Queenstown

Travel Guide

Queenstown
Queenstown
Queenstown featuring a sunset and mountains
Queenstown
The Remarkables Ski Area showing snow, a river or creek and landscape views

Queenstown Travel Guide Video

It's no accident that this city is the birthplace of both bungy jumping and jet boating – if you're looking for adventure, Queenstown is the perfect place for you.

On the South Island of New Zealand, between Lake Wakatipu and Ben Lomond, lies one of the world's most popular hubs for outdoor activities. People are drawn to Queenstown by the area's manifold opportunities for hiking, camping, mountain biking, skiing, and exploring. And all this sits amidst the unique natural splendour of New Zealand.

Despite its oceanic climate, visitors can benefit from the snow-capped peaks which surround the city for four months from May to August. At this time of year, you'll see a wealth of skiers and snowboarders speeding down some of the best slopes in the country. If you'd rather take your time to marvel at the glorious scenery, you can always ditch the board in favour of a hike or cycle. You don't even have to bring your own equipment for any of these activities as there are plentiful professional rental companies and outfitters in the area who will cater to your every need. A word to the wise: given the influx of tourists during the snow season, it's wise to book accommodation well in advance if you plan on travelling at this time.

During the long summer days the average temperature in Queensland is a pleasant 25° C meaning that you can walk to many of the recommended tourist sites. When you reach Lake Wakatipu, take a break from all that walking and board the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship for a short cruise to Walter Peak and a visit to High Country Farm, where you'll get an insight into traditional New Zealand farming. Bob's Peak offers one of the best views in the area and, even if you're not interested in hiking, you can still partake of the view via the Skyline Gondola which whisks visitors up to the top.

If you're in Queenstown for adventure, you may want to take a leap from the first commercial bungy jumping platform in the world Kawarau Suspension Bridge gives you the thrill of 43 metres of freefall. Adrenaline junkies won't want to miss the Shotover Jet experience either. If you have enough energy left to organise your own picnic, head to the sprawling Queenstown Gardens to round out your outdoor itinerary.

After a busy day, central Queenstown's many bars, hotels and restaurants will replenish your energy for the night ahead. The Steamer Wharf entertainment precinct is the most popular spot in the city to go to unwind.

Although Queenstown can be reached by plane as well as by bus, car rental is the most common way to get around here and is therefore widely available.

Where to stay in Queenstown

Queenstown Beach showing a pebble beach, skydiving and a small town or village

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
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Frankton

4/5(11 area reviews)

Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Queenstown Event Centre and Lake Wakatipu while in the area.

Frankton
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Goldfield Heights

Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
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Fernhill

Fernhill is well-regarded for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and fantastic lake views, and you might also want to make a stop by Lake Wakatipu, a top sight in the neighbourhood.

Fernhill
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Boydtown

When in Boydtown, you can plan a visit to Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Boydtown
Sunshine Bay featuring mountains, a small town or village and forest scenes

Sunshine Bay

Visitors to Sunshine Bay like its mountain views and restaurants, and Lake Wakatipu is a sight worth a stop.

Sunshine Bay
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
4 out of 5
CNR STANLEY AND SYDNEY STREET, Queenstown
The price is S$171 per night from 26 May to 27 May
S$171
26 May - 27 May
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,033 reviews)
"Staff are pleasant, helpful,rooms comfortable and spotless clean. Easy walk to Queenstown town center."

Reviewed on 17 May, 2025

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
4.5 out of 5
91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is S$178 per night from 19 May to 20 May
S$178
19 May - 20 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"Great stay with very friendly and dedicated hosts"

Reviewed on 15 May, 2025

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Kamana Lakehouse
Kamana Lakehouse
4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is S$198 per night from 19 May to 20 May
S$198
19 May - 20 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (442 reviews)
"The property was excellent and the views were beautiful especially when having breakfast in the morning. The breakfast staff were great and very hospitable. The reception staff were very nice too but some staff may need some extra training in some of their core roles. Other than that, a very beautiful ..."

Reviewed on 11 May, 2025

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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,223 reviews)
"Close to the airport..lady at the reception was friendly"

Reviewed on 16 May, 2025

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, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,343 reviews)
"Beautiful view over the lake and 20min walk into town which was quite convenient. Full size kitchen also useful. Condition of the room is a bit dated and could be cleaner. Wifi did not work for most of the time we were there or the Chromecast, largely due to maintenance works at the time but they ..."

Reviewed on 14 May, 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Quest Queenstown
Quest Queenstown
4 out of 5
34 Red Oaks Drive, Queenstown, Otago
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (368 reviews)
"Though we didnt explore the area..its very close to the airport & we had everything what we need esp iron."

Reviewed on 16 May, 2025

Quest 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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