Queenstown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Queenstown

Queenstown Travel Guide Video

A paradise for adventurers on New Zealand’s South Island, with bungee jumping, jet boating and so more much on offer.

With its glorious scenery and exciting adventure sports, New Zealand’s South Island is a much-visited destination for lovers of the great outdoors from across the globe. Situated between the country’s longest lake, Lake Wakatipu, and the Ben Lomond mountain, Queenstown is the region’s hub, attracting everyone from hikers and campers to mountain bikers and skiers, all of whom come to enjoy the captivating beauty of the country.

With its temperate oceanic climate, Queenstown benefits from warm summers with average temperatures reaching 25°C, long days and cool nights perfect for exploring the landscape. Between May and July, you’ll see the snow-capped peaks that envelop the cityscape, making the region ideal for anyone with a passion for the white stuff.

You don’t have to go far to find somewhere to explore. Board the TSS Earnslaw Steamship, take a cruise to Walter Peak, or visit High County Farm for a taste of traditional farm life. Or for incredible views around the region and some great hiking around Lake Wakatipu, take the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob’s Peak.

With world-class facilities across Queenstown, adventure sports enthusiasts flock from all over the world to enjoy the thrills on offer. Head for the Kawarau Suspension Bridge where you can go bungee jumping at the first such commercial platform in the world, and take the plunge some 43 metres down. Or you can take a ride down the Shotover River on the Shotover Jet, an exciting and heady jet-boat experience.

Even if you choose to stay in Queenstown, you’ll feel the great vibe around the city in its bars, restaurants and hotels. Check out Steamer Wharf for some fun entertainment as well as plenty of fine local cuisine and wines available for you sample. For a more peaceful day out, pay a visit to the Queenstown Gardens for a leisurely stroll and a picnic in the sunshine.

Situated to the southwest of South Island, you can reach Queenstown by plane, bus or car. Cars are widely available to hire, making it easy to explore the region. Popular throughout the year, the snow season is the area’s peak time with accommodation selling out fast. If you need gear for your hiking or skiing adventures, there are plenty of local shops offering equipment around town.

Where to stay in Queenstown

Queenstown Beach showing a pebble beach, skydiving and a small town or village

Queenstown City Centre

5/5(1 area review)

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

Queenstown City Centre
Frankton which includes forests, a lake or waterhole and a small town or village

Frankton

4.5/5(218 area reviews)

Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Queenstown Event Centre and Lake Wakatipu while in the area.

Frankton
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Fernhill

Fernhill is well-regarded for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and fantastic lake views, and you might also want to make a stop by Lake Wakatipu, a top sight in the neighbourhood.

Fernhill
Sunshine Bay featuring mountains, a small town or village and forest scenes

Sunshine Bay

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Visitors to Sunshine Bay like its mountain views and restaurants, and Lake Wakatipu is a sight worth a stop.

Sunshine Bay
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
The price is NZ$252 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
NZ$252
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a ski shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (609 reviews)
"Quiet and the staff were helpful. Unfortunately there is not a lot of parking. Taxi service works well."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park 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 NZ$263 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
NZ$263
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
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 breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (720 reviews)
"All excellent."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel
Kamana Lakehouse
Kamana Lakehouse
4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$329 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
NZ$329
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (289 reviews)
Nice hotel
"Great location, good breakfast would stay again"

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2024

Kamana Lakehouse
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. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (609 reviews)
"Quiet and the staff were helpful. Unfortunately there is not a lot of parking. Taxi service works well."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park 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, a free area shuttle, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,355 reviews)
Beautiful view but disappointing housekeeping
"We booked the lake view sub Penthouse about 8 weeks prior to arrivals via Hotel.com. There was no mention about ongoing renovations. So when we arrived, half the hotel and carpark was under scaffolding so access can be hard if you don’t have a car. If you have a car, you need to pre book a carpark ..."

Reviewed on 2 Mar. 2024

Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
4.5 out of 5
34 Lake Esplanade, Queenstown
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions SKYCITY Wharf Casino and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,146 reviews)
"The room and view were excellent although we had to substitute the first night because of repairs. The elevators were under construction and finicky. Staff were excellent"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Peppers Beacon Queenstown
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.

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