Amazing Queenstown Travel Guide 2026

In this Queenstown travel guide, you will uncover the most unforgettable things to do in Queenstown; explore incredible hikes in the South Island like Blue Pools or Mount Cook, dine in at great Queenstown restaurants like Blue Kanu or Steamer Wharf and get your adrenalin pumping with activities in Queenstown like bungy jumping or jetboat tours.

This travel guide will give you a quick glimpse into what you can fill your Queenstown itinerary with and a short overview of what to expect. If you are needing further explanation or details, I have provided links to other articles I have written about the area. The purpose of this Queenstown Travel Guide is to introduce you to the area and inspire you for your next trip.

There is no shortage of things to do in the South Island and this Queenstown travel guide will try and cover them all! 

Best Time to Visit Queenstown

• Summer (December – February): Peak season with long, warm days, ideal for outdoor activities. Expect bigger crowds and higher prices, especially around public holidays.
• Autumn (March – May): Trees start to turn a wonderful shade of golds and yellows. Cooler but mild weather, and fewer tourists. Great for spas, hot pools, and outdoor exploring with a few extra layers.
• Winter (June – August): Perfect for skiing and snowboarding on the surrounding mountains. Expect cold temperatures and beautiful snowy landscapes. Accommodation can also be pricy during this time due to being peak season for winter activities.
• Spring (September – November): A shoulder season with changeable weather, fewer crowds, and blooming landscapes. Good for hiking if you’re well prepared for changeable weather.

Queenstown Accommodation

You can find some of the best places to stay in Queenstown by just simply looking through Booking.com or Airbnb. You will find that the most expensive accommodation is often located in Queenstown CBD, however if you are organised and check bus and walking routes you will be able to find great accommodation a suitable distance from Queenstown CBD.

Queenstown Car Rental

A Queenstown travel guide can’t begin without making mention of transport options. There are obviously ways to get around Queenstown without a vehicle, but if you are wanting more freedom to roam and not be stuck to bus schedules then you will need to check out some of these great car rental companies in Queenstown.

• Jucy
• Apex
• Avis
• GO
• Europcar

Majority of these car rental kiosks can be located within the Queenstown airport, with a few located on the outskirts of the airport. Always try book in advance to find the best deals, but some companies also do last minute single day car hire deals.

Public Transport in Queenstown

Queenstown have the Orbus bus service, which is the easiest and most affordable way to get around Queenstown without having to worry about parking. The Orbus service has flat-rate fares for just $2.50 (with a Bee card). You can find more information on the Queenstown Council page.

Queenstown Travel Tips

• Budget appropriately – Queenstown is rather expensive!
• Dress for the weather
• Drive to the conditions – and stick to the left!
• Book activities in advance so you’re not left disappointed.

Best Places to Eat in ­Queenstown

These Queenstown restaurants will certainly have you salivating and coming back for more. From the famous burgers at Fergburger where queues of people stretch down the street, or treat yourself to fine dining in Queenstown and visit Blue Kanu for cocktails and Asian cuisine that meets Pacific vibes.

• Fergburger (and all of the other Ferg food outlets like Ferg Baker, Mrs Ferg and Fergs Bar)
• Blue Kanu
• Botswana Buchery

Queenstown Adventure Activities

If you’re looking for some incredible things to do in Queenstown, then this list will have you sorted for the best adrenalin pumping activities. Whether you love heights, prefer speed or have a soft spot for water based activities; this list of the best things to do in Queenstown has you covered!

Skippers Canyon and Jet Boat Tour

A tour through Skippers Canyon was one of the most exhilarating and terrifying experiences I have ever paid for, the single lane road winds down through Skipper Valley teetering on the edge of the cliff face. The tour bus takes you to an incredible canyon where you can hop onboard the jet boat for another adrenalin pumping experience on the water.

Skippers Canyon served as a dramatic backdrop for the tense helicopter chase scenes in Mission: Impossible – Fallout. So if you’re a Tom Cruise fan, I recommend making the terrifying trip through Skippers Canyon. Whatever you do though, do not drive your own vehicle. Skippers Road is the only road in New Zealand where insurance is voided. The tour bus takes you on an incredible journey and takes the stress away from you…sort of.

Shotover Jet

The Shotover Jet is the original jetboat experience in Queenstown. Flying through the Shotover River, you will be taken on an exhilarating ride with twists, turns and close calls to rock faces. The skilled drivers not only take you on a thrill seeking adventure of a lifetime, but allow breaks to discuss the history of the area.

Highlands Motorsport Park

Highlands Motorsport Park is where adrenaline junkies of the motorsport kind can get their fix. Check out the museum full of old vehicles before you passenger in a Porsche Cayenne or race your mates down at the Go Karting track.

Aj Hacket Bungy

New Zealand is home to AJ Hacket bungy, AJ Hacket was the first commercialise the bungy jump and has made a killing out of throwing people into the abyss… tethered to a bungy cord. Enjoy a smooth ride on the zipline, jump from the Kawerau bridge or fling yourself into the Nevis Valley with the largest swing in the world.

Free Things to do in Queenstown

Queenstown is well known around New Zealand for being one of the most expensive regions in the country. So, this wouldn’t be a great Queenstown travel guide if I didn’t supply some budget friendly things to do in Queenstown. From feeding friendly roadside animals to exploring historic villages in Arrowtown, this list has some of the best family-friendly activities you can do in Queenstown – for free!

Remarkable Vets, Arrowtown

A Veterinarian isn’t a typical place you would go for free entertainment, but the Remarkable Vets is a great place to visit an eclectic group of animals who love head scratches and attention. Sitting on Malaghans Road just outside of Arrowtown, this roadside vet clinic has a kunekune pig, a friendly deer, a couple of goats and a GIANT COW. The pig and deer crave human attention and although you cannot enter beyond the fence to cuddle them, you can definitely reach in to scratch behind their ears. Just be careful as the deer loves the taste of human hair and scarves.

Arrowbelle Feed the Goats

If you plan on filling your day with free animal attention then Arrowbelle Feed the Goats should be your next stop for free things to do in Queenstown. The goats sit in a gorgeous little paddock under a bunch of trees right by the road side. Along the fence is a line of jars filled with pellets of goat feed that are free to dish out to any of the hungry goats (hungry is a very loose term because they certainly get fed a lot). Make sure to lay your hand flat and keep an eye on small children as they goats can be quite merciless when food is involved.

Roaring Meg Dam

Do you like water? and engineering? Well at the Roaring Meg dam you can witness both. It’s loud, it’s powerful but it is small. Don’t be expecting a sight like the Hoover dam.

Chinese Settlement, Arrowtown

The Chinese Settlement is one of the most popular things to do in Arrowtown. This historic village was established in the late 1800’s during the gold rush era and was built by Chinese immigrants while they mined for gold in Arrowtown. Learn about how tough life was like at the racism they faced from locals. Visit during autumn and witness the Arrow River draped in icy against an incredible backdrop of gold and yellow trees.

Singing Dog, Queenstown

The singing sheepdog on Queenstown’s waterfront has been a staple tourist attraction for many years. Kim Turton has been busking with his dog, Happy, in Queenstown for almost a decade.

Relaxing Activities in Queenstown

Onsen Hot Pools and Nugget Point Spa

Take relaxation to the next level and book yourself a spa day. You can either enjoy a private spa at Onsen Hot Pools; picking a late night time to enjoy an evening under the stars. Or enjoy a communal pool area at the ever luxurious Nugget Point Spa.

Queenstown Wineries

Send yourself on a Queenstown wine tour and visit any of the great Queenstown wineries along Gibbston Highway. I have listed 3 below which I can personal vouch for and say have a great setting, atmosphere and wine. But I really haven’t heard any bad reviews from any of the wineries in Queenstown, so no matter where you pick you will have a spectacular afternoon.

• Gibbston Valley Winery and Restaurant
• Peregrine Wines
• The Church Cellar Door

Queenstown Skyline Gondola

The Queenstown Skyline Gondola takes you to the top of Queenstown Hill without all the work you would otherwise put into hiking to the top. Bring the family for a day of ‘relaxing’ adventure by taking a luge ride down the hill, and enjoy a meal at the restaurant on top of Queenstown Hill.

Queenstown Hiking Trails

Check out these hiking trails for some of the most scenic walks and amazing Queenstown photography spots. The three hikes I have mentioned range in difficulty and time, so make sure you do your research and find a hike that is suitable to your ability. If you are wanting more or less challenging hikes I suggest checking out Google maps for walking trails further afield towards Wanaka or Mt Cook.

Moke Lake Track

Moke Lake is an easily accessible hike near Queenstown. All you will need is a pair of good walking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather ahead and a water bottle. This beautiful Queenstown hike circumnavigates Moke Lake, a pristine fresh water lake with water so still it resembles a mirror! The campground nearby also offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the surrounding landscapes for a night or two.

Ben Lomond Track

The Ben Lomond Track is a well known track for its depth incline and incredible 360 degree views across Queenstown and out towards Wanaka. Taking 6-8 hours to complete this hike is not for casual walkers, you need good walking shoes, be well prepared with snacks and have clothing for changeable weather. For up to date weather and track information check out the Department of Conservation website.

Queestown Hill

Queenstown Hill track is a 5km hike with an elevation of 600 meters. The track is well maintained and takes around 90 minutes of hiking at a slow pace.

Road Trips from Queenstown

Check out these great road trips from Queenstown to add to your New Zealand itinerary. I highly suggest hiring a car to give yourself more freedom or research bus timetables and tour activities that may head to any of these places.

Crown Range Road and Cardrona Pub

The Crown Range road winds up above Arrowtown and offers spectacular views across the mountain range. During winter this is a snowy wonderland that looks absolutely magical. Visit the famous Cardrona Pub for a beer and to warm your feet by the fire. This historic pub draws in thousands every year and is an extremely popular pub to visit. Make sure to visit the bra fence down the road as well!

Glenorchy

Glenorchy was a prominent filming location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Book yourself a horseback ride or just enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this small south island town. The red boat shed and pier is a popular Queenstown photography spot so don’t forget to bring your camera!

Blue Pools Track, Wanaka

One of my favourite walks in the South Island. The Blue Pools track is an easy 45 minute – 1 hour hike to bright blue pools in which icy glacier water runs through every day. The swing bridges allow for the perfect photography spots and of course swimming is allowed – as long as you can brave the temperature.

Omarama Clay Cliffs

Like Mars on Earth. The Omarama clay cliffs provide a spectacular tourist destination for adventure seekers. Although not a strenuous or difficult hike, the ground is uneven and rock fall can occur. So make sure you wear sturdy shoes and are confident on your feet.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a beautiful lake side town only an hour out of Queenstown. This is where you will find Highlands motorsport park, more great walks and warm pubs. Lake Dunstan provides a gorgeous backdrop to have a picnic and nearby hikes at Bendigo provide a little bit of hiking adventure during the day.

Queenstown to Milford Sound

The journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound is one of the most popular road trips in the South Island. Milford Sound is one of the wettest places on earth and one of the most untouched by humans in New Zealand. Take a cruise through the sound and witness some of the most incredible waterfalls in the south island and wildlife that inhabit Milford Sound. The drive from Queenstown to Milford sound will take you just under 4 hours, which can be done in a day but it makes for a long journey. I suggest booking a one night stay in Te Anau if you wish to visit Milford Sound

Queenstown Winter Activities

Queenstown is a popular winter destination for its snowy mountain ranges, snow farms and incredible views that always look better with a dusting of snow. Queenstown is set up for winter tourism so most of what I have already listed is able to be enjoyed during winter – you just might need to be a little more prepared. But the following Queenstown winter activities are best enjoyed from late autumn through to early spring.

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike

If you want a once in a lifetime experience, I recommend hiring a car and experience hiking the Franz Josef Glacier. Franz Josef may be a 5 hour drive from Queenstown but it gets a special mention due to being such a spectacular experience. The glacier is not able to be reached by foot due to it having receding drastically thanks to global warming, the only way up there is via helicopter. But it certainly isn’t an experience you want to miss if you can avoid it.

Ski and Snowboard

Every year thousands of people across New Zealand and the world travel to Queenstown to hit the slopes. The three ski hills close to Queenstown are The Remarkables, Cardrona and Coronet Peak. The snow season typically runs from mid-June until early October depending on weather conditions. All ski fields have a bus service that runs from the center of Queenstown to reduce congestion on the roads leading out to the ski fields.

More Experiences for your Queenstown Travel Guide

Queenstown is full of wonderful experiences but of course I haven’t indulged in them all. The following list of things to do in Queenstown are worth adding to your Queenstown travel guide. But be sure to do your own research as I am not lucky enough to share my own personal experiences!

• Hydro Attack
• TSS Earnslaw
• Lake Wakatipu Cruises