About Queenstown
Queenstown pairs lake-and-alpine scenery with bungy, jet boats and wine country — New Zealand's adventure hub and a gateway to Milford Sound.
Best time
December–March for long summer days; June–August for snow sports
Weather
Alpine — warm summers, cold winters with snow on the Remarkables
Airport
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Getting around
Walk town; book tours for Milford, Glenorchy and ski fields
Experiences
Things to do in Queenstown
1
Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu views
2
Skyline Gondola
3
Milford Sound day trip
4
Shotover or Kawarau bungy / jet boat
5
Arrowtown historic village
6
Glenorchy drive
7
TSS Earnslaw steamship
8
Onsen Hot Pools
Budget travel
Free things to do in Queenstown
Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu views
Queenstown Gardens walks
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu views
- Visit Skyline Gondola
- Visit Milford Sound day trip
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Shotover or Kawarau bungy / jet boat
- Visit Arrowtown historic village
- Visit Glenorchy drive
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit TSS Earnslaw steamship
- Visit Onsen Hot Pools
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Fergburger
Burgers · Cult Queenstown burger queue
- $
The Batch Café
Café · Local brunch favourite
- $$$
Botswana Butchery
Steak / game · Lakeside dining institution
- $$$
Rata
Modern NZ · Josh Emett fine-dining favourite
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Eichardt's Private Hotel
Waterfront · Boutique lake-edge luxury
- $$$$
Matakauri Lodge
Glenorchy Road · Relais & Châteaux lake retreat
- $$$
QT Queenstown
Town centre · Design hotel tourist favourite
Shopping
- Town centre outdoors shops
- Arrowtown galleries
Nightlife
- Beach Street
- The Mall bars
Museums & culture
- Queenstown Gardens walks
- TSS Earnslaw heritage cruises
Local foods to try
- Fergburger
- Central Otago wine
- Lamb
- Hokey pokey ice cream
Hidden gems
- Glenorchy road
- Arrowtown Chinese settlement
- Onsen Hot Pools
Travel tips
- Book Milford Sound and adventure activities ahead in peak summer
- Weather changes fast — pack layers for lake cruises
- Arrowtown is an easy half-day when Queenstown feels busy
In pictures
Queenstown gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Keep exploring
