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Queenstown, New Zealand • Oceania

Queenstown

The adventure capital of the world - bungy, jet boats and ski fields wrapped around a jaw-dropping alpine lake and the Remarkables.

#Adventure#Mountains#Lakes#Skiing#NatureCouplesFriendsAdventureNatureSolo Travel
7 Attractions
5 Restaurants
5 Hotels
1 Itineraries

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Quick facts

Best time to visit

Queenstown is a true four-season destination. December to February (summer) brings long, warm days ideal for hiking, biking, lake activities and Milford trips. June to August (winter) is ski season, cold and crisp with snow on the peaks. The shoulder months of spring and autumn are quieter, with brilliant autumn colour around Arrowtown in April.

Daily budget
$230
Time zone
GMT+12 (NZST/NZDT)
Language
English (Maori is also official)
Currency
NZD (New Zealand Dollar (NZD))
Emergency
111
Power
Type I · 230V

About Queenstown

Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, ringed by the saw-toothed peaks of the Remarkables, and it has built a global reputation as the adventure capital of the world. This is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, a place where you can throw yourself off a bridge, blast up a canyon in a jet boat or carve fresh powder before lunch - then sink a craft beer by the lake as the alpenglow lights the mountains. But Queenstown is just as rewarding for the less adrenaline-fuelled. The setting alone is worth the journey: lake cruises on a vintage steamship, gondola rides to panoramic ridgelines, gold-rush history in pretty Arrowtown, and the pinot noir vineyards of Gibbston Valley. It is also the gateway to the fiords, with the otherworldly Milford Sound a long but unforgettable day trip away through Fiordland National Park. Summer (December to February) brings long days for hiking, biking and water sports, while winter (June to August) turns the surrounding peaks into a buzzing ski destination. Pack for fast-changing alpine weather, book the big adventures ahead, and prepare to be awed.

Photo Gallery

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Things to Do in Queenstown

7
Skyline Gondola & LugeEntertainment

Skyline Gondola & Luge

A steep gondola to Bob's Peak for a panoramic view over Queenstown and the Remarkables, with a fun downhill luge track at the top.

1-2 hours From NZD 594.7(90,000)
Milford SoundNature

Milford Sound

A breathtaking fiord of sheer cliffs, waterfalls and peaks rising from dark water, explored by boat cruise. A long but unforgettable day trip.

Full day Cruise from NZD 994.9(150,000)
Lake WakatipuNature

Lake Wakatipu

The stunning Z-shaped glacial lake at the heart of Queenstown, perfect for cruises on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, kayaking and lakeside walks.

1-3 hours Free (cruises from NZD 75)4.8(120,000)
Kawarau Bridge BungyAdventure

Kawarau Bridge Bungy

The birthplace of commercial bungy jumping - a 43-metre leap off a historic bridge over the Kawarau River, the original adrenaline rite.

1-2 hours From NZD 2204.7(70,000)
Shotover JetAdventure

Shotover Jet

A thrilling high-speed jet boat ride through the narrow rock canyons of the Shotover River, with 360-degree spins and inches to spare.

1 hour From NZD 1694.8(80,000)
ArrowtownHistorical

Arrowtown

A beautifully preserved gold-rush village of tree-lined streets, historic cottages and a Chinese settlement, spectacular in autumn colour.

2-3 hours Free4.7(55,000)
The RemarkablesNature

The Remarkables

The dramatic, jagged mountain range framing Queenstown, a renowned ski field in winter and a hiking and alpine-lake destination in summer.

Half to full day Free (ski pass extra)4.8(60,000)

Where to Eat in Queenstown

5
Fergburger

Fergburger

Burgers / Fast Casual $4.7(60,000)

A world-famous burger joint and Queenstown rite of passage, serving huge, juicy gourmet burgers - expect a long but fast-moving queue.

Rata

Rata

Fine Dining / Modern NZ $$$4.7(12,000)

Acclaimed chef Josh Emett's elegant yet relaxed restaurant showcasing the best regional New Zealand produce in a leafy garden setting.

Botswana Butchery

Botswana Butchery

Steakhouse / Fine Dining $$$$4.6(14,000)

A lakefront fine-dining favourite for premium steaks, game and an extensive wine list, with elegant rooms and lake views.

Patagonia Chocolates

Patagonia Chocolates

Dessert / Cafe $4.6(18,000)

A lakeside chocolatier and gelateria for handmade chocolates, churros and rich hot chocolate after a day on the slopes or trails.

The Cow

The Cow

Pizza / Italian $$4.5(15,000)

A cosy stone-cottage institution since the 1970s, beloved for its wood-fired pizzas and pasta by a crackling open fire.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

5
Eichardt's Private Hotel

Eichardt's Private Hotel

Luxury $$$$4.8(2,500)

An intimate, opulent lakefront boutique hotel in a heritage building right on the Queenstown waterfront, with lavish suites and a famed bar.

Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

Boutique $$$4.6(3,000)

A stylish boutique hotel above town with spectacular panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, and a great restaurant.

Adventure Queenstown Hostel

Adventure Queenstown Hostel

Hostel $4.6(4,000)

A friendly, central backpackers run by travellers, with free extras, a great kitchen and a sociable vibe a short walk from the lake.

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Mid-Range $$4.4(5,000)

A reliable, well-located lakeside hotel in the heart of town, steps from the waterfront, shops and tour departures.

YHA Queenstown Lakefront

YHA Queenstown Lakefront

Hostel $4.4(4,500)

A well-run lakefront hostel with stunning views, a big kitchen and lounges, offering private and dorm rooms at a great price.

Queenstown Itineraries

1
4-day trip

Classic 4 Days in Queenstown

moderate NZD 900 - 1,600

A mix of jaw-dropping scenery and adrenaline: the gondola and lake, an epic Milford Sound day, an adventure-and-history day, and the wineries.

View day-by-day plan

Queenstown Budget Guide

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Flights$900 - $1,800$900 - $1,800$900 - $1,800
Accommodation$35/night$140/night$450/night
Food$25/day$55/day-
Activities$80/day$80/day$80/day
Local Transport$10/day$10/day$10/day
Daily Average$90$230$620

Local currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Queenstown Travel FAQ

Everything you need to know before you go: best time to visit, visas, getting around, safety and more.

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