Queenstown Information

Queenstown Downtown

The compact and scenic town edges onto a dramatic bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The spectacular mountains that surround the town offer breathtaking views at every turn. As the home of adventure, there’s a lively buzz created by the numerous cafés, bars and great shopping. 

Your days here will have a distinct pattern.  In the mornings, you can easily book adventure of every kind from the variety of activity shops on display.  On your return, you can recount your experiences to fellow travellers from a selection of more than 160 bars and cafes.  During the warms nights of summer, you’ll be treated to live jazz, top DJ’s and garden bars with great views.  In winter, after a hard day’s skiing, you can sit in front of a roaring log fire with a locally brewed beer.

For a more relaxed approach, there’s still plenty to do, from lake cruises, spa treatments and boutique shopping to leisurely games of golf. 

Queenstown Climate

With its alpine climate, winter is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Spring brings a meltdown with temperatures ranging between 8ºC and 15ºC with some fresh days and cool evenings. At the end of November high summer sets in with long warm days averaging around 80ºF (26ºC). Autumn arrives in March, still warm with occasional hot spots and balmy evenings.

Area Highlights  

Adrenaline & Adventure

Adrenaline activities define the town – if it’s airborne, gravity-defying, exhilarating or just plain scary, Queenstown’s bound to have it! Geographically suited to all manner of adventure sport, you’ll find the mountains, white water rapids, lakes, canyons and rock faces perfectly suited to adventure. 

Skiing and Snowboarding

A year round haven, Queenstown is especially popular in winter, when top notch ski fields kick into action.  Close to town you’ll find the Remarkables and Coronet ski fields, open mid-June through to early October. Every year at the end of June the town hosts its annual Winter Festival – an exciting 10-day celebration of winter with skiing, boarding, mad-cap activities and plenty of après-ski action! 

Admiring The Views

The scenery of Queenstown offers views at every turn. Jump on board the Skyline Gondola for the classic picture postcard shot across Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown to The Remarkables mountain range. Climbing Queenstown Hill or Ben Lomond, rewards you with fantastic views of Queenstown and beyond.

Arrowtown

At the height of the Gold rush in 1872, the population of Arrowtown reached 7,000. Through careful preservation, the legacy of the early settlers is retained in a fascinating, picturesque town where the past and the present are delightfully blurred. Sophisticated in its appeal, the cobbled main street, art studios and galleries, outstanding café and restaurants and traditional pubs create an ambience that is sought out by visitors and residents alike. Golf lovers will love the three superb golf courses – Millbrook, The Hills and the stunning Arrowtown course.

Lord of The Rings

Rugged mountain terrain, flourishing beech forests, golden hills and stunning waterways are the reasons why Queenstown, Arrowtown and Glenorchy were the settings for many of the film’s locations. Several operators take you on guided trips around the Lord of the Rings filming sites. Although popular with film fans, the tours are also a great way for visitors to appreciate the stunning countryside.

Glenorchy 

The frontier village of Glenorchy is located at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountains, glacier fed rivers and beech forest.  Driving to Glenorchy rewards you with incredible views of Lake Wakatipu, sheer mountain sides and hanging valleys. Many of New Zealand's best walking trails are found around Glenorchy. 

Queenstown Virtual Tour and Video

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