Queenstown

Dubbed the Adventure Capital of the World, there is no place more thrilling than Queenstown.

Overlooking a stunning lake and surrounded by snowy peaks, Queenstown could easily have stayed the sleepy sheep town it once was. Instead, the nifty locals invented all sorts of gravity-fuelled outdoor activities to put their natural playground on the world map. Summer or winter, take your pick from an endless range of heart-pumping activities. This usually involves you being suspended from, hanging onto or jumping out of some new contraption, so it’s best not to overthink it and take a leap of faith.

Queenstown, New Zealand   |   View Google Map

Explore Queenstown

From those cool blue waters to the snowy peaks, Queenstown has much to see and love.

Things to do in Queenstown

How to get to Queenstown

Queenstown Car Hire

Queenstown Car Hire

Love sitting behind the wheel and cruising scenic roads? Queenstown is a superb place to do just that. Hire a car and you can drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the village of Glenorchy. Popular ski areas are just half an hour away.

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Queenstown Airport Transfers

Queenstown Airport Transfers

Whether you want to head into town or get straight to the walking tracks in the region, there are transport services that will get you there. Share a ride with other travellers or organise a shuttle for your group of friends. You can even get a limo!

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Main Airport Information

Main Airport Information

Queenstown Airport is the air travel hub for southern New Zealand. Get into town, just 7km away, by public bus, taxi, shuttle or rented car. If you don't have much baggage you could even walk via the Frankton Arm Walk section of the Queenstown Trail.

What you need to know about Queenstown

Getting Around

If you plan to hang out in the downtown area you'll only need two feet to get around. The Lake Esplanade and Queenstown Trail are walks suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Purchase a GoCard to enjoy low-cost journeys on all bus lines within the Queenstown district. Biking is a popular way to explore at your own pace.

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What to Pack

Here's a few things that we believe you won't be able to do without when visiting:

  • Winter sports gear: Renting is expensive so bring your own gear if you plan on hitting the slopes.
  • Swimmers: In summer, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Beach are great spots for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Sense of Adventure: The Adventure Capital of the World has an outdoor activity for everyone!
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Best time to Visit

Most of the town's adventure and extreme sports are available year round but plan your visit between June and October if snow sports are on the agenda. Summertime welcomes mild days with sunlight until 10pm. In spring and autumn it's possible to go skiing in the morning and then hike or bike across lush green meadows in the afternoon.

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Weather
TEMPERATURE °C
AV. RAINFALL (MM)
14°C J 117
14°C F 102
11.9°C M 85
8.9°C A 107
4.8°C M 123
1.7°C J 75
0.3°C J 91
2.4°C A 94
5.4°C S 106
7.9°C O 120
10.6°C N 96
13.8°C D 112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Queenstown

Why is Queenstown called the Adventure Capital of the World?

When in Queenstown you can choose between skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, bungee jumping, hang gliding and skydiving, jet boating, river surfing and whitewater rafting. In other words, any kind of adventure. You get the idea.

What are some of Queenstown's biggest festivals?

In June, the Queenstown Winter Festival takes over the resort with free concerts, street parties, stand-up comedy shows, firework displays and more. The Gibbston Valley Summer Concerts takes place in January at the Gibbston Valley Winery.

What is a GoCard?

This is a travel card that works for travel on all Queenstown buses. Fares are over 50 percent cheaper when using the card. Pick yours up from any bus driver or at Queenstown Airport and O'Connell's Mall.