Queenstown is considered the adrenaline capital of the world—and not without reason. This city boasts four ski resorts, the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, and wild go-karting down the slopes. What more could you ask for? Well, how about mountain biking down steep trails, paragliding, the world’s highest tree-to-tree zipline, or climbing up razor-sharp peaks?
But Queenstown isn’t all about adrenaline. It’s a stunning city nestled on the shore of a lake and surrounded by dramatic mountains, perfect for relaxing activities or hiking. I can already tell you that if you visit in autumn, you’ll fall in love with the colorful contrast in the scenery. Plus, the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife won’t go unnoticed. New Zealand is a country full of adventure, and Queenstown is the perfect representation of that spirit.
Queenstown is located slightly south of the center of New Zealand’s South Island, in Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu. The lake is famous for its unique Z shape.
The city has a population of around 15,000 and serves as the district capital of the Queenstown Lakes District in the Otago region. This district also includes the towns of Wanaka, Arrowtown, and Glenorchy, as well as Lakes Wakatipu, Wanaka, and Hawea.
One of the best things about Queenstown is that it’s a year-round destination, with each season offering something different. So instead of telling you the best time to go, let’s explore what each season has to offer, so you can decide for yourself.
Summer (December to February) brings sunny days and minimal rainfall. It’s the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking, paragliding, or swimming in the region’s lakes. Streets are buzzing with festivals and tourists.
Winter (June to August) is ideal for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. The mountains and the city will be covered in snow, and the crisp, clean air makes a scenic helicopter ride over the snowy peaks especially worthwhile.
Autumn (March to May) completely transforms the landscape. This is my favorite season. The changing colors of the trees—shades of red, yellow, green, and gold—are a breathtaking sight. Add in the reflection of these colors in the lakes and you have a view that’s hard to put into words. 🙂
Spring (September to November) might be the least recommended season. Sure, the landscapes begin to bloom again, with flowers, crystal-clear water from the snowmelt, and forests full of life. But the weather is more unpredictable, and it’s still quite chilly, so you might not enjoy it as much as you’d like.
It’s essential to travel to New Zealand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well.
You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
Internet is mandatory for getting around and using metservice, the country’s weather service. Keeping up to date with the weather is necessary if you don’t want to have any problems. It can also be very useful when translating if you don’t understand English very well.
To do this, we will tell you how to get a New Zealand SIM card with the internet and take advantage of its affordable prices. And now we also have information about the New Zealand eSIM with unlimited data.
Queenstown is one of the most well-known cities in New Zealand, so getting there is very easy.
You can fly into Queenstown from most major cities in New Zealand. For example, the flight from Christchurch takes 1 hour, from Auckland 1 hour 50 minutes, and from Wellington 1 hour 30 minutes. Queenstown Airport also handles some international flights, mostly from Australia.
If you prefer to travel by bus, InterCity Bus offers routes from major cities like Christchurch (8 hours) and Dunedin (4.5 hours). The InterCity terminal in Queenstown is right in the city center. There are also connections from the West Coast; for example, the Franz Josef – Queenstown route takes about 8.5 hours.
However, the best way to get to Queenstown is definitely by car or campervan. The city is well connected by road, and you can easily drive in from Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, or even the West Coast via a detour through Wanaka.
If you’re starting from the North Island and want to drive, you’ll first need to get to Wellington. From there, take the 4-hour public ferry to Picton. The drive from Picton to Queenstown takes over 10 hours.
Queenstown offers an incredible variety of things to see and do. While the city has several art galleries and some charming parks, the real highlights are found in its hills, lakes, and surrounding towns.
Te Tapu Nui Hill, also known as Queenstown Hill, is one of the city’s top attractions and a must-visit thanks to its easy access and breathtaking views. Imagine standing at 600 meters, looking down at Queenstown, with Lake Wakatipu winding between mountain slopes and alpine peaks rising around you.
If you go at sunrise or sunset, the already-stunning view becomes a full-on color spectacle.
Visiting Queenstown Hill is very straightforward. You can start your hike to Te Tapu Nui Hill directly from the city center. It takes about 2 hours to reach the summit. The best part? The return is all downhill and should take no more than an hour 🙂
New Zealanders love botanical parks, and Queenstown wasn’t going to miss out. Just a short walk from the city center, you’ll find this delightful botanical garden.
Although it’s smaller than the one in Christchurch, it still has plenty to offer: exotic plants, native trees, a peaceful pond, and a romantic 30-minute walk around the garden and along the shore of Lake Wakatipu.
Oh, and one more thing—if you visit in winter, the small pond often freezes over and turns into a real ice-skating rink! As you can see, Queenstown has its own winter magic.
A ride up Bob’s Peak is a must during your Queenstown adventure. The views are spectacular, the surrounding mountains, the blue lake, and Queenstown from above (although Queenstown Hill still wins for best views). What makes Bob’s Peak special is how you go up—and how you come down.
To ascend, you can take the steepest cable car in the entire Southern Hemisphere. That alone is worth the experience. Departing from downtown Queenstown, it gets you to the 450-meter summit in under 10 minutes. That’s quite a walk saved!
Ok, you’re at the top—now what? Time to go down! You’ve got six options:
You could also bungee jump from Queenstown Hill, but with the bungee cord, you’ll just bounce right back up! (Marcos, stop making bad jokes and focus!)
This hiking trail is one of the most challenging you’ll find in Queenstown, as it climbs to an altitude of 1,748 meters. You can start the trail right from the city center or save yourself a couple of hours by taking the cable car up to Bob’s Peak. If you start from the bottom, the hike is 14 kilometers one way—around 8 hours round trip.
The trail crosses open steppes used as grazing land for the many sheep you’ll encounter. From almost the beginning, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views. Starting at the top of Bob’s Peak, the scenery only gets better as you ascend Ben Lomond: Queenstown’s deep-blue lakes, bare and snow-capped mountains, and—if you hike around dusk on a clear day, an unforgettable sunset that will be etched in your memory.
Keep in mind that this is a long and strenuous route. Bring plenty of water and warm clothes—even in summer, it can be cold at the summit. In winter, snow and ice can make the trail dangerous, so always check the weather conditions before setting out.
I’ve been talking about it for a while without giving it its own spotlight—time to fix that. Lake Wakatipu truly deserves attention. Queenstown sits right on its shore, giving you direct access from the city center. This is a glacial lake, fed by the surrounding mountains and drained by the Kawarau River.
The lake is remarkable for its Z-shape and massive size—it’s the longest and the third-largest lake in New Zealand. The dramatic mountain backdrop only enhances the scene, with their jagged peaks often dusted in snow during winter. The many beaches along the lake invite you to swim or relax in the sun.
There’s also no shortage of water activities: swimming, fishing, kayaking, cruising, jet skiing—you name it. I’ll detail a couple of specific spots below.
If the beaches of Lake Wakatipu have caught your eye, Sunshine Bay is one of the best. To reach it, take the short Sunshine Bay trail, a 1-hour round trip. The car park is just a 6-minute drive from Queenstown on the road to Glenorchy, so be sure to at least make a stop here during your visit.
I absolutely loved the walk itself. It winds along the lake’s cliffs, past an 8-meter waterfall, before arriving at the serene Sunshine Bay. It’s a peaceful spot for swimming, having a picnic, fishing, or—best of all—enjoying a couple of beers away from the city crowds. Truly a hidden gem in Queenstown.
Located less than 20 minutes by car from Queenstown, Bob’s Cove is one of the most beautiful coves on Lake Wakatipu. Its crystal-clear waters and sheltered inlet create calm conditions perfect for a swim. Surrounded by lush green hills, it almost feels like a tropical beach.
You can explore the nature around the cove via the Bob’s Cove Track, a quick 30-minute walk.
This time we jumped on a mountain bike to tackle the 110-kilometer Queenstown Trail (you can also walk it, though that would take around five days!). The trail connects Queenstown with Arrowtown and the suburbs of Jack’s Point and Gibbston.
It’s an incredibly varied route—through forests, over hills and mountains, along lakeshores, across rivers, and deeply immersed in the landscapes of the Queenstown Lakes District. Sounds good, right?
This is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Queenstown Lakes District, located 30 minutes by car from Queenstown. A gorge carved by the roaring Kawarau River through the Gibbston Valley. The sight of the river forcing its way through the hills, creating steep cliffs, is just stunning… Use a little imagination and you might even picture the Pillars of the Kings from The Lord of the Rings.
Lastly, this gorge is home to the world’s first commercial bungee jump. From the Kawarau Bridge, you can jump straight into the Kawarau Rapids. Not sure how? Keep reading, I’ll give you all the details shortly 😉
A charming lakeside town named after the lake it borders, just 1 hour from Queenstown. The lake is perfect for swimming, fishing or kayaking, and it features a famous solitary tree that photographers flock to capture. The drive there is also stunning—one of the highest and most scenic roads in New Zealand, with views reaching Arrowtown and The Remarkables.
Don’t miss the sunrise from Roys Peak or Isthmus Peak—it’s truly magical. Wanaka is a place that will definitely leave a mark on your Queenstown adventure.
Just under 20 minutes from Queenstown, Arrowtown is known for its gold mining history and breathtaking natural surroundings. Stroll down the heritage-listed Buckingham Street, which ends at the historic Chinese settlement following the Arrow River.
But it’s not all history—this small town also boasts charming boutiques and cozy cafés. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth like my friend Alex, don’t miss The Remarkable Sweet Shop. This candy store will overload you with sweets, cakes, brownies… It’s a must for dessert lovers!
If you visit in autumn, all the trees will be changing colors, creating a stunning, multicolored landscape. Every time fall arrives, I remember this beautiful place that I’ll show you below.
Located on the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Getting there is part of the adventure itself. It’s a 45-minute drive from Queenstown if you go straight, but for me, the journey took nearly half a day with all the stops and photo ops. The best stops along the way include Moke Lake, Wilson Bay, Bob’s Cove, the Bennetts Bluff lookout, and the little Paradise jetty.
Once in town, you’ll have plenty of excursions to choose from: hike the Routeburn Track through the Southern Alps to the magical Milford Sound, camp lakeside in Kinloch, or visit iconic Lord of the Rings film locations. But for me, the ultimate adventure will always be the drive to Paradise on Glenorchy-Paradise Road.
This is the most iconic adventure activity in Queenstown, and it deserves to be first on the list. The jump from Kawarau Bridge, which spans the river of the same name, is considered the world’s first commercial bungee jump. It’s a 43-meter leap with different jump styles to choose from — each guaranteed to flood your body with adrenaline. You can even dip into the water, skim the surface, or stop just a few feet above it.
By the way, this is one of Queenstown’s most popular tourist experiences and often sells out. Make sure to book ahead so you don’t miss out. I’m in it, are you?
If the Kawarau Bridge jump wowed you, this next one will leave you breathless — literally. If 43 meters wasn’t enough to get your heart racing, how about jumping from 134 meters? That’s eight full seconds of free fall! A real thrill, reserved for true adrenaline junkies.
The jump takes place from a cabin suspended on a zipline over the Nevis River rapids. Reservations are required, as spots fill up fast. The price is steep, but in my opinion, the experience is worth every cent.
Okay, time to relax a bit — I’m feeling dizzy after all that jumping. What better way to unwind than with a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu and dinner at Walter Peak? Picture a sunset sail across this beautiful lake, followed by a barbecue feast of meats, seafood, a cheeseboard, and local wine — all at the charming Colonel’s Homestead.
To end the evening, you can watch farming demonstrations or simply enjoy a quiet drink at the on-site bar.
This one’s for true fans of The Lord of the Rings. You’ll explore some of the most iconic filming locations used in the award-winning trilogy. The tour takes you to places chosen by Peter Jackson like Mt Aspiring and Glenorchy, including the famous Isengard Lookout. Do I need to say more?
This day trip lets you explore the Dart River in two thrilling ways. First, hop aboard a jet boat and zoom along the water. When you’ve had your fill of speed, grab a canoe and glide downstream with the current. It’s the perfect combo to see the river and its magical pools without exhausting yourself. The tour includes a picnic in “Middle Earth” (yes, that trilogy again!), plus hotel transfers, gear, and a guide.
We’re back to the extreme with canyoning in the famous Kawarau River. Here, you’ll discover towering cliffs and epic waterfalls. Climb some of them, then slide down natural rock chutes. The entire experience is led by a guide who ensures your safety and amps up the fun.
The best way to explore Queenstown’s neighboring towns — if you don’t have your own transport — is with this guided bus tour. It covers the must-sees in Wanaka and Arrowtown: lookout points on Crown Range Road, a cold beer at the historic Cardrona Hotel, and of course, a stop at Lake Wanaka for that iconic photo of the lone tree.
Back to the adrenaline rush, but this time we’re flying tandem! Queenstown has several tandem paragliding options, but I recommend the one from Bob’s Peak. It’s the best way to glide down without breaking a sweat — just a racing heartbeat.
Fly, relax in the air, and enjoy jaw-dropping views beneath your feet. Unforgettable!
Another great way to descend from Bob’s Peak is by zipline — soaring over trees while gazing at Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. This is the world’s highest tree-to-tree zipline. Choose from three routes: family-friendly, extreme, or somewhere in between.
Get ready for two hours of rafting on the Shotover River. It starts off calm to help you warm up… then suddenly, bam! Rapids that’ll have you paddling for dear life. The grand finale? A thrilling 120-meter ride through the Oxenbridge Tunnel, ending in a near-vertical drop at Cascade Rapid.
Queenstown offers some of the best accommodations in all of New Zealand. Nestled between mountains and facing the stunning lake, the city is perfect for a dreamlike night’s stay. Since the town is small, you’ll be close to everything no matter where you stay, though I recommend staying downtown for convenience.
Here are my favorite hotels in Queenstown:
Absoloot Hostel was my go-to on my first visit to Queenstown. It’s a basic hostel with mixed dorms and one of the cheapest options in the city.
What I loved most? The fully equipped kitchen with lake views — cooking there was an experience. Plus, it’s only 100 meters from the city center.
Other great options:
If you want something more private and modern, check out Ramada Queenstown. I recommend it especially for its location — right between all the main attractions.
The hotel features spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms and countryside or city views.
Other solid choices:
If I had to choose a dreamy hotel with mountain views, I’d pick Hidden Lodge Queenstown. This luxurious retreat includes breakfast and access to a gym and sauna, free for guests.
Although it’s 3 km from downtown, it’s close to major attractions.
Want something closer to the center? Try:
Queenstown is a relatively small city, so getting around is very easy. In fact, unlike my recommendations for larger cities like Auckland or Christchurch, you can drive into Queenstown without any issues. Parking is also relatively easy, especially near the lake or on the outskirts of the city. Most of Queenstown’s attractions are within walking distance.
If you prefer public transport, the Connectabus links Queenstown with the airport, Arthurs Point, Sunshine Bay, and Arrowtown, among other places. It’s a very affordable way to get around Queenstown and its surroundings, with tickets costing just NZ$2 when using a Bee Card, which you can get at the airport.
You can also rent bicycles or e-scooters at some shops in the city center. Prices tend to be slightly higher, as these aren’t the typical scooters you find parked around major cities. Still, it’s a fun and efficient way to explore the city at your own pace without suffering too much on uphill climbs.
Lastly, taxis are available if you need to get from one place to another. I only recommend using them if you’re travelling with others and can share the cost, as it can otherwise be quite expensive.
The great thing about Queenstown being a small yet very touristy city is that you can find lovely places to eat almost everywhere — and all within walking distance 😉
My favorite café in all of Queenstown is Odelay Café in Remarkables Park. It’s located in the heart of a bustling shopping district, but stepping inside feels like entering a cozy retreat. They serve pastries, cakes, sweets, and even homemade cookies — all perfect alongside their aromatic coffees.
Another great spot in the city center is Balls and Bangles on Shotover Street. But this isn’t just any café — their specialty is donuts, baked fresh every morning. They also offer great coffee and milkshakes and are well-known for their brunches and breakfasts.
Gudula Café and Larder is one of those iconic spots that every Queenstown local knows. Located in the heart of the city, it has won several awards for its delicious coffee, cakes, and fresh juices. With a vintage charm and views of Lake Wakatipu, it’s perfect for a post-sunrise brunch after a hike up Queenstown Hill.
I also want to mention The Exchange, where I found the coffee outstanding and the food delicious — all in an unpretentious setting. After a long morning wandering the city, it was just what I needed.
The next place I recommend follows a “farm to table” philosophy. Public Kitchen and Bar, located on the Steamer Wharf, offers fresh local ingredients and traditional Kiwi cuisine. It’s a relaxed and informal spot, perfect for a tasty lunch. Are you getting hungry?
For high-quality Italian cuisine, Bella Cucina is your best bet. With homemade, mama-style dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven and paired with Italian wines — all using local ingredients from the Otago region — it’s food made with love.
And finally, no list would be complete without mentioning Fergburger. Eating here is practically a tradition. After a night out, ending up at Fergburger is like ending a night in Valencia at Horno de los Borrachos. The burgers are massive and absolutely delicious. Best of all, they offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy them.
Make sure to check out the Queenstown Ice Bar — a truly unique experience. As the name suggests, the bar is made entirely of ice, including walls and even art sculptures. With its designer cocktails and warm jackets provided upon entry, it’s the perfect place to start your night.
If you’re into craft beer, head to Smiths Craft Beer Bar in central Queenstown. This old-school pub features wooden interiors, beers on tap, and hearty burgers that might raise your cholesterol. A great way to start your night out in Queenstown.
Next, continue your night at Cowboys, an American-style bar complete with a mechanical bull you can ride for just NZ$2. The venue transforms into a nightclub with a central dance floor that keeps going until late.
But if you’re after going out and party, my favorite club in Queenstown is Silent Disco. It’s one of those places where everyone wears headphones and dances to different music channels. It might sound strange at first, but once you put on your own headset, you’ll get it — music just for you! Choose from three channels and dance the night away without losing your hearing hahaha.
As you’ve seen throughout this post, Queenstown is incredible. Whether you’re into hikes, tours, adventure sports, or just exploring the town, you definitely won’t be bored. In fact, this is the only city in New Zealand where I recommend spending as much time as possible enjoying your favorite activities and discovering the nature that surrounds it.
A week is ideal for experiencing Queenstown in depth, but if you’re short on time, 4 days should be enough to see the essentials.
That said, here are a few common-sense tips I wish someone had told me before visiting:
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Queenstown.
