Queenstown

Welcome to the adventure capital of New Zealand

We're sure this city needs no introduction; Queenstown attracts Kiwis around the country for its adrenalin-pumping activities, ski fields, wellness experiences and epic scenery.

During winter the Cardrona, Coronet Peak, Treble Cone and Remarkables ski resorts are the main attractions, while Queenstown's proximity to marvellous hikes and Great Walks make it a tramper's delight in the warmer months. If you aren't afraid of heights give the Kawarau Bridge Bungy a try, or for something slightly less thrill-seeking take the Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak to take in sweeping views of what is surely one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

There are spa and hot pools if you'd like to unwind, as well as cycling tours and wine tasting to be enjoyed. Nearby Arrowtown is splendid in Autumn, and Lord of the Rings movie buffs won't want to miss the landscapes around Glenorchy.

The city itself boasts a vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene, with plenty of gourmet food options to tantalise your tastebuds. Make the most of your time here, or use it as your base to explore all the sights and attractions of the rest of the South Island.

Our Top Queenstown Deals

Things you should know about Queenstown

Glacier-carved Lake Wakatipu has its own "tide" of sorts - it rises and falls approximately 10cm every 25 minutes.

The Kawarau Bridge Bungy was the first commercial bungy operation in the world.

Queenstown is home to the largest range of adventure activities in the southern hemisphere.

Tips and advice from our travel advisors

Watch an award winning movie at the cosy Dorothy Brown’s cinema in Arrowtown. Order in advance and collect one of their iconic cheeseboards with a glass of Central Otago wine during intermission to enjoy while watching the second half of the movie. Grab a drink at the character filled Blue Door bar after your movie.

Shelley Bartlett

World Travellers Queenstown

Take a drive out to the new Hanley’s Farm playground. Don’t forget to bring the kids favourite wheels to enjoy their epic pump track. After a play outside, you could head 5mins down the road to Jack’s Point Golf Course for lunch in their beautiful clubhouse.

Lauren Keith

World Travellers Queenstown

Drive over the Crown Range for lunch at Cardrona Pub. Rumoured to be one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings and oldest pubs in the country. Enjoy delicious pub grub in front of the roaring fire or relax with a pint in their beautiful beer garden. Don’t leave Cardrona without a visit to the Cardrona Distillery for some outstanding gin and whiskey tasting, you also can’t miss a fun photo opportunity with the iconic bra fence at the Distillery’s entrance.

Fiona Garde

World Travellers Queenstown

Grab an eBike in Arrowtown and bike the trail to Gibbston Valley. Enjoy a self-guided wine tour and the eBike company will pick you (and your bike) up at the end of your day so you don’t have to bike back. Who wants to do that after a few delicious Central Otago wines?

Toby Stanton

World Travellers Queenstown

Brunch or Lunch at Akarua Wines & kitchen by Artisan on the Lake Hayes – Arrowtown road is a must for any foodie. The food is outstanding and their beautiful garden is filled with some incredible local artists work. A real treat.

Shelley Bartlett

World Travellers Queenstown

Plan ahead and book in a few great eating spots on first table to get 50% off food at some of Queenstown’s best eateries.

Fiona Garde

World Travellers Queenstown

Phone in order for Ferg (to avoid the queue) and take your burgers over to Perkys floating bar, permanently moored in Queenstown Bay to eat in the warmth of a cozy booth or out on deck in the sun while enjoying a drink from their bar. Perkys don’t have a kitchen so they welcome BYO food onboard while enjoying drinks from their well-stocked bar. If you don’t fancy the hassle of getting takeaways you can order Devil Burger from their bar and get it delivered to the boat while you relax and enjoy a drink!

Lauren Keith

World Travellers Queenstown

If skiing with the family and driving up yourself, always drive all the way to the base building to drop off the kids and all the gear after which the driver can head down to find a park while the kids are getting their gear sorted.

Toby Stanton

World Travellers Queenstown

Grab a cocktail & cheeseboard at Little Blackwood on Queenstown Wharf.

Fiona Garde

World Travellers Queenstown

A fun day out for the kids starts with a trip across the lake from the Hilton Hotel aboard the Queenstown Water Taxi into town. Visit the new million dollar Queenstown Bay Playground - your kids will be entertained for hours while you enjoy a coffee from one of the nearby cafes. Grab pizza for lunch from Winnies in the mall, end the meal with an ice-cream from Patagonia or an indulgent treat from the Cookie Time Store. Before heading back to the Hilton on the Water Taxi, visit the Ice Bar where the kids can sip on a mocktail while you have a vodka based cocktail. Yum.

Lauren Keith

World Travellers Queenstown

Ready to begin your next big adventure?

Give us a call, or head into your nearest World Travellers store. Our experienced travel advisors create unique trips so you can experience the world in new and exciting ways.