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Queenstown travel guide
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items The 'Adventure Capital of the World' is an adventure playground for adrenaline junkies. While I'm no thrill-seeker, I can adamantly say that Queenstown is a destination of breathtaking natural beauty begging to be explored. If you love scenic walks, ...
Map
Sections
4
Things to do
Where to eat/drink
Where to stay
Where to go
Things to do
The best experiences I had in Queenstown.
A jet boat joyride and a must for adrenaline junkies who don't mind getting wet. It's also the best way to see the Shotover Canyons up close.
Shotover Jet Queenstown
This centrally located botanic garden is a serene and gorgeous way to see the area and Lake Wakatipu. Walking through here, admiring the roses, gazing up at the towering trees, and strolling alongside the sparkling lake was something I did almost eve...
Queenstown Gardens
An easy, short, and scenic hike with beautiful views over Lake Wakatipu.
Bob's Cove Track & Nature Walk
With glacial landscapes, enchanting waterfalls, and mirror-like lakes, New Zealand’s iconic fiord is well worth the four-hour road trip from Queenstown.
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
While I didn't get the chance to try this, it's one of the best things to do for first-time visitors. Once reaching the top, soak up breathtaking scenery overlooking the lake, Queenstown, and the surrounding mountains. There's also luge carts on offe...
Skyline Gondola
Thrill seekers will love this. I didn't have the courage, but I did see the Kawarau Bridge Bungy site and it is spectacular.
AJ Hackett Bungy
My favourite feature at this This purple-hued farm are the sprawling lavender fields home to thousands of adorable bumblebees. Highly recommend sitting down in the cafe for some lavender infused tea, macarons, and ice cream.
Wanaka Lavender Farm
After a day of cycling, there was nothing better than a session soaking in one of the hot pools here while admiring views of the Shotover River Canyon.
Onsen Hot Pools & Day Spa
Everything sold here is handcrafted by the stallholders. I happened to walk through town and stumble upon these amazing local artisan markets. Held every Saturday.
Queenstown Market
What better way to see Queenstown than from above the treetops?
Ziptrek Ecotours
Following a bike ride, this winery is a great stop for refreshments and a gourmet cheese platter to refuel before making tracks. They also offer dining and tastings.
Gibbston Valley Winery & Restaurant
Queenstown offers cycling and mountain-biking year round. This trail is easy to intermediate level with scenic vistas.
Cycle the Queenstown Trail
Where to eat/drink
Top spots for delicious food and tasty drinks.
Prepare to queue for a while, this is the hottest spot in town serving world-renowned gourmet burgers.
Fergburger
Perfect for a pre- or post-thrill ride bite after stepping off the Shotover Jet. Sip on craft beer and wood-fired pizzas while overlooking the jet boats speeding along the Shotover River.
Canyon Brewing
This was a great first stop restaurant after I landed in Queenstown, with beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu waterfront and top tier cocktail selection.
The Grille Bar & Restaurant
I went here for bunch three times because the absolute lakefront restaurant had a serene atmosphere and delicious British-inspired food.
The Bathhouse
An artisan chocolate and ice cream store with decadent, award-winning creations. Highly recommend buying a box with multiple flavours to try (especially the chocolate and raspberry).
Patagonia Chocolates
A wonderful brunch spot at Steamer Wharf. I stopped here for a bite after shopping at the nearby Saturday markets for a plate of lemon curd French toast and sweetcorn cakes.
Sunfire Queenstown
After a long nature walk, this cosy pub in Arthur's Point was the perfect recovery stop for a hearty meal, craft beer, and a hot chocolate.
Gantley's Tavern
Where to stay
Although I stayed in an Airbnb when visited, these are my recommendations for the best hotels to stay at in Queenstown.
Set on Lake Wakatipu, this luxury hotel is nearby Queenstown Airport and the centre of town. Queenstown. The hotel is reasonably priced given that it offers a heated indoor pool, an outdoor terrace with lake views, and multiple dining options. (Affil...
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Another boutique hotel located lakeside and boasting panoramic views for great value. It's also a short walk into town for dining and attractions.
QT Queenstown
Centrally located in the heart of Queenstown, this modern hotel is a great base. The apartment-style rooms are particularly convenient as they offer a kitchenette and in-room laundry.
Ramada Queenstown Central
Nestled at a high altitude overlooking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, this hotel achieves tranquillity without compromising on a convenient location.
Kamana Lakehouse
This five-star hotel is centrally located, blending French alpine design with Kiwi style.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa
With rooms and suites offering breathtaking views of the natural scenery, this European-style alpine lodge is a comfortable place to bed down.
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Where to go
Recommendations for the best places to explore when staying in Queenstown.
Roughly 20 minutes' drive from Queenstown, this charming historic town is rich in heritage and natural beauty. I went there to begin a scenic biking trail, passing over bridges and the dramatic Kawarau Gorge. When I went in March the weather and temp...
Arrowtown
A picturesque alpine resort town with ski areas, hiking trails and water activities on Lake Wānaka. I drove roughly an hour from Queenstown to Wānaka to visit the beautiful Wānaka Lavender Farm for an afternoon of strolling the lavender fields, seein...
Wānaka
While it's a fair trek (about 4 hours' drive from Queenstown) it's well worth it. Soaking up the stunning mountainous scenery while driving is breathtaking. I recommend setting off early so you arrive before midday, factoring in time for a break at T... lookouts like the Mirror Lakes. Once reaching Milford Sound, I recommend parking in the free area just before the main carpark (paid and fills up quick), where it's a short 10-minute walk to the cruise wharf. Alternatively you can opt for a bus tour.
Fiordland National Park