- Stay in central Queenstown to walk everywhere, or Arrowtown and Frankton for lower prices
- Book bungy, jet boats and Milford Sound trips ahead in peak summer and ski season
- Allow a full day for Milford Sound, or fly in on a scenic flight
- Direct flights connect Queenstown with Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
- Airports
- Queenstown (ZQN)
- Best time to go
- December-April for summer activities; June-September for skiing
- Type
- City
Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables, and it may be the most dramatically located small town in the world. It invented commercial bungy jumping and has an adrenaline sport for every taste, but you don't need to throw yourself off anything to enjoy it: the walks, wineries, lake cruises and views are reason enough. It is the obvious base for the South Island of New Zealand.
Where to stay
- Central Queenstown – compact and walkable, with restaurants, bars and the lakefront on your doorstep. Lively in the evenings and the priciest option.
- Fernhill and Queenstown Hill – hillside hotels and apartments a short drive or steep walk from town, many with lake views.
- Frankton – near the airport, with shopping centres and lower prices; buses run into town.
- Arrowtown – a historic gold-mining village about 20 minutes away, with charming cottages, good restaurants and a quieter pace. Best with a car.
Things to do
- Skyline Gondola – ride up Bob's Peak for the classic view over town and lake; add the luge.
- Kawarau Bridge bungy – the 43m jump where commercial bungy began in 1988, about 25 minutes from town.
- Shotover Jet – a high-speed jet boat ride through a narrow canyon.
- Milford Sound – a long but spectacular day trip by coach or car, or a shorter scenic flight.
- Walks – the Queenstown Hill track for an easy climb, Ben Lomond for a tough full day, or the Routeburn Track's day sections from Glenorchy.
- Glenorchy road – a 45-minute drive along the lake to a tiny settlement at the head of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountain scenery.
- Central Otago wine – Gibbston Valley's Pinot Noir cellar doors are 20-30 minutes away.
- Skiing – Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are both within about 40 minutes, with Cardrona and Treble Cone near Wanaka.
Getting there and around
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is about 15 minutes from town and has direct flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, making it easy to fly in from Australia. Approaching through the mountains is a highlight in itself. Buses run from the airport to town, and taxis and rideshares are available.
Central Queenstown is easily explored on foot, and local Orbus services link Frankton, Arrowtown and Fernhill. A hire car is worthwhile for Glenorchy, Wanaka and the wineries, and is the most flexible way to reach Milford Sound or Mount Cook.
When to go
Summer (December to February) brings long days and warm weather, ideal for walking, biking and lake activities, but it is busy and expensive. March and April are often settled, with autumn colour around Arrowtown. Ski season runs roughly from June to September, when the town is buzzing again. Spring (October and November) is quieter and cheaper, though the weather is changeable.
Top attractions in Queenstown
LandmarkHobbiton Movie Set
The Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, on a working farm near Matamata on New Zealand's North…
NatureMilford Sound
Fiordland's most famous fiord, with sheer cliffs, waterfalls and Mitre Peak rising straight from the sea.
Queenstown on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
Three to four days lets you enjoy the town, try an activity or two and make a day trip to Milford Sound. Add more if you want to hike or ski.
Is Queenstown suitable if I don't want adventure sports?
Yes. Lake cruises on the TSS Earnslaw steamship, walks, wineries, Arrowtown and the gondola all make for a relaxed stay.
Can I visit Milford Sound from Queenstown in a day?
Yes, but it is about four hours each way by road. A scenic flight there and back takes much less time, while staying overnight in Te Anau splits the drive.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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