Queenstown sits at the edge of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains on every side. The Remarkables to the east, Coronet Peak to the north, Cecil and Walter Peak across the lake. It is a small town - around 16,000 people live here full-time - that somehow manages to pack in more things to do per square kilometre than cities fifty times its size.
This guide covers the real Queenstown. Not the brochure version. We live here, and we will tell you what is actually worth your time and money.
Getting here
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is small, scenic, and occasionally chaotic. Flights from Auckland take about 2 hours, Christchurch about an hour. The approach over the mountains is one of the best in the world - sit on the left side of the plane for The Remarkables.
From the airport, town is 15 minutes by car. The Orbus public bus runs every 20-30 minutes for a few dollars. Most rental car companies have desks at the terminal.
If you are driving from Christchurch, it is about 6 hours via the Lindis Pass - a beautiful drive through tussock country. From Dunedin, allow 3.5 hours through the Kawarau Gorge.
Adventure activities
Queenstown invented commercial bungy jumping. AJ Hackett opened the Kawarau Bridge to jumpers in 1988, and the town has not really stopped finding new ways to scare people since.
Bungy jumping
Three sites, three completely different experiences:
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy - 43 metres over the river. The original. You can touch the water if you want. From $235.
- The Ledge Bungy - 47 metres off Bob's Peak, above town. You run off a platform, so it feels more like flying. From $235. Take the gondola up.
- Nevis Bungy - 134 metres. Highest in Australasia. You are in a pod suspended over a canyon and the ground is a very long way down. From $325 including transfer. The drive out to the site takes about 40 minutes from town and is an experience in itself.
Jet boats
The Shotover Jet is the famous one - red boats, canyon walls centimetres away, 360-degree spins. 25 minutes on the water, from $179. The whole experience takes about an hour including the bus ride to the canyon.
Thunder Jet runs on the Kawarau River, closer to town. From $149 for 30 minutes. KJet operates on the lake and rivers around the centre.
For something wilder, the Dart River Wilderness Jet goes deep into the Mt Aspiring National Park backcountry. Full day, from $299, and genuinely remote.
Skydiving
Tandem jumps over Queenstown start at $399. You will see the lake, the mountains, and possibly Milford Sound on a clear day. The freefall lasts about a minute from 15,000 feet. NZONE Skydive is the main operator.
The Skyline
The Skyline Gondola takes you 450 metres above town to Bob's Peak. From $49 for the ride, or $59 for luge combos. The luge tracks are surprisingly fun for adults - three tracks of increasing difficulty. At night, the Stargazing experience ($89) is excellent if the sky is clear.
Stratosfare Restaurant at the top does a buffet with the best view in town. From $109.
Other ways to get your heart rate up
- Shotover Canyon Swing - 109m drop into the canyon. Different from bungy because you swing, not bounce. From $199.
- Nevis Swing - The world's biggest swing. 160m arc. From $275.
- Ziptrek Ecotours - Ziplines through native forest on the Skyline hillside. From $139 for 2-3 hours.
- Hydro Attack - A shark-shaped boat that dives underwater in the lake. Absurd and fun. From $179.
- Tandem Paragliding - Launch from Bob's Peak, land by the lake. From $239.
On the water
- Kawarau River Rafting - Grade 3-5 rapids. From $199 for 3 hours.
- Shotover River Rafting - The 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel in the dark is the highlight. From $249 for 4 hours.
- Jet Ski Queenstown - Self-drive on the lake. From $159.
- Paraflights - Parasailing over the lake. From $149.
- TSS Earnslaw - A 1912 coal-fired steamship that crosses to Walter Peak. From $79. The engine room is open and worth seeing.
Scenic experiences
- Milford Sound - Coach and cruise is a full day (12-13 hours), from $298. The scenic flight is shorter and more dramatic, from $595.
- Remarkables Scenic Flight - 20-30 minutes over the range. From $295.
- Lord of the Rings Tour - Film locations around Glenorchy and the Wakatipu. From $195 for 4 hours. Better than you would expect even if you are not a fan.
Where to eat
Queenstown's food scene has improved dramatically in the last decade. It is no longer just burgers and pizza - though both are still excellent here.
The queue at Fergburger
Yes, there is almost always a queue. Yes, it is worth it at least once. The burgers are enormous and good. Open until late, which matters when you are hungry at 1am. Around $15-20 for a burger.
Fine dining
- Rātā - Fleur Caulton's owner-operated restaurant on Ballarat Street, awarded one MICHELIN star in 2026. Modern NZ cuisine, excellent wine list. Mains $40-55.
- Botswana Butchery - Steaks and game in a heritage building. Mains $45-65.
- The Grille by Eichardt's - In the lakefront Eichardt's building. Upmarket, great service. Mains $50+.
Mid-range
- Flame Bar & Grill - Reliable steaks and ribs on the waterfront. Mains $30-45.
- Zephyr - Creative small plates, good cocktails. Share a few dishes for $25-40 each.
- Little Blackwood - Lakefront location, good brunch and dinner.
Casual and cafes
- Bespoke Kitchen - The best brunch in town. Gets busy by 9am on weekends.
- Vudu Cafe - Waterfront, good coffee, solid cabinet food.
- Devil Burger - The local alternative to Fergburger. No queue. Also good.
- Patagonia Chocolates - Hot chocolate and alfajores. The Arrowtown branch is worth the drive.
Bars
- Atlas Beer Cafe - Best craft beer selection in town.
- Smiths Craft Beer House - Local and NZ craft on tap.
- Pub on Wharf - Big, loud, waterfront. Good for groups.
- 1876 - Cocktail bar, smaller and more sophisticated.
- The World Bar - Backpacker institution. Cheap drinks, live music, teapot cocktails.
- Ivy & Lola's - Late night, dancing, younger crowd.
Skiing and snowboarding
Four ski areas within an hour of town, all usually open June through September.
- Coronet Peak - 25 minutes from town. Night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays. The most accessible field.
- The Remarkables - 45 minutes. Better terrain parks. Faces south so the snow holds longer.
- Cardrona - 60 minutes, between Queenstown and Wanaka. Big, reliable, good for intermediates.
- Treble Cone - 90 minutes. The most challenging terrain, best views, smallest crowds. Worth the drive if you can handle the road.
When it rains
It rains here. The mountains cause it. Some things to do when the weather turns:
- The Onsen Hot Pools above Arthurs Point have mountain views from private cedar pools. Book well ahead.
- Wine tasting in Gibbston Valley - the Valley of the Vines is 25 minutes east of town. Gibbston Valley Winery does cellar door tastings and has a cave.
- Patagonia Chocolates for hot chocolate and people-watching.
- Walk the Queenstown Gardens anyway - the rain makes the trees smell incredible.
What the brochures will not tell you
- It is expensive. Budget $200-300/day for activities plus food. Accommodation in peak season (December-February and July school holidays) can be steep.
- Book ahead in summer and winter. Shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) are cheaper, quieter, and often have the best weather.
- The lake is cold. Even in summer, Wakatipu sits around 10-14 degrees C. You can swim in it. You probably will not want to for long.
- Glenorchy is worth the drive. 45 minutes along the lake to a tiny town at the head of the valley. The road itself is spectacular.
- Arrowtown is 20 minutes away and has gold mining history, autumn colours (late April is peak), and some excellent restaurants.
- The Remarkables sunrise is a free daily show. In winter the mountains turn pink and orange. Best seen from the waterfront or Sunshine Bay.
Getting around
Town is walkable - you can cover the centre in 15 minutes on foot. The Orbus public bus connects the airport, Frankton, Arthurs Point, and central Queenstown.
For ski fields, Remarkables, and day trips, you will want a rental car or a shuttle. Most activity operators include transfers from town in their price.
How long to stay
Two days is enough to hit the highlights. Four days lets you relax and do a day trip (Milford, Glenorchy, or wine country). A week and you will start feeling like a local.
Whatever you do, do not just pass through. This place rewards staying.
Updated March 2026. Prices are in NZD and may vary seasonally. Plan your trip with our AI concierge for personalised recommendations.
