Drama is a byword for Queenstown, a lakeside resort town surrounded by the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island. Whether you're here to hike, ski, bungee jump – this is the birthplace of the sport – or go white-water rafting down Shotover River, this is a destination of big thrills and bigger landscapes.
Queenstown lives up to its reputation as the 'Adventure Capital of the World'. You can try bungee jumping off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge – the world's first commercial bungee site – or ride a jet boat on Lake Wakatipu at speeds of up to 95 kph. Heli-skiing in the Remarkables mountains is popular during winter months, while skydiving over the Wakatipu Basin is offered year-round. Alternatively, take the Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak for equally spectacular views of town.
Outside Queenstown, there's much to see. Lord of the Rings fans flock to nearby Glenorchy and Lake Wanaka to see locations featured in the films. A 15-minute drive away, Arrowtown offers a glimpse of history with its 19th-century buildings and gold mining roots. Despite its greater distance from Queenstown, Milford Sound is a worthy journey for its glittering fjord, waterfalls and marine life.
Adventure can be found throughout Queenstown, but this mountain escape offers something for laid-back travellers, too. Numerous upscale spa resorts make good use of Lake Wakatipu's shoreline, while Queenstown Gardens offer a tranquil respite in the centre of town. At the end of the day, grab a bite to eat from local favourite Fergburger and watch the sunset on Queenstown Bay beach.
Tonight
From $113 per night
This weekend
From $226 per night
Next weekend
From $203 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | NZD 10 = $6 |
| Language | English |
| Average weekend price | $208 per night |
| Average weekday price | $194 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Lake Wakatipu
5.7 miles from downtown
OMG this place is well worth a few more days stay.
August 5, 2023
OMG this place is well worth a few more days stay. As we were on a group road trip of the south island, it was already a pre-set time frame at Queenstown. One night wasn't enough. I would not recommend anything less than 4-5 days for any traveller as this town has something for all ages and adventurers.
Great vibe, touristy town.
July 27, 2023
Great vibe, touristy town. Lots of activities. Many restaurants to pick from. Recommend Botswana, Rata, Ivy & Lola's, White & Wong, Paddy Gaddy, Baja and for a real experience Amisfield. Parking in Central town a nightmare, if you are not staying centrally then get the bus or walk.
If you into skiing bung jumping swing etc great place for...
July 24, 2023
If you into skiing bung jumping swing etc great place for these events, I dont do night life things so cant help you there. Parking is hard work. You can walk around the town easy its a small area All people there vistors and shops I had no problems with
The most beautiful place in the world!
July 21, 2023
The most beautiful place in the world!! Been here during summer and winter both but the winter experience and the scenery was quite another level. The chopper ride to snowy mountains was the highlight. Amazing food and don't forget to try the Fergberg Burger (queues can be very long, I waited for 30 mins but was worth it)
Beautiful place, plenty to do and see, but very expensive to...
July 9, 2023
Beautiful place, plenty to do and see, but very expensive to get the best out of it. Petrol $3.00 per litre. (The Four Square has hot meals for $7.25, lamb shank, mash, corn. peas and gravy.) Different choice every night for same price.
Queenstown is great, busy and vibrant.
July 9, 2023
Queenstown is great, busy and vibrant. Parking can be frustrating, as can queues, but we managed to get into the restaurant we chose at 8pm on the Saturday night of the Luma Festival of Lights, so that was great. Travel around the city is best on foot as the city area is small, but to go out the Frankton and other shopping area and the Shotover Jet is by car so look for hotels with parking. Every restaurant and attraction we visited was enjoyable. Pricey, but that's expected.
Queenstown, New Zealand
From $81 per night
Queenstown, New Zealand
From $243 per night
Queenstown, New Zealand
From $186 per night
Queenstown, New Zealand
From $417 per night
Queenstown, New Zealand
From $394 per night
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