Queenstown

Travel Guide

Queenstown which includes a sunset, mist or fog and a bay or harbor
Fernhill showing a city, a sunset and night scenes
Queenstown showing mountains and a sunset
Queenstown showing a river or creek, a small town or village and landscape views
The Remarkables Ski Area featuring snow, landscape views and mountains

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 featuring a small town or village, forests and mountains

Frankton

4/5(42 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
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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
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

5/5(7 area reviews)

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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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
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
$161 nightly
The price is $186 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$186 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Very convenient location on Frankton road. Rooms were spacious quiet and warm. Car parking is free."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
$134 nightly
The price is $155 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$155 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Fantastic property with friendly staff and convenient location!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
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
$162 nightly
The price is $187 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$187 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,010 reviews)
"Excellent location Clean room Friendly staff Breakfast everyday made one less thing to worry about, plan or spend money on. Will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
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.
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! (1,360 reviews)
"Very nice property with everything you need close to town."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
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! (1,251 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown

Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown

4 out of 5
32 Red Oak Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (811 reviews)
"Stayed at the Wyndham Garden in Frankton and found it very agreeable. I originally wanted to find accommodation in Queenstown due to wanting to find parking in town but the price difference between Queenstown backpacker rooms and the Wyndham Garden would pay for 5-6 days all day parking in ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park 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.

Getting around Queenstown

Renting a car for your stay in Queenstown is the best way to get around, since you’re likely to travel out into the countryside. Car rental companies can be found in town or at the airport. Motorhomes and campervans are popular rental choices, and offer fun ways of seeing the beautiful landscape. In Queenstown itself, explore on foot, use the affordable public bus network or travel by taxi. Visit the The New Zealand Transport Agency Opens in a new window website.Browse Queenstown rental cars.

Best time to visit

Queenstown’s draw is the range of outdoor activities available, and the beauty of the scenery you’ll get to do them in. It’s important to visit at a time when you’re likely to get good weather. Book your trip for summer (December to February) if you want the highest temperatures but keep in mind this is high season, so it will be busy. Spring (September to November) has cooler weather but fewer tourists.

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