Explore Queenstown
Queenstown Tourism: Plan Your Trip to Queenstown
Essential Queenstown
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Queenstown Is Great For
A shot of adrenaline
Easygoing exploration
Flying like a bird
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Queenstown





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




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.
Are there local customs I should know?
Find more information about local customs and etiquette in the New Zealand generally here.
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Queenstown, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Queenstown include:
- Queenstown is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Queenstown:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Queenstown between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between September and November.