Welcome to Queenstown

Queenstown is nestled on the shores of the stunning Lake Whakatipu in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. Surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, it’s approximately a 2-hour flight from Auckland and Wellington, or a scenic drive from cities like Christchurch and Dunedin. Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant town centre make it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and those looking to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty at its finest.

Find out more about how to get to Queenstown here.

Queenstown offers a fantastic range of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s style, budget, and adventure plans. From luxury lakeside resorts to cosy boutique lodges, family-friendly hotels, and convenient backpacker hostels, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. Find your ideal place to stay in Queenstown here.

Queenstown is a food lover’s paradise, with a fantastic variety of dining options to satisfy any craving. From lakeside bistros and high-end restaurants to bustling food trucks and cosy cafés, you’ll find a delicious array of local and international flavours. Try gourmet burgers that have become iconic, enjoy fresh, locally-sourced produce in seasonal dishes, or indulge in a world-class wine and dining experience at one of Queenstown’s renowned vineyards.

Explore more of Queenstown’s top eateries and hidden gems here.

Queenstown offers a wealth of experiences, so the ideal number of days depends on how much you want to explore! For a well-rounded visit, plan on spending at least 3-4 days. This allows time to experience Queenstown’s must-do activities, like a thrilling jet boat ride, a scenic hike, a day on the slopes, or a wine tour in Gibbston.

If you have more time, a week or longer lets you dive deeper into Queenstown’s surrounding gems - like a day trip to nearby Glenorchy and discover hidden gems.

For inspiration on how to make the most of your time, check out these Queenstown itineraries. Whether you’re here for a short stay or a longer retreat, Queenstown’s stunning scenery and endless activities make every day unforgettable.

Queenstown is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique expierience. For skiing and winter sports enthusiasts, June to August is ideal, when the surrounding mountains are blanketed with snow.

Spring (September to November) is perfect for milder weather and blooming landscapes, making it a beautiful time for hiking and scenic tours. If you love warm weather and outdoor activities like boating or cycling, the summer months from December to February are perfect, with long sunny days and temperatures averaging around 20-30°C.

Autumn (March to May) brings stunning colours to the region, with golden trees lining the lakes and a relaxed vibe in town—a favourite for photographers and those seeking a quieter getaway.

Queenstown is best known for its thrilling winter season, from June to August, when it transforms into a premier destination for snow sports. With world-renowned ski fields like Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, winter brings visitors from all over the globe to experience top-tier skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski fun. The town comes alive with festivals, events, and a cosy winter vibe that makes it a favourite among both adventurers and those looking to enjoy Queenstown’s scenic winter landscapes.

That said, each season has its own magical vibe, with summer attracting fans of lake activities and watersports, autumn showcasing stunning autumnal colours, and spring bringing fresh blooms, snowcapped mountains and green valleys - it's the season where you can do all your favourite outdoor adventures from skiing, hiking, biking and golf.

Snow typically arrives on Queenstown’s surrounding mountains from late May or early June, just in time to kick off the winter season. While the town itself might see a dusting or two during the colder months, the higher elevations around Queenstown transform into a winter wonderland with consistent snowfall, especially from June to August. This makes it the perfect time to experience Queenstown’s renowned ski fields, like Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, along with a range of other snowy adventures.

For the best snow conditions, plan your visit between mid-June and early September, when the mountains are in peak winter form. And even if you’re not hitting the slopes, you can still enjoy the magical winter atmosphere with snow-capped mountains as a stunning backdrop to all of Queenstown's activities.

While having a car can offer flexibility, you don’t necessarily need one to enjoy Queenstown. The town centre is compact and walkable, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities accessible on foot. Plus, Queenstown has an excellent public transport system, including the $2 bus, which makes it easy and affordable to get around town and reach popular spots like the airport, shopping areas, and even nearby towns.

If you’re planning to explore beyond Queenstown, like taking day trips to Glenorchy, Arrowtown, or Fiordland National Park, renting a car can be a convenient option. But for a relaxed trip focused on Queenstown’s main attractions, you can easily get around without one.