This adventure-packed area sits right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown City Centre buzzes with tour operators, restaurants, and bars catering to thrill-seekers. The stunning mountain views create a perfect backdrop for lakefront strolls through Queenstown Gardens. Book your bungy jump or jet boat ride at one of many adventure shops. Browse local art at Creative Queenstown Arts & Crafts Market or visit Skycity Casino. The compact area makes exploring easy with most attractions just a short walk away.
Perched on the hillside above Queenstown, Fernhill rewards travellers with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. This peaceful residential haven offers an escape from downtown's energy while staying close to adventure. Native bush surrounds upscale holiday homes where panoramic vistas greet you each morning. The area connects to scenic walking trails through unspoiled nature, including access to the popular Ben Lomond Track. Most properties feature modern designs with large windows that frame the spectacular alpine scenery. A hire car makes exploring easier, as the steep terrain provides tranquility but requires planning.
Frankton serves as Queenstown's vital transport hub, centred around the international airport and major bus interchange. The scenic lakeside area balances practical amenities with stunning mountain views and waterfront access at Lake Wakatipu and Frankton Beach. Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate Remarkables Park Town Centre with its diverse retail options and dining terraces. Outdoor lovers can explore the Central Otago Rail Trail or relax at the lake while enjoying lower accommodation prices than central Queenstown. The area offers a perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty.
Sunshine Bay offers a tranquil retreat from Queenstown's bustling centre while still delivering spectacular lake and mountain views. This peaceful residential haven sits along Lake Wakatipu's shore, where a small beach invites swimming despite the always-chilly alpine waters. Walking paths wind along the waterfront, perfect for capturing postcard-worthy shots of The Remarkables mountain range. The area maintains a quiet, resort-like atmosphere with contemporary holiday homes nestled among native plants. With minimal commercial development, you'll enjoy pristine natural surroundings and starry night skies. Central Queenstown's restaurants and shops are just a short drive away.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Queenstown
Queenstown Gardens
9.2/10 (2,795 reviews)
This historic botanical park offers a tranquil retreat with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and 800 varieties of roses. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or challenge friends to disc golf among the lush greenery.
Soar above Queenstown on the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. Enhance your visit with thrilling luge rides or a meal at Stratosfare Restaurant.
Stroll through this open-air shopping street with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. Browse local boutiques and international brands, then relax at one of the many lakeside cafés.
This 5-acre sanctuary showcases New Zealand's rarest wildlife, including the elusive kiwi bird in a specialised nocturnal house. Visitors can explore native forest trails and attend daily conservation shows.
This pristine beach on Lake Whakatipu offers spectacular mountain views just steps from Queenstown's centre. Relax under willow trees or rent a paddleboard to experience the crystal-clear alpine waters up close.
This vibrant waterfront hub offers diverse dining options with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Savour fresh seafood or international cuisine against a picturesque alpine backdrop.
Step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, one of the last coal-fired passenger steamships in the southern hemisphere. Cruise Lake Wakatipu while exploring the engine room and enjoying alpine views.
This intimate alpine casino offers gaming thrills amid Queenstown's breathtaking mountain panorama. Enjoy blackjack, roulette, or fine dining at Wild Thyme Bar while taking in the spectacular scenery.
"Close to town, clean and tidy small room at just 15 sm.
Sliding door to the toilet was below expectation in addition to glass separating the shower and toilet from the bedroom."
"We enjoyed our stay , very convenient location for lunches and dinners , walking distance to the Gandola and various shopping and bars. The rooms are a bit run down. The floor carpets look really worn out, the bathroom has bathtub for showers a bit inconvenient. The Brekky buffet was really nice."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Queenstown offers a delightful shopping experience at Queenstown Mall, featuring a variety of shops and vibrant city vibes. Don't miss Cookie Time for local treats and the Creative Queenstown Arts & Crafts Market for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore nearby malls for even more options.
Recreation
Experience invigorating activities at the Queenstown Event Centre, where sports enthusiasts thrive. Enjoy thrilling ice skating at the Queenstown Ice Arena, combining adventure and entertainment. For family fun, challenge yourself at CaddyShack City Mini Golf, offering a delightful blend of sports and adventure in a vibrant atmosphere.
Adventure
Experience breathtaking views from the Skyline Queenstown cable car, then enjoy a thrilling ride on the Skyline Luge. For hiking enthusiasts, the Ben Lomond Track offers stunning scenery and adventure in the heart of nature. Each activity promises unforgettable memories and excitement in Queenstown.
Nightlife
Queenstown's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Visit the iconic Kiwi Birdlife Park for stunning night tours or head to the popular Barmuda for exquisite cocktails. For a lively atmosphere, experience live music at The World Bar, where you can enjoy a selection of local craft beers and great entertainment.
Find the best attractions in and around Queenstown
Queenstown offers a splendid mix of outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and romantic settings, making it a top choice for tourists. Key attractions include the beautiful Queenstown Gardens, the breathtaking Skyline Queenstown, and the vibrant Queenstown Mall. Whether you seek cultural experiences or family-friendly outings, the local points of interest such as botanical gardens and beaches provide something for everyone to enjoy during your visit.
Queenstown Gardens: Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, these stunning botanical gardens offer a serene escape. Perfect for families and couples alike, you can stroll along well-maintained pathways, enjoy expansive lawns, and admire a variety of plant species. Ideal for a picnic or a leisurely walk, the gardens boast beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Bob's Peak: For the adventurous at heart, Bob's Peak presents thrilling outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. Accessible via the Skyline Gondola, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Queenstown and the Remarkables mountain range, making it a fantastic spot for photography and hiking.
Queenstown Beach: Located a mere 322m from the town centre, Queenstown Beach is a picturesque spot for relaxation. With its golden sands and stunning lake views, it's an excellent place for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying water sports.
Best time to go to Queenstown
The best time to visit Queenstown can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Queenstown falls in February, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Queenstown falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Queenstown
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Queenstown.
Consider traveling to Queenstown during the low season (May to June and October) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Queenstown holiday package cost?
You can snap up a holiday package to this destination on Expedia. But how much your holiday to Queenstown costs will depend on the season, length of stay and hotel choice.
What are the cheapest months to go to Queenstown?
May, June and August are the best times to search for cheap Queenstown holiday packages. Travelling in quieter periods means you can usually find reduced prices on hotels and flights.
How many days is enough for Queenstown?
Queenstown holidays come in all shapes and sizes, but to get a real feel for this destination, we'd suggest 3 days is about right. This will mean you can visit top attractions like Queenstown Beach and Skyline Queenstown along with lesser-known spots. Don't miss out on neighbourhoods such as Queenstown City Centre and Frankton either. If you're smart with your time, you can even allow for a day trip outside of Queenstown too.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Queenstown?
Popular for its adventure sports, bars and pubs and skiing, a Queenstown holiday is a hit with all kinds of visitors. Be sure to check out key sights like Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park, and consider renting a car for day trips to discover even more.
How to find the best Queenstown package deals?
Use Expedia's handy filters to help you find some terrific Queenstown package deals. When you begin your search, simply set your maximum budget and then order the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your adventure for midweek, or browse for Queenstown package deals in the off-season. Switch up your travel dates and you may score even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's usually best to book your holiday package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Queenstown holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to help you keep more cash in your pocket. Bundle your flight, car rental and hotel into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll generally score a better deal than booking each component individually. And you'll still get the freedom to create a customised Queenstown holiday by choosing your favourite type of stay, airline and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Queenstown?
If you're planning a spontaneous Queenstown trip, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you take off. Don't want to leave things to the last minute? You can find amazing deals on your flights and hotels by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Queenstown?
Choose when to travel: Check your calendar and get your bags packed. Your favourite time of year and the available activities will also help you decide when to escape to Queenstown.
Set your budget: Consider expenses like flights, food and transportation when calculating how much to save for your trip to Queenstown. Then, pick a property that suits your budget, whether that's a low-cost option or a more luxurious getaway.
Work out your trip length: Think about how long you'd like to spend discovering Queenstown. Plan your itinerary so you can get to all the experiences and attractions you're interested in at a leisurely pace.
Combine your flights and hotel: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left now is to find a Queenstown holiday package that brings all your bookings together.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.