
Visit Queenstown, New Zealand
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Few towns in the world — if any — have so dramatic a setting as Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and backed by the constantly dramatic ‘Remarkables’ Mountains.
With a colorful history of Maori pounamu (jade) hunting and gold mining, Queenstown has always drawn on its surrounding landscapes to attract visitors and residents alike.
More recently it has proudly proclaimed itself the ‘adventure capital of the world’ and it’s hard to argue with this due to the sheer number of high adrenaline adventures available among the surrounding Southern Alps. While any trip to Queenstown should involve some form of outdoor adventure, there is every opportunity to witness the mountains first-hand without being suspended from a bungy cord.
Many visitors find it is quite enough to simply relax and drink in the ‘once in a lifetime’ scenery from one of the cafés on the lakeshore.
Local activities
From Maori pounamu hunters to European gold prospectors, Queenstown has always been attractive for those in pursuit of bounty. Now this beautiful outdoor playground appeals to people seeking adventure and excitement, with a wealth of activities including mountain biking, bungy jumping, sky diving, hang-gliding, jet boating — the opportunities are endless.
Queenstown hosts a wealth of sporting events and festivals, of note the New Zealand Open golf championships and a selection of international skiing competitions. For those who prefer a more sedate pace there is still plenty of choice, from golfing and fishing to hiking and riding.
Regardless of how you choose to spend it, every day closes the same way, with the sight of the sun setting over the lake, casting a tincture of red across the Remarkables.
Nomad Safaris
Nomad Safaris are the local experts for getting you out and about in some of Queenstown’s most inaccessible scenery. With roads such as Skippers Canyon being closed to rental vehicles, this is the best way to explore the Queenstown back country.
Much of the landscape was used in the filming of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, and there is also a wealth of gold-mining history in the area, putting a historical spin on an exhilarating experience. Nomad operate with the approval of the Department of Conservation, and are actively involved in the preservation of the historical areas.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Queenstown
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Queenstown, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Queenstown
- Arrowtown 17 kilometers away
- Glenorchy 30 kilometers away
- Lake Wanaka 53 kilometers away
- Milford Sound 72 kilometers away
- Te Anau & Manapouri 86 kilometers away
- Haast & Lake Moeraki 132 kilometers away
- Doubtful Sound 136 kilometers away
- Twizel 143 kilometers away
- South Island 168 kilometers away
- Dunedin 172 kilometers away
- The Catlins 176 kilometers away
- The Otago Peninsula 182 kilometers away
- Mount Cook National Park 185 kilometers away
- Lake Tekapo 185 kilometers away
- Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers 206 kilometers away
- Stewart & Ulva Islands 223 kilometers away
- Hokitika 317 kilometers away
- Arthur's Pass National Park 329 kilometers away
- Christchurch 358 kilometers away
- Akaroa & Banks Peninsula 369 kilometers away
- Punakaiki 391 kilometers away
- Hanmer Springs 436 kilometers away
Photos of Queenstown
Accommodation choices for Queenstown
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Queenstown. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Kinross Cottages
Fine wine, good food and stylish lodgings make Kinross Cottages an enviable place to relax and sample the wines of the central Otago region. Set on a vineyard with sweeping views, it makes a good base for exploring the area.
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The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
Enjoying a delightful lakefront location on the approach to Queenstown, the Rees is an excellent value hotel with spacious rooms and apartments.
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Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
This modern hotel offers a comfortable stay in the heart of Queenstown, next to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the stunning Southern Alps.
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Azur Lodge
Azur Lodge enjoys a great location just outside Queenstown, truly maximizing its breathtaking lake views. The main lodge building is perched on the hillside, with every room facing out toward the lake and the mountains beyond.
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Queenstown House
Overlooking Queenstown Bay, with spectacular lake and mountain views, Queenstown House offers charming B&B accommodation with a genuine commitment to providing New Zealand hospitality at its best.
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Hidden Lodge
Hidden Lodge is elegant and luxurious and provides a unique experience by combining the sophistication of a small private hotel with the warmth of a large family home.
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Brown's Boutique Hotel
Brown's Boutique is a friendly and intimate hotel with great views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, and is only a short walk away from the town center and waterfront.
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Heritage Hotel
With an elevated position on a forested hillside, the Heritage Hotel overlooks Lake Wakatipu. Its modern and spacious rooms offer a variety stunning views.
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Matakauri Lodge
Overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri is luxury lodge offering fine dining, superb service and beautiful accommodation in a wonderful setting.
Ideas for experiencing Queenstown
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Queenstown, and which use the best local guides.
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TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm
TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm
Affectionately know as the 'Lady of the Lake', the TSS Earnslaw has been steaming the length of Lake Wakatipu since 1912. You can watch sheepdogs in action, see the shearing or even try your hand at wool spinning. After morning or afternoon tea you then steam back to Queenstown.
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Hot Air Balloon Flight Hot Air Balloon Flight
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Depart early this morning on your hot air balloon flight over the magnificent scenery surrounding Queenstown. Lift off usually takes place in the valleys between Queenstown and Arrowtown with magnificent views of the unique terrain.
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Dart River Wilderness Safari Dart River Wilderness Safari
Dart River Wilderness Safari
Board the Dart River jet-boat on a white-knuckle ride for an hour and a half up the narrow, meandering waterway, into real wilderness country.
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4x4 Safari of Scenes 4x4 Safari of Scenes
4x4 Safari of Scenes
The perfect tour for those who want the thrills of an off-road adventure but also want to discover exciting 'Lord of the Rings' film locations.
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Shotover River Jet Boat Shotover River Jet Boat
Shotover River Jet Boat
The Shotover Jet is an adrenaline fuelled jet boat trip through the Shotover Canyon, which towers over you on either side. Skim around crags and boulders and then enjoy the sensation as the boat spins around 360 degrees in its own length.
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Routeburn Track — 3 Days Routeburn Track — 3 Days
Routeburn Track — 3 Days
Climb a well-graded track to Key Summit, where you can sit among the alpine plants and partake in 'The Annual General Meeting of the Mountains'. You then descend to Lake Howden before gradually climbing through lush silver beech forest to the base of Earland Falls: quite a sight in wet weather!
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River and Rings Horseback Ride River and Rings Horseback Ride
River and Rings Horseback Ride
Dart Stables provide a superb riding experience through some of New Zealand's most breathtaking scenery. You will journey through locations used in such films as 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Willow' whilst taking in the spectacular surroundings.
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