The Complete Travel Guide to Queenstown, New Zealand
If there’s any destination that you’ve heard of in New Zealand, it’s most likely Queenstown. It’s one of the main tourist centres of the country, presenting everything you could possibly want to do in New Zealand, along with the landscapes you are probably dreaming of; snowcapped peaks, large lakes, overlapping valleys, winding turquoise rivers… There are photo opportunities around every corner.
The lakeside South Island town is renowned for its adventure activities, from skiing in winter to white water rafting in summer to bungy jumping all year round. However, there are a few underrated experiences encompassing relaxation, food and scenery that are sure to intrigue. We’ll go through a range of experiences for different traveller types, as well as accommodation and food recommendations, in this complete travel guide to Queenstown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queenstown
We’re not going to mess around with this travel guide to Queenstown. Let’s get straight to the most common questions travellers ask about visiting Queenstown.
Where is Queenstown Located?
Queenstown is located in the second-most southern region of the South Island of New Zealand, Central Otago.
What is the Weather Like in Queenstown?
The daily average temperature is 10.1°C (50.2°F), while the yearly average rainfall is 858 mm (33.8 in). Find out more about the weather, seasons and climate in What is the Weather Like in Queenstown?
What is the Best Month to Visit Queenstown?
Queenstown has a multitude of experiences available year-round. The ski season runs from July to September, while the warmest weather can be experienced between November and March. Find out more in The Best Time to Visit Queenstown.
How Do You Get to Queenstown?
Queenstown has an airport with an international and domestic terminal, with regular flights from Auckland and Christchurch. Car rental is available from the airport – see The Best Car Rental Companies in Queenstown. Queenstown is also well-connected to the rest of the South Island by road, being on the main bus route, which you can find more information about in our guide to the Bus Networks in New Zealand.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Queenstown?
The minimum amount of time to spend in Queenstown is two days, however, there is enough here to spend five days to one week!
Is 3 Days in Queenstown Enough?
Yes, three days is enough time to enjoy the highlights of Queenstown.
Do I Need a Car in Queenstown?
In short, no. Most experiences and tours in Queenstown either offer pick-up from local accommodations or the Station Building (Shotover Street) in town, while many other attractions are reachable on foot from town. There is also a public bus service and taxis, which you can learn more about in our guide, Public Transport in Queenstown.
How Expensive is Queenstown?
Queenstown is one of the most expensive destinations in New Zealand. Budgets can range from NZ$1,700 for a solo 7-day trip to NZ$8,000 for a family of four. Your budget also depends on what type of accommodation you stay in and how many (and what) paid activities you do. Plan your budget by using NZ Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost?
Why is Queenstown NZ so Expensive?
Erm, have you met humans? Queenstown is so expensive because it is primarily a tourist resort town, which implies that visitors have more income to spend than, for instance, a town with no tourism industry and a low socio-economic population.
What is Queenstown Best Known for?
Queenstown is best known for being the “Adventure Capital of New Zealand” due to its large offering of adventure tourism experiences.
Why is Queenstown So Famous?
Queenstown is so famous because of its large tourism offering. In other words, there is something for everyone. This makes the town a much more accessible destination for a wide audience that, therefore, can further recommend Queenstown.
Does Queenstown Get Snow?
It only tends to snow on the mountains surrounding Queenstown in winter (June to August) and rarely in the town itself.
What to Do in Queenstown
The question is: what is there not to do?! Queenstown has just about every experience reasonably expected in an alpine lake town and then some, from relaxation at the hot pools and vineyards to adrenaline at the bungy jumps and jet boat rides. Winter brings the ski season while summer brings exciting rafting and canyoning trips.
The Top Experiences in Queenstown
What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Queenstown highlights:
- Take the leap with a bungy jump
- Do a giant swing through a canyon with Shotover Canyon Swing or the Nevis Swing
- Experience one of the 5 Best Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown
- Ski at The Remarkables, following our advice in The Ultimate Guide to the Queenstown Ski Season
- Hike Ben Lomond
- Soak in the scenery and hot pools of the Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa
- Take a day trip to Arrowtown or one of The Best Day Trips from Queenstown…
… And the list continues over in our 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown. Alternatively, do something a little different by following the advice in our 10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Queenstown.
Rainy Day Activities
Don’t let a rainy day spoil the fun! Make sure you have a few wet weather backups at the ready, such as:
- Have a virtual reality experience at Thrillzone (more info on Klook and Viator)
- Take a trip to Milford Sound – it’s arguably better in the rain!
- Take a tour of the Queenstown wine region (on Viator and Klook).
If you need more ideas, head to the 20 Things to Do in Queenstown on a Rainy Day.
Things to Do at Night
And the fun doesn’t stop after dark! Keep your evening exciting in Queenstown with experiences such as:
- Go an evening cruise and farm tour to Walter Peak
- Do some stargazing – tours are available at the Skyline Gondola
- Test your nerve at Fear Factory.
Of course, we have more options for you over in the 10 Things to Do in Queenstown at Night.
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Other than the accommodations we recommend on the righthand side of this complete travel guide to Queenstown, we have compiled entire lists of places to stay based on price, what’s best for families or a couples’ getaway, as well as premium stays. What’s more, each list is compiled by real writers; not some algorithm!
- 20 Best Hotels
- 15 Best Apartments
- 15 Best Backpacker Hostels
- 15 Best Budget Accommodations
- 15 Best Family Accommodations
- 20 Best Luxury Accommodations
- 15 Best Romantic Accommodations
- The Best Campervan Rental Companies
- Where to Camp in Queenstown
- 5 Free Camping Spots
… And for a compilation of all of the best stays, check out our guide, Places to Stay in Queenstown: 50 Best Accommodations.
Where to Eat in Queenstown
Be sure to take some time to discover Queenstown’s food scene. The town is home to talented artisans, brewers, winemakers and more, showcasing their creations to the public with foodie tours. Get hands-on food-related experiences, as well as dine at some of the best restaurants on the South Island. Check out all of our tips for foodies in The Food Guide to Queenstown: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
The Best Restaurants in Queenstown
- The Bunker (14 Cow Lane)
- Amisfield Winery & Bistro (10 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Frankton)
- Rata (43 Ballarat Street)
- Erik’s Fish & Chips (13 Earl Street)
- Fergbaker (40 Shotover Street)
- Devil Burger (5/11 Church Street)
- Balls and Bangles (62 Shotover Street)
- Bespoke Kitchen (9 Isle Street)
- Blue Kanu (16 Church Street)
- Stratosphere Restaurant (Top of the Skyline Gondola, end of Brecon Street).
Again, more details on these eats can be found in The Food Guide to Queenstown: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
Foodie Experiences and Food Tours
- Tour the Gibbston Valley wineries by bike
- Do a craft brewery and microbrewery tour (more info on Viator band Klook)
- Cruise and indulge in a Central Otago barbecue at Walter Peak (on Viator and Klook)
- Spin your own honey at Buzzstop Bee and Honey Centre
- Browse the Remarkables Market on a Saturday.
For more information on each activity, plus a few extras, check out 15 Best Foodie Experiences in Queenstown.
Queenstown for Budget Travellers
Let’s not beat around the bush. Queenstown is one of the most expensive towns you’re likely to visit in New Zealand. Not only can accommodation prices be at a premium, especially in summer and during the ski season when things book up quickly, but the main activities here, like bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, rafting, canyoning, etc., aren’t exactly known for being cheap. However, there are other ways to keep the costs down, between the free or cheap activities, cheap eats and alternative affordable accommodation available, best booked in advance if you’re travelling in the busier seasons. Check out Queenstown – Guide for Backpackers and The Guide to Queenstown on a Budget for more tips.
Things to Do on a Budget
- Hike up Queenstown Hill
- Play disc golf in the Queenstown Gardens
- Relax at Queenstown Beach
- Eat a famous oversized burger at Fergburger or Devil Burger
- Discover the hidden gem of Moke Lake.
For more information on each activity and more ideas, check out 30 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown.
Cheap Accommodation
Among the more expensive hotel offerings in Queenstown, the town holds a substantial collection of backpacker hostels, motels, budget hotels and holiday parks. Check them out in our 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Queenstown, as well as 15 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown.
Queenstown for Luxury Travellers
Queenstown is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most premium destinations. It’s home to some of the most sumptuous hotels, fine dining restaurants and countless experiences for the luxury traveller. From outdoor adventures on New Zealand’s only 27-hole golf course or private ski field to relaxation in soothing hot tubs or among the vines with a glass of wine in hand, there is a wealth of deluxe experiences to suit any occasion. Let us guide you through it all in The Luxury Guide to Queenstown.
Luxury Experiences
- Fly to the spectacular Milford Sound
- Take a private 4WD excursion to Skippers Canyon
- Play golf at Queenstown’s prestigious courses
- Escape the crowds with heli-skiing or at Queenstown’s private ski field
- Explore the Great Walks with an expert guide on a guided hike.
For more information on each experience, check out the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Queenstown.
Luxury Accommodation
From upmarket hotels situated with a prime position on the shores of Lake Wakatipu to luxury private apartments, Queenstown certainly has a lot of options when it comes to luxury stays. Take a look at some of our top recommendations in the 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Queenstown.
Queenstown for Families
While Queenstown might be famous for its extreme activities, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing suitable for the little ones. There are a few excellent family-friendly experiences, from a range of jet boat tours to ziplining courses to the hilarious go-karting fun of The Luge. Check out other recommendations for families in The Guide to Queenstown for Families, which also includes advice on family accommodation.
Family Tours and Activities
- Get the adrenaline pumping on an exciting jet boat ride
- Zip through the trees on a zipline tour (more info on Viator, Klook and KKday)
- Learn about New Zealand’s birds at Kiwi Park
- Watch the sheep being worked on the Walter Peak farm tour (on Viator and Klook)
- Race each in downhill go-karts at The Luge.
For more information on each activity, as well as a few more ideas, head to the 20 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids!
Family-Friendly Accommodation
The most abundant form of accommodation in Queenstown for families is the hotels, but if your budget prefers motels or holiday parks, be sure to book early for the limited family rooms. See some of our top picks for kid-friendly accommodation in the 15 Best Family Accommodations in Queenstown.
Queenstown for Couples
Queenstown has something for everyone, including couples on a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. From lavish hotel rooms to private helicopter picnic experiences, there’s definitely the opportunity to “wow” your loved one. Alternatively, keep things more grounded with scenic walks and a few crazy adrenaline experiences to enjoy together at the same time. Learn more in The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Queenstown.
Romantic Things to Do
- Fly to a private picnic destination via helicopter
- Go on a romantic cruise around Lake Wakatipu (on Viator and Klook)
- Walk hand-in-hand through the gorgeous Queenstown Gardens
- Take a leap of faith in a tandem Shotover Canyon Swing or Nevis Swing
- Enjoy an intimate flight to Milford Sound.
Find out more about each activity and much more in our list of the 20 Romantic Things to Do in Queenstown.
Couples’ Accommodation
From lucrative hotel rooms to humble yet well-appointed hostel rooms for couples, there’s a huge range of choices for couples travelling to Queenstown. If you’re looking for something extra special, perhaps for a honeymoon or anniversary, take a look at the 15 Most Romantic Accommodations in Queenstown.
Queenstown Accommodation
- Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
- Hidden Lodge Queenstown
- Absoloot Hostel QT
- Adventure Q2
- Adventure Queenstown
- Heritage Queenstown
- Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
- The Waterfront
- The Whistler Holiday Apartments
- Holiday Inn Queenstown
- Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
- The Rees Hotel
- Marina Apartments – Element Escapes
- Nugget Point
- DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown
- Rydges Queenstown
- Heartland Hotel
- Copthorne Hotel
- Pinewood Lodge
- Villa Del Lago
- Peppers Beacon
- Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu
- Mercure Queenstown Resort
- Hotel St Moritz
- Millennium Hotel
- Garden Court Suites & Apartments
- Amity Serviced Apartments
- Hippo Lodge
- Flaming Kiwi Backpackers
- Black Sheep Backpackers
- Haka Lodge
- Tahuna Pod Hostel
Discover our top picks in The 50 Best Accommodations in Queenstown.
More About Queenstown
That’s it for our complete travel guide to Queenstown but is by no means the end of our Queenstown advice! Check out the following articles for more trip-planning tips:
- 10 Queenstown Travel Tips for First-Timers
- 10 Epic Adventure Activities in Queenstown
- The Best Time to Visit Queenstown
- 15 Best Walks in Queenstown
- 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown
- 10 Best Wineries in Queenstown
- 5 Best Queenstown Helicopter Tours
- The Lord of the Rings Locations in Queenstown
- 5 Best Bars in Queenstown
What’s after Queenstown? Plan the rest of your trip around the South Island using the South Island in Two Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary or South Island in One Week: Road Trip Itinerary.
Sources:
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
Laura S.
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.