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Queenstown Travel Guide

Adventure capital on Lake Wakatipu

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Queenstown is a base for adventure sports and scenic day trips, including Milford Sound. It also has vineyards in Central Otago and the historic village of Arrowtown.

Best time
December to February for summer activities; June to September for skiing. Autumn (March to May) brings colour in Arrowtown.
Weather
Cool alpine climate with warm summers and cold winters.
Daily budget
Rough estimates per person per day, excluding flights: about $120-250 mid-range, with activities costing extra. Check current rates when you book.
Hotels · Booking.com

Find a place to stay in Queenstown

Compare hotels, villas and guesthouses with free cancellation on most rooms.

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Why go

Adventure

Bungy, jet boats and skiing.

Scenery

Lake and mountains.

Wine

Central Otago pinot noir.

Where to stay

Queenstown town

Restaurants, lakefront and activities. See stays in Queenstown town

Arrowtown

A historic gold-rush village. See stays in Arrowtown

Glenorchy

Gateway to the Routeburn Track. See stays in Glenorchy

Top sights and things to do

Milford Sound

A fiord reached by road or air.

Skyline Gondola

Views over the lake.

Kawarau Bridge

An early commercial bungy site.

Try a bungy jump or jet boat.

Ski at the Remarkables or Coronet Peak.

Taste Central Otago wines.

Tours & tickets · GetYourGuide

Tours and skip-the-line tickets in Queenstown

Small-group tours, entry tickets and day trips, most with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

See activities
Day trips · Viator

Day trips from Queenstown

Compare guided excursions by reviews, duration and price.

Browse day trips

Practical tips

  • Book activities in advance in peak season.
  • Check road and weather conditions for Milford Sound.
  • Pack layers for changeable weather.

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FAQs

When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

December to February for summer; June to September for skiing.

How many days do I need?

Three to five days.

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