Explore Queenstown
Plan Your Trip to Queenstown: Best of Queenstown Tourism
Essential Queenstown
The most jaw-dropping views in Queenstown
- Skyline Queenstown13,151Heading up Bob’s Peak on the Queenstown Gondola is one of the most popular activities in Queenstown—and for good reason. First of all, the lower station is a five-minute walk from downtown, so you can soar to the top with barely any effort at all. (For more of a challenge, hike up along the Tiki Trail.) At the top, try one of the many activities—parasailing, ziplining, or bungee jumping—or ride down on the luge track.
- Moke Lake383Tucked between two mountains, horseshoe-shaped Moke Lake is easily my favorite spot in Queenstown. If you feel like staying put, this is the perfect place for a peaceful picnic. When you want to keep moving, set off on the fairly easy two-hour hike around the lake. On days when the winds are calm, keep an eye out for the reflection of the Southern Alps. From Queenstown, it’s a half-hour drive to the lake.
- Queenstown Hill1,520It takes a while to conquer Queenstown Hill—expect the roundtrip journey to take a minimum of two or three hours—but the route through a pine forest makes the time go quickly. If you find yourself running out of steam, reaching the intriguing Basket of Dreams sculpture is a sign that you’re almost at the top. Keep going for panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the mountains in the distance.
- Nest Kitchen + Bar571With sweeping views across Lake Wakatipu, Nest Kitchen+Bar is a favorite dinner destination in Queensland. In a modern building with towering windows, the dining room is open and airy. Linger over drinks on the deck while enjoying the sunset, then venture inside for a beautifully presented meal focusing on local ingredients like Bluff oysters and Southland lamb. The restaurant is in Kamana Lakehouse, a five-minute drive from the center of Queenstown.
- Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa2,251For the most relaxing experience imaginable, soak in a cedar-lined tub while you gaze out over the jet boats navigating the canyon in Shotover River. The views are incredible all year round, but autumn is particularly lovely. You’ll see some colorful foliage late into the season and a light dusting of snow on the mountain peaks. Better yet, come in the evening so that you can marvel at how bright the stars appear.
- Lake Alta Track26A surprisingly short hike takes you to Lake Alta, a picture-perfect alpine lake hidden in the mountain range called the Remarkables. There’s a great view of Mount Aspiring, one of New Zealand's highest peaks, and the Southern Alps. If you’re brave, you can take a dip in the lake in summer. (Locals says the icy water is “refreshing.”) You can access the trail from the parking lot at the Remarkables Ski Lodge.
- 35-Minute Alpine Scenic Flight from Queenstown46Queenstown is absolutely magnificent from the air. Take a 30-minute helicopter ride to see the sheer drop of Skippers Canyon, the braided streams of Shotover Delta, and the tiny glacial lakes hidden in the mountains. You can even enjoy a snow landing on the Remarkables. If it’s in your budget, a longer trip to Milford Sound is even more memorable.
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 December and February.