour: Carve through a dramatic canyon on a thrilling jet boat ride. This option is less crowded (and often cheaper) than some of the other jet boat tours in Queenstown, offering a hidden gem adventure.
• Coronet Peak Winery: Nestled amongst the vines at Coronet Peak, this boutique winery offers stunning views and delicious wine tastings. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon sampling local vintages with a backdrop of breathtaking scenery.

Best Walks in Queenstown

• Queenstown Gardens Loop:  This easy, wheelchair-accessible trail offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic lunch.
• Bob’s Cove Track & Nature Walk:  An easy lakeside trail with beautiful native bush, birdlife, and a secluded cove for a refreshing dip (weather permitting!).
• Kelvin Heights Peninsula Trail:  Enjoy panoramic views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu on this easy to moderate track, with options to extend your walk further.
• Arrowtown River Trail: This flat and scenic trail alongside the Arrow River is perfect for a family-friendly walk or a bike ride to the historic town of Arrowtown.

Easy Hikes Near Queenstown

• Moke Lake Loop Track:  This moderate loop track offers stunning lake and mountain views, native bush, and a chance to spot some cheeky Kea parrots.
• Mount Crichton Loop Track:  Enjoy diverse scenery, from farmland to native forest, on this moderate loop with rewarding views from the summit.
• Queenstown Hill Time Walk:  While a bit steeper than others, this rewarding walk offers panoramic views and historical insights along the way.

Challenging Hikes Queenstown

• Ben Lomond Track:  This iconic hike takes you to the top of Queenstown for breathtaking panoramic views. Choose between a gondola ride to the start or a challenging hike from the bottom.
• Lake Alta Track:  A moderate to challenging hike through native beech forest to a beautiful alpine lake, perfect for experienced hikers with a sense of adventure.
• Gibbston River Trail:  Embark on a multi-day adventure on this historic trail alongside the scenic Gibbston River, with options for overnight stays or day walks.

Queenstown’s accommodation scene is as diverse as its landscape. While the picture-perfect waterfront location comes with a premium price tag, fear not, budget backpackers! Queenstown has plenty of wallet-friendly neighborhoods to set up your base camp.

Dodge the Million-Dollar Views: The central waterfront area is undeniably stunning, boasting swanky hotels and undeniable convenience. But be prepared to cough up some serious dough for the privilege of staring at those postcard-worthy mountains.

Budget-Friendly Areas in Queenstown

Arthurs Point: Calling all adrenaline junkies! Arthurs Point is the beating heart of Queenstown’s adventure scene. Here, you’ll find budget-friendly hostels, backpacker lodges, and holiday parks, all within easy reach of the gondola, jet boating, and white-water rafting action. It’s a social, no-frills zone, perfect for those who crash after a day of epic adventures and don’t mind sharing a kitchen with fellow thrill-seekers.

Frankton: This lakeside suburb offers a relaxed vibe with stunning mountain views (without the waterfront price tag). Frankton is a great choice for families or those seeking a quieter stay. There’s a good selection of self-catering apartments, motels, and holiday parks, many with lake access for a refreshing post-adventure dip. Keep in mind it’s a bit further from the town center, but buses are readily available.

Sunshine Bay: Nestled on a sunny peninsula across the bay from central Queenstown, Sunshine Bay offers a peaceful escape with stunning lake and mountain views. Here, you’ll find a mix of self-catering apartments, guesthouses, and holiday parks, perfect for those seeking a tranquil base camp. It’s a great choice for couples or those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Queenstown.

Mandeville: This quirky little neighborhood, located on the outskirts of town, offers a glimpse into Queenstown’s historic past. Here, you’ll find converted miners’ cottages and characterful guesthouses, all at budget-friendly prices. Mandeville has a strong local vibe and is a great option for those who want to experience the “real” Queenstown. Be prepared for a bit of a walk (or a bus ride) to get to the town center, but the charm and affordability make it worthwhile.

Queenstown may be an adrenaline junkie’s paradise, but that doesn’t mean your bank account has to take a swan dive. Fear not, budget travelers! Queenstown offers plenty of ways to keep your stomach happy without maxing out your credit card.

Water: Queenstown boasts some of the most refreshing tap water in the world, so ditch the bottled stuff and refill your reusable bottle for free at any public fountain. 

Affordable Eats: Queenstown Travel Guide

• Food Trucks & Stalls: Queenstown’s streets come alive with a smorgasbord of affordable eats on wheels. Think juicy burgers, steaming Asian dumplings, and gourmet hot dogs – all without the hefty restaurant price tag.
• Local Pub Fare: Skip the fancy restaurants and head to a local pub for a hearty meal at a fair price. Many pubs offer daily specials and “happy hour” deals, perfect for grabbing a cheap beer and a filling bite. Pro tip: Pub food in Queenstown often comes in generous portions, so consider sharing a plate with a friend!
• Spice It Up: Queenstown has a surprising number of international options that won’t break the bank. Indulge in sizzling fajitas at a Mexican cantina, slurp down a steaming bowl of ramen at a Japanese eatery, or treat yourself to some budget-friendly curries at an Indian restaurant.
• Tourist Traps? Queenstown’s tourist hotspots are notorious for inflated food prices. Wander a few streets away from the main drag and you’ll find hidden gems offering better value for your dollar.

Market Mavens:

• The Remarkables Market: Open every Saturday morning, this market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, artisan goods, and delicious hot food options.
• Earthship Queenstown Market: This eco-friendly market boasts an atmosphere and a variety of local vendors selling everything from handcrafted souvenirs to international street food.
• Queenstown Night Market: Held on select Thursdays throughout the summer, this lively market offers a delectable array of international cuisine, live music, and a fun atmosphere.

Affordable All-Stars:

• Ferg Baker: This Queenstown institution is a haven for budget-conscious bakery lovers. Grab a freshly baked pastry or a hefty pie for a satisfying and affordable meal on the go.
• Fish & Chips: No trip to New Zealand is complete without indulging in this classic Kiwi dish. Head to a local takeaway shop and grab a parcel of golden fried fish and crispy chips – perfect for a picnic lunch with a view.
• Supermarket Salads: Queenstown supermarkets offer a wide variety of pre-made salads, perfect for a quick and healthy lunch on the go. Don’t underestimate the power of a protein-packed salad to keep you fueled for your next adventure!

Grocery Gems – For Backpackers in Queenstown

• Fresh Choice: Known for its competitive prices and wide selection of fresh produce, Fresh Choice is a great option for stocking up on groceries.
• Pak’n Save: This budget-friendly supermarket chain offers great value on everything from pantry staples to household items.
• CountDown: Another popular budget-friendly supermarket option, Countdown boasts a user-friendly layout and frequent special offers.

Where to have a cheap lunch in Queenstown:

• Red Rock Bar Cafe : This local favorite is known for its hearty and delicious breakfasts, but its lunch menu offers fantastic value too. Think bacon butties for under $12 or upgrade to “The Mighty Works” (a full breakfast spread) for around $18. Plus, they have $5 tap beers for happy hour, perfect for washing it all down.
• Wild Thyme : Venture down to the waterfront and grab a lunch option from Wild Thyme at SKYCITY. They have a selection of $10 lunch specials, including classics like bangers and mash and fish and chips. Enjoy your delicious and affordable meal with stunning lake views.
• Caribe Latin Kitchen : Spice up your lunch with a delicious and affordable option at Caribe Latin Kitchen. Their Arepas, which are corn flatbreads stuffed with various fillings, are a popular choice and come in under $10 with options like chicken, pork belly, or a vegetarian version. They also have tacos and other Latin American specialties at reasonable prices.

Bonus Tip: Many Queenstown cafes offer “cabinet food,” a selection of pre-made sandwiches, salads, and quiches perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or lunch.

How to Get Around

Here’s everything you need to know about Queenstown’s public transport system, taxis, rental cars, and even some scenic extras.

Public Transportation: Queenstown Travel Guide

• The Orbus Odyssey: Queenstown’s public transport champion is the aptly named Orbus. This bright red bus network conquers the town center and surrounding areas, offering a convenient and wallet-friendly way to explore. Adult fares are a steal at NZ$2 (around $1.40 USD) with a Bee Card, a reusable contactless payment card. Score bonus points for epic mountain views along the way! Multi-day passes are available for heavy bus users:
• Day Pass: NZ$20 (around $14 USD) allows unlimited travel for 24 hours.
• Flexi 5-Day Pass: NZ$55 (around $39 USD) allows five journeys within a seven-day period.

Budget tips:

• The Bee Card Lowdown: While not strictly necessary for single rides (you can pay cash on the bus – but it’s more expensive!), a Bee Card is your key to unlocking the true potential of Queenstown’s public transport system. With a Bee Card, you’ll enjoy the discounted fare of NZ$2 (around $1.40 USD) per ride. Bee Cards can be purchased and topped up at various locations around town, including the Paper Plus store next to the domestic terminal at Queenstown Airport.
• Exploring on Foot: Let’s face it, Queenstown is a stunner, and exploring it on foot is a fantastic (and free!) way to soak up the scenery. The town center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate by foot. Lace up your walking shoes and get ready for some postcard-worthy views!

Taxis and Ridesharing: Hail a Hero (or App):

• Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Queenstown, but be warned, they can be a pricier option compared to the public bus or exploring by foot. This is best saved for late-night adventures, situations where your legs are screaming for mercy, or if you’re traveling with a group and the cost can be shared. Flag down a taxi, or call a local taxi company for pick up. Fares can vary depending on distance and time of day, so it’s always a good idea to ask for an estimated fare before you hop in.
• Ridesharing Roundup: Ridesharing apps like Uber and Zoomy are also available in Queenstown and can sometimes offer a more cost-effective alternative to taxis, especially for longer journeys. Prices can fluctuate depending on demand, so it’s recommended to check the fare estimate within the app before booking your ride.

Cheapest Way to Get To and From the Airport in Queenstown

Queenstown Airport: Queenstown boasts a single airport located just outside the town center. Here are a few ways to get from the airport to your accommodation:

• Shuttle Service: Shared shuttles are a budget-friendly option, especially if you’re traveling with a few people. Several companies offer shuttle services between the airport and central Queenstown. Expect to pay around NZ$25 (around $18 USD) per person.
• Public Bus: The Orbus network also operates a route from the airport to the town center, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to get to your accommodation. Just like on regular routes, adult fares are NZ$2 with a Bee Card.
• Taxi Time: Taxis are readily available at the airport, but be prepared for a slightly steeper fare compared to other options. Expect to pay around NZ$60-NZ$80 (around $42-$57 USD) for a taxi ride to Queenstown town center.

Bonus Round: Scenic Extras!

Ferry Fun: For a touch of scenic splendor, hop on the Queenstown ferry network which operates scheduled daily services from Frankton to Queenstown. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

Gondola: Queenstown’s iconic Skyline Gondola is a must-do for any visitor, but the price tag can be a bit of a heart-stopper (almost as much as the views!).

Best Time to Visit Queenstown

Queenstown’s magic transcends seasons, but depending on your priorities, the ideal time to visit can vary. Here’s a breakdown of the high, shoulder, and low seasons to help you choose the perfect adventure:

• High Season (December – February):

Pros: Long sunny days, great atmosphere, perfect for outdoor activities. Cons: Peak crowds, higher accommodation prices.

• Shoulder Season (March-May & September – November):

Pros: Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, good deals on accommodation. Cons: More unpredictable weather in spring (March-May) with occasional rain showers, some winter activities may be limited towards the end of autumn (May).

• Low Season (June – August):

Pros: The most affordable hotel rates, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. Cons: Shortest daylight hours, some attractions may have limited hours. The weather can be cold and snowy.

National Holidays & Peak Festivals:

• Waitangi Day (February 6th): Celebrates the signing of the treaty between the British Crown and Maori chiefs.
• Labour Day (fourth Monday in October): Celebrates the contributions of workers.
• Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow (Easter Weekend): This annual event (held near Queenstown in Wanaka) attracts aviation enthusiasts, potentially affecting accommodation prices in Queenstown as well.
• Queenstown Winter Festival (June – August): Celebrate winter with a program of events, including snow sports competitions, live music, and quirky winter challenges. Expect higher prices during this period.
• Goldfields Autumn Festival (April): Immerse yourself in Queenstown’s gold mining history with parades, costume contests, and family-friendly activities. This can lead to a slight increase in accommodation rates.
• Queenstown Marathon (October): Lace up your running shoes and participate in this scenic marathon that winds through the stunning Southern Alps. Be prepared for potential surges in accommodation prices around race day.
• Cardrona NZ Ski & Snowboard Championships (August – September): This prestigious event attracts world-class skiers and snowboarders, potentially impacting accommodation rates.

Queenstown may be an adrenaline-pumping adventure hub, but that doesn’t mean your bank account needs to take a bungee jump. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your wallet happy without sacrificing any Queenstown magic:

Budget Passes

• The Orbus Multi-Day Pass: Conquering Queenstown on foot is fantastic, but sometimes your legs need a break (or a scenic bus ride). The Orbus multi-day pass is your ticket to budget-friendly exploration, offering unlimited travel for a set period. No more scrambling for cash for every ride!
• The Remarkables or Coronet Peak Multi-Day Pass:  Conquer both mountains with this combo pass. Perfect for skiers or snowboarders who can’t decide between epic views or challenging terrain.
• Flexi Passes:  Ski all four mountains (Remarkables, Coronet Peak, The Ledge, and Treble Cone) with this flexible option. Great for indecisive adventurers who want to try it all!
• Off-Peak Tickets : Hit the slopes before 9 am or after 3:30 pm for a discounted rate. Bonus: fewer crowds for those fresh powder turns!

Backpacker Essentials for Queenstown

• The All-Weather Warrior: Queenstown’s weather can change faster than you can say “bungee jump.” Pack a good rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, and a warm hat – you might even consider thermals depending on the season.
• Sun Smartie: New Zealand’s sun packs a punch, especially during the summer months. Don’t be that lobster-colored tourist – pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to keep those rays at bay.
• Jandal Power (Don’t Judge): Jandals, otherwise known as flip-flops to some, are a way of life in New Zealand. Pack a sturdy pair for hostel showers, quick beach trips, or relaxing by the lake. Just be aware that jandals aren’t the best choice for hiking or proper adventures.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and save money by carrying a reusable water bottle. Queenstown boasts some of the world’s tastiest tap water, so refill your bottle on the go!

Safety Tips Queenstown

• Respect the Mountains: Queenstown’s adventure activities are exhilarating, but safety should always be a priority. Always follow instructions from qualified guides, don’t overestimate your abilities, and be aware of weather conditions before heading out.
• Be Avalanche Aware: If you’re planning on venturing into the backcountry during winter, make sure you carry avalanche safety gear and know how to use it. Avalanches are a serious risk in the Southern Alps, so it’s important to be prepared.

Common Scams Queenstown

• The “Accidental” Souvenir: Keep an eye out for folks trying to “accidentally” bump into you and leave a souvenir (like a carved Maori greenstone pendant) in your hand. While the guilt trip might be strong, politely decline and move on.
• The “Free” Rideshare: Ridesharing apps like Uber and Zoomy are legitimate options in Queenstown, but be wary of anyone offering you a free ride. Especially if they seem overly friendly or their car is unmarked. Stick to using the official app to hail a ride.

Things Not to Do

• Trail Blazing Blunder: Always stick to marked trails when hiking or biking. Getting lost in the wilderness is no fun, and search and rescue operations can be costly.
• Feeding the Wildlife: While the cheeky Kea parrots (New Zealand’s alpine parrot) might look adorable, feeding them human food is bad for their health. Admire them from afar, but resist the urge to share your snacks.
• Cliff Jumping Calamity: Queenstown has some epic cliff-jumping spots, but they should only be attempted by experienced thrill-seekers. Unless you’re a pro, admire the view from a safe distance and leave the cliff-jumping to the experts.
• Drone Drama: Queenstown has strict regulations on drone use. Do your research and obtain the necessary permits before flying your drone. Don’t be that tourist who gets their drone confiscated (or worse, fined) for a scenic shot.

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Queenstown Travel Tips: Where to Eat, Stay & Things to Do

Got 2 or 3 days in Queenstown? Learn how to maximize your time with these travel tips that include the best places to stay and eat and awesome things to do in the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Queenstown is one of the liveliest cities for travelers in all of New Zealand. It’s got great food, amazing scenery and sunsets, tons of hikes, nearby wineries, and plenty of activities to give your adrenaline a good jolt. If you dig the vibe, you’ll want a minimum of 2-3 days to get a good feel for Queenstown, and don’t be surprised if you end up staying a longer than you originally planned ( like I did ).  With these Queenstown travel tips, you’ll know exactly where to go and how to spend your time to make the most out of your stay.

Here in my Queenstown travel guide, learn about all the hot spots, from the best restaurants, unique places to stay, and the best things to do in Queenstown.

About Queenstown

Getting there.

Queenstown is located at the Southwestern end of New Zealand’s South Island. Most international flights to Queenstown connect through Auckland, Christchurch, or Sydney. Flying to and renting a car in Queenstown can be more more expensive than other airports in New Zealand. When shopping for flights and a van or car hire, I’d recommended comparing prices with other big airports. Depending on how much time you have, it might be worth it to start in Christchurch and then drive south to Queenstown, hitting some of the other spots (like Mount Cook) along the way.

Queenstown is also one of the most expensive towns on the South Island. In restaurants, main dishes range from $15-30 NZ and beers cost around $7 NZ. Tipping is not customary. Hostels and private campgrounds start at $30 NZ per night per person, while more luxurious hotels can be upwards of $500 NZ per night.  Credit cards are excepted almost everywhere. **The good news is the exchange rate for the US dollar is really good right now, which helps bring costs down for US travelers.

Queenstown is in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer runs December through February when you can expect long and warm, sunny days with sunset around 10pm (which is awesome if you are camping). Winter is June through August. Bring a down jacket and be prepared for frosty mornings and snowy mountains. That said, no matter when you visit, New Zealand is a small island which means unpredictable weather that can change very quickly.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Queenstown has more services for travelers than any other town on the South Island. This means that there are plenty of options for accommodations, but many places fill up, especially during the busy season. In the height of summer (December through February) and prime ski season (July through September), you should definitely book ahead – and that’s whether you are staying in nice hotel or a budget hostel.

Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa ($$$)

One of the closest hotels to the Remarkables Ski Resort, the Hilton is located right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the outskirts of town (a 15 minute drive to the town center). This quiet, luxury hotel offers three onsite restaurants, a water taxi to town, and some rooms even have their own private outdoor hot tub.

Absoloot Value Accommodation ($$)

Recently renovated, Absoloot Value Accommodation is a great fit for travelers that don’t want to spend a fortune but are over the whole dorm room thing. For less than $115 NZ per night, you can have two twin beds or a queen bed with a mini-fridge, a microwave, and your own private bathroom right on the waterfront.

Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel ($)

If you are on a tight budget or are traveling solo, you might want to consider a hostel. The new Tahuna Pod Hostel has all the perks of a normal hostel, but rather than typical bunks, you have your own “private” pod that comes with a charging station, free unlimited wifi (not that common in Queenstown), and free breakfast. You’re not going to find a better deal located within a 3 minute walk from all of Queenstown’s restaurants, bars, and shops.

Campgrounds

12 mile campground.

  This is a huge no-frills Department of Conservation Campground ($10 per person per night) on the shore of Lake Wakatipu about 15 minutes from Queenstown. And by no frills, I mean, there are no showers, no potable water, and no trash disposal. With that said, I stayed here off and on for nearly three weeks and really loved it. Depending on where you choose to park, there’s way more space here than most New Zealand campgrounds, and the camp host was incredibly friendly. For the quietest area, go straight past the gate rather than turning down towards the lake.

Q Box Motorhome Park

This is the cheapest camper van park that is within walking distance to the town center (and it still runs about $30 per night). The sites themselves are nothing more than a gravel parking space, many of them uneven, but they have coin laundry, hot (and unlimited showers), and clean kitchen facility. The only real reason to stay here is if you are staying in a camper van and want to have a good night out on the town without having to worry about driving at to 12 Mile Campground at the end of the night.

Where to eat in Queenstown

The sherwood.

I ate at the Sherwood 3 times. It’s one of the few places in Queenstown that puts a big emphasis on local food, with many of the ingredients grown right there on site. My first meal there was at lunch time, when I had the best homemade veggie burger of my life (and that’s no joke!). The second time I went there for dinner with a friend. Some of the food was awesome (like the beet salad), but our server seemed a little off and some of the dishes didn’t live up to their potential. I emailed the manager about my experience, and he offered to host me at the chef’s table to show me what they were capable of. I gotta say, that third and final Sherwood Meal was something special. Every single dish was inventive, full of flavor, and cooked perfectly. From the grilled lamb to the twice fried potatoes to the incredible chocolate vegan (I know) desert – it was all amazing.

Steak, salad, and frites for $20 NZ. Plus a killer beer list right on the waterfront. Nuff said.

Tacos Medic

Craving a quick taco fix? Taco Medic is order-at-the-window-taco-shop located down one of the main alleys in town. The fish tacos rivaled those in San Diego, and make sure to sample the sauces.

When you arrive in Queenstown, one of the first things you’ll notice is the hoards of people lined up on Shotover Street, and you’ll be very confused. Then you’ll realize they are all in line at the fast food joint called Fergburger. I thought these people were 100% certified insane….but then again, there’s very few things I’m willing to waste my time waiting in line for.

My advice? Get a burger. For sure. They are famous for a reason. The patty, the bun. It was all delicious. But should you wait in an hour long line? No way. Instead, go around 10pm after you’ve got a beer or two in ya. There will be no line, and the burger will probably taste even better. (Oh and if someone tells you that Devil Burger is just as good, don’t believe them. I did a taste test and Ferg won hands down).

Right next door to the burger joint is the sister bakery, where you’ll find the best pies in New Zealand (at least out of all the pies I had). The portobello venison pie was so good, I think I ate at least 6 of them during my Queenstown tenure.

A good salad is hard to find in New Zealand. Every restaurant had the same few salads with the same ingredients, and they all seemed overpriced. Halo was one of the few places that had a good salad menu. While they weren’t too big, both the lamb and the quinoa salad tasted awesome and satisfied that fresh veggie fix. Halo also has free wifi, has some of the best coffee in town, and I always dug the music playing on the stereo.

Bespoke Kitchen

Now I’m not much of a benedict girl, but the eggs benedict at Bespoke Kitchen were crazy good. Perfectly poached eggs drizzled a homemade hollandaise with a touch of apple cider vinegar. Drooling as I type this.

Things to Do in Queenstown

There are so many options for hiking in Queenstown. If you only have one day to hike and have the energy to make it a good one, Ben Lomond is your best option. Give yourself between 5-8 hours and expect a pretty hefty climb, but the views from the saddle and the summit are totally worth it. To shave off a bit of the time and elevation gain, you can also take the gondola up and start your hike from there. For something short and sweet, drive up to the Remarkables and hike one hour up to Lake Alta.

Rent a bike and ride all the way from the main drag in Queenstown to the end of the Frankton Arm (where the Queenstown Golf Course is located) for a round trip total of 18 miles. It’s mostly flat with gorgeous lake views the entire time, and you won’t have to feel so guilty eating that Fergburger when you get back to town. Or for those of you who mountain bike, hit the Skyline Mountain Bike Park that has over 30 km of trails and plenty of jumps and vertical distance to get your heart racing.

Visit Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a cute former gold mining town that reminded me of a smaller version of old-town Sacramento. Grab lunch, hike up the Tobin Track for great views, visit the museum, or take a riverside stroll with a big ice cream cone in hand. Then on your way back to Queenstown, make sure to stop at one of the region’s many wineries (there are signs everywhere pointing you to the nearest one) and sample some local vino.

Drive to Glenorchy

The 45 minute drive to Glenorchy is one of the prettiest short drives in the country. Along the way, you can stop and take pictures and even take a chilly dip if you dare. From Glenorchy, you’ll have views of Fiordland National Park and the mountains of Mount Aspiring National Park. If you want to spend more time exploring those areas, swing by the Department of Conservation Office in Queenstown for maps and more information on current trail conditions.

Get your Adrenaline Fix

From bungee jumping to super fast jet boat rides to launching yourself off a mountain with a parachute, there is no end to the adventure activities offered in Queenstown. And unless you are visiting right around Christmas and New Years, you can pretty much walk into the i-Site (the tourism services) office in Queenstown and book for the next day.

Check out the Saturday Market

Every Saturday during summer, there is a waterfront arts and crafts market that is worth browsing. Pick up a pair of lambswool slippers or some locally blown glass jewelry as an authentic souvenir from your travels.

Watch the Sunset

I swear the sunsets in Queenstown were some of the best I’ve seen in my life. And for those of you who enjoy a beer or glass of wine with your sunset, you can do that lawfully in public in Queenstown. So run to the liquor store, grab your favorite beverage, and head to the beach, and don’t forget your camera!

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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I love all of your blog posts! I am trying to plan a 7 day trip for NZ and am struggling on exactly which places to visit and fit everything in. I am going to have to come back for a second visit and I haven’t even been there yet!

This is one of the best guides I have seen about Queenstown! I am saving your post to reread it when I travel there, Kristen!

Queenstown is really such a lovely place. I will come visit soon!

Is queenstown in December a good idea for Honeymoon?

Absolutely!

With its towering mountains and lakeside location, Queenstown is a hub of adventure, bursting with adrenaline and fun.

Top experiences in Queenstown

With a smorgasbord of outdoor activities, Queenstown is the home of the ultimate adventure bucket list.

Must-visit places in Queenstown

Explore queenstown.

Queenstown sits on the shore of  Lake Wakatipu   among dramatic alpine ranges. It’s rumoured that gold prospectors - captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers - gave this now cosmopolitan town its name.

There’s   skiing from winter   right through to spring, and activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round. It is also a renowned   cycling destination , providing everything from easy scenic tracks to backcountry trails, road rides to heli-biking and the Southern Hemisphere’s only gondola accessed downhill mountain biking.

If hardcore adventure isn't your thing, there are plenty of mellow options available. Experience one of the many walking and hiking trails, sightseeing tours or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine.

A popular holiday spot at any time of the year, Queenstown is renowned for its four distinctive seasons. Winter brings crisp, blue-sky days, spring retains the snow but blooms into longer, warmer days, summer offers sunshine and long twilights, and autumn a burst of brilliant red and gold. 

Head out of Queenstown and the drama of the   Central Otago   landscape unfolds around you. If you’re a   Lord of the Rings   fan you’ll recognise many Middle‑earth™ locations here. Nearby Arrowtown’s gold-mining history is alive and vibrant; visit the Lakes District Museum or go gold panning. At the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu is rural Glenorchy and Paradise Valley. From here it’s a short drive into the   Mt Aspiring National Park   and the start of some of New Zealand’s great walks.

Find things to do

Find a place to stay.

Queenstown accommodation ranges from cosy backpacker dorms to world-class luxury lodges. 

Most places to stay have great views and easy access to nearby activities. Staying in downtown Queenstown will ensure you are close to the thriving nightlife and many excellent restaurants of the town. 

Out in the Gibbston, you'll find places to stay in vineyards, while in the direction of Glenorchy are plenty of bed and breakfasts and boutique lodges along the lakefront. 

Arrowtown is 15 minutes away from central Queenstown and offers a quieter and often cheaper alternative to the hustle and bustle. 

Arrange transport

There are many ways to travel around Queenstown, including car and campervan hire, coaches, buses, and luxury private transport.

Book a tour

Whether you're an intrepid explorer, an outdoor lover or an epicurean seeking gourmet experiences, Queenstown has it all.

Find visitor information centres

• Tāhuna Queenstown isite Visitor Information Centre
• DOC Whakatipu-wai-Māori / Queenstown Visitor Centre
• Arrowtown Information Centre

Visit the official travel website for Queenstown

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My Guide to Queenstown

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Half-Day 4WD Lord Of the Rings Discovery Tour

Visit all "Lord of the Rings" locations in Queenstown and Arrowtown on a small group, expertly-guided half-day tour that includes gold panning and afternoon tea.

Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

Experience the majestic Milford Sound on a day trip including a 2-hour cruise and round-trip luxury bus transportation from Queenstown. Sit back, relax, look out for native wildlife and soak up the stunning scenery in Fiordland.

Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings

Discover three wine regions on a scenic day tour from Queenstown. Enjoy a relaxed day of fine cuisine and good company, sampling local cheeses and tasting premium cool climate wines.

3 Winery Tour with Gourmet Wine & Lunch

Enjoy a half-day tour from Queenstown with wine tasting at 3 of Central Otago's wineries and a delicious wine and food paired lunch.

Lord Of The Rings Tour to Glenorchy

Take a magical journey into Middle Earth and explore the Lord of the Rings film locations from Queenstown to Glenorchy and beyond. Visit the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Aspiring N.P.

From Arrowtown: Scenic Valley of the Vines Bike & Wine Tour

Enjoy some local wine and a beginner-friendly bike ride on the Twin Rivers Trail. Take in beautiful scenery while enjoying wine and cheese and relax with shuttle transport to Arrowtown.

Glenorchy and Paradise Scenic Half-Day Tour

Experience a magical half-day trip into Glenorchy and Paradise. View the Lord of the Rings movie locations, admire world-class scenery, and enjoy a Kiwi-style morning or afternoon tea.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

Explore Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park on a day trip. Cruise across Lake Manapouri, coach over the breathtaking Wilmot Pass, and discover Doubtful Sound on a 3-hour cruise.

Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours

Discover Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Gibbston Valley at your own pace as you experience its scenic locations, iconic adventure activities, and the finest craft beers, wine, and cuisine in the region.

Recommended Experiences in Queenstown

From Queenstown: Glenorchy and Paradise Scenic Half-Day Tour

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip

Visit Milford Sound by premium coach for a 2-hour nature cruise and picnic lunch. Enjoy the scenery, informative commentary, and photo stops before sailing close to the fiord's waterfalls.

Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak w/ Gourmet BBQ

Cruise across Lake Whakatipu on the iconic TSS Earnslaw Steamship for a spectacular dining experience. Discover Queenstown’s incomparable fine dining destination, enjoy a leisurely cruise, and full gourmet BBQ buffet.

From Queenstown: 3 Winery Tour with Gourmet Wine & Lunch

Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour

Discover the wonders of Mount Cook on a full-day tour from Queenstown. Enjoy a guided scenic tour to Mt Cook and 3.5 hours of free time to explore Aoraki National Park on your own.

From Queenstown: Lord Of The Rings Tour to Glenorchy

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Discover New Zealand’s best scenic highlight with a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown. Glide along the tranquil fjord, viewing amazing wildlife, dramatic waterfalls and the majestic Mitre Peak.

Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

Take in the stunning views and wonderful wildlife as you cruise around Milford Sound. Relax on board with tea and coffee, enjoying the commentary, and make the most of the photo ops as you go.

Mini Guides

Best Wet Weather Activities in Queenstown

Handpicked by a Local Expert

Queenstown Bike Tours

Best Milford Sound Cruises From Queenstown

Lord of the Rings Day Tours From Queenstown

Queenstown Attractions in Winter

Best Things To Do with Kids in Queenstown

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Best Arrowtown Things To Do

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Queenstown Pool Tables

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Queenstown Restaurants With a View

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Local News & Articles

Top 10 Unforgettable Night Activities in Queenstown

Queenstown is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities but also for its vibrant nightlife.  When the sun sets, this charming town comes alive with a plethora of exciting night activities that cater to every traveler...

20 Must Do Activities in Queenstown

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. In this article, we explore 20 must-do activities that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.  ...

The Ultimate Guide to Gold Panning in Queenstown

This ultimate guide will take you on a journey through the intriguing world of gold panning in Queenstown, from understanding the basics to uncovering top locations, mastering techniques, and ultimately deciding what to do with your precious finds....

Our Guide getting from Dunedin to Queenstown

Are you ready for an unforgettable journey from Dunedin to Queenstown? Our guide highlights all the best bits along the way as your drive from Dunedin to Queenstown....

Discover The Best Restaurants In Queenstown

From fine dining to unique culinary experiences, and even vegetarian and vegan options, Queenstown has it all.  In this article, we have rounded up the best restaurants in Queenstown that you absolutely should not miss during your visit....

The Ultimate Guide from Queenstown to Franz Josef

Are you planning a trip from Queenstown to Franz Josef?  In this ultimate guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about this scenic journey.  From understanding the route to sightseeing opportunities along the way, we've got you c...

Exploring Walter Peak Queenstown: A Guide to the Iconic Destination

Located in the picturesque region of Queenstown, Walter Peak is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and activities for all interests....

Exploring the Best Bike Trails in Wanaka

With its stunning landscapes, diverse trail options for all skill levels, and a thriving cycling community, Wanaka is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts.  Whether you're a mountain biking veteran or a beginner, there's something for everyone in Wanaka's b...

Visiting The Iconic Wanaka Tree

Located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, the Wanaka Tree has become a symbol of New Zealand's natural beauty, capturing the hearts of photographers, tourists, and locals alike. ...

Regional Guides

Arrowtown is an old gold mining town and a real slice of New Zealand history.  Situated, just 20km northwest of Queenstown, at the base of the Arrow River, the charming settlement of Arrowto...

Cardrona is a popular ski resort situated off the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka.  Leaving Wanaka, it's a 20 minute drive while it's a slightly longer 35 minute drive from Queenstown....

Central Otago

The rugged landscape of Central Otago is a chance to get out of Queenstown and explore a bit of 'Old New Zealand'.  We've picked out a few of the towns that are no more than 90 minutes drive from...

In keeping with its individual nature, the name 'Fiordland' was adapted from the Scandinavian word 'fjord', emphasising the area's uniqueness.  It is a wild, untamed landscape; nature at its best...

Frankton is situated at the north-eastern end of Lake Wakatipu off highway 6a that runs from Cromwell into Queenstown.  The suburb enjoys views of Lake Wakatipu and is in close proximity to ...

Positioned between Queenstown and Cromwell, the Gibbston wine region is a must for anyone who enjoys a tipple or two in the sunshine.  With fertile vineyards irrigated by the Kawarau River, which...

Sitting at the very top of Lake Wakatipu, 46km north of Queenstown, is the small village of Glenorchy.  The drive to Glenorchy is one of the most spectacular in the world and worth the trip alone.  ...

Jack's Point

A 15 minute drive from Queenstown (as you head towards Kingston), Jack's Point is a 1200 hectare settlement that includes a championship golf course, a restaurant and some truly 'remarkable' walking t...

Kelvin Heights

Kelvin Heights is a residential area, 5 minutes drive from Frankton and 20 minutes from the centre of Queenstown.  With a world-class golf course, wonderful views of Lake Wakatipu and a greater s...

Sitting pretty at the bottom of Lake Wakatipu, Kingston lies 50km south of Queenstown, along a stunning road (SH-6) that takes in the Remarkable Mountains on one side, and the shores of the lake on th...

Lake Hawea can be a surprise to travellers making their way from the west coast to Wanaka and onto Queenstown.  This beautiful lake covers 141 square kilometres, with calm, flat water reflecting ...

Lake Hayes is a tranquil and beautiful lake that's just 15 minutes drive from downtown Queenstown.  The lake attracts walkers, runners, and cyclists who are all drawn to the natural beauty of the...

Otago Rail Trail

One of the region's most popular tourist attractions, the Otago Central Rail Trail is a 150km-long network of cycle and walking tracks.  The route roughly follows the old railway that was constru...

Queenstown Centre

Edging onto the dramatic Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the spectacular Remarkables mountains, Queenstown is a compact town that by day, offers views at every turn, and by night a lively atmosphere i...

Queenstown Lakes

The crowning jewel of the Queenstown area is the magnificent Lake Wakatipu, though there are many other lakes in Queenstown and the surrounding areas of Wanaka, Fiordland and Central Otago.  E...

Lake Wanaka lies in the heart of the Otago Lakes region and, at 300m above sea level, is New Zealand's fourth largest lake and the gateway to the West Coast glacier region and Mount Aspiring National ...

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Queenstown itinerary 2 days — How to spend 2 days in Queenstown perfectly?

On a business trip to the capital city of Wellington, I took advantage of two weekends to fly down to the South Island to visit the beautiful Queenstown. These are truly wonderful summer days, when I get to wandering around the paradise of Queenstown with its deep blue Lake Wakatipu, clear Lake Hayes, the raging Kawarau River, ancient Arrowtown and its sloped hillside vineyards. So, what to do in 48 hours in Queenstown? Let’s check it out our suggested Queenstown itinerary 2 days on how to spend 2 days in Queenstown perfectly for first-times as follows!

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Queenstown: The heaven on earth

Queenstown is a resort town located on the South Island of New Zealand. New Zealand has two main islands: the North Island with the capital Wellington, the bustling city of Auckland, the South Island has many spectacular mountains and stunning lakes and rivers. Queenstown is nestled on the blue lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains. Visitors often come here to rest, admire the scenery, tasting wine and participate in extreme sports.

Queenstown four seasons are all paradise. In spring the valleys are green but the snow is still cover the high peaks, all fun activities and discoveries are possible. Summer is long, fresh sunny days, you will have more time to sightseeing or excursions. Autumn comes, Queenstown is covered with yellow leaves, the water of rivers and lakes turns dark green, most suitable for photography activities. The winter is covered with white snow, people come to this town to ski and enjoy delicious meals by the flickering fire.

I came to Queenstown on the weekends of summer, when the temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, suitable for the condition of Vietnamese people. From Wellington, I booked an Air New Zealand flight, which took about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Queenstown airport.

Queenstown itinerary 2 days: With 2 days in Queenstown, what places can you explore?

Two days is too short to visit all of Queenstown, but I also try to arrange my schedule to enjoy the vacation to the fullest.

As soon as I landed at Queenstown Airport, I felt so lucky: the air was pure, the sky was clear, and the sun was shining brightly. I took the airport shuttle bus to the Black Sheep Backpackers ( Agoda , Booking ) on Frankton street. The 20-minute ride along the shores of the azure lake increased my eagerness for this land.

Lake Wakatipu (#queenstown itinerary 2 days)

After checking in and finishing my lunch, I immediately started my Queenstown exploration. Right in front of the motel that I rented was a field filled with lupine flowers. This colorful and long-stemmed flower blooms along the shores of New Zealand’s lakes in the summer. Along the road leading to the shore of Lake Wakatipu are the idyllic brick or wooden houses of the town close together, each with a small and pretty yard.

The full name of Lake Wakatipu in the vernacular Maori is Wakatipu wai-māori. With a length of 80km, Wakatipu is the longest freshwater lake in New Zealand. The lake is filled with water from the Kawarau River, the bottom of the lake is sometimes deeper than sea level. The scenery of Lake Wakatipu appeared in several scenes of the famous movie The Lord of the Rings.

Skyline Gondola (#2 days in queenstown)

Leaving the cool lakeside, I walked to Skyline Queenstown to take the Gondola cable car up to Bob’s Peak at an altitude of 480m for a panoramic view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. The fare for a one-way cable car ride was NZ$46 (NZD). You can book Gondola tickets and other activities such as sledding, cycling, stargazing, bungy jumping, paragliding on the Skyline Queenstown website.

Note: Skyline Queenstown will be closed from April 23 to July 1, 2023 for renovations.

From the viewpoint or restaurant window on Bob’s peak, a beautiful panorama of Queenstown comes into view: blue sky and lake water, dark green patches of forest trees and gray mountains. The colorful wings of paragliders stand out in the sky.

Queenstown Bay Beach

After taking the cable car back down to town, I stopped by the iSite Visitor Information office on the corner of Camp and Shotover to book a group tour of Queenstown’s highlights tomorrow morning. This tourist information center has many leaflets about Queenstown, sightseeing tours, places to eat, restaurants… You can also exchange money here. Leaving Visitor Information, I walked out to Queenstown Bay Beach to wait for sunset. Near Bay Beach stands a statue of William Gilbert Rees, the first European explorer to set foot in Queenstown in 1860.

I bought some snacks and drinks, sat on the lakeside and watched the seabirds fly up and down. Around me are couples, happy families enjoying the quiet summer afternoon. In this season, the sun in Queenstown sets very late, my watch hands was just near 10 o’clock when the sun has just set.

Lake Hydes and the Kawarau River

Waking up after a night of sleeping in a 6-person dorm room, I followed the walkway through the park to the meeting point, where the bus picked me up at 9:30am to begin a tour of some of Queenstown’s highlights. All tours, destinations, events, and places to eat can be found on Queenstown’s tourism website .

The driver was driving while explaining about Queenstown to visitors. Leaving the center of town, I began to see the green of the trees, the meadows and the low hills. The second day here was also sunny and beautiful, the air was extremely cool.

Our first stop was Lake Hayes, a small lake in the Lake Wakatipu basin. The smooth surface of Lake Hayes reflects the lush greenery of summer. Around the lake, there are trails for locals and tourists to jog or ride bicycles.

Next, we went to Kawarau Bridge to see people bungy jumping. Crossing the narrow stretch of the Kawarau River, AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge is the world’s first bungy jumping spot. The car stops long enough to give you time to take a jump off the cliff, if there’s room. Every 5 minutes a jump is made. For NZD 200 to 220, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime by jumping from 43 meters above the bridge into the azure waters of the Kawarau River. For photos and videos, an additional NZD 65 is required. If you just want to go to Kawarau Bridge for bungy jumping without visiting other places, you can book the jump and shuttle bus in advance on AJ Hackett’s website .

Gibbston Vineyards

Leaving the Kawarau River, the car took us to the green grape fields in the Gibbston valley. It has New Zealand’s largest wine cellar and the region’s oldest vineyards. We were introduced to the vineyard, toured the cellar and wine tasting, visited the restaurant, the cheese shop, etc. If you have plenty of time here, you can walk around the area by car bicycle.

Near noon, we got to Arrowtown and had lunch there. This is a town of long historical value with houses built from the time when Europeans and Chinese came to dig for gold. Arrowtown has many cafes, small shops selling sweets or souvenirs, restaurants, local museums, libraries, churches… If you come here in the fall, visitors will admire the animals. golden-leaf street, is the charming scene typical of Arrowtown. Every year, the Arrowtown Autumn Festival is usually held in April. In 2023, the 37th festival will take place from April 20 to April 25. After walking through a few streets, I chose a small restaurant, enjoying my lunch in the shade while looking at the green courtyard in front of me.

Edith Cavell Bridge (#48 hours in queenstown)

Our trip came to an end after more than 3 hours of travel. On our way back to the center of town, we passed the Edith Cavell Bridge which also spans the Kararau River. From the bridge, visitors can see the Shotover Jet, adventurous canoes that take players through the white canyons and rapids of the Shotover River at speeds over 80km/h. The Shotover River, when flowing through Queenstown, has very narrow passages with fast-flowing water, sometimes the river creates vast white sand dunes.

The bus took us back to the town center in the early afternoon. The trip duration is not much, so visitors cannot fully explore each place. However, thanks to that, I was able to see quite a few famous places of Queenstown.

Boat trip on Lake Wakatipu

I walked to the harbor again and bought a ticket to board the boat for a walk on Lake Wakatipu. The Million Dollar Cruise departs from the harbor at 2pm and takes you past famous landmarks on a 90-minute cruise. When you first leave Queenstown Bay, you will see Queenstown Gardens and central Queenstown. Next, you will see a beautiful golf course located on the Kelvin Heights peninsula. Then the boat takes you to a calm water, where are located lakeside villas costing millions of dollars. You can also pass the Kawarau Dam, where the Kawarau River empties into Lake Wakatipu, and observe the Remarkables mountain range from up close.

After ending of the cruise, I wandered the harbor again before heading along the Harbor View Walk to return to the hostel under the last rays of the day. This lakeside walk is one of my most beautiful walks in Queenstown, with temperate woodland on one side, and calm Lake Wakatipu on the other. Sometimes people put a bench for you to rest and relax.

I returned to the hostel and slept another night, the next morning took the bus to the airport back to Wellington, ending a wonderful excursion in Queenstown.

Among the many beautiful stops in New Zealand, I found myself making the best choice I could. To me, Queenstown is like a paradise, where no words can describe the beauty of nature. Tourist services here are very good, every detail is focused on preserving the inherent natural scenery and making visitors always feel convenient and comfortable. If you have the opportunity to come to New Zealand, you should give Queenstown a chance.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Queenstown you can refer to

• Queenstown Skyline Gondola and Luge Ride with Optional Buffet Lunch or Dinner
• NZONE Skydive Experience in Queenstown
• Queenstown Quad Bike Adventure
• Milford Sound Sunriser Day Tour from Queenstown
• Queenstown Green & Gold Tour
• Queenstown Off Road Quad Bike Explore Tour
• Mountain Biking Day Pass
• Go Orange-Jet Boat Experience in Queenstown

Are you looking for more top things to do in New Zealand: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Auckland here .

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• Paul Tumpowsky: Founder and CEO, New Yonder
• Jon Roberts: Chief Innovation Officer, Dotdash Meredith
• Caleb Silver: Editor-in-Chief, Investopedia
• Grace Bastidas: Editor-in-Chief, Parents
• Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor, Food and Wine/Travel + Leisure

Tickets include two days of conversation and lunch at T+L's NYC HQ, and a welcome cocktail party on day one to celebrate the excitement.

All sales are final. Tickets will not be be replaced , refunded, or exchanged for any reason whatsoever. All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times are subject to change without notice.

Please note that we are continuing to add talent to our lineup of events, and this list of panelists is not final. 

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Jetstar sale: Auckland to Christchurch for $37, Queenstown for $57

Related video: Leanne Geraghty discusses new Air NZ snacks on AM. Credits: Video - Warner Bros. Discovery ANZ; Photo - supplied

Jetstar NZ has launched a new sale with domestic flights around Aotearoa starting at $32, for travel dates from late May through to mid December.

The sale runs until 11:59pm on Sunday, May 12, unless sold out prior, with the budget Australian airline saying over 20,000 tickets are available.

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Customers will have to pay more than the advertised prices if they use certain payment types or wish to take checked-in luggage. The airfares are one-way only and have other terms and conditions travellers should carefully read before purchasing.

Air New Zealand also services all of the routes offered in the sale.

Jetstar NZ's Backyard Break Sale airfares include:

• Christchurch to Wellington from $32
• Auckland to Christchurch from $37
•  Auckland to Wellington from $37
• Wellington to Queenstown from $40
• Auckland to Dunedin from $52
• Auckland to Queenstown from $57

Paid members of the Club Jetstar programme have early access to the sale airfares. More information is available on the Jetstar website.

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Cuyana Easy Travel Tote Review: Soft, Durable And Built To Last

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In our wider review of the best travel totes on the market, we named Cuyana’s System Tote our best overall option. After the brand’s recent debut of the Easy Travel Tote, we decided to test it to see how it compares.

As a frequent traveler, I’m always looking for a tote that is both durable enough to carry heavy items like my laptop, chargers and tablet as well as stylish enough to bring to lunch or dinner after getting off a plane or train. Cuyana, a women-owned clothing and accessories brand known for its long-lasting quality, wearability and design, has been a staple of my travels for the past few years (the Travel Beauty Roll comes with me on every trip), so my ears perked up when I heard of the brand’s latest release, the Easy Travel Tote .

The Easy Travel Tote is the latest travel bag from women-owned clothing and accessories brand ... [+] Cuyana.

I had heard raves from friends and coworkers about Cuyana’s bags, including the System Tote , which we named the best travel tote in our larger review. Made from double-sided Italian leather that softens over time, Cuyana’s bags are investments that are built to last. With multiple trips each month, I often burn through luggage and bags (airport baggage carousels can really do some damage), so I was especially into the idea of having a bag that can withstand my heavy travel schedule, and decided to put the Easy Travel Tote to the test on a weekend road trip.

Cuyana Easy Travel Tote

Dimensions:  14.2 x 25.3 x 6.3 |  Materials: Italian leather |  Weight:  2.9 pounds |  Accessories:  Detachable crossbody strap; easy tote insert; zipper pouch; flap bag (all sold separately) |  Care:  Wipe clean with damp cloth

• Weekend getaways and road trips
• Those seeking a spacious bag made out of high-quality Italian leather
• You need exterior pockets
• You’re looking for a bag to slide over your suitcase; this tote does not come with a trolley sleeve

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Like many of Cuyana’s bags , the Easy Travel Tote is made from buttery, pebbled Italian leather. I’m a big fan of leather bags since faux leather can often give off a very chemical or plastic smell. The Easy Travel Tote has a warm, earthy and high-quality leather scent that I noticed as soon as I opened it.

The tote has a deep interior with two large pockets on each side that are spacious enough to hold a pair of headphones, chargers or tablet case. While the interior pockets are not zippered, I do appreciate that this bag has a zippered top, which means I don’t have to worry about items flying out of my bag during bumpy rides or flights (yes, this has happened to me before).

The Easy Travel Tote is the newest travel tote from women-owned clothing and accessories bag Cuyana.

Functional, Versatile And Durable

Because I was only going on a weekend trip, I decided to use the Easy Travel Tote as my primary bag and see how much I could fit inside of it. After inspecting its interior, I knew I could easily put all of its 37 liters of volume to good use. It’s several inches larger and wider than the Classic Easy Zipper Tote , which is the next size down, so I could seamlessly slide in my 16-inch laptop, tablet, all of my chargers, several tops and bottoms, a denim jacket, a pair of shoes and my purse, meaning I didn’t need to bring a suitcase on this trip. Better yet, the tote didn’t feel clunky or look oddly shaped when I picked it up, so I was able to bring it with me to a restaurant for lunch without any issues.

Another great feature of this bag is its versatility. I used a wide shoulder strap , which is sold separately, to sling the bag over my shoulders, making it easy to carry around everywhere. I could also see myself using this tote on commuter days when I’m bouncing around from the gym to dinner and need to bring along my laptop; its chic exterior lets it blend into different environments, from a train station to hang-outs with friends.

For those who prefer a tote they can sling over their shoulder, Cuyana offers adjustable straps that ... [+] are sold separately.

Cuyana Easy Travel Tote: The Final Verdict

After testing Cuyana’s Easy Travel Tote, I can attest to its quality, durability and style. I was able to fit so much inside of it, and it didn’t take up too much space in the trunk of my car. I also found it to be incredibly comfortable: its straps made it easy to sling over my shoulder and carry around shops and restaurants. However, for flights, I would have loved to see this bag include at least one external pocket for easy access to my passport. I also fear that with as much as I packed in it, its lack of trolley sleeve would make it balance very precariously on the top of my suitcase. And at $428, this bag is certainly a splurge, especially when you consider that all of its accessories are sold separately (the adjustable wide strap I used is $88).

The tote's interior is spacious with two large interior pockets that can hold a 16-inch laptop, ... [+] chargers, headphones or other items.

Yet for frequent travelers like myself, this bag delivers. It can easily be used as a gym bag, diaper bag, commuter bag and a personal item on a flight, which means you’ll get a lot of use out of it. And its high-quality leather exterior not only allows it to hold plenty of items while still looking stylish (no easy feat), but it will keep its shape and luster for years to come, making this tote a worthy investment.

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• Best Travel Backpacks For Women
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Israel issues Sweden Eurovision travel warning amid planned protests

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Based in Copenhagen, Jacob oversees reporting from Denmark, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Specializes in security and geopolitics in the Arctic and Baltic Sea regions, as well as large corporates such as brewer Carlsberg and shipping group A.P. Moller-Maersk. His most impactful reporting on Arctic issues include a report on how NATO allies are slowly waking up to Russian supremacy in the region, uncovering how Greenland represents a security black hole for Denmark and its allies, and how an abundance of critical minerals has proven a curse for Greenland. Before moving to Copenhagen in 2016, Jacob spent seven years in Moscow covering Russia's oil and gas industry for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal, followed by four years in Singapore covering energy markets for WSJ and Reuters. As a Russian speaker, he has been involved in covering the war in Ukraine. He publishes a newsletter each weekday focused on the most important regional and global news. Contact Jacob via email if you are interested in receiving the newsletter.

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