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’s a ton of travelers here and it’s always easy to meet people too.
The crowds may have gotten bigger but the city remains the best base for exploring the Otago region.
This Queenstown travel guide will help you get the most from your visit here.
Table of Contents
Queenstown
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Queenstown
1. Do the Nevis Jump
2. Go ziplining
3. Hit the slopes
4. Explore the vineyards
5. Go mountain biking
Other Things to See and Do in Queenstown
1. Sail 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 for as low as 39 NZD, and for 40 NZD you can hop on board a 70’s-themed party boat! Expect to pay around 25 NZD for a kayak or stand up paddleboard rental.
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. For a 25-minute ride, you’ll pay around 150 NZD.
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. 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. Admission is 60 NZD for adults.
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 so some river crossings. Expect to pay around 100-250 NZD for a tour depending on if you go by dirtbike, ATV, buggy, or 4WD jeep.
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 200km an hour for some 60 seconds, all while enjoying the stunning views over the mountains and lake. A dive from 9,000 feet will cost about 299 NZD, while dives from 15,000 feet cost around 419 NZD.
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 crowded so arrive early to beat the crowd. 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). It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, seal colonies, penguins and dolphins, and rare black coral. It’s a long day from Queenstown with buses leaving at 6am and getting back around 7pm. While I think it is far better to go from Te Anau (which is much closer), if you are short on time, there’s 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 start from 199 NZD and go up from there, depending on how long you want to fly for 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 starting around 179 NZD.
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 50mph (80km/h), making it a nice mix of scenic beauty and adrenaline-pumping adventure. It’s suitable for families and children too. Expect to pay 119 NZD per person.
10. Hop on Skyline Gondola
Just five minutes from town, the Skyline Gondola will take 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, 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. Round-trip tickets for the gondola are 44 NZD for adults.
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 the one above and only takes about one hour from the city center to reach the top of Queenstown Hill. 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. It’s safe to do in the winter too.
14. 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 nothing else around, making it a good place to relax. You can camp here too, with basic plots starting at 15 NZD per person.
13. Drive to Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a town 48km (30 mi) 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. Once you get to Glenorchy, take some time to walk to the Glenorchy Walkway Scenic Point to take in the view.
14. 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 a 5-mile walking trail along the lake too.
For more information on other destinations in New Zealand, check out these guides:
Queenstown Travel Costs
Hostel prices – Hostel dorms cost between 25-30 NZD per night for an 6-8-bed dorm. For a larger from with 10-12 beds, prices are closer to 20 NZD. Free Wi-Fi is standard as are self-catering facilities. Most hostels don’t include breakfast. For a private room, expect to pay at least 70 NZD.
For those traveling with a tent, basic plots (without electricity) can be found around Moke Lake for 15 NZD (which includes space for two people). For the larger holiday parks, expect to pay closer to 40 NZD per night for an unpowered site.
Budget hotel prices – Budget hotel rooms around Queenstown begin at 120 NZD per night for a double bed. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers. Some budget hotels do include a basic breakfast as well.
Airbnb is also available with private rooms starting at 80 NZD (though they average closer to 150 NZD). For an entire home or apartment, expect to spend at least 150 NZD.
Food – Generally, food prices here are a little more affordable than in other cities thanks to all the backpackers that come through here but, like all places in the country, eating still will kill your wallet.
A typical restaurant meal of traditional cuisine costs around 15-20 NZD. For a three-course meal with a drink, expect to pay closer to 45 NZD. You can find sandwiches for around 10 NZD and fast food (like McDonald’s) costs around 12 NZD.
There’s a lot of budget food options in the city so you’ll find plenty of ways to save, especially during lunch. Chinese/Thai/Indian around 14-20 NZD while a large pizza is around 15 NZD.
Expect to pay around 5 NZD for a beer.
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, and 1876.
If you choose to buy your groceries and cook your own food, plan to spend about 65-85 NZD per week on basic staples like pasta, rice, veggies, and some fish or meat.
Backpacking Queenstown Suggested Budgets
If you’re backpacking, my suggested budget is 60-75 NZD per day. On this budget, you can stay in a 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 10-15 NZD per day to your budget.
On a mid-range budget of 220 NZD per day, you can stay in a budget hotel or Airbnb, eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a few more drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do some of the paid adventure activities.
On a luxury budget of 430 NZD per day or more, you can stay in a nicer hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car, and do some big-ticket activities like skydiving. This is just the ground-floor for luxury though — the sky is the limit!
You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NZD.
Queenstown Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Unless you plan on doing a lot of adventure tours in Queenstown, you can easily stick to a budget here (unless you take advantage of the party scene here). Here are some tips to help you save money in Queenstown:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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% off! 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.
- Couchsurf with a local – Even though Queenstown is small there are still a good number of hosts here. Just be sure to send requests early if you’re visiting during the busier summer months.
- Hitchhike – If you’re heading out of town, hitchhiking is common and surprisingly easy on the main roads. It’s perfectly safe too!
- 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.
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Queenstown has a lot of hostels. If you’re still looking for a place to stay, here are my three favorites:
How to Get Around Queenstown
Bus – You can go anywhere 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 3 NZD.
For intercity travel, buses are also the cheapest option. For example, you can expect to pay around 20 NZD to Wanaka, 25 NZD to Te Anau, and 40 NZD to Christchurch.
Taxis – Taking a taxi in Queenstown is not necessary since it’s a small town — they are also not cheap. Prices start at 3.25 NZD and go up by 3.40 NZD per kilometer. Avoid them if you can!
Rideshare – 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.
Bicycle – If you want to rent a bike, expect to pay around 39 NZD per day for a city bike. Mountain bikes cost around double that.
When to Go to Queenstown
It’s best to visit Queenstown in summer from December to February (remember we’re in the southern hemisphere). The weather is nice all summer, averaging 21°C (70°F). This is also the busiest time of the year so prices will be a little higher. However, the town will be 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 wintertime (June-August). Expect temperatures ranging from -4°C to 12°C (25°F to 55°F). If you’re not planning to do any winter sports, I’d avoid visiting in the winter.
How to Stay Safe in Queenstown
Queenstown is a super safe city. Most thefts are car break-ins so don’t leave your belongings in your vehicle (though even they are rare).
Take normal precautions as you would at home, like carrying a cellphone and being aware of your personal belongings at all times. Make copies of your important documents. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.
But, in general, you don’t need to worry too much here. It’s a safe city in one of the safest countries in the world!
If you need emergency services, the emergency number in New Zealand is 111.
As earthquakes and tsunamis 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.
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:
Queenstown Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel to Queenstown. They are included here because they consistently find deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors.
- 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 out the number one place to start.
- Momondo – This is my other favorite flight search engine because they search such a wide variety of sites and airlines. I never book a flight without checking here too.
- 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.
- Airbnb – Airbnb is a great accommodation alternative for connecting with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Couchsurfing – This website allows you to stay on people’s couches or spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can tell you the ins and outs of their city. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
- Intrepid Travel – If you want to do a group tour around New Zealand, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get exclusive discounts when you click the link!
- Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B in the best and cheapest way possible. It gives you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
- 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.
- World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!
Queenstown Gear and Packing Guide
If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!
The Best Backpack for Travelers
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt
If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.
What to Pack for Your Trip
Clothes
- 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 bathing suit
- 5 T-shirts
- 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
- 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 razor
- 1 package of dental floss
- 1 small bottle of shampoo
- 1 small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel
- Deodorant
Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)
- Band-Aids
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Earplugs
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)
Miscellaneous
- A key or combination lock (safety first)
- Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
- Plastic bags (great for laundry)
- Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
- LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)
Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:
Clothing
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 sarong
- 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
- 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
- 2-3 long-sleeve tops
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 3-4 spaghetti tops
- 1 light cardigan
Toiletries
- 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
- 1 hairbrush
- Makeup you use
- Hair bands & hair clips
- Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)
For more on packing, check out these posts:
Queenstown Travel Guide: Suggested Reading
Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World, by Joan Druett
Auckland Island, located 285 miles south of New Zealand, is a place with year-round freezing rain, wind, and little food (but apparently, a lot of seals). Simply put, it’s not a place you want to get shipwrecked on. Yet in 1864, Captain Thomas Musgrave and his crew did just that — and a few months later, on the opposite side of the island, so did the crew of the Scottish ship Invercauld. This well-written account of how the two crews survived (and didn’t survive) offers insight into leadership, camaraderie, and coming together in crisis.
The Luminaries, by Eleanor Catton
Eleanor Catton’s Man Booker Prize-winning book is a parody of the 19th-century novel is considered a modern classic. The year is 1866, and Walter Moody has come to New Zealand to get involved in the gold rush. When he arrives, he happens upon 12 men who have met in secret to talk about several mysterious events, including the disappearance of a wealthy man and a prostitute’s attempt to end her life. Moody is drawn into the circle, and the book soon turns into a thrilling page-turner that will keep you hooked the whole way through.
Squashed Possums: Off the Beaten Track in New Zealand, by Jonathan Tindale
This one is a fun, humorous travelogue that will get you super excited about your trip. In Squashed Possums, Tindale shares his adventures (and misadventures) from a year spent exploring the lesser-explored areas of New Zealand. He makes himself a home in an abandoned caravan, and then lives out four seasons getting acquainted with the terrain – including the coldest winter in decades.
A Land of Two Halves, by Joe Bennett
After having spent ten years in New Zealand, Joe Bennett decides to figure out why he’s still living there. A notorious restless traveler, Bennett finds himself examining all the reasons why these two islands have captivated him for a decade — so he packs his bags and heads out on a hitchhiking adventure around the North and South Islands. His encounters along the way are an enlightening look at life in New Zealand!
Queenstown Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling New Zealand and continue planning your trip:
