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

I believe that the best time to visit Queenstown is either during Autumn or Spring; these are the best times of the year to avoid crowds, school holidays and to still get the best of either the warmer or cooler months while getting a sprinkling of the other. During Autumn the trees colours start to change to a wonderful gold and brown, whereas during Spring you experience wonderful pops of colour in the lupins that border Wanaka!

• 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.

These are some of the best places we have stayed in Queenstown:

• Quest
• Ramada Queenstown Central

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)
• Botswana Buchery

Blue Kanu

This Queenstown resturant deserves its own paragraph because of how much we love it. Blue Kanu is our favourite place to dine when visiting the South Island, it’s not a trip to Queenstown if we don’t visit Blue Kanu for dinner. The Island styled styled restaurant sits close to Queenstowns waterfront so it’s within walking distance of any inner city apartment or other establishments.

Blue Kanu specializes in dishes which are a hybrid between Polynesian and Asian styled dishes. The Duck nachos are our favourite dish on the menu, but being vegetarian or vegan doesn’t mean you have to go without tasting this delectable dish, the jackfruit nachos have almost the exact same flavour and texture that it’s hard to tell whether we were eating meat or fruit.

If you already have a place for dinner but want somewhere a bit different for a drink, Blue Kanu do some of the prettiest and tastiest cocktails in Queenstown. It’s worth the visit even if you’re grabbing a quick bite.

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

Whats would this south island road trip be without risking life and limb for a bit of adrenaline? AJ Hacket is a kiwi entrepreneur who founded his current business and popularity by jumping off buildings and various infrastructure. Commercializing bungy jumping in 1988 at the Kawarau bridge in Queenstown, AJ now runs an extremely successful business for thrill seekers and pant-crappers alike.

Located above the Kawarau river along state highway 6 you can find one of the most popular tourist attractions in Queenstown; where you can throw yourself or a loved one into a gorge in several different fashions. I’ve never been a fan of diving head first off a bridge so we put our money on the zip-line; a casual 60km cruise down a line which runs parallel to the river.

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

One of the best things to do in Queenstown is to visit the Chinese Settlement in Arrowtown. However, visiting Arrowtown in winter requires merino thermals, a woolen jumper and a full sheep skin onsie; because that town is COLD. Arrowtown sits almost halfway between Queenstown and Wanaka, but we had a day to spare so we made the drive out. Ofcourse a south island itinerary isn’t complete without including The Remarkable Sweet shop, found in Arrowtown along the main road; The Remarkable Sweet Shop will have you reliving your childhood dreams of being engulfed by sugar.

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.

Bannockburn Sluicings

The Bannockburn Sluicings are fun place to bring the kids, dogs, or a romantic walk with your partner. This part of the south island travel guide will transport you to the wild west from when the Otago gold mining era thrived, and have fun finding tiny specs of gold among the tonnes of schist. Bannockburn Sluicings can either be done as a short stroll to fill in some time, or you can take on the whole loop. We only went as far as the above pictures as the sun was setting so it was getting cold!

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

If you’re looking for more relaxed things to do in Queenstown then 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

If you’re visiting Queenstown for the first time then you have to tick the Skyline Gondola off your Queenstown travel guide. 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 Hikes

Check out any of these Queenstown hikes 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 Queenstown hike. All you will need is a pair of good walking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather ahead and a water bottle. This track is one of the best Queenstown hikes and 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 one of the most well known Queenstown hikes 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

One of the most popular and easily accessible Queenstown hikes is the Queenstown Hill; this hiking 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.

Queenstown Scenic Views

Some of the best Queenstown winter activities is simply just finding some of the most incredible scenic views in Queenstow. If you’re looking for some of the best Queenstown scenic views without hiking too far then you better take note of these amazing viewpoints.

Crown Range

The Crown Range is the large mountain range that runs between Queenstown and Wanaka, with the summit reaching an altitude of roughly 1,121 meters you are bound to see amazing views even on a cloudy day. Be careful if traveling through the area during winter as the roads often get icy, apply chains if needed!

Nevis Road

Drive out towards Bannockburn to drive this incredibly high road just south of Queenstown. Much like the crown range, the roads can get icy and slippery during winter and are better suited for four wheel drives, however the Nevis Road is a great place to photograph mesmerising Queenstown scenic views especially when the clouds are rolling in!

Mt Crichton

Mt Crichton loop is one of the best easy hikes in Queenstown. This 6.4km track leads you to historic mining tunnels and wooden huts, with views of the pristine Moke Lake and freshwater rivers fed from a gushing waterfall at 12-mile creek.

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 between Queenstown and 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 of people every year and is an extremely popular pub to visit during winter. 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!

Wanaka

Wanaka is another amazing destination not far from Queenstown. Travel over the Crown Range to the beautiful lake side town to explore more south island hiking trails and scenic locations.

Blue Pools Track

f you’re looking for a short but inspiring walk to fill your South island road trip itinerary, Blue Pools Track is perfect for anyone of varying walking capabilities. An easy 30 minute walk takes you to a large bright blue pool of water, running from the Makarora river this is also the location of migrating brown and rainbow trout during Autumn and Winter. A jacket and gloves and required even in Autumn as we visited in early June and thick frost was already settling in the shady areas of the bush.

Omarama Clay Cliffs

Just 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.

Omarama Clay Cliffs transport you to a replica Mars landscape; made up of gravel, silt and…clay these rock formations were formed from glaciers and rivers millions of years ago. These million year old pillars sit on private land so a $5 payment per vehicle is required to access through the gate. Once you’re within the ‘compound’ of clay keep aware of your footing as the loose stones, and gravel could make for a painful walk back to your car, sturdy shoes are highly recommended.

Getting here is relatively easy, travel north along state highway 8 from Omarama and turn left down Quailburn Rd, from here the cliffs are sign posted so just follow your nose. The road to Omarama Clay Cliffs is mainly unsealed and there are plenty of potholes you need to look out for, so be careful with that rental car…

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.

Accommodation in Cromwell: Heritage Lake Resort

Lake Resort is New Zealand’s’ answer to the famous water bungalows in Bora Bora. Sitting on the edge of the man-made Lake Dunstan the views from every room give a sense of being in a tropical getaway yet only hourTwizel Travel Guide: Best Things to do in Twizel 2026Fantastic Auckland Travel Guide 2026s from home (if home is New Zealand).

Each room has it’s own balcony with lake facing views, which allow for spectacular sunsets. And there is plenty of parking directly outside. Each room is fitted with a large, spacious bathroom and a comfortable double or extra large double bed. There are several different room options which boast kitchens and bathrooms with a shower and bathtub.

Kanuka Loop Track Trailhead

This was an unexpected discovery; Kanuka Loop Track was a last-minute decision to fill an afternoon after spending the morning eating our weight in carbs.
Kanuka Loop hiking trails is located in Bendigo, just outside of Cromwell. This was one of the many locations in the south island where men would dig their own mine shafts in search for gold. There are plenty of small stone buildings, some still fully intact while others are skeletons of passed lives. Walking around the landscape is free and easy, just watch out for the large mine shafts as a lot of them are not fenced, so keep young children on a tight leash as well as your pets.

Highlands Motorsport Park

A Queenstown travel guide isn’t complete without some adrenaline seeking activities. Choose to drive a Radical SR3 or V8 Muscle car, passenger in a Porsche Cayenne or Ferrari, or bring a group and compete in the go karting. Highlands Motorsport Park is the place to be if mobile metal boxes are your chosen hobby.

The Highlands café stocks plenty of good food and has a deck overlooking the track if you’re dragging someone along who is less than keen to smell like petrol fumes. And the museum can keep even the most stubborn of visitors somewhat entertained.

Our 2 lap experience around the track in the Porsche Cayenne Turbo was worth the money; the track has enough sharp and technical turns to have you flying into both sides of the car at once.
Attraction prices range from $49 to $429 per person with the museum being discounted for all attraction ticket holders.
Visit their website here.

Queenstown to Milford Sound

One of the best things to do in Queenstown is to hit the road and travel south 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