Queenstown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Queenstown
Queenstown
Queenstown which includes mountains and a sunset
Queenstown
The Remarkables Ski Area showing snow, landscape views and a river or creek

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 lake or waterhole, a small town or village and a pebble beach

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
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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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Goldfield Heights

Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
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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 showing forest scenes, mountains and a small town or village

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
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Boydtown

When in Boydtown, you can plan a visit to Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Boydtown
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$294 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$294
per night
3 Aug - 4 Aug
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Lovely view, lovely staff, free parking available, and short walk into town. Shower pressure a bit low."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG

4 out of 5
CNR STANLEY AND SYDNEY STREET, Queenstown
The price is NZ$283 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
NZ$283
per night
29 Aug - 30 Aug
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Overall it’s a nice hotel and very convenient as it’s within walking distance to Queenstown shopping and dining centre. There are also ski transport stops right next to the hotel. And a ski drying room for guests gears. Hotel has daily breakfast included which is very convenient specially on days ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$372 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
NZ$372
per night
28 Aug - 29 Aug
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (466 reviews)
"Kamana is very nice however after a long day out it was impossible to find a carpark. The parking needs to be dedicated to paying guests."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

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.
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,368 reviews)
"Stayed for 3 days and very good as always."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,264 reviews)
La Quinta Queenstown
"The accommodation was great. No issues."

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown

Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown

4 out of 5
32 Red Oak Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (814 reviews)
"I had to stay in Wyndham Remarkables for one night in a challenging circumstances. I arrived close to 23:00, but staff guided me through the process, it worked flawlessly. Hotel is very nice, convenient - I walked 0.9 miles from the airport and it was fine, easy to find, convenient breakfast option ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park 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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