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Top things to do in Queenstown

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Queenstown: the city's best neighborhoods

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About Queenstown

Including tips for the best time to visit Queenstown

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

Points of interest in Queenstown

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Queenstown

Queenstown reviews

What other travelers say about Queenstown

10

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.

Kimberley
Kimberley Australia
8.0

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.

John
John New Zealand
8.0

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

iceman340h
iceman340h New Zealand
10

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)

PIYUSH
PIYUSH New Zealand
8.0

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.

Maree
Maree Australia
10

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.

David
David New Zealand

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