Explore Queenstown
Queenstown Tourism: Best of Queenstown
Essential Queenstown
Traveler Spotlight

Uncover the Majesty of Queenstown and Beyond
Lake Wakatipu1,105The 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 Lakeside3,932Wake 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 Hill1,515The 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!
Fergburger15,104Serving 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!
Halo892Open 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!
Winnies2,229Enjoy 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 Road1,931A 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 Village1,664A 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 Queenstown13,092Take 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 Sound5,785If 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.
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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 June and August, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between December and February.







































