Drama is a byword for Queenstown, a lakeside resort town surrounded by the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island. Whether you're here to hike, ski, bungee jump – this is the birthplace of the sport – or go white-water rafting down Shotover River, this is a destination of big thrills and bigger landscapes.
Queenstown lives up to its reputation as the 'Adventure Capital of the World'. You can try bungee jumping off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge – the world's first commercial bungee site – or ride a jet boat on Lake Wakatipu at speeds of up to 95 kph. Heli-skiing in the Remarkables mountains is popular during winter months, while skydiving over the Wakatipu Basin is offered year-round. Alternatively, take the Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak for equally spectacular views of town.
Outside Queenstown, there's much to see. Lord of the Rings fans flock to nearby Glenorchy and Lake Wanaka to see locations featured in the films. A 15-minute drive away, Arrowtown offers a glimpse of history with its 19th-century buildings and gold mining roots. Despite its greater distance from Queenstown, Milford Sound is a worthy journey for its glittering fjord, waterfalls and marine life.
Adventure can be found throughout Queenstown, but this mountain escape offers something for laid-back travellers, too. Numerous upscale spa resorts make good use of Lake Wakatipu's shoreline, while Queenstown Gardens offer a tranquil respite in the centre of town. At the end of the day, grab a bite to eat from local favourite Fergburger and watch the sunset on Queenstown Bay beach.
Tonight
From £85 per night
Next weekend
From £166 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | NZD 10 = £4.77 |
Language | English |
Average weekend price | £149 per night |
Average weekday price | £152 per night |
Typical stay | 2 nights |
Lake Wakatipu
5.7 miles from city centre
The hotel was good, limited parking and a little on high on...
28 April 2024
The hotel was good, limited parking and a little on high on cost. Queenstown is nice little city, if you have time you can travel to Milford sound, but as we were there for two days, the Information Centre was only interested in selling the tours they do and we found out that there was more todo within the city, like Paragliding, Cable car and nice restaurants and cafes, English Gardens, Ferry across the lake etc.
Queenstown is an amazing place to visit.
28 April 2024
Queenstown is an amazing place to visit. Even there are a lot of people, it still provide a peaceful refuge to those who wants laidback time and peace snd quiete. Had a wonderful time walking and cycling around the area.
Queenstown is as fantastic holiday destination for every age...
25 April 2024
Queenstown is as fantastic holiday destination for every age group. The location is stunning, the range of activities available unbelievable, restaurants and cafes are in good supply and the staff are happy and helpful. Autumn is a ringer time of the year to be in this beautiful city… full of colour… not too cold.. just perfect. It is easy to walk around, signage is good and the only downside can be parking so if you can walk all the better.
Excellent place which has almost everything a tourist...
25 April 2024
Excellent place which has almost everything a tourist needs: - array of outdoor activities - many sightseeing/tours options - nice halal restaurants - facilities aplenty - friendly people - central location (as a base to tour the South Island)
Accommodation meets the expectation as per price.
23 April 2024
Accommodation meets the expectation as per price. It values for price. In this price you getting heated room, bathroom and free breakfast in queenstown , what else we need. If you want better room facilities, book a hotel. It is motel
capital of adventure and sightseeing.
22 April 2024
capital of adventure and sightseeing. easy life in the town with so many choices, particularly outdoor equipments. driving around the lake fantastic. only one thing need to mention that so many dead small animals on the road (crashed with traffic vehicles), need to remove quickly.
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