Travel Queenstown: A Complete Guide to New Zealand’s Adventure Capital

Plan your perfect getaway to New Zealand’s adventure playground with our Travel to Queenstown guide! Your ultimate guide to some of the best experiences, stunning landscapes, and must-see sights.

New Zealand is known for its stunning beauty and a variety of outdoor activities.

Its scenic landscapes have been immortalized through movies and become a bucket-list destination for many people.

If you love adventure, you must visit Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island, a mecca for thrill-seekers.

But there is so much more to Queenstown than bungee jumping and active sports.

If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the extreme action here are some ideas we’re sure you will enjoy.

Getting to Queenstown

Queenstown is located on the southern end of New Zealand’s South Island, sitting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including the well-known Remarkables.

The most common way to arrive in New Zealand is through Auckland, on the North Island.

A flight from Auckland Airport (AKL) in the North Island to Queenstown Airport (ZQN) takes 1 hour and 50 minutes.

The second entry point to New Zealand is Christchurch, on the South Island.

A flight from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Queenstown Airport (ZQN) takes 1 hour and 31 minutes.

To get into town you’ll need to take a shuttle, a bus, or a taxi from the airport.

Queenstown Center is easy to walk around, with many places to see, shop and eat.

As you leave the city center, you’ll find houses, hotels, and some businesses located on the mountainsides. We recommend using buses and taxis as good alternatives to reach these higher areas.

Things To Do In Queenstown

You don’t need to seek an active adventure to enjoy Queenstown. There are plenty of relaxed and rejuvenating activities. However, there is certainly no lack of adventure opportunities when you travel to Queenstown.

These are some of the best activities to include in your Queenstown itinerary:

For an Action-Packed Vacation:

• Bungee Jumping Kawara Bridge, the world’s first commercial bungee jumping site.
• Skyline Gondola and Luge at Bob’s Peak, with breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
• Cliffside thrill jumps and zip lines.
• Skiing at The Remarkables Ski Area.
• Shotover Jet Boat Ride – adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River, famous for its high-speed and tight turns.
• Routeburn Track – One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, this multi-day hike spans 32 kilometers and offers breathtaking alpine scenery.

Hiking in or near Queenstown:

• Ben Lomond Track: A challenging hike with stunning panoramic views from the summit. The trek can take 6-8 hours round trip.
• Queenstown Hill Time Walk: A moderate 2-3 hour hike offering spectacular views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
• Tiki Trail: A shorter, steep trail that leads up to the Skyline Gondola. It takes about 1-2 hours and offers great views along the way.
• Moke Lake Loop: A relatively easy 2-3 hour hike around the picturesque Moke Lake, ideal for families and those seeking a leisurely walk.

If you want a more relaxed vibe:

• Wine tasting in Gibbston Valley
• Steamboat ride on Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
• Milford Sound Day Trip – a popular trip to see the fiords in this area, coach and cruise tour run around USD$150-$190 with a duration of 12 hours
• Just chilling at Queenstown Bay Beach
• There is no lack of Spas with a beautiful view of the lake and mountains surrounding the town

Queenstown Hidden Gems

Two lesser-known places but definitely worth your time in Queenstown are:

1. Doubtful Sound

Visit Doubtful Sound instead of Milford Sound. Tucked away in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, this day trip offers a serene alternative to the more crowded Milford Sound.

The tour picked us up at our hotel at 7:30 AM. The early morning start provides the opportunity to see the impressive sunrise over The Remarkables.

Inside the park, there are views of waterfalls everywhere. Once on the cruise, we enjoyed waterfalls making their way into the bay.

We also had the pleasure of watching seals bathing on the rocks and playing in the water.

One of our favorite moments was when the cruise reached the most remote location and turned off the engine.

The sound of the rain, the waterfalls dropping into the bay and the wind were perfect.

The cost for this trip is more expensive than Milford Sound at USD$260-$275 with a similar duration of 12 hours. But having very few people on the cruise and park is worth it.

Oh, and be sure to bring your rain jacket as it rains almost every day at Fiordland National Park.

2. Arrowtown

The second suggestion is to take a half-day trip to Arrowtown. A historic gold-mining town located on the banks of the Arrow River.

The old Post and Telegraph building has been turned into a museum about the founding of the town and its development during the gold mining era.

This visit took less than an hour and had a lot of interesting and fun facts about Queenstown.

The buildings along the main street are mostly restored from the gold-digging era and now house shops and businesses.

While there, don’t miss the opportunity to try the yummy pies and pastries at Arrowtown Bakery and Cafe, an institution in the area.

You’ll also have time to visit the historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This settlement is a reminder of the contribution made by Chinese gold miners and business people to the region’s gold mining, cultural, and business history.

From Queenstown to Arrowtown:

• Use the Otago Regional Council bus service, Line 2 leaves hourly from Frankton Bus Hub and costs around USD$6
• Drive 20 minutes to Arrowtown
• Take a 20-minute Taxi cost USD$40-55

Where to stay in Queenstown

There are many places to stay in Queenstown. From inexpensive hostels to amazing Spas just outside the center with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

There are also many Airbnb and Vrbo alternatives.

During our visit, we stayed at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. This hotel is right in town and within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

It also has a beautiful garden that connects with the Queenstown Gardens which makes for a lovely walk.

Getting more information for your visit

For more help planning your visit to Queenstown, you can search for activities and accommodations in the following two resources.

Queenstown site Visitor Information Center – physically located in the center of town at The Clocktower Building on 22 Shotover Street. You can also visit their website queenstownisite.co.nz

Real New Zealand Visitor Center – physically at Steamer Wharf on Beach Street. You can visit their website realnz.com

As you can see, travel in Queenstown can be active or slow. There are options for every kind of traveler.

So grab your bags and passport and enjoy the stunning views and excellent activities that Queenstown, New Zealand has to offer!