Welcome to Queenstown, home of inclusive adventure

We want everyone to experience all this amazing place has to offer, so we’ve put together these resources to help you plan your trip. Our Queenstown i-Site team are here to answer all your questions. Email info@queenstownisite.co.nz or call 0800 668 888.

 

Activities & attractions for travellers with access needs

Enjoy the vibrant culture and myriad of experiences Queenstown has to offer. Visit local wineries, dine at a vast selection of cafes and restaurants, shop or take in the amazing landscapes of the region. 

You’re in the home of adventure, so if you’re seeking thrills, you won’t be disappointed. Many of Queenstown’s exciting attractions and activities are inclusive and accessible. Makingtrax are inclusive tourism experts, providing adventure for all. Check out their directory for inclusive adventures in and around Queenstown.

Inclusive adventures include cliff jumping, indoor skydiving, jet boating, ziplines, 4WD off road adventures, scenic flights, and paragliding. Or take part in the adaptive snow sports programmes at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables or Cardrona Alpine Resort.

If you’re keen to explore our scenic trails, we’ve created a guide to accessible trails near Queenstown. Contact our local Department of Conservation visitor centre for more info on +64 3 442 7935 or email queenstownvc@doc.govt.nz

 

Accessible Queenstown accommodation

Most hotels, motels and budget accommodation cater for travellers with mobility requirements.

If you’re looking for a particular rail height, or minimum door width, New Zealand based travel guide Grab Your Wheels is a useful source of information. Queenstown i-Site can help you book accessible accommodation, and our guide to planning a trip to Queenstown with access needs lists good accessible accommodation options. 

 

Flying to Queenstown

Queenstown Airport has recently introduced Sunflower Lanyards to support those with hidden disabilities to help make our community more accessible.

People with special needs travelling through Queenstown Airport can now do so a little easier thanks to the introduction of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme. Sunflower lanyards are a way for passengers to discreetly let staff know they have a non-obvious disability and may need additional support or extra time to access services, move through the airport and process important information.

Passengers or visitors to the airport can visit the main Information Desk to collect their free Sunflower lanyard and Sunflower card. Either those with disability, or someone travelling with them can wear the lanyard.

 

Accessible Queenstown transport

Queenstown buses include low floors, wide aisles and reserved wheelchair seating on routes to Queenstown, Frankton and Queenstown Airport. Some other bus routes also offer accessible services. We recommend contacting Orbus in advance on 0800 672877 to check accessibility.

Accessible taxi services are also available in Queenstown. We recommend booking in advance. Queenstown Blue Bubble Taxis offers an accessible taxi van with a mobility hoist. Corporate Cabs has large sedans that can accommodate passengers with wheelchairs that fold up or dismantle.

Queenstown is part of the Total Mobility scheme, which provides discount taxi vouchers to people who live with a disability, entitling users to a discount of 50% off the normal taxi fare. Find out more about the Total Mobility scheme, or call the Regional Total Mobility Coordinator on +64 3 474 0827.

 

Mobility parking in Queenstown

The region has a number of designated parking areas if you hold a Mobility Parking Permit. These are available for use by visitors with a Mobility Parking Permit and you can find out their location and time restrictions by viewing the map provided or by contacting Queenstown Lakes District Council on +64 3 441 0499.

For further information or to download a mobility parking permit application form please visit the Mobility Parking website or phone 0800 227 2255 from New Zealand.

 

Wheelchair hire in Queenstown

Wheelchairs can be hired from services like Engage Safety. Contact them directly for rates and more information.

 

Visiting Queenstown with access needs

If you’d like help organizing your Queenstown adventure, accessible tour operators such as Accessible Kiwi Tours and Ability Adventures New Zealand provide Queenstown packages. Find out more about inclusive Queenstown tours here. 

Queenstown is the home of inclusive adventures, and we’ll do all we can to make your visit unforgettable. Almost anything is possible, so, if you want to experience an adventure, simply call or email ahead and explain your needs so activity organisers can prepare a warm welcome for you.

Check out our guide to planning a trip to Queenstown with access needs for more handy tips. 

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