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 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
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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
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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
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
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$259 per night from 19 June to 20 June
NZ$259
19 June - 20 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Central super clean modern friendly staff , very professional and happy We enjoyed the experience and would return"

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$216 per night from 22 June to 23 June
NZ$216
22 June - 23 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Great location, lovely staff and restaurant was wonderful."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Kamana Lakehouse
Kamana Lakehouse
4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$289 per night from 19 June to 20 June
NZ$289
19 June - 20 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (452 reviews)
"Everything was amazing! It’s my third time at this location The team working at this hotel really understand what good customer service is"

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 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.
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! (1,242 reviews)
"It’s so perfectly located close to Airport and felt quite central. Close to Remarkables Shopping Centre, Five Mile and set in a truly picturesque location! Waking up to amazing views was soul recharge!"

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
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! (1,352 reviews)
"Nice lake view apartment with comfortable bed and amenities. Staff was friendly. However details are not 5 star standard. Some cups and pots were dirty and yogurt hey provided in fridge expired two days before we check in."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Quest Queenstown
Quest Queenstown
4 out of 5
34 Red Oaks Drive, Queenstown, Otago
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (373 reviews)
"Always an amazing stay! 2nd time staying at Quest and still love it. Check in is a breeze, check out is even easier. Free parking is amazing and so handy. Good location to supermarkets. Only a short drive to the centre of Queenstown. 100% would recommend!"

Reviewed on 5 Jun. 2025

Quest 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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