Arriving into Queenstown Airport

There’ll be no confusion about which airport you’re arriving at when you fly into Queenstown, there's just the one - Queenstown Airport. There's one terminal for both domestic and international airline arrivals, too. It has everything you may need on entry: ATMs, currency exchange, shops, cafés, free Wifi, a parent's room, a prayer room, and phones and SIM cards if you want to connect to a local network.

How to get from the airport into downtown Queenstown

You’re only 7km (or about 15 minutes) away from the centre of Queenstown and getting into town couldn’t be easier, with shuttles, taxis, ride-share, buses, and rental cars readily available to cart you and your luggage to your next stop. No choice is a bad one, either. Queenstown is small, so you don’t have to worry about a long journey and bumper-to-bumper traffic hiking up a taxi fare or a convoluted public transport system that is tricky to navigate – in fact, the public buses run to and from the airport every 15 minutes, so you’re never waiting very long.
If Queenstown is just the first stop on an epic South Island trip, then a rental car may be your best bet!

What is the best way to get around Queenstown?

If your journey from the airport into downtown Queenstown didn’t give you enough of a sense about getting around Queenstown, we’ll spell it out for you. It’s really easy – regardless of whether you choose to travel by car, bus, bike or foot. Some hotels and accommodations also offer free and regular transport to the town centre, which could make things even simpler.

Queenstown by car

Let’s start by clarifying you don’t necessarily need a car in Queenstown. It’s certainly handy if you want to explore the town on your own schedule and have the flexibility to move around as you choose – plus, it could be beneficial to have a rental car if you’re venturing further afield on a road trip. You’ll find rental car outlets at the Queenstown Airport and in the town centre, so if you decide mid-way through your holiday that you’d like a car for a day trip out of Queenstown, it’s easy to organise.

Queenstown by taxi and ride-share

If you’re not a fan of driving yourself around and public transport seems too hard on some days, book one of Queenstown’s taxis, or order an Uber. Distances are fairly short, so you can expect the prices to be reasonable.

Queenstown by bus

The public transport buses of Queenstown are clean, reliable, easy to navigate and very kind to the budget (plus, free Wifi!) They run throughout the town and can take you to destinations like The Remarkables, Lake Hayes Estate and the historic Arrowtown. These buses run 16 hours a day, every day, and you can expect one to arrive every 20 minutes or so. The bus fare will cost you around AUD$4, or you can get yourself a Bee Card for cheaper fares. For those spending a least a week in Queenstown, a 7-day visitor card allows you to use any bus within the network for roughly AUD$33.

Queenstown by bike

Both a functional way to travel around town and an immersive experience of Queenstown’s true beauty. You’re not short on bike hire companies, and while there are a few hills, most of the town lies on flat along the lake, where you’ll find cycle tracks with incredible views of the mountains.

Queenstown by foot

One of the joys of Queenstown is that it’s compact and there’s a lot you can do in the town centre. If you’re staying in a central location, walking is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this resort town.

When is the best time to fly to Queenstown?

A holiday town for all seasons, there’s so much to see, do and eat whenever you travel to Queenstown.
Summer (December to February) is the busiest time to visit thanks to impeccable weather and the end-of-year holiday period, while autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) bring milder weather and fewer crowds, and winter (June to August) is an absolute playground for skiers and snowboarders.

Queenstown in summer

Expect temperatures between 20°C and 30°C and longer days to enjoy all that outdoor Queenstown has to offer. From a sunrise hike up the mountains, to an afternoon spent enjoying water sports on Lake Wakatipu and an evening eating alfresco in the buzzing downtown area, the limit of things to do in Queenstown in summer doesn’t seem to exist.

What to pack in summer: Breathable fabrics, heaps of sunscreen and some light layers for the cooler early mornings and evenings. 

Queenstown in autumn

If you prefer milder weather to explore the sights, autumn may be your time to visit. With temperatures ranging between 5°C and 25°C, days are incredibly pleasant for hiking, biking or spending the day exploring Queenstown on foot. It’s also an incredible time to see the golden, amber and red shades of the turning leaves with the backdrop of the impressive mountain ranges. The Arrowtown Autumn Festival is a must if you’re in Queenstown in April!

What to pack in autumn: Some warmer layers for those cool mornings and nights.

Queenstown in winter

Snow-capped mountains, powdered ski resorts and the crisp alpine air turn Queenstown into a winter wonderland from June. With the temperatures sitting between a frosty -4°C and 8, it’s the perfect time to take full advantage of the slopes (and après ski) of The Remarkables, enjoy a scenic flight over the lake and mountain ranges, or even warm yourself up with a bungy jump. We highly recommend rugging up and going for a hike at Bob’s Peak – the views are unreal.

What to pack in winter: Warm socks, thermals, and a really good jacket to stay warm. Don’t forget your gloves and scarf, too!

Queenstown in spring

As the town begins to thaw, Queenstown’s colourful vibrancy returns with lush greenery and blooming spring florals. Seeing cherry blossoms and daffodils against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks is a sight to behold and a photographer’s dream. Ski season is still on and strong, with warmer days (between 8°C and 22°C) making way for golfing, cycling and a plethora of outdoor adventuring.

What to pack in spring: Early and late are still fresh, so be prepared with some layers. 

What are the top attractions in Queenstown?

Almost everywhere you turn in Queenstown is an attraction. Best known for its high-adrenaline activities, impeccable ski fields, and beyond-scenic vistas, you’ll never feel bored, stressed or hungry when in Queenstown. Here are some of the best things to do in Queenstown.

Hit the slopes at one of Queenstown’s world famous ski resorts

A winter trip to Queenstown wouldn’t be complete without heading to one of the region’s four ski areas: The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone. Open from around mid-June until September, each ski field caters to all ski and snowboard skill levels (après-skiers included!). There could be no setting more beautiful to learn the basics or to experience the thrill of bombing down a black run. Come for the fresh powder, stay for the mulled cider and views of the valley below – and don’t worry about lugging your own gear, rentals are widely available.

Channel your inner daredevil

Bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, ziplining, off-road quad biking, canyon swinging, rafting, mountain biking – there truly is no shortage of ways to get your blood pumping in Queenstown. A town famous for its adventure sports and a haven for thrill seekers, you won’t find a more picturesque part of the world to test your limits and feel that incredible adrenaline rush.

Explore Queenstown’s beauty on a hike or nature walk

There is just no way to adequately put Queenstown’s beauty into words, and what better way to experience it than to walk through it. There is something for every kind of experience level, with tracks that can have you out in nature for a couple of hours or the entire day. For those looking for a fairly easy, short and beautiful walk, head to Queenstown Gardens, Kelvin Heights Peninsula or the Lake Hayes Loop. If you're up for getting your heart rate up a bit more, walk the Mount Crichton Loop Track, the Tiki Trail or Queenstown Hill Loop Track, and if you’re looking for more of a challenge, make sure to set a day aside for the Ben Lomond hike. With its panoramic views of the lake, it's well worth building up that sweat.

Sip on award-winning pinot noir

Just outside of Queenstown, you’ll find wine country and a region that proudly produces some of New Zealand’s best wines, including (but not limited to) full-bodied pinot noirs. Earmark a day to visit Gibbston’s cellar doors to sample some of the finest wine around. Make sure to meander through town and have a bite at one of the local restaurants or pubs. Book a group wine tour, try the hop-on hop-off shuttle, or hire a bike and drink, eat and shop your way on two wheels.

Treat eating as a sport

Make sure to pack stretchy pants, because eating is as much of a Queenstown attraction as skiing or hiking. From the famous Fergburger to fine dining institutions and everything in between, there’s something to suit all palettes, preferences and price points. Drop into a pub, head to a rooftop, or get dolled up for champagne and charcuterie with a view of The Remarkables. Expect farm-to-table ingredients, exceptional flavours, and ambience that’ll make you never want to leave.

Spend a day in Arrowtown

A 25-minute trip will take you to the quaint village of Arrowtown, an area with a rich history in gold mining. It's nestled amongst the peaks around the Arrow River and has maintained its small, community feel with a main street lined with heritage buildings, restored cottages, and gold mining sights to explore - but is by no means contrived or gimmicky. Beyond the beauty of the of the walking and cycling tracks, it's home to some of the best restaurants in New Zealand and is considered a golfer’s dream destination. Don't leave without a stop at the shopping district to stock up on gifts, confectionery and local produce.

Take in the views from the sky

As grand and majestic as the mountains and lakes of Queenstown look from the ground, there is nothing that can prepare you for seeing the views from above. Buckle up in a helicopter for a scenic flight over the land and lakes or take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob’s Peak to enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. For those with even more of an adventurous spirit, try hang gliding and paragliding.

Get out on the water

Don’t give the mountains and nature trails all of your attention, because there’s nothing like seeing Queenstown from the water. For all-year-round sightseeing, take a scenic boat cruise or board the TSS Earnslaw to ferry across Lake Wakatipu. In the warmer months, canoe, kayak, or parasail on the lake, and the adventure seekers will want to spend some time on a jet boat or rafting on the Shotover River.

Cycle through the countryside

From short, leisurely bike rides and family-friendly tracks to high-adrenaline biking and multi-day tours, Queenstown is famous for its mountain biking and cycling scene. The Queenstown Trail is a must – over 130km of trails run through lakes, rivers, valleys and vineyards, meandering into historic Arrowtown and Gibbston. You’ll never explore the countryside of Queenstown quite like this.

Practice your golf swing

The avid golfers will be in paradise knowing there’ll be a whopping seven golf courses at their disposal while on holiday in Queenstown – three of New Zealand’s top 15 in Arrowtown alone. Be prepared for the stunning scenery of Jack’s Point, The Hills and Millbrook Resort to interrupt play to get that perfect Instagram shot.

Unwind in the tranquility of Queenstown

You’ve never truly lived until you’ve sipped champagne in a hot pool overlooking the magical beauty of Queenstown. The Onsen Hot Pools is famous for its bubbling warm baths that help you unwind, relax and indulge, while taking in the serenity of the Shotover River. Perfect for an afternoon after the hitting the slopes or a great excuse to escape and rejuvenate.

Where to stay in Queenstown?

Whether you’re looking for a hotel, resort, lodge, hostel or Airbnb, there’s something to suit every trip, budget and group. Here are some of the main areas to stay in Queenstown.

Central Queenstown

This is the most central area to stay, and offers the most convenience for getting around, with food, shops, supermarkets and even a cinema on your doorstep. It offers a buzzing nightlife and incredible atmosphere, so if you’d prefer the quiet, you might want to stay a bit out of town. It’s worth noting that accommodation can be a bit more expensive, however there are plenty of budget-friendly hostels.

Fernhill

A 15-minute walk from the centre of town, Fernhill offers a quiet retreat from the bustle of the town centre while still being able to enjoy its perks. In a real double-edged sword situation, it sits at the top of a steep hill, so you get incredible views, but it can make for a bit of a trek if you’re walking back to your accommodation from town.

Arrowtown

Not just a pretty town to visit for a day, Arrowtown is a beautiful area to stay, too. There are about 30 restaurants in town, with local walking and biking tracks nearby, as well as museums and galleries to give you that hit of local culture. Public transport between Arrowtown and Queenstown is easy and frequent, you might just need to factor in the last bus to Arrowtown of the day if you’re heading out to dinner in Queenstown.

Frankton

Close to the International Airport, you’ll be staying among the locals and enjoying the benefits of having supermarkets and shopping centres nearby - and the Frankton beach down the road for a summer dip. It is roughly a 20-minute drive to get into Queenstown, so make sure to factor that in to your day’s schedule.

Where and what to eat in Queenstown?

Foodies, rejoice, because the food options in Queenstown are bountiful – and luckily you never have to venture far for a good meal. These are some of the best areas for a tasty trip in Queenstown.

Queenstown centre

Whether you’re keen on a quick takeaway fish and chips to eat on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, an elegant dinner out, or you’re looking for a tipple after a day of adventuring, the town centre has it all. Bars, restaurants, cafés, pubs and more fill the streets, offering an array of cuisines from Asian to African, to suit all budgets and occasions.

Frankton

If you’re looking to eat amongst the locals, head to Frankton. Sip on a cold craft beer at the Frankton Marina or find a moment of peace with a coffee overlooking the lake. For those who just can’t decide what they feel like, you’ll be spoilt for choice of pubs, cafés and restaurants at the Remarkables Park Town Centre and Queenstown Central Shopping Centre. You can’t do a Saturday in Queenstown without visiting the Remarkables Market and sampling the finest local produce and baked goods the region has to offer.

Jack’s Point

Beyond the spectacular and immaculate greens of the Jack’s Point golf course, you’ll find a dining experience like no other. Right on the edge of a lake, surrounded by rolling hills and mountain scapes, enjoy a breakfast and lunch menu of the best local and seasonal produce.

Arrowtown

Despite its appreciation for Queenstown’s history, Arrowtown is all about modern dining. Bistro, restaurants and bars have taken over the streets, with some of the local eateries boasting world-class chefs and seasonal menus that’ll have you salivating while doing your research. If you’re visiting in April, make sure the Arrowtown Pie, Pint and Pinot Festival is at the top of your list!

Gibbston

While you may have pigeonholed Gibbston as a wine lover’s haven, it’s also home to some of the best food in the region. No vineyard visit is complete without a cheeseboard boasting the very best local produce, and a meal at the Gibbston Valley Winery Restaurant, where the carefully curated menu has been crafted to reflect the local environment and to match the estate’s wines.