The Luxury Travel Guide to Queenstown [2023]

© Over The Top Helicopters - Tourism New Zealand

Unique Luxury Experiences in Queenstown

Let’s be honest, most of the adventure in Queenstown is out there in the canyons of the surrounding valleys, the mountain peaks of the ski areas, and on the glistening waters of Lake Wakatipu. Check out your luxury offerings in the great outdoors here.

Luxury Flight Experiences

Take to the skies and see the surrounding alpine landscapes of Queenstown from a breathtaking perspective on one of the Queenstown helicopter tours. Soar over the UNESCO World Heritage Area, land on glaciers, have a picnic atop a mountain overlooking Lake Wakatipu, and go to places that are otherwise inaccessible. Queenstown offers a wide range of exciting helicopter excursions, even some unique offerings like an “Altitude Golf Experience” or heli-skiing away from the crowds. Compare all of the helicopter companies in Queenstown with our 5 Epic Queenstown Helicopter Tours.

Speaking of skies, by far the most luxurious way to experience the must-see natural attraction of Milford Sound is by plane or helicopter. What usually takes around four hours to drive to by car or bus takes just 35 minutes by plane, while incorporating some magnificent glacier-carved valleys, mountains, alpine lakes and vast forest along the way. Once you arrive in Milford Sound, you can enjoy one of the two-hour cruises through the fiord, allowing you to experience the Fiordland National Park in two of the best ways. Compare flights and experiences with our 5 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown.

Queenstown Golf Courses

Home to some of the New Zealand and the world’s most scenic golf courses, golfing in Queenstown is a must! Hit some of the country’s most prestigious courses, like Jack’s Point with unbeatable views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain ranges, The Hills with an incorporated sculpture park, and Millbrook – New Zealand’s only 27-hole course. Find out more about each offering in Top 5 Golf Courses in Queenstown.

Queenstown Heli-Ski and Private Ski Field

When winter hits and the surrounding mountains are topped with snow, be sure to experience some of Queenstown’s premium skiing experiences. Escape the crowds with an awesome backcountry skiing excursion with Alpine Heli-Ski. Experience fresh untracked powder and keep your energy levels up with a gourmet lunch included. More information, as well as reviews and tour bookings, is available on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Alternatively, Soho Basin is Queenstown’s private ski area where you’ll get free rein of 264 hectares (652 acres) and 500+ vertical metres of high country terrain to enjoy. Swap chairlifts for rides in the snowcats. After a morning exploring the mountains, you’ll be treated to a three-course lunch with local wines on the deck of their Alpine Hut. Plan your ski vacation to Queenstown using The Ultimate Guide to the Queenstown Ski Season.

Oh, and that’s just the beginning. For more unique experiences check out the 10 Luxury Activities in Queenstown.

© Destination Queenstown

Fine Dining in Queenstown

Queenstown has no lack of premium dining experiences. From the town centre to the wineries scattered across the Gibbston Valley, there are plenty of gastronomical experiences to treat your tastebuds to.

For town centre fine dining, enjoy the rustic ambience of The Bunker. In the early evenings, this restaurant hidden down a back alley offers divine cuisine beside crackling log fires. Try their game, red meats and local specialities, as well as wine or a cocktail off their extensive drinks menu. Later into the evening, the bar livens up as a late-night venue playing house music.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the town by dining at the Amisfield Winery & Bistro. The winery specialises in all thing Otago, from its award-winning wines to food made with local and seasonal ingredients. Should you not know what to indulge in, there’s a “Trust the Chef” degustation menu well worth trying.

For more foodie inspiration, see our 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Queenstown.

© Destination Queenstown

All-Weather Luxury Experiences in Queenstown

For those times when the heavens open and you’d rather be inside, here are a few ways to still enjoy your time in Queenstown…

Wine and Food Tours

Experience the tastes and aromas of Queenstown on a foodie tour of the town and surrounding wine region. Queenstown Wine Trail offers a Wine and Food Sampler Tour, which is four hours of indulging in premium Central Otago wines and cheeses. The tour is all-inclusive with a traditional New Zealand lunch and a tour around the scenic Kawarau Gorge and the Gibbston Valley. Find out more about the tour on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook.

Alternatively, choose Altitude Tours for their small-group and private wine tours in a luxury Mercedes van – available on Klook and KKday. Plus, check out more wineries worth visiting in 10 Wonderful Wineries in Queenstown.

Off-Roading and 4WD Tours

No matter what the weather is doing, you’re bound to have a blast on a 4WD tour. Get well off the beaten track with an exclusive private tour with Off Road 4X4 Queenstown. Delve down what was once known as one of the world’s most dangerous roads down Skippers Canyon and learn about the fascinating gold-mining history of this remote area. Visit a former gold-mining town, watch a gold-panning demonstration, and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch away from the world. Find out more about Off Road 4X4 Queenstown on Viator and Tripadvisor.

For more ways to enjoy Queenstown out of the rain, see our 20 Things to Do in Queenstown on a Rainy Day.