Queenstown
Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. Alpine scenery, lakefront landscapes and outdoor experiences in the heart of the Southern Alps.
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A lakeside town surrounded by mountains
Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps. Known for its alpine scenery and outdoor experiences, it’s one of New Zealand’s most visually striking destinations.
The town itself has a lively, social feel, with restaurants, cafés and lakefront views creating an easy place to spend time between activities. Whether you’re exploring on foot, taking in the scenery, or heading out into the surrounding mountains, Queenstown offers a balance of energy and relaxation in a setting that feels distinctly alpine.
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Contact usSet deep in the Southern Alps
Queenstown sits in the southwest of the South Island, surrounded by mountain ranges and set beside Lake Wakatipu. Its location places it within easy reach of Fiordland, Wānaka and the Central Otago region, making it a natural point to connect different parts of a South Island journey. Whether travelling through the island or spending time based in one place, it offers a well positioned setting for exploring both alpine landscapes and the regions that sit beyond them.
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Things to see and do in Queenstown
Shotover Jet
Watershed Sauna
TSS Earnslaw Cruise
Arrowtown
Golf
Wine Tasting Tour
Walter Peak Dining Experience
Onsen Hot Tubs
KJet Boat
Glenorchy
Local Breweries
Zipline with a View
Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Skyline Gondola
River Rafting
The Bathhouse Spa
Dart River Safaris
Glenorchy Funyaks
Why travel with us
Planning a trip here takes more than picking places on a map. Timing, distances and local knowledge all shape how it comes together.
Our team is based here and has travelled the routes we recommend. We’ll help shape a trip that fits your pace, your interests and how you want to travel. You’ll work with one dedicated Travel Specialist from start to finish.
While you’re travelling, our local team is available 24/7 if anything comes up, so you can explore independently knowing support is always close by.
Get a tailor made itinerary
Every journey through New Zealand is different. Our local Travel Specialists shape your trip around what matters most, creating an itinerary that fits how you like to travel.
Get in touchKey info about Queenstown
Best time to visit Queenstown
Queenstown can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering a different experience in the surrounding alpine landscape. Summer brings warm days and long evenings, ideal for exploring nearby walking trails, lake cruises and scenic drives. Autumn is known for its golden colours across the hillsides and vineyards of Central Otago. Winter transforms the region into a snow covered alpine destination, with nearby ski fields attracting visitors from around the world. Spring brings fresh mountain air, flowing rivers and fewer crowds.
Highlighted tour:
Discover South Island PackageAverage temperature by season
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 8 - 16 ℃ / 46 - 61 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 20 - 27 ℃ / 68 - 81 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 10 - 20 ℃ / 50 - 68 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 0 - 10 ℃ / 32 - 50 ℉
Getting to Queenstown
Queenstown is located in the southwest of the South Island and is easily reached by both road and air. The town’s international airport connects to major cities across New Zealand, and it is often included in South Island itineraries linking destinations such as Aoraki Mount Cook, Milford Sound, Wānaka and Fiordland.
Drive times
Christchurch to Queenstown
6 hours 30 minutes
Mount Cook National Park to Queenstown
3 hours 30 minutes
Dunedin to Queenstown
4 hours
Flight times from major cities
Auckland to Queenstown
1 hour 50 minutes
Wellington to Queenstown
1 hour 25 minutes
Christchurch to Queenstown
1 hour 10 minutes
Popular trips that include Queenstown
Queenstown FAQs
Planning a visit to Queenstown often comes with a few practical questions. Here are some of the things travellers commonly ask when including Queenstown in a New Zealand itinerary.
Most travellers spend 3–4 nights in Queenstown. This allows time to enjoy the lakefront town, explore nearby alpine scenery and take day trips to places such as Milford Sound or the vineyards of Central Otago.
Queenstown is known for its alpine scenery, outdoor activities and its setting beside Lake Wakatipu. It is often considered one of New Zealand’s most scenic destinations.
Many visitors stay near the Queenstown town centre, where accommodation is close to restaurants, lakefront walks and major attractions. Staying centrally also makes it easy to explore the town without needing to drive.
Yes. Queenstown offers a combination of dramatic mountain scenery, lake views and outdoor experiences that make it one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand.
Yes. Many travellers visit Milford Sound from Queenstown as part of a day trip or overnight journey through Fiordland National Park. Day trips typically involve a scenic drive of around 4 hours each way, often with stops along the route, or a short scenic flight combined with a day cruise in the fiord. For a more relaxed pace, some travellers choose to stay overnight in Te Anau, which shortens the journey and allows more time to explore the region.
Expert travel consultants
Talk to our local travel specialists
Planning New Zealand but not sure where to start?
Download our New Zealand travel guide for practical advice on where to go, how long to spend, and how to plan a trip that feels well paced from the start.