Queenstown Travel Guide
Queenstown is a small, picturesque town surrounded by The Remarkables mountain range. Home to some under 20,000 people, Queenstown overlooks Lake Wakatipu and is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, wonderful food, and a crazy nightlife scene.
It’s also the “adventure capital” of New Zealand and the launching pad for every sort of adventure or adrenaline activity you can think of (as well as copious wine tours). Hugely popular, it tends to be a bit pricier than other destinations in the country.
However, as popular as it is, it’s still one of the best places in the country. I love sitting by the lake, watching the sunset with a bottle of wine, hiking the nearby trails, and heading into the mountains or out onto the lake. There are a ton of travelers here and it’s always easy to meet people too.
The crowds may have gotten bigger in recent years but the city remains the best base for exploring the Otago region.
This Queenstown travel guide will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time here!
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Queenstown
1. Do the Nevis Jump
This famous 134-meter (440-foot) jump is one of the highest swings in the world (you’ll free fall for 8.5 seconds!). It’s one of the most popular adrenaline activities in the country and a must for any adrenaline junkie. You can either do it solo or tandem. Here’s what it looks like. Other activities at the site include the Nevis Catapult (the world’s biggest human catapult) or a more “typical” bungee jump. Buses to the site leave from downtown Queenstown.
2. Go ziplining
Ziplining courses in Queenstown are constantly expanding and changing routes, so there’s always something new to try. For example, you can zip down the mountain near the city’s gondola, whizzing through the forest as you look down over the city and Lake Wakatipu. You can do this zipline any time of year, including winter. Seeing the landscapes covered in snow is truly a unique experience. The other ziplining course in the area will take you over Kawarau Gorge at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour, where you can see the pristine water below.
3. Hit the slopes
Queenstown is located right in the heart of the Southern Alps, making it an ideal spot for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. There are four different ski areas, so no matter your skill level, you’ll find a place that matches your experience. The Remarkables has family-friendly slopes while Treble Cone offers uncrowded slopes and pristine vistas. You can get a single-day ski pass, or there are packages that include a lift pass, lesson, and gear rental.
4. Explore the vineyards
The Otago area is known for its white wines. There are lots of organized tours that will take you to visit the vineyards for either a half-day or a full day. A self-organized tour is cheaper though, and you can bike to a lot of the wineries on the 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) Gibbston River Trail just outside of Queenstown. My favorite wineries in the area include Waitiri Creek, Kinross, and Wet Jacket.
5. Enjoy the waters of Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu surrounds the town, offering sailing, boating, swimming, and other water activities. One thing to note is that the lake is very, very cold. Even in summer, it’s what I would consider “refreshing.” You can take a sightseeing boat tour out of Queenstown with the ironically named Million Dollar Cruise, which is actually pretty affordable. You can also hop on board The Luanda Experience, a 70’s-themed party boat! There are also kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals available for your own self-guided experience.
Other Things to See and Do in Queenstown
1. Go biking
Exploring Queenstown by bike is an excellent way to get to the more remote areas around town. There are a number of trails around for all different skill levels. There’s the gondola-accessed downhill Queenstown Bike Park or the 75-mile Queenstown Trail that takes you through Lake Wakatipu, Lake Hayes, and Gibbston. There’s even one of the most well-known dirt-jump parks on the planet that draws bikers from around the world. If you’re up for a longer trip, six of New Zealand’s multi-day Great Rides start here as well. You can rent mountain bikes or e-bikes by the hour, the day, or even longer.
2. Take a helicopter flight
Queenstown is set against a backdrop of The Remarkables mountain range. A scenic flight takes you over secluded alpine lakes, lush forests, and rugged mountain peaks. You can fly over the high points of Coronet Peak, Kawarau Gorge, Shotover River, and Skippers Canyon. The helicopters are equipped with large windows so you can take in the incredible views. Lord of the Rings fans can even choose a ride that will take in familiar views of Middle Earth from the movies. Most rides are 25-30 minutes long, and the views are epic! Flights vary based on weather so book your flight for the beginning of your stay in case it needs to be rescheduled.
3. Visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park
Located near the Skyline Queenstown, this park is home to more than 10,000 native flora and fauna, various birds, and, most importantly, thousands of kiwis (flightless birds endemic to New Zealand). Beyond a pleasant walk around the sanctuary, there is a cultural show put on by the local Maori. There’s also a Honey Bee Center, with both an outdoor and indoor viewing hive.
4. Go off-roading
Queenstown is surrounded by a rugged terrain that’s perfect for off-roading adventures. Tours take you through Skippers Canyon, where you’ll encounter some amazing cliffside views and do some river crossings. There are a number of organized tours around, and you can choose whether you go by dirtbike, ATV, buggy, or 4WD jeep. Tours provide a safety briefing and all the gear you need. There are tours suitable for all ages and experience levels, so you’ll be able to find one that’s perfect for you.
5. Go skydiving
Queenstown is one of the best places in the world to skydive. You’ll jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet and free fall towards the earth at 200 kilometers (124 miles) an hour for some 60 seconds, all while enjoying the stunning views over the mountains and lake. You can jump from 2,700 meters (9,000 feet) or even 4,500 meters (15,000 feet), which gives you a longer free fall time.
6. Relax on the beach
Cool down in summer by taking a dip at one of the many beaches along Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown Bay, which looks out towards Cecil and Walter Peaks, is the main beach. Since it’s right in town, it’s always packed so arrive early to beat the crowds. You can also visit Sunshine Bay, a small beach west of the city. It’s quieter than Queenstown Bay and offers stunning views of Cecil Peak. There’s also Kelvin Heights beach, located 20-30 minutes from central Queenstown which offers incredible views of The Remarkables.
7. Day trip to Wanaka
Located an hour away, Wanaka is a resort town surrounded by wineries. There’s great hiking here, too (Rob Roy Glacier and Diamond Lake are two trails to check out). It’s the gateway to the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, with some incredible mountains, alpine lakes, and glaciers. While I would spend a couple of days here, if you are short on time, this small town is still an easy day trip to do!
8. Explore Milford Sound
Milford Sound is probably the most popular fjord in New Zealand (maybe even in the world). Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park, it’s known for towering Mitre Peak, lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, seal colonies, penguins and dolphins, and rare black coral.
While I think it is far better to go from Te Anau (which is much closer), if you are short on time, there are plenty of trips from Queenstown. If you don’t have time but have more money, you can take a scenic flight over the area instead. Prices vary depending on how long you want to fly and whether you also want to land and take a cruise. If you’d rather take the bus for a day trip, you can find tours with companies like awesomeNZ and InterCity. It’s a long day from Queenstown with buses leaving at 6am and getting back around 7pm.
9. Enjoy a jet boat ride
Jetboat rides are quite popular in New Zealand, but the one on the Shotover Canyon is one of the most iconic. For 25 minutes, you cruise along the river surrounded by canyon cliffs and admire the unique scenery around you. The boat hits an exhilarating 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour, making it a nice mix of scenic beauty and adrenaline-pumping adventure. It’s suitable for families and children too.
10. Hop on the Skyline Gondola
Just five minutes from town, the Skyline Gondola takes you up the mountain for some stunning views of the area. It’s the steepest gondola in the Southern Hemisphere and stretches over 450 meters (1,476 feet). Beyond the amazing view, there is also plenty of hiking and biking to be done at the summit as well as a luge track that you can try. You’ll also find a restaurant with a panoramic view of Queenstown. You can purchase round-trip tickets for the gondola or get a discounted combo ticket that includes luge rides and/or a meal at the restaurant.
11. Hike Ben Lomond
Looking for a view from the highest point of Queenstown? Hike Ben Lomond! It’s a steep and challenging hike for experienced hikers only. It starts at the top of the Skyline Gondola and it takes 5-8 hours to complete. The hike allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of both the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Once you reach the top of Ben Lomond, you’ll have a 360-degree panoramic view of the region. Be sure to check the weather before you go. Also, avoid climbing in the winter!
12. Climb Queenstown Hill
This hike is a lot easier than Ben Lomond and only takes about 1-1.5 hours from the city center to reach the top. If you don’t feel brave enough (or don’t have the time) to hike Ben Lomond, climbing Queenstown Hill is just as interesting, especially if you climb the hill for sunrise. You’ll pass through pine forests and see the famous Basket of Dreams sculpture. There are placards where you can learn more about the landscape and the area’s history. From the top, you’ll get incredible views of the area, including many of Queenstown’s landmarks. It’s safe to do in the winter too.
13. Drive to Moke Lake
Located 30-minutes from Queenstown, this lake sees very few international tourists. It’s a tranquil place surrounded by mountains in the middle of nowhere. You can swim or fish and hike around the lake. There’s a trail that will take you all the way around the lake in 2-3 hours. It’s a total of about 6 km (3.7 miles) with a few gradients and boardwalk sections but is good for most hikers. You can also go mountain biking here. There’s nothing else around, making it a good place to relax. You can camp here too.
14. Drive to Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a town 48 kilometers (30 miles) away from Queenstown. The main point of interest is actually not Glenorchy itself but the drive to get there. The road follows Lake Wakatipu and you can stop on your way there to admire the lake with the mountains in the background. Many locals say it’s one of the most scenic drives of New Zealand. The area was also the main filming location for the Lord of the Rings movies due to the epic landscapes and mystical forests here. Once you get to Glenorchy, take some time to walk to the Glenorchy Walkway Scenic Point to take in the view.
15. Enjoy Lake Hayes
Lake Hayes is located 15 minutes away from Queenstown by car and is another good place to disconnect and relax. The lake attracts runners, cyclists, walkers but also families looking to BBQ. It’s possible to swim, kayak, and fish here as well. You’ll see many tables and chairs if you want to picnic, there’s also an 8-kilometer (5-mile) walking trail along the lake.
How to Stay Safe in Queenstown
Queenstown is a super safe city — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. There is a relatively low crime rate here and, since New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world, incidents are few and far between.
If you rent a car, don’t leave your belongings in your vehicle while out hiking or overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
As earthquakes do occur in New Zealand, consider downloading the Hazard App from the Red Cross. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters and will also send out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.
Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply like never leaving your drink unattended at the bar, walking home alone intoxicated at night, etc. Check out one of the many solo female travel blogs for specific information.
If you do experience an emergency, dial 111 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your important documents, including your passport and ID.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance, especially if you’re participating in any adventure activities. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Queenstown has a lot of hostels (it’s one of the biggest backpacker destinations in the country!) and lovely, affordable hotels. If you’re still looking for a place to stay, here are some of my favorites:
- Haka Lodge Queenstown
- Nomads Queenstown
- Adventure Queenstown Hostel
- Melbourne Lodge
- Autoline Queenstown Motel
- mi-pad Queenstown
For more hostel suggestions, check out this list of the best hostels in Queenstown.
Queenstown Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 40-60 NZD per night
- Hostel private rooms – 100-150 NZD per night
- Budget hotels – 130-170 NZD per night
- Traditional B&Bs – 220-250 NZD per night
- Luxury Hotels – 300+ NZD per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 85-120 NZD per night
- Airbnb apartments – 120-170 NZD per night
- Campsite – 20-25 NZD per night
- Cabins – 60-100 NZD per night
Food
- Cheap eats (sandwiches, pizza) – 15-35 NZD
- Casual take-out places – 30-36 NZD
- Sit-down restaurants – 50-85 NZD
- Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 15 NZD
- Beer – 10 NZD
- Glass of wine – 9-15 NZD
- Cappuccino/latte- 5-6 NZD
- Bottled water – 2 NZD
- Groceries for a week – 120-170 NZD
My favorite places to eat out are Devil Burger (Fergburger is good but overrated), Left Bank Bistro, Yonder, Kappa, No. 5 Church Lane, World Bar, Tanoshi, and 1876.
Queenstown Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 125 NZD Per Day
If you’re backpacking, this budget allows you to stay in a hostel dorm room, use public transportation, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, and do free activities like hiking. If you want to drink more, add an extra 15-30 NZD per day to your budget.
Midrange – 275 NZD Per Day
On a midrange budget, you can stay in a private room as well as eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do some paid activities like bungee jumping or riding the gondola. You won’t live large but you won’t want for anything either.
Upscale – 500+ NZD Per Day
On this budget, you can stay in one of the nicer hotels, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to explore the region, and do all the big-ticket activities like skydiving. The sky is the limit here if you have money to spend!
Queenstown Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Unless you plan on doing a lot of adventure tours (and that’s where most people’s money goes) in Queenstown, you can easily stick to a budget here as it’s easy to get around, food is affordable, and there are lots of free hikes. Here are some tips to help you save money in Queenstown:
Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle so you can save money and the environment. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle that has a built-in filter so you can always be sure your water is clean and safe.
Walk everywhere – Being a small town, it doesn’t take long to walk places. Save your money and walk everywhere if you’re on a budget.
Get a Bee Card – The Bee Card will save you 50% on all your public transportation, and even more for buses to and from the airport. You’ll have to pay 5 NZD to get the card, but you’ll save that after just a few rides. You can order a card online or pick one up at specific retailers in the area.
Cook your own meals – Most of the restaurants in this city aren’t super cheap so you’ll want to cook your own meals if you’re on a tight budget. There’s plenty of grab-and-go food at the supermarkets too.
Find deals with bookme.co.nz – You’ll often find last-minute deals on tours and activities by using this website. As long as you’re flexible on dates/times, you can save upwards of 30%! Also, try grabone.co.nz for more deals.
Limit your drinking – Drinking in Queenstown is expensive, and who wants to enjoy some outdoor adventure while hungover anyway? If you must drink, pick up your booze from the supermarket.
Reedeem hotel points – Make sure you sign up for hotel credit cards so you can use those points to pay for accommodations on your trip. Most cards come with 1-2 nights free when you sign up, which adds up to a lot of savings. Here’s a post that will help you get started with the basics so you can begin earning points now and have plenty saved up by the time you leave.
Stay with a local – Even though Queenstown is small, there are still a good number of Couchsurfing hosts here. Just be sure to send requests early if you’re visiting during the busier summer months. You’ll save money on accommodation and be able to get insider tips from a local.
Get a temporary job – If you’re running low on money and still have plenty of time left in New Zealand, check Backpackerboard.co.nz for temporary paying gigs.
Transport vehicles – Campervan and car relocation services will provide you with a free vehicle and gas as you drive it from one destination to another. This can be a great way to save a lot of money if you’re flexible with timing. Check Transfercar.co.nz to see what’s available.
Hitchhike – If you’re heading out of town, hitchhiking is common and surprisingly easy on the main roads. It’s perfectly safe too! HitchWiki has helpful tips for hitchhiking in New Zealand.
How to Get Around in Queenstown
Public transportation – You can go anywhere around town on the Queenstown bus. A Bee Card (which you can buy in town, on the bus, or online and load with 5 NZD) makes fares just 2 NZD all around town. Without the card, fares are 4 NZD.
Bike rental – If you want to rent a bike, expect to pay around 39 NZD per day for a city bike. Mountain bikes start at 60 NZD and e-bikes are 115 NZD for full-day (8-hour) rentals.
Taxis – Taking a taxi in Queenstown is not necessary since it’s a small town — they are also not cheap. Prices start at 4.70 NZD and go up by 3.30 NZD per kilometer. Avoid them if you can!
Ridesharing – Uber is available in Queenstown but it’s not much cheaper than the taxis. Again, since the town is small, I’d skip the rideshare services unless it’s an emergency.
Car rental – For a small car, expect to pay 35 NZD per day if you rent for at least a week. For short-term rentals, prices are closer to 50 NZD per day. Keep in mind that they drive on the left here. An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is required for car rentals.
For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars. You can get a free quote using this widget:
When to Go to Queenstown
Summer is the best time to visit Queenstown, from December to February (remember we’re in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are opposite). The weather is nice all summer, averaging 21°C (70°F). This is also the busiest time of the year so prices are a little higher. However, the town is buzzing with activities so as long as you book your stay in advance you’ll be fine.
Autumn and spring are tricky because the weather is unpredictable. One day is rainy, then snowy, then cloudy, then sunny again. With such varying weather, it can be hard to plan ahead. Unsurprisingly, this is when the prices are the lowest since few people go there during that time. Just make sure to bring rain gear!
If you’re into winter sports, head to Queenstown in wintertime (June-August). Expect temperatures ranging from -4°C to 12°C (25-55°F). That said, if you’re not planning to do any winter sports, I’d avoid visiting in the winter.
Queenstown Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
- bookme.co.nz – You’ll get some really good last minute deals and discounts on this website! Just select what area you’re traveling in, and see what activities are on sale.
- treatme.co.nz – The locals use this website to find discount hotels, restaurants, and tours. You can save up to 50% off things like catamaran sailing lessons or three-course dinners.
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
Queenstown Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Queenstown travel and continue planning your trip:
