Queenstown
Queenstown is the adventure capital of the country, on a lake below the Remarkables, where bungy jumping was commercialised. It is also the base for Milford Sound, the Routeburn track and the Central Otago wine region. It is expensive and busy in both summer and ski season.
How long to stay
December to March for hiking; June to September for skiing.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Queenstown yet
Is Queenstown right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Queenstown is known for.
Great for
- Nightlife
- Solo
Less of a focus
- History & culture
- Food
- Nature
- Family
- Couples
Build your Queenstown trip
Top things to do
Gibbston Valley
Entrance $89.50 · VerifiedQueenstown
A cool-climate pinot noir area 20 minutes from Queenstown, with cellar doors along a river-gorge cycle trail.
Lake Wakatipu
Free entry · VerifiedQueenstown
A 80 km zig-zag glacial lake framed by the Remarkables, crossed by the coal-fired steamship TSS Earnslaw.
Milford Sound
Free entry · VerifiedQueenstown
A fiord of sheer 1,200 m walls and waterfalls, reached by a four-hour drive through the Homer Tunnel or by small plane.
Run a restaurant, café or tour in Queenstown? List your business.
Popular activities
Bungy jump at Kawarau Bridge
The original commercial bungy site, 43 m over the river.
Gibbston wine cycle trail
Ride between cellar doors on the river trail.
Milford Sound cruise day trip
Coach and boat through Fiordland to the fiord and back.