Planning & Packing for Queenstown

Exploring the outdoors

If you plan to get out and about in the great outdoors in Queenstown there are a few things to remember. If you are travelling in summer months it’s a good idea to pack loose fitting clothing, this will help you to keep cool. However as Queenstown is an alpine region you can encounter cold weather any time of the year – and it’s not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day here!

A good way to prepare for this is to wear two or three thin layers of clothing, rather than one heavy layer. Fabrics such as merino wool are good insulators and great for layering and it’s important to pack wet weather gear if you are heading into the outdoors.

In the winter months Queenstown gets cool, with temperatures dropping into the negatives regularly, and you need to be prepared so you can enjoy your visit. Although the snow generally stays on the mountains and not the downtown area, it does snow to ground level at least a few times each winter and can settle for days. While all gear can be purchased once you get here, it pays to have layers, a warm jacket, gloves and hat for your arrival. Ski and snowboard attire and equipment is easy to hire in Queenstown, you can literally hire everything, but it pays to book in advance.

There are plenty of things you need to consider before you set off into the outdoors. Familiarise yourself with the Department of Conservation's Outdoor Safety Code and head to their site to get up to the minute track information and safety alerts for areas that may be experiencing changes, weather warnings and any permits or licenses you might require.

It also pays to check out the Adventure Smart website that has tips, links and advice for you to plan and prepare for any activity safely, and for any level of ability.

Responsible camping in Queenstown

If you are planning on camping you need to be aware of the fire restrictions in the area. All year round fires and fireworks are strictly prohibited in the ‘red zone’ determined by the Queenstown Lakes District Council. For details about the ‘red zone’ see Queenstown Lakes District Council. Fires should only be lit in established fireplaces; keep them small and have water nearby. Do not cut down or use live vegetation, and ensure that the fire is out before leaving the area. It is recommended that trampers (hikers) use gas stoves for cooking.

Before planning your campaign trip, make sure you check out these tips about responsible campaign.

Visa information

Of course before you get to Queenstown you need to be prepared with a valid passport and the appropriate visa requirements for immigration. You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident,

• A UK citizen and/or passport holder (you can stay up to six months), or

• A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months).

It is best to visit the Immigration New Zealand website to check whether you need a visa or not.

If you are applying for a New Zealand visa or Working Holiday visa there may be health requirements and information that you need to provide in order to get your visa. Please visit the Immigration New Zealand site to check what you need.

Currency, banks & money exchange

The official currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar and there are many places to exchange foreign currency in Queenstown. Bureaux de Change are open 7 days a week, 9:00am to 8:00pm and international credit cards are widely accepted. Trading banks are open Monday - Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm, and the ASB Bank in downtown Queenstown has a seven day banking service, operating Monday - Saturday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Sunday 10:00am to 5:30pm. ATMs (automatic teller machines) are widely available in Queenstown and Arrowtown.

Internet, phone and post

There is free Wi-Fi in downtown Queenstown making it even easier to share your pictures, videos and stories of Queenstown, with 1GB of free data per day! Look out for the 'Queenstown Free' network on your device and access it from the Village Green, Earnslaw Park, The Mall and Beach Street.

If you want to call or write home visit the Queenstown Post Office at 13 Camp Street.  The Queenstown Post Shop/Kiwi Bank is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9.00am to 4.00pm. There is a full national and international postal and courier service available.

If you want to phone home instead, and need assistance, the National Telephone Directory Assistance numbers are as follows; for New Zealand Telephone Numbers call 018; for International Telephone Numbers call 0172.  You can also buy pre-paid calling cards from any local convenience store that let you make international toll calls from any phone.

Emergency services in Queenstown

And of course it’s important to remember to pack any medication that you require and ensure you have enough packed for the duration of your stay.

If you should require a doctor once you are in Queenstown, or are in an emergency situation, there are some important numbers to know. The New Zealand Emergency Services of Ambulance, Fire and Police can all be reached by dialing 111 from any public or private telephone or mobile phone in New Zealand.

There are a number of medical centres in Queenstown and Arrowtown:

Queenstown Medical Centre
9 Isle Street, Queenstown
Phone +64 3 441-0500

Queenstown Medical Centre, Frankton
Remarkables Park
Phone +64 3 441-0500

Arrowtown Surgery
Berkshire Street, Arrowtown
Phone +64 3 442-1215

Wakatipu Medical Centre
11 McBride Street, Frankton
Phone +64 3 442 2288

For emergencies
The Lakes District Hospital
20 Douglas Street, Frankton
Phone +64 3 441-0015

To report an incident
Queenstown Police
11 Camp Street, town centre
Phone +64 3 441 1600