Queenstown’s reputation as a capital of adventure is completely justified. You can hike, ski, raft, kayak, cycle, luge, bungee jump, and lots more. However, there are many things to do in Queenstown that don’t involve flinging yourself into the landscape. Sip Central Otago wines, cruise on the lake, or simply enjoy a relaxing gondola ride up to an epic viewpoint with gorgeous views across the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Go high or low-energy in this southern mountain resort town: it’s up to you.
Queenstown is a year-round destination. The mild summers (December-February) are good for hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and other outdoor adventures, while in winter (June-August) it’s all about skiing and snowboarding. Depending on the weather conditions, the ski season can extend into October. Queenstown is a very popular resort town and is especially busy for New Zealand and Australian school holidays, which sometimes coincide or overlap.
Queenstown is quite small, so it’s easy to get around the town center on foot. Some buses connected Queenstown with nearby towns, including Arrowtown. To travel from the town to most destinations, including to the ski fields, you’ll need your own vehicle. Long-distance buses connect Queenstown with some other South Island cities, including Dunedin.
New Zealand on the whole is an expensive destination, and Queenstown especially so. Accommodation, food, and activities are extra pricey here, making it a challenging place for budget travelers to enjoy. To stick to a modest budget, book accommodation well in advance if you can, and avoid major holiday periods. Make the most of the beautiful natural landscape by walking around Lake Wakatipu and hiking in the Remarkables.
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Queenstown is known for its attractive location beside Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the Remarkables Range of the Southern Alps. It’s often called the adventure sport capital of New Zealand. In winter Queenstown is known as a skiing destination as ski fields are nearby, while in other seasons many other adventure activities are available.
...MoreIn winter and early spring, head to the nearby ski fields: Cardrona, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Treble Cone. Perfect your skills or learn to ski or snowboard. In other seasons you can spend the day hiking, kayaking, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, jet boating, paragliding, mountain biking, luging, taking a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or riding the Skyline Gondola.
...MoreThere are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Queenstown in summer, for all fitness and activity levels. Hike in the mountains, walk along the lakeshore, kayak or join a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, bungee jump, paraglide, mountain bike, or simply grab a meal and a drink with lake and mountain views.
...MoreQueenstown is a popular snow sports destination and the nearby ski fields–Cardrona, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Treble Cone–generally open in mid-June and close again in late September or early October. Many other outdoor activities are open in winter, including rafting, jet boating, and the Skyline Gondola.
...MoreIn winter, the main attractions in Queenstown are the nearby Cardrona, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Treble Cone ski fields. In other seasons (as well as winter), main attractions include the Skyline Gondola and lookout, the AJ Hackett Bungee, the Shotover River for jet boating and rafting, and Lake Wakatipu.
...MoreYes, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most expensive towns. Accommodation, food, and attractions are all costly, although how expensive you find it may depend on your current exchange rate. As Queenstown is popular year-round there’s not really a low season, although booking accommodation well in advance can help you find discounts.
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