Queenstown: New Zealand's Adventure Capital on Lake Wakatipu
Nestled between the deep waters of Lake Wakatipu and the dramatic Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown captivates visitors with its perfect blend of thrilling adventures and serene nature. This year-round destination has evolved from a gold mining region into New Zealand's premier resort town, welcoming visitors from around the globe. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills, award-winning wineries, or simply stunning alpine views, Queenstown delivers unforgettable experiences in one of the world's most beautiful settings.
Getting To Queenstown
Queenstown is easily accessed via its international airport, just 15 minutes from the town centre. Major highways connect Queenstown to Christchurch, Invercargill, and the West Coast, offering self-driving scenic journeys through spectacular South Island landscapes.
Queenstown International Airport welcomes direct flights from major New Zealand cities and Australian hubs, making it easily accessible for international and domestic travellers. By road, the journey to Queenstown is anything but dull, offering well-maintained highways through steep mountain passes and dramatic valley and gorge routes.
From Christchurch, the six-hour drive showcases the South Island's diverse landscapes, including the impressive Mackenzie Country home of Aoraki/Mt Cook. The route from Invercargill in the south takes around four hours through rolling farmland, and the route from Dunedin to the east takes just under four hours. Coach services offer comfortable alternatives to driving, and shuttle services run regularly from the airport to central accommodation.
Activities in Queenstown
From heart-pumping adventures like bungy jumping and skydiving to peaceful wine tasting and lake cruises, Queenstown offers year-round entertainment. Winter brings world-class skiing, while summer showcases hiking, mountain biking, and water sports.
Weather in Queenstown
Queenstown's alpine climate features warm summers and cold winters, with temperatures varying significantly between day and night. Mountain weather can change quickly, making layered clothing essential year-round. With plenty of sunshine hours, Queenstown's climate creates opportunities to get outdoors any time of year.
Summer (December-February)
Summer (December-February) brings long, warm days with temperatures reaching 20-30°C (68-86°F), perfect for outdoor activities. At the peak of summer, the sun sets around 10 pm, making alfresco dining an appealing option.
Autumn (March-May)
Autumn (March-May) transforms the landscape with spectacular golden colours, while temperatures range from 10-20°C (50-68°F). The impressive autumn leaves are on full display in Arrowtown during this time.
Winter (June-August)
Winter (June-August) delivers winter daytime temperatures between 7-10°C (44-50°F) and overnight lows of 0°C (32°F) or below. Snow is common on the surrounding mountains and occasionally in central Queenstown.
Spring (September-November)
Spring (September-November) awakens with warming temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) and blooming wildflowers and cherry blossoms. Early spring can still be brisk, especially in the mornings and evenings, but by November, warmer days are more frequent.
Towns near Queenstown
Discover charming Arrowtown's gold-rush heritage, Wānaka's laid-back lakeside atmosphere, and Glenorchy's Lord of the Rings filming locations. Each neighbouring town offers unique experiences within easy reach of Queenstown.
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About Wānaka
Just an hour's drive over the Crown Range, Wānaka offers a quieter alternative to Queenstown's buzz. This stunning lakeside town boasts its own ski fields, endless hiking trails, and the Insta-famous Wānaka Tree. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and outdoor activities, Wānaka combines small-town charm with world-class scenery, making it perfect for those seeking adventure without the crowds.
Explore Wānaka
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About Glenorchy
Located 45 minutes from Queenstown along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives, Glenorchy is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. This small settlement captures the hearts of all who visit with its pristine wilderness, movie-famous landscapes, and authentic Kiwi charm. Popular for hiking, horse riding, and jet boating, Glenorchy offers an intimate connection with New Zealand's natural beauty.
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Embark on a small group Queenstown Wine Tour and enjoy $40 off this exclusive experience. Visit four boutique cellar doors, savour premium tastings, and enjoy a delicious light platter. With luxurious transport and stunning Central Otago scenery, this is a wine adventure not to be missed!
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Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries' Coach & Nature Cruise. On select departures from Queenstown or Te Anau, enjoy a scenic journey in a premium glass-roof coach, followed by a nature cruise on a modern vessel with full-height windows. Until the end of September, use the promo code to save 15% on select departures.
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September is the time to enjoy our stunning Milford Sound Nature Cruise, with a special offer of $20 off select nature cruises. Take in spectacular scenery, spot wildlife, and experience the magic of Milford Sound for less. Don’t miss this special limited-time offer.
Eating in Queenstown
Central Queenstown is bursting with dining-out options, ranging from cafés and world-famous takeaways (Fergburger) to lakefront fine dining. Central Otago's world-renowned Pinot Noir features on every menu. Local restaurants showcase regional produce, and nearby winery restaurants are a must-do.
Dining out in Queenstown is just about a full-time job. With over 150 restaurants, cafes and bars on offer, Queenstown is foodie heaven. Here, you’ll find locally-grown South Island produce combined with global flavours. Whether you’re looking for your first caffeine hit of the day or a memorable meal out, discover where to find the best food in Queenstown.
Where to stay in Queenstown
Queenstown accommodation options cater to every possible preference and budget. Luxury lakefront hotels offer those breathtaking views, while boutique lodges provide intimate, personalised experiences. Family-friendly apartments and holiday homes are ideal for self-catering options in convenient locations. Backpackers can choose from a number of hostels in the heart of town. For a unique experience, consider staying in nearby Arrowtown or the Gibbston Valley wine region.
Day walks around Queenstown
Queenstown's many short tracks and day walks are the perfect opportunity to soak in the scenery at a slower pace. From the challenging Ben Lomond summit to leisurely lakeside strolls, trails cater to all abilities and timeframes.
The must-do walk in Queenstown is the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, a rewarding two to three-hour return track suitable for moderate fitness levels, with impressive viewing points overlooking the town and Lake Wakatipu.
For a more challenging adventure, the Ben Lomond Track takes six to eight hours return, climbing through alpine terrain to 1,748 metres. The nearby Tiki Trail is an alternative way to reach the gondola station above town, with the option of taking the gondola back down. Just out of town, the Bob's Cove Track follows a peaceful lakeside track. The Jack's Point Track is a two to three-hour walk starting at Jardine Park in Kelvin Heights.
History of Queenstown
From early Māori seasonal visits to the 1860s gold rush and its evolution into a global tourism destination, Queenstown's rich history reflects its transformation from a remote settlement to the adventure capital of New Zealand.
For over 700 years, Māori have travelled to the Queenstown region (Tāhuna) to hunt the now-extinct moa and collect precious pounamu (greenstone) during warmer months. The harsh alpine winters prevented permanent settlement, but the area remained a valued seasonal destination for food gathering and resource collection.
European settlement began in the mid-1800s with pastoral farming until the discovery of gold in 1862, which transformed the quiet basin into a bustling mining district, with nearby Arrowtown becoming a significant settlement. After the gold rush declined, Queenstown's scenic beauty attracted Kiwi holidaymakers, leading to some tourism development.
The opening of Coronet Peak ski field in 1947 established winter tourism, leading to further tourism growth. The introduction of commercial bungy jumping in 1988 and the many activities that followed cemented Queenstown's position as New Zealand's adventure capital.
Milford Sound
