Queenstown Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Queenstown

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Amaroo

9 Whitbourn Place | Queenstown, 9300, NZ

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Karamata by MajorDomo

15 Kerry Drive | Queenstown, 9300, NZ

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ROKI Collection

2 Brunswick Street | Queenstown, 9300, NZ

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Riverview Retreat Holiday Home by MajorDomo

3 Mcchesney Road Arthur's Point | Queenstown, 9300, NZ

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Views on Edinburgh - a Relax it's Done luxury holiday home

59 Edinburgh Drive | Queenstown, 9300, NZ

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LakeView Panoramas

1 Miners End 1 | Queenstown, 9300, NZ

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Altitude Luxury by Sothebys Luxury Rental Homes

25 Forestlines Rise | Queenstown, 9300, NZ

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Pinnacle Villa by MajorDomo

7 Stowmore Lane | Queenstown, 9371, NZ

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At a glance

Climate

Alpine

Languages

English and Māori

Local currency

NZD (NZD)

Local time

11:19 (GMT+13)

Ideal trip length

3–7 days

Cost level

4 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Queenstown Central

Tap water

Generally described as safe to drink

Tipping

Not expected, but appreciated for excellent service.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 85 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Lamb Hāngi (modern interpretation) Kiwi Burger Pavlova

When to visit Queenstown

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, July Busiest: Dec-Feb

Jan

90

Warm, busy, outdoor fun
Feb

88

Warm, busy, outdoor fun
Mar

85

Mild, autumn colors
Apr

75

Cooler, vibrant foliage
May

60

Chilly, pre-ski season
Jun

80

Cold, ski season starts
Jul

90

Cold, peak ski season
Aug

88

Cold, ski season continues
Sept

70

Mild, spring blooms
Oct

75

Mild, pleasant, less crowded
Nov

80

Warmer, pre-summer buzz
Dec

85

Warm, summer, busy

90

Jan Warm, busy, outdoor fun

88

Feb Warm, busy, outdoor fun

85

Mar Mild, autumn colors

75

Apr Cooler, vibrant foliage

60

May Chilly, pre-ski season

80

Jun Cold, ski season starts

90

Jul Cold, peak ski season

88

Aug Cold, ski season continues

70

Sept Mild, spring blooms

75

Oct Mild, pleasant, less crowded

80

Nov Warmer, pre-summer buzz

85

Dec Warm, summer, busy

Things to do in Queenstown

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Milford Sound Day Trip

Fiordland (day trip) 12 hrs

Embark on a scenic journey to the majestic fiord of Milford Sound.

Outdoors Good for children

Skiing/Snowboarding (Winter)

Remarkables/Coronet Peak 8 hrs

Hit the slopes at world-renowned ski fields like The Remarkables.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Skyline Gondola & Luge

Queenstown Central 2 hrs

Ride the iconic gondola for panoramic views and thrilling luge rides.

Outdoors Good for children

Wine Tasting in Gibbston Valley

Gibbston Valley 4 hrs

Savor world-class Pinot Noir at stunning Central Otago wineries.

Indoors

Any time of day

3 places

Bungy Jumping (Kawarau Bridge)

Gibbston Valley 3 hrs

Experience the original bungy jump over the Kawarau River.

Outdoors

Shotover Jet Boating

Arthur's Point 1 hr

Thrill with high-speed maneuvers through the Shotover River canyons.

Outdoors Good for children

Queenstown Gardens Stroll

Queenstown Central 1.5 hrs

Relax amidst beautiful botanical gardens by Lake Wakatipu.

Outdoors Good for children

Queenstown itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Queenstown — First-Timer Highlights

Experience the adventure capital of the world, from thrilling activities to breathtaking landscapes.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to discover Queenstown's most iconic experiences. Dive into adrenaline-pumping adventures, explore stunning natural beauty, and savor the vibrant atmosphere of New Zealand's adventure capital. Get ready for an unforgettable journey packed with highlights.

3 Days 13 Stops

See the full plan