Queenstown

Queenstown Travel Guide

The world's adventure capital, ringed by Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, famed for bungy jumping and skydiving. Home of the world's first commercial bungy, Queenstown offers 150-plus adventure activities including skydiving, jet boats, and luge. A Milford Sound cruise is a New Zealand highlight, and winter brings skiing at the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Eating a Fergburger with lake views is practically mandatory.

Essential Queenstown Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Queenstown

★ 4.9

Milford Sound

Milford Sound, in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park on the South Island, is a world-famous fjord shaped by millions of years of glacial activity. Sheer cliffs rise more than 1,200 m on either side, and Bowen Falls (162 m) and Stirling Falls (155 m) plunge straight into the sea. Cruises bring you up close to bottlenose dolphins, seals, and penguins, and rainy days transform the cliffs with hundreds of temporary waterfalls.

HoursCruises depart 08:00-15:00 (varies by operator)

LocationMilford Sound, Fiordland

TipsAbout 4 hours by car from Queenstown - the Milford Road itself is a world-class drive. Cruises departing before 10:00 are best, and rainy days bring a different magic with countless extra waterfalls.

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★ 4.5

Skyline Gondola

The Skyline Gondola climbs from downtown Queenstown to the summit of Bob's Peak (790 m), one of the steepest cable car rides in the Southern Hemisphere. From the top, a 360-degree panorama spans Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and Queenstown itself. The summit also features a luge track for downhill kart fun, plus popular stargazing tours and a buffet restaurant.

HoursDaily 09:00-21:00 (varies by season)

LocationQueenstown, Otago

TipsThe gondola plus luge combo is the most popular ticket - go for a package with at least 3 luge runs. Visit around sunset for spectacular reflections on the lake.

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★ 4.4

Kawarau Bungy

Kawarau Bridge Bungy is the historic site where commercial bungy jumping began in 1988. About 20 minutes from Queenstown, jumpers leap 43 m from the historic suspension bridge over the Kawarau River - and can even dunk their head in the water on the descent. Pioneered by AJ Hackett, the operation has thoroughly refined safety systems, and the viewing platform makes it fun even if you don't jump.

HoursDaily 09:00-17:00 (varies by season)

LocationKawarau Bridge, Queenstown

TipsWalk-ins are accepted, but book ahead during peak season. Choose between water-touch and no-touch jumps, and add a GoPro video for a takeaway.

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★ 4.7

Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's longest lake at about 80km, with a distinctive S-shape carved by glaciers. Its deep, clear waters (380m at the deepest) shift color throughout the day, and the reflections of the Remarkables and Cecil Peak create some of the world's most beautiful lake scenery. A cruise on the historic 1912 steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm is a highlight. The lake mysteriously rises and falls 12cm every 5 minutes. TSS Earnslaw cruise from NZD 79. Access from Queenstown's waterfront.

HoursOpen 24 hours (TSS Earnslaw: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 departures)

LocationQueenstown, Otago

TipsBook the TSS Earnslaw cruise in advance, and add the Walter Peak BBQ lunch. Sunsets viewed from the Queenstown Gardens lakefront trail are spectacular.

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★ 4.6

Glenorchy

Glenorchy is a small village about 45 minutes' drive from Queenstown along Lake Wakatipu, famous as a filming location for 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia.' Snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, primeval forests, and crystal-clear lakes create a real-life Middle-earth. It's also the trailhead for some of New Zealand's finest multi-day treks, including the Routeburn Track and Rees-Dart Track. Jet boating, horse riding, and kayaking are also available. Free entry. About 45 minutes by car from Queenstown (the drive itself is spectacular).

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationGlenorchy, Otago

TipsThe drive from Queenstown is one of New Zealand's most scenic roads, so allow extra time. Lord of the Rings fans should book a guided tour to visit the exact filming spots.

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★ 4.3

Queenstown Gardens

Queenstown Gardens occupies a peninsula jutting into Lake Wakatipu, just a 5-minute walk from downtown. Manicured rose gardens, a giant chessboard, and a disc golf course offer plenty to do, and the walking trails backed by the lake and the Remarkables are lovely. It's a peaceful spot for a picnic, and you'll see swimmers and stand-up paddleboarders enjoying the water. A welcome break from Queenstown's high-adrenaline activities. Free entry. 5-minute walk from downtown.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationQueenstown, Otago

TipsGrab a disc for the free disc golf course. The view of the Remarkables from the end of the lakeside trail is stunning.

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★ 4.5

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic gold-mining town from the 1860s Gold Rush, about 20 minutes' drive from Queenstown. Buckingham Street is lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century stone and timber buildings now housing cafes, galleries, and boutique shops. Try gold panning on the Arrow River and visit the Chinese settlement ruins. In autumn (April-May), the town blazes with red and gold foliage — arguably New Zealand's most beautiful autumn scenery. Free entry. About 20 minutes by car from Queenstown.

HoursOpen 24 hours (shop and cafe hours vary)

LocationArrowtown, Otago

TipsVisit in autumn (April-May) for extraordinary fall foliage. Gold panning is great for kids, and pairs well with a walk around Lake Hayes.

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★ 4.4

The Remarkables Ski Field

The Remarkables ski field is a premier South Island ski resort about 30 minutes' drive from Queenstown. Slopes range from beginner to expert up to 1,943m at Shadow Basin, and the views of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown from the slopes are breathtaking — on clear days you can see as far as Aoraki/Mount Cook. In winter it's skiing and snowboarding; in summer the area converts to hiking trails. Lift pass from NZD 139 (varies by season). About 30 minutes by car from Queenstown.

HoursSki season (June-October): 09:00-16:00

LocationThe Remarkables, Queenstown

TipsSki season runs June to October. Renting gear in downtown Queenstown in advance is cheaper. Even non-skiers should consider going up for the views alone.

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Things to Do in Queenstown

Nature

Milford Sound Day Cruise

Cruise through the fiords of Milford Sound — often called the eighth wonder of the world. Marvel at Mitre Peak, waterfalls, and seal colonies on New Zealand's premier nature experience.

Price NZD 70-120 (cruise) + return bus NZD 100-150Duration Full day (12 hours round trip from Queenstown)

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Adventure

Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump

Leap 43m from the Kawarau Bridge — the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping — toward the river below. Queenstown's iconic adventure activity.

Price NZD 210Duration About 2 hours (including transfer)

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Adventure

Skyline Gondola & Luge

Ride the gondola to Bob's Peak for sweeping views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, then race down on a luge cart. Fun for all ages, especially families.

Price Gondola + 2 luge rides NZD 59Duration About 2-3 hours

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Tour

Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Tour

Drive 45 minutes to Glenorchy and tour the filming locations of The Lord of the Rings — visit sites used for Isengard, Lothlorien, and more.

Price NZD 150-250 (guided tour)Duration Half day to full day

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Adventure

Shotover Jet Boat

Hurtle through the narrow Shotover River canyon at 85 km/h on a jet boat — complete with 360-degree spins and heart-stopping near-misses past rocky walls.

Price NZD 159Duration About 1 hour (including transfer)

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Tour

TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise

Board the vintage TSS Earnslaw — sailing since 1912 — across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak farm. Enjoy a sheep-shearing show and barbecue lunch.

Price NZD 79-120 (cruise + farm experience)Duration About 3.5 hours

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Must-Try Food in Queenstown

Fergburger

🍢 Street Food

Queenstown's legendary handmade burger joint - worth the famously long queue. NZD 15-22 each. Located on Shotover Street downtown. Open till midnight, with famously long queues.

Lamb Dishes

🍱 Traditional

A variety of dishes made with New Zealand lamb, prized for its tenderness and rich flavor. NZD 30-50 per dish. Try Rata or Botswana Butchery downtown.

Craft Beer

🍵 Drink

Craft beer from small South Island breweries. NZD 10-14 per pint. Try Atlas Beer Cafe or Smiths Craft Beer House.

Meat Pie

🍢 Street Food

Classic Kiwi snack of minced meat and gravy in flaky pastry. NZD 5-8 each. Fergbaker (next door to Fergburger) is the go-to spot in Queenstown.

Bluff Oysters

🦞 Seafood

Premium oysters harvested from Bluff at the southern tip of the South Island — creamy and mineral-rich. NZD 25-40. Available at Queenstown restaurants in season (March-August).

Pavlova

🍰 Dessert

New Zealand's signature dessert — crisp meringue topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. NZD 8-15. Available as dessert at cafes and restaurants downtown.

King Salmon Sashimi

🦞 Seafood

Premium king salmon farmed in the South Island, served as sashimi. NZD 20-35. Try it at Flame Bar & Grill, Rata, and other downtown restaurants.

Queenstown Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

December-March (summer) is best for hiking and adventure sports; June-September (winter) is prime ski season.

How much does it cost to travel in Queenstown?

Daily budget around $130-250 (lodging $70-130, food $30-50, activities and transport $30-70).

How do I get around in Queenstown?

From Queenstown Airport, buses or taxis reach the city in about 10 minutes. The compact downtown is walkable, and trips to Milford Sound use buses or rental cars. SIM cards available at the airport. Tap and card payments are the norm; cash is rarely needed. Tipping is not mandatory but 10% for good service is appreciated.

Do I need a visa to visit Queenstown?

Korean passport holders must apply for an NZeTA (electronic travel authorization) before arrival (up to 90 days stay).

Is Queenstown safe for tourists?

A very safe tourist town. Always follow the safety briefings for activities like bungy jumping and skydiving.

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