Queenstown Useful Info
The need to know info for visitors coming to Queenstown
Medical Centres
Queenstown - 9 Isle Street, Remarkables Park. 03 441 0500 / Arrowtown - Berkshire Street, Arrowtown. 03 442 1215. / Wakatipu - 11 McBride Street, Frankton. 03 442 2288.
WiFi
There are many internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots in Queenstown. Patagonia cafe, overlooking Lake Wakatipu, is a popular lakeside spot for Wi-Fi and coffee.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Corner of Stanley & Ballarat Street. 03 442 6799.
Library
10 Gorge Road.10.00am until 5.00pm, Monday to Saturday. 03 441 0600.
Airport to Town Centre
The Super Shuttle is approx $15 per person into the town centre / Ritchies is approx $10 per person into the town centre / Taxis cost about $35 into the town centre.
Parking
There is free parking on Lake Esplanade Road, alongside St Omer Park. Up to 240 minutes free parking on Brecon Street (near Gondola). Up to 30 minutes free parking on Shotover Street / Town Centre Pay and Display Parking at Athol, Ballarat, Boundary Streets and the Recreation Ground. Refer to our parking guide for pricing.
Property Rentals
Join the For Rent Queenstown Facebook Group to view the latest listings which cover those looking for flatmates and short and long term rentals. The group has over 40K members. Long-term property rentals and property to buy can be found on the property section on Trade-Me.
Weekly Markets
Every Saturday there are 3 weekly markets to choose from: Arts and Craft Market in Earnslaw Park, Farmers Market in the Anglican Church garden, Remarkbles Market in the Red Barn, next to Remarkables Shopping Centre. Refer to our weekly markets guide.
Buses
Ritchies is the local bus that stops at Arrowtown, Frankton, Sunshine Bay & Fernhill, Downtown Queenstown, Lake Hayes Estate, Kelvin Heights, Arthurs Point, Quail Rise. There's also a regular service linking Queenstown with Wanaka. The bus top in Queenstown is on Camp St (outside Isite building).
Baggage Storage
At Queenstown Airport, Bag storage lockers are available in the Bag Claim Area. The daily charge is $6 for a medium sized locker and $8 for a large locker. Read more in our Queenstown Airport section. There is also conveniently located baggage storage in central Queenstown at Smarte Carte - located in O'Connells Shopping Centre. Storage is available for luggage of all sizes and large items including skis and bikes for short and long-term.
Food Shopping
There are four large supermarkets. The two largest (and one that locals use) are 'New World' at Remarkbles Shopping Centre in Frankton and 'Countdown' at the Five Mile Retail Centre, also situated in Frankton. There is a Fresh Choice on Gorge Street and a Four Square in the town centre on Shotover Street.
Skyline Gondola
Skyline Queenstown Gondola Opening Hours are 9.00am to 9.00pm.
Frisbee Golf
For a game of frisbee golf, head to Queenstown Gardens. You can buy or rent a frisbee from local sports shops.
Hiking
For long hikes, consider renting a personal locator beacon from the Department of Conservation. $30 for 3 days hire.
Language
English and Maori are the two official languages.
Time Difference
New Zealand is GMT +12, and +2 hours ahead of Sydney. Daylight saving time adds one more hour between October-March.
Currency
The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). 100 cents make up 1 NZD. Coin denominations: 10c, 20c, 50c. Dollar denominations: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100. Visitors can bring in, or take out, any amount of NZD currency, although any amount over $10,000 must be declared.
Goods & Service Tax (GST)
There's a 15% GST (Goods & Service Tax) on all goods and services, but most prices will already include this in the amount quoted, unless otherwise stated.
Electrical Supply
The standard electrical current in New Zealand is 50 hertz and 230/240 volts. 100 volt A/C sockets are also provided in most accommodation sites, with power outlets accepting 2 or 3 pin flat plugs.**
Tipping
It's not required to leave a tip in New Zealand bars and restaurants. Service charges and gratuities are not applied to bills, and any extras are left entirely at the consumer's discretion.
The Weather
The summer months are warm where shorts and t-shirts will be suitable. However, it's always advisable to take out layers with you to suit changing conditions. Once the sun goes down it does get cooler so an extra layer will be fine. Check our Queenstown Weather page to see monthly temperatures and a 5 day forecast.
Driving to/from Wanaka
There are two ways to travel between Queenstown and Wanaka - via the Crown Range or Cromwell. You can read full details in our 'Wanaka to Queenstown' guide.
