Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the Remarkables and other peaks. It is famous for adventure, but it is just as good for slow days: lake walks, wineries and a quiet drink with a mountain view.
Getting there and around
Queenstown Airport has flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Australia, and it is a short drive from town. Many visitors also drive in as part of a South Island road trip, from Wānaka over the Crown Range or from the West Coast via Haast Pass. In town you can walk most places. For trips further out, look at transport and hire.
Adventure activities
Queenstown is where commercial bungy jumping started, at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge in 1988, and you can still jump there today. Jet boating on the Shotover and Kawarau rivers, skydiving, paragliding and white-water rafting are all on offer. Book with operators that brief you well and have clear safety information. Browse tours and activities on Big Red to compare.
Slower days
- The gondola: ride up Bob’s Peak for the view over town and the lake, then walk or luge back down.
- TSS Earnslaw: the vintage steamship has crossed Lake Wakatipu for more than a century.
- Arrowtown: a gold-rush town about 20 minutes’ drive away, with heritage buildings and the restored Chinese settlement.
- Lake walks: the Queenstown Gardens and the lakefront track are easy and free.
Food and wine
Central Otago is known for pinot noir, and the Gibbston Valley wineries are a short drive from town. Queenstown itself has everything from bakeries to fine dining. Find local food and wine on Big Red.
Day trips
Milford Sound is a long day trip by road, about four hours each way, so many people go on a coach tour or fly in instead. Glenorchy, at the head of the lake, is about 45 minutes away and is a gateway to some of the best walks in the area. Wānaka is about an hour’s drive over the Crown Range.
When to go
Summer (December to February) is warm and busy, with long evenings. Winter (June to August) brings snow to the ski fields at Coronet Peak and the Remarkables. Autumn colours around Arrowtown are best in April. Book places to stay early for summer and school holidays.
Find Queenstown businesses
See every checked listing in Queenstown on Big Red. You always book directly with the business.