Queenstown
HubQueenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital on Lake Wakatipu, with the gondola, jet boats and bungy alongside excellent free walks. It is also the main base for Milford Sound and the Great Walks, and a ski town in winter. Summer is best for hiking but busiest, so book beds early.
Quick facts
- Best time
- Summer for hiking, autumn for colour, winter for skiing
- From our Things to do in Queenstown guide
Plan it:The 14-day South Island road tripChristchurch to QueenstownQueenstown to Franz Josef via Haast PassMilford Sound day trip from QueenstownThree weeks in New Zealand
Queenstown on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Drive times are routing estimates without stops. Prices and rules were checked for each guide; follow the link for the official sources.
Start here
QueenstownThings to do in Queenstown: the big-ticket thrills, the free stuff and how to fit it in
The best things to do in Queenstown with real 2026 prices: Shotover Jet, the gondola, Kawarau bungy, free hikes from town, Arrowtown, Glenorchy and Milford Sound.
QueenstownWhere to stay in Queenstown: best areas and stays for every budget
QueenstownQueenstown vs W膩naka: where should you base yourself?
Official links for Queenstown
All useful linksQueenstown Airport (opens in a new tab)
Flight status, transfers and Alpine weather delays that regularly shuffle the timetable.
Orbus (Otago) (opens in a new tab)
Public buses in Dunedin and Queenstown, run by the Otago Regional Council.
Queenstown NZ (opens in a new tab)
Official visitor information for Queenstown, the Wakatipu basin and nearby adventures.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (opens in a new tab)
The official source for road rules, licences, vehicle licensing and state highways.
NZTA Journey Planner (opens in a new tab)
Live road conditions, closures, webcams and a journey planner for state highways.
Traffic and travel information (opens in a new tab)
Official updates on highway conditions, delays and planned roadworks.
More Queenstown guides
QueenstownQueenstown Airport: getting into town, car hire and flying tips
QueenstownQueenstown on a budget: cheap eats, free walks and the activities worth splurging on
NationwideBungy jumping in NZ: every site compared
South IslandChristchurch to Queenstown: the best route, stops and how long it takes
OtagoDunedin to Queenstown drive: Central Otago stops, wineries and drive times
FiordlandMilford Sound day trip from Queenstown: coach, self-drive or fly?
NationwideThree weeks in New Zealand: the both-islands itinerary
South IslandNZ ski season guide: ski fields, passes and where to stay
West Coast