The Complete Travel Guide to Queenstown

© Unsplash

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 (find out more, read reviews and get the best travel deals on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday)
• 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 (on Klook, Viator and Tripadvisor)
• 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, Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Take a trip to Milford Sound – it’s arguably better in the rain!
• Take a tour of the Queenstown wine region (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

If you need more ideas, head to the 11 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 (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Do some stargazing – tours are available at the Skyline Gondola
• Test your nerve at Fear Factory (on Viator and Triapdvisor).

Of course, we have more options for you over in the 10 Things to Do in Queenstown at Night.

© Unsplash

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.

• The 50 Best Accommodations
• 10 Best Hotels
• 10 Best Apartments
• 11 Best Backpacker Hostels
• 10 Best Budget Accommodations
• 10 Best Family Accommodations
• 10 Best Luxury Accommodations
• 10 Best Romantic Accommodations
• The Best Campervan Rental Companies

© Unsplash

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
• Discover the hidden gem of Moke Lake.

For more information on each activity and more ideas, check out 20 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 11 Best Budget Accommodations in Queenstown, as well as 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown.

© Destination 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 (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• 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 (on Klook, Viator or Tripadvisor).

For more information on each experience, check out the 10 Luxury Activities 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 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Queenstown.

© Destination 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, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday)
• Learn about New Zealand’s birds at the Kiwi Birdlife Park (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Watch the sheep being worked on the Walter Peak farm tour (on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday)
• 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 are 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 10 Best Family Accommodations in Queenstown.

© Destination Queenstown

Queenstown for Couples

Queenstown really 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 the 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 (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor or Klook)
• Go on a romantic cruise around Lake Wakatipu (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
• Walk hand-in-hand through the gorgeous Queenstown Gardens
• Take a leap of faith in a tandem canyon swing (on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday)
• Enjoy an intimate flight to Milford Sound.

Find out more about each activity and much more in our list of the 19 Romantic Activities in Queenstown for Couples.

Couples’ Accommodation

From lucrative hotel rooms to humble yet well-appointed hostel rooms for couples, there’s a huge range of choice for couples travelling to Queenstown. If you’re looking for something extra special, perhaps for a honeymoon or anniversary, take a look at the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Queenstown.

© Destination Queenstown

Queenstown for Foodies

Finally, 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.

Foodie Experiences and Food Tours

• Tour the Gibbston Valley wineries (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Do a craft brewery and microbrewery tour (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
• Cruise and indulge in a Central Otago barbecue at Walter Peak (on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook or KKday)
• 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 13 Things to Do in Queenstown for Foodies.

Where to Eat 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)

Accommodation for Foodies

Queenstown not only has hotels with top-rated restaurants, all mostly specialising in Otago cuisine, but there are also plenty of self-catering accommodations for foodies who want to make their own meals with local produce. Check out both options in the 10 Best Accommodations in Queenstown for Foodies.