Queenstown

What are the most recommended things to do in Queenstown?

  • Experience adventure sports: bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating
  • Ride the Skyline Gondola and enjoy luge rides
  • Take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu
  • Explore nearby Fiordland and Milford Sound tours
  • Go hiking or biking in Queenstown Hill or Ben Lomond Track
  • Visit wineries in Gibbston Valley
  • Relax at Queenstown Gardens and the waterfront
  • Experience local cuisine at Fergburger and lakeside cafes

Introducing Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand, is a beautiful town nestled in the Southern Alps. Nestled between mountains and water, it's said that gold prospectors, captivated by its regal beauty, named it "Queenstown." Queenstown sits on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by majestic mountains.

The magnificent scenery and warm people have made this place famous. Coupled with first-class golf courses, elegant wineries and self-guided tours filled with colorful outdoor activities, the interlocking highlights are destined to make your trip to Queenstown fulfilling and enriching.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Queenstown offers a perfect destination for sightseeing. Summer brings bright blue skies, autumn paints the city a vibrant scene with vibrant red and golden leaves, winter offers crisp, clear skies and vast snow-capped mountains, and spring is a time of vibrant blossoms. Each of these four seasons offers a distinct and unique charm.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Ride the Queenstown Skyline Gondola

Enjoy a classic Queenstown experience with a ride up Bob's Peak, the highest point in Queenstown. From this vantage point, admire the spectacular panoramic views of the Southern Alps and breathtaking Lake Wakatipu.


Experience the limits of adventure

Queenstown is the capital of adventure activities, from bungy jumping at the birthplace of the sport - Kawarau Bridge, to thrilling jet boating, where passengers can fly across the Shotover River at high speed, creating white water and taking in the beauty of rugged mountains and unspoiled scenery along the way.


Glenorchy

Just 45 minutes from Queenstown lies the beautiful Glenorchy. Set against a backdrop of natural beech forests and towering mountains, it's home to many of the filming locations for The Lord of the Rings, including Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlórien, the Misty Mountains, and Ithilien.


aerial sightseeing

A scenic flight is a fantastic way to experience Queenstown's magnificent natural landscape. A light aircraft or helicopter is the perfect way to take your New Zealand adventure to the next level.


Recommended number of days for a visit: 2-3 days


Most Popular FAQs for Queenstown

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Queenstown is a resort town in New Zealand’s South Island, founded during the 1860s gold rush. It is now known as the “Adventure Capital of the World” due to its wide range of extreme sports and outdoor tourism.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

  • Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Otago, South Island
  • Accessible via Queenstown Airport (domestic and limited international flights)
  • Local buses, taxis, shuttles, and rideshare services
  • Walking is ideal within central Queenstown and nearby trails

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

  • Most activities: 8 AM–6 PM, varies by season
  • Best times: Summer (December–February) for outdoor activities; Winter (June–August) for skiing

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Adventure activities: prices vary (bungee NZD 205+, jet boating NZD 135+)
  • Skyline Gondola: Adult NZD 44, Child NZD 22
  • Book tickets online via official operators or purchase onsite (availability may vary)
  • Wine tours: approx. NZD 90–150, book online recommended

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Yes, especially for popular adventure activities and Skyline Gondola; 1–2 weeks in advance during peak season recommended.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

3–5 days to experience main attractions, adventure activities, surrounding scenery, and day trips.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Skyline Gondola & Luge
  • Lake Wakatipu waterfront
  • Queenstown Gardens
  • Queenstown Hill & Ben Lomond hikes
  • Adventure sports hubs (Shotover River, Kawarau Bridge)
  • Gibbston Valley wineries

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, guided adventure tours, winery tours, and sightseeing tours are available. Mostly in English; some operators may provide other languages on request.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Skyline Gondola summit for panoramic views
  • Queenstown Hill and Bob’s Peak
  • Lake Wakatipu shores at sunrise/sunset
  • Arrowtown and surrounding mountains
  • Kawarau Bridge for bungee jump shots

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Day 1: Skyline Gondola, Luge, and Lake Wakatipu stroll. Day 2: Adventure sports (bungee, jet boating). Day 3: Hiking or biking around Queenstown Hill/Ben Lomond. Day 4: Wine tour in Gibbston Valley. Day 5: Day trip to Milford Sound or Arrowtown.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

  • Evening gondola rides with dinner at Skyline Restaurant
  • Night cruises on Lake Wakatipu
  • Night markets and special adventure tours in summer

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak summer (Dec–Feb) and winter ski season are busiest. Shoulder seasons (March–May, Sep–Nov) are quieter.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Public toilets, cafes, restaurants, picnic areas, and souvenir shops are available throughout Queenstown and activity hubs.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Many areas are accessible, including gondola and some trails; adventure activities may have age, weight, and health restrictions.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; some smaller tour operators may accept cash only.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Fergburger for gourmet burgers
  • Vudu Café & Larder
  • Blue Kanu for fusion cuisine
  • Lakeside restaurants along Lake Wakatipu

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly options.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
  • Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
  • Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
  • Budget hostels in central Queenstown

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Arrowtown historic village
  • Glenorchy and Paradise Valley
  • Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound tours
  • Lake Wanaka and Wanaka town

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

  • Maori crafts and jewelry
  • Local wine and craft beer
  • Adventure-themed merchandise
  • New Zealand-themed gifts and apparel

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

  • Car rental for exploring Otago and Fiordland
  • Shuttles or buses to nearby towns and attractions
  • Queenstown Airport for domestic flights
  • Ferry or coach tours for Milford Sound day trips