Queenstown

queenstown new zealandQueenstown is located in the south west corner of the south island of New Zealand. Everyone seems to like Queenstown. Everyone. Queenstown is beautiful. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountains, has an amazing lake, and tiny little pedestrian streets. There is such a great vibe and energy in this city. Visitors usually end up spending more days here than originally planned. I planned for three days and ended up staying over a week as did the others I was with too.

New Zealand Travel Resources

Buying a Travel Backpack
Finding Cheap Accommodation
How to Find a Cheap Flight
Budgeting for New Zealand
New Zealand Backpacker Buses
My Favorite New Zealand Hostels
Waitomo’s Glow Worm Caves
Great Reasons to Visit New Zealand

Costs in Queenstown

  • Hostel prices: Hostel dorms cost between $24 – 30 NZD per night while private rooms begin at $70 NZD.
  • Budget Hotel Prices: Hotel rooms around Queenstown begin at $75 NZD per night.
  • Average Cost of Food: A typical restaurant meal with cost you about $15 NZD or more If you choose to cook your food, plan to spend about $50-80 NZD per week. You can find sandwiches around for $6 NZD and fast food like McDonald’s or Burger King costs between $7-10 NZD.
  • Cost of Internet: Internet costs $3-$4 NZD per hour. McDonalds and libraries have free wi-fi. Most hostels use Global Gossip internet and prices are the same. They offer good wi-fi packages at $15 NZD per day.
  • Transportation Costs: Queenstown is really small and you can walk anywhere really easily. It’s the best option.

Things to Do in Queenstown

  • Sail the Lake – This beautiful lake offers wondering sailing, boating, swimming, and other activities. Just don’t go in the lake for too long- it’s very very cold.
  • Eat at Fergburger – A Queenstown tradition, this burger place is considered the best in New Zealand. They have amazing fries and gigantic delicious burgers. You’ll have to brave a long line to get one but leaving without eating one is a crime.
  • Shotover Jet – This is an adrenaline rush you’ll never forget. This ultrafast speedboat whips around the local rivers at neckbreaking speed. Sometimes the water is shallow you think you are going to crash. It’s quite the rush!
  • Funyaks – Quite possibly the best way to explore the Dart Valley. Suitable for most ages and fitness levels, no experience is required.
  • Helicopter Flight – Queenstown is set against a backdrop of The Remarkables mountains and a flight takes you over secluded alpine lakes, lush rainforest, and past rugged mountain peaks.
  • Skiing – During the winter months, the mountains here provide some of the best skiing (or snowboarding) in New Zealand. The trails range from easy to difficult and there are many trails here for experts. (Remember the NZ winter is during the North American summer!)
  • Bungy Jump: – If you’ve ever considered Bungy jumping and haven’t done it, Queenstown is the place to do it! It’s home to the infamous 143 meter Nevis Bungy jump. It’s one of the highest bungy jumps in the world.
  • Zipline – Zip lining is a new activity here and they are just beginning to extend the course. You can zipline on the mountain near the gondola and whiz through the forest as you look down upon the city and the lake.
  • Wine Tours – With all of the wonderful wine that comes out of New Zealand, you definitely want to remember to include a wine tour and tasting on your trip. Queenstown is a premier wine region in New Zealand for white wines.
  • Underwater Observatory – Set below lake level, with an arrangement of massive windows, this observatory is a live, interactive exhibit. There are many large fish to see, and for a mere dollar, fish feeders dispense. Admission is $5.
  • Kiwi Birdlife Park – This park is home to more than 10,000 native flora and fauna, various birds, and, more importantly, housands of Kiwis. Beyond a pleasant walk around the sanctuary, there is a cultural show to see, put on by Te Maori locals.
  • St. Peter’s Church – Originally built in 1863, this little historical treasure has since been upgraded from a wooden church, to one with stone foundation. The major attractor here, beyond the beautiful detailing, is the carved Eagle Lectern, an addition made in 1874.

Budget Tips for Queenstown

  • Walk the Town: Queenstown has its own set of natural scenic beauty which can be had for free in a walk around town. But, if you prefer tour, you can purchase a guided bus tour for US$45.
  • Buy Fresh Fruit: During the summer, cheap produce can be found at roadside stands bringing in produce from the nearby towns.