Ready to delve deeper? Your Queenstown adventure starts here.
Nestled amidst New Zealand’s spectacular alpine landscapes, Queenstown is home to a vibrant community that welcomes you as a temporary local. Wake within stunning surrounds, discover your perfect adventure, and take a tour of our world-class food and wine scene.
Come on in, take a look around and start planning your escape to Queenstown.
We’re on a mission to keep this place special. That means working together to create a carbon zero visitor economy by 2030, and we need your help to make it happen.
If you want to experience what living here is really like, this guide to exploring Queenstown like a…
Queenstown Event & Festival Guide
Queenstown is home to talented artists, artisans, musicians and athletes, hosting events big and small. Our social calendar is always pretty full! From festivals and sporting events, to markets and community planting days, there’s always something on in Queenstown.
One of the great things about Queenstown, is its ability to transform with the seasons. From our winter wonderland and blooming spring, to golden autumn hues and lake-side summers, there’s always a good time to visit 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.
Where to stay in Queenstown?
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.
Where to eat in Queenstown?
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.
How many days are needed in Queenstown?
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.
What is the best time to visit Queenstown?
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.
What season is Queenstown best known for?
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.
When does it snow in Queenstown?
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.
Do you need a car in Queenstown?
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.
Surrounding Regions
Explore Queenstown
Queenstown is the lively centre of the southern lakes region of New Zealand, nestled on the shores of Lake Whakatipu and at the base of the Southern Alps. World-class restaurants, cafes and shopping are surrounded by two ski areas, mountain biking trails, epic hikes and much more. Encompassing Arthurs Point and Frankton, Queenstown is your perfect home while exploring our stunning region.
Explore Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town near Queenstown, rich in heritage and natural beauty. Situated by the Arrow River in a wooded valley among mountain peaks, Arrowtown is a charming legacy of the 1860s Otago gold rush. Stroll up the main street lined with historic miners’ cottages, explore local boutiques, discover the history, and enjoy Arrowtown’s sophisticated food scene.
Gibbston is home to some of the region's oldest vineyards nestled between ruggedly beautiful schist mountains. The heart of Central Otago wine country and home to a number of wineries, restaurants, pubs, boutique accommodation, and the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge. Hop on a bike, shuttle, or go on a guided wine tour – there’s all sorts of ways to taste the terroir, and plenty more to eat, see and do along the way.
Glenorchy, a true slice of New Zealand paradise, is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains and sits a spectacular 45-minute drive from Queenstown. Glenorchy’s soaring peaks, pristine lakes, glacial rivers, and ancient beech forests are a dream destination for outdoor adventures. No matter whether you want to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings or be challenged in the great outdoors, you won’t leave disappointed.
Set between the Eyre Mountains and the Tararua Range, Kingston is on the southern tip of Lake Whakatipu and on the border of Otago and Southland. Kingston’s lakeside setting and relaxed vibe make it the perfect day trip from Queenstown. Once a major transport link between the Whakatipu gold fields and the ports of Dunedin and Invercargill, these days Kingston combines outdoor adventure with spectacular landscapes, and a taste of history.
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