Adrenaline Kick: Test Your Limits in Queenstown
Gather up your courage and discover why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world. Thrills and spills, crags and canyons, we have the intense thrills you're after.
Discover Queenstown
Queenstown, the Southern Hemisphere's premier four season lake and alpine resort
Welcome to the Official Queenstown website. Feel inspired by Queenstown’s stunning scenery, huge range of activities and renowned warm welcome. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, discovery and rejuvenation. You’ll find everything you need to plan your next trip to Queenstown, from accommodation options to the endless array of activities and attractions, as well as a full calendar of events.
Discover Queenstown
Family Fun in Queenstown
From blood pumping thrills, to scenic bike rides, Queenstown has all ages and stages covered for your next family holiday.
Have Fun Like a Local: Insider tips
Exploring the world as a traveller is great fun, but sometimes you want to mingle with the locals and discover exactly they do for fun. Here are some insider tips.
A Week of Total Indulgence in Paradise
Reward yourself with wine experiences, air adventures, delicious food and more, with this week long itinerary of indulgence.
Getting to Queenstown
Use the interactive map to learn more about how to get to Queenstown
Queenstown
Milford Sound
Drive time: 5 hours 55 minutes
Drive time: 5 hours 55 minutes
Te Anau
Drive time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Drive time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Invercargill
Drive time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Drive time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Dunedin
Drive time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Drive time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Franz Joseph
Drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Fox Glacier
Drive time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Drive time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Haast
Drive time: 3 hours
Drive time: 3 hours
Aoraki / Mt Cook
Drive time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Drive time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Christchurch
Drive time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Drive time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Lake Tekapo
Drive time: 3 hours
Drive time: 3 hours
Cromwell
Drive time: 55 minutes
Drive time: 55 minutes
Wanaka
Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cardrona
Drive time: 50 minutes
Drive time: 50 minutes
Events in Queenstown
24
Aug
Audi quattro Winter Games NZ
This will be the sixth edition of the Audi quattro Winter Games NZ, taking place during August and September 2018 in Queenstown, Wanaka and Naseby.
1-9
Sep
Winter Pride 2018
Winter Pride (formerly Gay Ski Week QT) is a festival that encourages locals and visitors alike to come together and celebrate their diversity.
11-14
Sep
Jossi Wells Invitational
The 3rd annual Monster Energy Jossi Wells Invitational Big Air is sure to be a highlight of the 2018 winter season.
17
Nov
Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon
Welcome to the World's Most Beautiful Marathon! Choose between 42km, 21km, 10km or 3km Kids Run.
Explore the Best Time to Visit Queenstown
Stories
How Queenstown Became the Adventure Capital of the World
Queenstown was carved out of the land by glaciers, rivers and lakes, but it has been shaped by innovative adventurers and entrepreneurs from New Zealand and around the world.
Four mountains, four ways
Skiers and snowboarders heading to Queenstown are seriously spoilt for choice with not one, not two but four world class mountain resorts. Whether you’re looking for steep and deep, family friendly, stunning views or terrain park paradise, there is a...
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Paradise mountain. Carving some sweet sweet freshies deep in the NZ Alps on Heli Safari 2018. Thanks @julianapse for giving up the perfect run to snap this pic. @safari.global . . .#onsafari #helisafari #heliskiing #newzealand #purenewzealand @heliglenorchy #heliglenorchy #k2skis #skier #skiing #hellyhansen #mountains #powdersnow #piratelife #bluebird
Road trip essentials for a Queenstown ski holiday
Here’s our ultimate list of essentials to ensure you have the perfect Queenstown ski holiday road trip.
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Snow adventures for everyone
Whether you’re tired of cramming your feet into ski boots, attempting to conquer the magic carpet on your snowboard, or you’re just looking for a new kind of winter adventure - Queenstown has you sorted.
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For the best sunrises and sunsets in the world go to New Zealand Specially with the first tracks @coronetpeak #firsttracks @timsteenstra . . . . . . . #bestjobinqueenstown #skiinstructors #nzski #newzealand #queenstown #coronetpeak #skiingwholeyearround #whataview #roomski #skiingislife #girlsski #scenery #mountains #lovewinter #winter #mountainlife #winterlife #ski #skin
What's on in Queenstown this Winter
Snow comes to Queenstown’s mountains, attracting Olympic athletes, music, ice hockey, ice climbers and a diverse mix of skiers and snowboarders in search of fun and friendship.
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Last day of rummaging through the archives for pictures to post as today I head on my next adventure. But before I go and collect a series of new photos heres one more from the cold. Queenstown is truly breathtaking. Such a big little city nestled amongst the most spectacular views. I cannot wait to return.
Meet Steve Norton – a Queenstown adventure pioneer
Steve Norton was there when bungy began and he established New Zealand’s biggest paragliding school. We find out why Queenstown still gets his heart racing.