Top things to do in Queenstown
Attractions, tours, and activities in Queenstown
Queenstown: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Queenstown
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 $114 per night
This weekend
From $214 per night
Next weekend
From $163 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | NZD 10 = $6.06 |
| Language | English |
| Average weekend price | $12 per night |
| Average weekday price | $14 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Queenstown
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Queenstown
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Lake Wakatipu
5.7 miles from downtown
Queenstown reviews
What other travelers say about Queenstown
An excellent city to visit and stay especially for travelers...
May 25, 2023
An excellent city to visit and stay especially for travelers exploring the southwestern part of the South Island. Several options are available to enjoy this city while exploring the natural assets of NZ.
It was worth the break away from a busy city lifestyle.
May 24, 2023
It was worth the break away from a busy city lifestyle. The accomodation caters to any price range and locals are friendly. Recommend 'The Million Dollar Cruise' - the views and Captain made it worth the 90 minutes.. and so affordable! The weather definitely helped too!
We stayed in the heart of the city so we walked everywhere...
May 24, 2023
We stayed in the heart of the city so we walked everywhere we wanted to go, safe at night as well. We dined out every day breakfast lunch and dinner. Staff at all eating places were very friendly and we did notice staff were smiley and we felt valued as a customer We went on the Million dollar cruise which was very relaxing worth it for tourists for the price,
It is an amazing place to come for vacation, relaxing,...
May 20, 2023
It is an amazing place to come for vacation, relaxing, nature around is amazing. It is made for tourist and very expensive for me but i still enjoy every minute. Shopping and eating out is not for low budget travelers. But fond a wawy to visit it is a great starting point to so many things i am going to discover.
A great showcase of New Zealand's South Island.
May 16, 2023
A great showcase of New Zealand's South Island. Dramatic scenery especially the Remarkables. Our trip to Doubtful Sound was a highlight, the coach drivers to and from were informative, humorous and entertaining as was the skipper of the boat.
WOW! There is so many varied activities to do.
May 16, 2023
WOW! There is so many varied activities to do. I hired a mountain bike from the city centre and road around the lake - easy riding for a few hours on good paths, easy to follow. The ride was amazing - great views and fresh air! Arrowtown in Autumn is breathtaking - gold and red trees line the mountain, the town is full of historical significance, the eateries were amazing - I had breakfast at Provisions - it was busy as and well worth it; and lunch at the Postmasters - fabulous mushroom rissotto & friendly service. AFterwards an ice-cream! The BOATSHED cafe in queenstown marina - oh my! You walk in and get the most amazing view of the lake - friendly service & lovely food. Bee Bus - it's such a cheap way to get around - $2 to Arrowtown, getting to the airport or just around town. The schedule is easy to follow to. Freyburgs - went their for breakfast coffee and croissant; morning tea for a pie; and apparently by the cue out onto the pavement their burgers are amazing! Such a lively happy place.
Popular places to stay in Queenstown
Stay in some of the best accommodations Queenstown has to offer
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Whakatipu Heights Queenstown, New Zealand
From $124 per night
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Travellers Haven Queenstown Hill Queenstown, New Zealand
From $244 per night
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Stay of Queenstown Queenstown, New Zealand
From $238 per night
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Shotover Ridge Queenstown, New Zealand
From $161 per night
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Platinum Queenstown Fern Hill, Queenstown
From $277 per night
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Other accommodations in Queenstown
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Queenstown
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Apartments
From $55 per night
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Resorts
From $92 per night
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Villas
From $62 per night
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Cabins
From $14 per night
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Cottages
From $45 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From $69 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $45 per night
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Guest houses
From $6 per night
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Hostels
From $10 per night
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Motels
From $29 per night
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B&Bs
From $54 per night
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Resort Villages
From $52 per night
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Homestays
From $71 per night
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Self-catering Accommodations
From $55 per night
