Queenstown

Travel Guide
Queenstown

Queenstown Travel Guide Video

This alpine resort town in New Zealand’s South Island is an adventure-lover's paradise and the birthplace of bungee jumping and jet boating.

The South Island of New Zealand is famous for its dramatic landscapes and adventure sports, and the hub for outdoor activity in the region is Queenstown. Nestled between the longest lake in the country, Lake Wakatipu, and the mountain Ben Lomond, Queenstown is one of the most popular tourist towns in New Zealand. The town attracts hikers, campers, mountain bikers, skiers and those who simply want to immerse themselves in the incredible natural beauty of New Zealand.
 
The town’s southern location means it has an oceanic climate. From May through to August snow-capped peaks surround the city. Skiers, snowboarders and wintersports enthusiasts flock to the town as the region offers some of the best slopes in the country. In summer Queenstown enjoys an average temperature of 77 F (25 C). While the nights are chilly, the days are long, allowing you to make the most of the region’s stunning sights in hiking boots or by mountain bike.
 
Outdoor activities can be found right on the edge of town, and many can be reached by foot. Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship, then hop off at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a traditional farm experience. Take the Skyline Gondola up Bob’s Peak for stunning views across town and some of the best hiking in the Lake Wakatipu area.
 
Queenstown’s adventure-sport industry is world-class, and the area is known for pioneering many popular sports. Plunge 141 feet (43 meters) from the Kawarau Suspension Bridge at the first commercial bungee jumping platform in the world, or take a spin down the Shotover River aboard the Shotover Jet, the iconic jet-boat experience.
 
Central Queenstown has a youthful and energetic resort-town culture and is home to many bars, restaurants and hotels. Enjoy an evening of local food and wine at the Steamer Wharf entertainment precinct, or pack your own picnic and head to the sprawling Queenstown Gardens.
 
Queenstown has plenty of outfitters and rental companies that will help you with gear for the slopes or trails. Located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island, the town can be reached by plane, bus or car, and car rental is widely available. While Queenstown is popular year-round, the snow season brings an influx of visitors and accommodation can be booked out well in advance during this time

Where to stay in Queenstown

Queenstown Beach featuring a small town or village, a pebble beach and a lake or waterhole

Queenstown City Centre

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

Queenstown City Centre
Frankton showing a lake or waterhole, a small town or village and forest scenes

Frankton

4/5(17 area reviews)

Frankton is known for its lake views, and you can plan a trip to Queenstown Event Centre and Lake Wakatipu while you're in town.

Frankton
Queenstown featuring a sunset, a river or creek and mountains

Fernhill

Nestled on the lower slopes of Ben Lomond mountain, this suburb offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and Sunshine Bay. Explore walking and biking tracks, and access Queenstown via a single road.

Fernhill
Sunshine Bay featuring forests, mountains and a small town or village

Sunshine Bay

Nestled on the lower slopes of Ben Lomond mountain, this picturesque suburb offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. Accessible by a single road, it's a serene escape from bustling Queenstown.

Sunshine Bay
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Goldfield Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Goldfield Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
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Boydtown

Though Boydtown might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park.

Boydtown
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
4 out of 5
16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
The price is CA $140 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $140
CA $160 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (713 reviews)
Good stay.
"Everything was ok. Parking is a challenge, get info beforehand."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
CNR STANLEY AND SYDNEY STREET, Queenstown
The price is CA $161 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $161
CA $185 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (778 reviews)
"H"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel
Kamana Lakehouse
Kamana Lakehouse
4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $186 per night from May 29 to May 30
CA $186
CA $214 total
includes taxes & fees
May 29 - May 30
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (304 reviews)
"To put it simply; all the staff were amazing, very helpful and friendly from the moment we walked in through the doors. This one sticks in my mind for being one of the best hotels I have stayed in. The food is excellently, backed up with amazing views. Everything you could want from a stay."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Kamana Lakehouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
4 out of 5
16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (713 reviews)
Good stay.
"Everything was ok. Parking is a challenge, get info beforehand."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,080 reviews)
"The apartment was fantastic. Everything we were after in a very convenient location with a fantastic view to enjoy. Loved the fireplace"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
4.5 out of 5
34 Lake Esplanade, Queenstown
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions SKYCITY Wharf Casino ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,155 reviews)
Spectacular views of the lake
"Well situated place to stay near central Queenstown. The room has spectacular views of the lake. Well equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge area. Would give it a 5 but the bedroom lacked plug points and cupboard space was limited. Otherwise it was great place to stay."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Peppers Beacon Queenstown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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