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Queenstown Tourism: Best of Queenstown

A playground for adrenaline-junkies, oenophiles, and nature-seekers
Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits—much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts come here for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking, and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fiordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region's 75 wineries.

Travel Advice

Essential Queenstown

Traveler Spotlight

Uncover the Majesty of Queenstown and Beyond

Queenstown offers spectacular scenery set against the dramatic southern alps and majestic Lake Wakatipu. Other than its undeniable beauty, this resort town is known as the adrenaline capital of the world, being a popular destination for adventure seekers all year round. Here's my guide to experiencing the best of Queenstown and the South Island!
Lin W, Singapore, Singapore
  • Lake Wakatipu
    1,105
    The crown jewel of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu is also one of NZ's largest and longest lakes! Flanked by mammoth mountain peaks, explore the lake and the surrounding areas on a leisurely cruise or high-speed jetboat!
  • Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
    3,932
    Wake up every morning to some of the most stunning views of Lake Wakatipu at this gorgeous waterfront hotel. With modern and spacious rooms, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is located just a few minutes away from the main F&B district, making it an ideal stay for your next trip to Queenstown.
  • Queenstown Hill
    1,515
    The Queenstown Hill walking trail offers beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountainous region. Starting from Belfast Street, this three-hour walk is a comfortable 1.7-2km long, perfect for the whole family!
  • Fergburger
    15,104
    Serving some of the best burgers in New Zealand (and some say the world!), Fergburger can't be missed if you're making a trip to Queenstown. Try the classic Ferg with Cheese or chow down on the Sweet Bambi burger, a juicy deer meat patty topped with Thai plum chutney. Pro tip: Get there early to avoid the snaking queues and crowd!
  • Halo
    892
    Open from 7am daily, this vegetarian-friendly cafe is the perfect place to get your morning fuel and cuppa joe to kickstart your day. And don't forget to grab one of their vegan Peanut Butter Cups to-go as well!
  • Winnies
    2,229
    Enjoy the lively atmosphere while digging in to a hearty spread of pizza and pasta. Cosy up in front of the inviting fireplace, or hang around till late to enjoy a lively DJ set!
  • Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
    1,931
    A scenic 45-min drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy promises some of the most spectacular sights in all of New Zealand. But while you immerse yourself in the breathtaking sights, don't forget to make pit stops along the way for amazing photo ops with the lake and mountains as your backdrop!
  • Arrowtown Village
    1,664
    A charming old mining town just 20 mins from Queenstown, Arrowtown offers some quiet respite after an adrenaline-fueled day. Learn more about the mining history of the Otago region, or simply enjoy the quaint shopping streets and local craft stores.
  • Skyline Queenstown
    13,092
    Take a ride on one of the world's steepest gondolas while you immerse yourself in spectacular panoramic views of Queenstown and the stunning Remarkables mountain range. At the peak, take an exhilarating downhill ride on the Skyline Luge and end your night with a dreamy stargazing experience.
  • Milford Sound
    5,785
    If you have the luxury of time, an overnight trip to Milford Sound is a must! A five-hour drive from Queenstown, visit during the heavy rainfall months of Dec-Jan to enjoy the cascading waterfalls as you cruise through the Fiordland National Park.

Queenstown Is Great For

A shot of adrenaline

Easygoing exploration

Flying like a bird

Queenstown Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Queenstown

Chris O
Spend as much time outdoors as possible in this gorgeous patch of paradise.
KiwiTraveller43
When skiing, hire boots and skis for 2-3 days in Queenstown and take them to the ski-fields. Much better than queuing up each day at the ski resorts.
Madison S
Remember to carry water, sunscreen, and bug spray with you, especially in the harsh heat of summer.
foodie62Sydney
Hills, hills and more hills. Carefully check where your accommodation is located if you do not like to walk up and down steep hills. There are lots of places on the flat area and even more up the hills.
Chris O
Whenever a Kiwi offers a suggestion on where to get the best coffee, take note! They take their cuppa extremely seriously.

In the words of those who've been there before ...

Madison S
A visit to Queenstown is usually a high-energy adventure. With sunny vineyards, beautiful terrain, and tons of outdoor activities — from extreme sports to leisurely hikes — Queenstown offers something for everyone.
Chris O
Queenstown is one of the world's most beautiful places and a premier destination for lovers of practically any outdoor activity imaginable.
RLQTL
Queenstown is full of fun, adventure and chill-out time for the whole family; travelers and locals alike.
Monica U
Queenstown has been branded "the adventure capital of New Zealand," for activities that range from adrenaline-pumping bungy-jumping to canyon swinging, and whitewater rafting. Plus, you can get back to nature by trekking or canoeing in Lake Wakatipu. All in all, Queenstown is the place to go if you love the great outdoors.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying:

Queenstown Airport is around a 10-minute drive from downtown Queenstown and served by domestic and international flights.

Car:

It’s around a six-hour drive—through some of the South Island’s most spectacular scenery—from Christchurch to Queenstown.

Bus:

Operators including InterCity and Newmans Coach Lines provide daily connections from Christchurch, Dunedin, and beyond.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting New Zealand from overseas, check the New Zealand Immigration authority to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

The southern hemisphere’s summer (December through February) is the best time to visit Queenstown. This time of year promises long, sunny days and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoor activities for which Queenstown is known. Average summer highs are between 68°F (20 °C) in December to 71°F (22 °C) in March. You should also consider a visit in the spring; it's less crowded and the temperatures (between 55 and 64 °F, or 13 and 18 °C) are still comfortable.

By Foot

Queenstown’s compact downtown area is very walkable.

Car

While unnecessary within Queenstown itself, if you are planning to venture farther into the surrounding region, renting a car is a good idea.

Bus

Orbus is Queenstown’s local bus service. You can pay a flat rate fare or get a refillable card (GoCard), which gets you discounted fares. If you intend to take two or more bus trips, you’ll save money with the card.

More information here.

Taxis

Taxis are generally inexpensive in Queenstown and many have capped fare rates. Call ahead of time.

Ridesharing

Uber is available in Queenstown on your smartphone.

On the ground
What is the timezone?
Pacific/Auckland Time Zone
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in New Zealand is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The plug has two flat pins in a V-shape with a grounding pin. The plug has two round pins.
What is the currency?
The New Zealand Dollar.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Tips are not expected but New Zealanders typically give 10 percent for exceptional service.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Walking
Walk to the left of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions or want to take in a view.
Camping
It is free to camp around most of New Zealand. But take your trash with you; the fines are heavy.
Environment
New Zealanders are generally respectful of the environment and expect the same of visitors.
Public transit
Let passengers off before boarding. Offer your seat to elderly and pregnant people and to those with disabilities.
Say Hello
New Zealanders are friendly and happy to strike up a conversation with strangers.
Shoes
Take off your shoes when entering a local’s home.

Find more information about local customs and etiquette in the New Zealand generally here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Queenstown


Some of the most popular restaurants in Queenstown include:

Queenstown is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:


If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Queenstown between June and August, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between December and February.