Queenstown

Travel Guide
Fernhill showing a bay or harbor, a city and night scenes
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

Queenstown Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Queenstown

Heritage Queenstown
Heritage Queenstown
4.5 out of 5
91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is $129 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
$129
per night
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Mt Crichton Loop Track and Ben Lomond ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Excellent base for Queenstown
"My partner and I had a lovely stay at the Heritage in September 2023. Very spacious room and balcony. Clean, well-equipped facilities with good parking. The breakfast buffet was tasty and adequate for our 3 night stay but could get a bit repetitive for longer stays. All staff were friendly and nothing ..."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

Heritage Queenstown
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
CNR STANLEY AND SYDNEY STREET, Queenstown
The price is $131 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
$131
per night
Oct 8 - Oct 9
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 comfy rooms and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (594 reviews)
"Perfect location"

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2023

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel
Ramada Queenstown Central
Ramada Queenstown Central
4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is $137 per night from Oct 16 to Oct 17
$137
per night
Oct 16 - Oct 17
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (688 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2023

Ramada Queenstown Central
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. Popular attractions Remarkables Park Town Centre ...
9/10 Wonderful! (352 reviews)
"Great location, very clean with essential amenities included like washer and dryer. Highly recommend and definitely coming back here."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

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, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions St Josephs Parish and Queenstown Ice Arena ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (941 reviews)
"Great views! Spa was nice and accessible!"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2023

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort
Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort
4.5 out of 5
327-343 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free area shuttle. Popular attractions St Josephs Parish and Queenstown ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,333 reviews)
"Quite,short to city."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2023

Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort
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 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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