Queenstown

Queenstown

Nearby

Wanaka Dunedin Oamaru Te Anau Fiordland

Queenstown: Understand

Population 28,000

Queenstown is the highlight for many travellers to New Zealand, and a favourite getaway spot for kiwis. It’s hub of adventure sports in summer, skiing in winter, wineries, good food, or just a change of pace with glorious views in almost every direction.

Our friend who lives there recommends first time visitors to Queenstown stay longer than just a weekend.

Queenstown: Getting In & Out

By plane:

Queenstown International Airport has four airlines: Air New Zealand, Qantas, Blue Pacific and Jetsar. You can fly in and out of Queenstown to all New Zealand major centers, as well as direct flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia.

It’s a good flight to get a window seat for, as the surrounding Southern Alps make for a beautiful approach to the runway.

Queenstown from the plane window

Getting between the airport and city centre…

Taking a bus from the airport to the city (and vice versa) you have a couple of options.

The Orbus (public bus service) is the cheapest option. If you’re planning to do a bit of travel in the area a Queenstown GoCard makes a lot of sense. They cost $5, and you can go anywhere within Queenstown for $2 (without the card it’s $5 cash per adult and $4 for a child, airport $10 adult and $8 child). You can buy GoCards at the Queenstown Airport, or at the C’Connell’s Mall kiosk. Bear in mind minimum top up is $10.

Using Orbus, you would take line 1 (Fernhill) to get from the Airport into Queenstown. Line 1 comes every 15 minutes and the journey takes 20-25 minutes.

Another bus service is Richies Connectabus, which runs every 20 minutes and goes straight from the airport into town, via the Remarkables Park. It costs $12 one-way, you can get tickets from the driver, and the journey takes around 20 minutes. Ritchies Connectabus also provide public transport services within Queenstown, to Arrowtown, Arthurs Point, and a bunch of other places.

A taxi into town would cost between $20-25 for a 15-minute journey, and a shuttle would be closer to $12 per person, provided you get enough people together for the shuttle. Like taxis, the shuttles take you directly to your accommodation.

Renting a campervan or rental car is a great way to explore New Zealand with flexibility and freedom! It’s easiest to pick up/drop off rentals from the major airports, Queenstown being one. We recommend you book in advance. Check out our handy guides Travel New Zealand by Campervan or Travel New Zealand by Car.

By car:

Coming from Christchurch or Timaru, we recommend taking State Highway 1 out of Christchurch, State Highway 8 from Timaru, taking it slowly past Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki (drop dead gorgeous! Worth spending a night or two in Tekapo!), and from Cromwell take State Highway 6 down into Queenstown. The same would be true in the opposite direction.

Coming from the West Coast, slide all the way down the coast on State Highway 6, coming across and down into Wanaka. From Wanaka, the Crown Range Road is a stunning drive, that will take you through Arrowtown before arriving in Queenstown. The same applies in the opposite direction.

The Remarkables, Queenstown

From Dunedin, you have a couple of options. Take State Highway 1 to Milton, then jump on State Highway 8 up through Alexandra and jump onto State Highway 6 from Cromwell. This route follows the Clutha River. Another option (very similar time) is staying on State Highway 1 in Milton, jumping to State Highway 94 in Gore, turning onto State Highway 6 just after Lumsden, and coming into Queenstown up past Lake Wakatipu.

From and to Invercargill or Bluff you would take State Highway 6. And from Milford Sound or Te Anau, you would take State Highway 94 to meet State Highway 6. Or opposite heading out of Queenstown.

By bus:

InterCity offer daily services between Queenstown and Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau, Wanaka and the West Coast (including the glaciers). The buses arrive and depart from the Athol Street carpark in the main retail shopping area of Queenstown.

Take a look at the InterCity website to plan your bus journey.

Queenstown: See & Do

Hike: Get out the hiking boots!

Ben Lomond Track is an 8 hour round trip with stunning views of Queenstown and Moke Lake.

Sawpit Gully Trail is a 2-hour loop with stunning views of Lake Hayes and Arrowtown.

Queenstown Hill is a great spot for sunset, just a short 1-hour walk that will get you the likes on insta!

Heading up Ben Lomond

Drive: Get a car!

Drive up to Paradise and enjoy the journey! Lord of the Rings fan? This is where Lothlorien, Amon Hen, and Isengard were filmed!

Check out Glenorchy, a tiny wee town that’s a 50 min drive from Queenstown central. Kayaking and horse trekking are good options in Glenorchy.

Moke Lake is lovely and secluded, just a 30 min drive from Queenstown central.

Bennetts Bluff Lookout en route from Queenstown to Glenorchy
Glenorchy Paradise Road
Glenorchy

Bike: Hire a bike!

Cycle from Arrowtown to Kawarau Bungy Bridge or continue on to Gibston Winery.

Another great option is to cycle from Lower Shotover to Lake Hayes.

For the more extreme mountain bikers, there’s the Skyline Trail (in Queenstown) and the Rabbit Ridge (near Arrowtown).

Skyline, Queenstown

Extreme: add some adrenalin to your travel story

Queenstown is famous for it’s extreme experiences!

There’s the Nevis Swing, where you go down and out on a 300-meter arc. And you can choose solo or in tandem.

When it comes to bungy jumps, you have the original Kawarau Bungy, 43 meters with the option of touching the water and going solo or tandem. The Nevis Bungy is the highest in NZ at 134 meters, which equates to an 8.5-second free-fall! And the Ledge Bungy at Skyline drops you 47 meters with views over Queenstown and is a ‘freestyle’ bungy which means you wear a harness and your legs are free.

You can also jump out of an airplane with Nzone Skydiving. Their skydiving center has a pretty incredible drop zone, at the base of the Remarkables mountain range.

On the river, you can get on board with Shotover Jet, riding through narrow canyons and spinning in 360s.

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy

At the less-intense end of the extreme scale (although still awesome fun) is the Gondola trip up for primo vistas of Queenstown. Also up there is a lovely restaurant and luging, which is a heap of fun!

Free in Queenstown

The Queenstown Gardens are lovely, and often have events going on (such as the Light Festival, 1-4 June 2019, and an outdoor cinema). Around the base of the gardens and heading towards Frankton is a really nice running & walking trail. The Queenstown marathon comes around this trail to finish.

The lakefront is hard to walk past quickly – sit down and watch the ducks or just lap up the sunshine.

On a clear night enjoy the Southern Lights overhead.

The Remarkables
Lakefront Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu

 

1-Day Trips Near Queenstown

Arthurs Point is a hidden gem, just a 7 minute drive from Queenstown. If youre looking for a change of pace, The Hanger is a super cool shared workspace, and theres also the Onsen Hotpools.

Take the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu, have a delicious buffet dinner at a sheep station set in a gorgeous location. And finish the evening watching a sheep being shorn, followed by the boat trip back to Queenstown.

The TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

Skippers Canyon is amazing, but it is known to be a bit of a precarious road so we recommend going in summer or with a guide. Make a day trip out of it and pack a lunch!

Glenorchy is another good day-trip and only 50-minute drive from Queenstown. Glenorchy is at the other end of the lake, so it’s not a bad drive to get there … we can predict a few photo stops en route.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a gorgeous wee town that really shines in Autumn. Only 20 minutes from Queenstown, you could definitely consider spending a night or two here, or even basing yourself in Arrowtown and making day trips from there. Here are some goodies in an around Arrowtown:

  • Tobin’s Track is 1-hour walk, and a great spot for sunset
  • Lake Hayes has a rope swing that makes anyone feel young and giddy!
  • Dorothy’s Cinema is adorable
  • Chop Shop is a great mid-range breakfast or lunch option (open 8 am – 3 pm daily)
  • La Rumbla is a great dinner option, also sitting mid-range, open 4 pm – 10 pm (closed Mondays)
  • The Blue Door is a cosy bar that has an Open Mic Night on Wednesdays. There are a number of other bar options, but this is a constant goodie.
  • Milbrook is the “go all out” option! As well as serving divine food, there is a beautiful resort and golf course at Milbrook.

Skifields near Queenstown

There are four ski-fields in the Queenstown area providing excellent slopes for skis and snowboards! The season here is longer than others, typically open June – October (weather dependent). Some ski fields are closer to Wanaka, so you may want to consider staying there, depending on what ski-field(s) you choose.

    1. The Remarkables is a 45-minute drive from Queenstown center and is an excellent option for beginners and families. There are 3 bowls and 7 lifts in the ski-field, also providing intermediate and advanced skiers with some great trails.
    2. Coronet Peak is just 25-minutes from Queenstown, making it a really popular choice for travelers and families. There are a range of trail difficulty-levels and good options for beginners. There are high-speed chairlifts to maximise your time on the slopes, and three nights a week (Wed, Fri, Sat from 4 pm – 9 pm) during the season (June – September) the floodlights light up the trails for night skiing and snowboarding!
    3. Cadrona is 35 minutes from Wanaka, 45 minutes from Arrowtown, and 1 hour from Queenstown. It’s NZ’s most popular skifield and is well set-up with half-pipes, terrain parks, child-care facilities for parents, and a high-performance center. It’s a great option for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There was also a tradition for women to leave their old bra on the fence at the bottom of the mountain before leaving town …
    4. Treble Cone is the largest ski field in the South Island and boasts the longest vertical rise in the Queenstown Southern Lakes District. It’s a 30-minute drive from Wanaka, and 1.5-hour drive from Queenstown. It’s proximity to Wanaka means it offers sensational views of the lake and village.
The Remarkables Ski-field
Cadrona Bra Fence

Multi-Day Trips Near Queenstown

Welcome Rock in Garston is a private bike/hike track. You can stay the night and have a hot bath under the stars. The perfect weekend trip! Tip: pack sleeping bags.

Wanaka is 1.5-hours from Queenstown, or if you’re up for the stunning drive over the Crown Range, it’s just 1-hour. Like Queenstown, Wanaka is set on a stunning lake with endless water-sport activities. Wanaka is much more relaxed than Queenstown, and many of it’s activities are cheaper than it’s big brother too. There are countless mountain biking and hiking options near Wanaka with Mt Aspiring National Park at your doorstep.

Wanaka tree
Road leading to Wanaka

Fiordland is known for it’s dramatic scenery, and there are countless activities in this stunning area. Most famous in Fiordland is the Milford Sound. To get there from Queenstown, you’ll have to go via Te Anau (and you could spend a night in this wee town set on another stunning lake). It’s a 3.5-hour journey (one-way) between Queenstown and Milford Sound. It has been dubbed the “8th Wonder of the World” for it’s natural, un-touched backdrop. What we love about this place are the beautiful colours, the sheer cliff, the impressive waterfalls, and rainforest all around you. It’s really hard to not just let your jaw drop as you turn and take it all in. It’s most common to see the Milford Sound by boat in a scenic cruise, but there are flight tours that depart from Queenstown too. There’s also the option to hike the Milford Track (one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks”). This is a 5-day hike, and due to popularity usually needs to be booked a year in advance. The scenery on this track is quite different from what you experience on the boat trip, so they don’t need to be exclusive activities. Here are some photos to showcase the goodness…

Plane Tour of Milford Sound
Fiordland
Milford Sound Boat Cruise
Milford Sound

Dunedin is a beautiful city that has a wonderful combination of history and nature. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Otago Peninsula last Easter, which pokes out from Dunedin.

Dunedin train station

Invercargill and the Catlins are also great next destinations from Queenstown, with the option of going even further onto Stewart Island.

Waipapa Point Lighthouse, Catilins
Flying onto Stewart Island

The West Coast also has plenty to offer, the best first stop from Queenstown being the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.

Guided-tour on Fox Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier

Queenstown: Eat & Drink

Ferg Burger is an institution in Queenstown, and you’ll be hearing about this place long before you get to Queenstown. The burgers are delicious and they’re not too expensive. Every time we visit Queenstown we make sure to get in line and take our tasty morsels down to the lakefront for extra enjoyment. Good dietary requirements available too!

Patagonia is our favourite stop for ice cream… it’s excellent ice cream and there are always some funky flavours to try (if you’re game) plus of course the good classics. They’re also known for their chocolates, so you can satisfy the different dessert lovers in the group.

The Taj Indian Kitchen is very popular, and for good reason. Their Indian food is delicious, well-presented and the range of options is enormous. Mid-range prices, with curries starting from $24.

Taco Medic is an excellent cheap eat. It’s a hole in the wall place so you can sit at a small bar or take away your tacos to enjoy down at the waterfront. The tacos are delicious, there are good dietary requirement options, plus the service is great.

Madam Woo is a great Asian-fusion restaurant with mid-range prices. The best way to dine here is to order a bunch of dishes and share. Portion sizes are not huge.

If you’re after good lamb, Pedros House of Lamb is your place. Note: if you’re not into lamb, this is not your place.

If you’re wanting a fine-dining experience, Rata is an excellent option. Be sure to book early, as it’s a very well-known restaurant.

Queenstown: Sleep

Being a tourism hotspot, there are heaps of options of where to stay in Queenstown.

The Glebe

For luxury accommodation in the city, The Glebe Apartments ($$$) have lots of space, balconies and courtyards and it’s just a 2-minute walk from the center of town! There is a great kitchen setup, access to a BBQ, plus mountain and lake views! An awesome option if you’re traveling as a group, or if you and your partner are looking to treat yourself!

Highview Apartments

Highview Apartments ($$$) are architecturally designed one and two bedroom apartments with views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range.

Views on Tussock accommodation

Views On Tussock ($$$) is a luxury 3-bedroom villa accommodation boasting a spacious open plan kitchen, outdoor hot tub, private courtyard, free WiFi and spectacular lake views from every room.

Absoloot Value Accommodation ($) is an excellent hostel choice and one of the cheaper options. Very modern, right on the waterfront with all the amenities and service you need.

Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel ($) is a good option and just a short walk from the waterfront. They offer a free breakfast as well as soup in the evenings, both basic but a nice touch. The Māori artwork gives the place a nice feel, and the wooden pod-like beds are nice and comfy with nice privacy. Dorm beds start at $50 a night.

YHA has two excellent locations in Queenstown: YHA Lakefront ($) and YHA Central ($). Both are great choices, well-equipped and comfortable. Dorm beds start at $42 a night.

The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers ($) starts at $38 a dorm bed and $98 for a private double (note these sell out super quick!). It’s a nice quiet location, but close enough to the action (5-minute walk to the center). The staff are super friendly and there’s free car parking (although limited).

With a campervan, it can still be quite expensive in the center. Moke Lake has a DOC Campsite that’s a 25-minute drive, but with much friendlier prices ($13/night/adult). Or if you really want to be the action, we’d recommend parking up at Queenstown Holiday Park & Motels Creeksyde ($). Walking distance to the city, friendly staff and powered sites cost $65 in peak season (2 ppl).

A bit out of the city, enjoy your Queenstown stay in luxury …

The Lake House ($$) is your home away from home. 7km from Queenstown, this beautiful home is set on the lakefront providing gorgeous views and wonderful hosts. Rooms start at $215 a night.

Koitareke Boutique Accommodation ($$) is a gorgeous B&B combining luxury and coziness. 8km from Queenstown, the host offers free bike usage, breakfast in the morning and there’s a hot tub! $250 a night.

Highland Views ($$) is a super modern 3-bedroom apartment. The views from the porch are stunning, there’s a fully stocked kitchen (a complimentary bottle of wine) and the place is clean and comfortable. Minimum 3-night stay, $575 / night / 6 people.

Where to next?

Nearby in Otago:

Wanaka Dunedin Oamaru Te Anau Fiordland

Nearby Regions:

Southland Canterbury West Coast