Otago · 22 Places · Best December
Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital, set on the shore of Lake Wakatipu beneath The Remarkables mountain range. Known for bungy jumping, jet boating and skiing, it also offers lakeside dining, Central Otago wineries and the gold-rush village of Arrowtown.
Queenstown sits at about 330 m elevation on the northern shore of Lake Wakatipu, with Queenstown Airport (ZQN) in Frankton about 8 km east of the centre. The compact town centre, lakefront and Skyline gondola are walkable, while Arrowtown (20 km), Glenorchy (45 km), Wanaka (68 km via the Crown Range) and Milford Sound (287 km) are day trips by car, coach or plane. The year splits into a December to March summer of hiking, biking and lake activities and a June to October ski season at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 22 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
New Zealand's steepest gondola lift climbs 450 metres from Brecon Street to the Bob's Peak lookout, with sweeping views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, plus a restaurant, bungy platform and walking trails at the top.
Gravity-driven three-wheeled carts run down sealed and tunnelled tracks on Bob's Peak, with a scenic track and an advanced track and a chairlift back to the start beside the gondola terminal.
A coal-fired steamship launched in 1912 that still crosses Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, with an engine-room tour and a trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
A small wildlife park beside Skyline with kiwi, tuatara, kea and native birds, daily kiwi encounters and a free-flight bird show.
A peninsula park first set out in 1867, with rose beds, mature exotic trees, a disc golf course, an ice-skating rink in winter and shoreline views of The Remarkables.
A demanding alpine walk to the 1,748-metre summit above Queenstown, with views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. Many walkers shorten the route by riding the gondola to the saddle trailhead.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Five-star hotel on Duke Street in the town centre, a short walk from the lakefront, with the So SPA on site.
Check rates on Booking.comFive-star MGallery hotel in the Brunswick Street lakefront precinct with a spa and restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comDesign-led five-star hotel at the Brunswick Street end of the Queenstown lakefront.
Check rates on Booking.comLakefront hotel and luxury apartments on Frankton Road looking over Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkables.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Queenstown's best-known burger shop, open from 7AM to 2:30AM daily, with a long street-side queue most evenings. Burgers listed from NZ$17.20 to NZ$26.90 (~US$9.98-15.60).
Bakery beside Fergburger on Shotover Street known for hearty pies, plus sandwiches, cakes, pastries and breads.
Josh Emett's flagship restaurant on Ballarat Street, awarded one star in the inaugural 2026 MICHELIN Guide New Zealand. Produce-led menu of Bites, Starters, Mains, Feasts and Sides built on Central Otago ingredients, with a Central Otago-heavy wine list.
Steakhouse in Archers Cottage on Marine Parade, with log fires, a Central Otago wine list and a lakeside setting. Listed in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide New Zealand selection.
Ground-floor restaurant and bar at Steamer Wharf on the Queenstown waterfront, serving handcrafted pastas and Italian classics made with regional ingredients, plus a cocktail list.
Winery at Lake Hayes with two dining options: the one-star (2026 MICHELIN Guide New Zealand) Restaurant, a dinner-only tasting menu of theatrical, hyper-seasonal cooking with wild game, and the Cellar Door Bistro serving a la carte from 11:30AM. Estate organic wines.
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Queenstown is compact: the town centre, lakefront and Skyline gondola base are walkable. Orbus buses (run for the Otago Regional Council) link the centre with Frankton, the airport, Arrowtown, Jacks Point and other suburbs on one flat fare; a Bee Card is the cheapest way to pay. For Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Milford Sound and the Gibbston wine region, a rental car, coach or tour is the practical choice. Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is in Frankton, about 8 km east of the centre.
Daily spend by tier in NZD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | NZ$50 (~US$29.0) | NZ$220 (~US$127.6) | NZ$600 (~US$348) |
| Food (per day) | NZ$50 (~US$29.0) | NZ$110 (~US$63.8) | NZ$250 (~US$145) |
| Transportation | NZ$10 (~US$5.8) | NZ$30 (~US$17.4) | NZ$100 (~US$58.0) |
| Activities | NZ$50 (~US$29.0) | NZ$90 (~US$52.2) | NZ$250 (~US$145) |
| Daily total | NZ$160 (~US$92.8) | NZ$450 (~US$261) | NZ$1200 (~US$696) |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C.
December to March for summer activities; July to August for skiing
Call 111 (free, 24 hours, from any phone) for police, fire, ambulance or mountain rescue; say which service you need.
Lock the car and take everything with you. Queenstown Police report repeated car break-ins and thefts in Frankton, Lake Hayes-Shotover Country and Kelvin Heights, and rental cars with visible bags at trailheads are a regular target.
Tell someone the plan before any hike, and use AdventureSmart (adventuresmart.org.nz) for trip planning. Mobile coverage is poor on many tracks; carry a Personal Locator Beacon (hire from outdoor shops in town) for alpine routes.
Check the weather forecast at metservice.com before hiking. Conditions at 1,000 m can be winter-like even in summer, with hail, snow and strong wind.
Winter driving: carry snow chains, drive slowly, and check road status at nzta.govt.nz/traffic or on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) before the Crown Range road (to Wanaka), the Coronet Peak access road and the Milford Road.
Drive on the left, keep within the speed limit and never drink and drive (the limit is 0.05% blood alcohol for adults, and the penalties are severe). Expect narrow roads, one-lane bridges and frequent stops to photograph scenery.
Lake Wakatipu is cold year-round (about 8-16C). Swim only near the shore in summer, never alone, and wear a life jacket on kayaks, paddleboards and boats.
Book adventure activities (bungy, jet boat, canyoning, skydiving, paragliding) through established operators. Check that travel insurance covers adventure sports, as many policies exclude them.
Use sun protection year-round: the clear mountain air gives very high UV from October to March. Apply SPF 50+ every two hours.
Ski and snowboard within ability, follow the Snow Safety Code, stay inside patrolled boundaries and do not go out of bounds without avalanche training and equipment. Wear a helmet.
Avalanche risk is real in the backcountry in winter and spring: check avalanche.net.nz and carry a transceiver, probe and shovel.
Treat water from streams and lakes before drinking (boil, filter or purify) to avoid giardia; use only the tap supply in town.
Use licensed taxis, the Orbus bus network or ride-hailing apps (Uber) at night; do not accept lifts from unmarked drivers.
Install the NZ Alert app for national emergency notifications. Earthquake advice: Drop, Cover, Hold; the Alpine Fault is the main regional risk, so move to higher ground after a long or strong shake near the lake.
Queenstown is a very safe resort town for visitors. Violent crime against tourists is rare; the realistic risks are theft from vehicles, adventure-activity and outdoor accidents, driving in unfamiliar and icy conditions, and fast-changing mountain weather. Natural hazards (earthquakes on the Alpine Emergency services: police at 111 for emergencies. 105 (or 105.police.govt.nz online) for non-urgent matters such as theft reports. Queenstown Police Station: 11 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300; counter
The best time to visit Queenstown is December. Queenstown has a cool oceanic climate in a mountain basin beside Lake Wakatipu at about 330 m elevation. Normals for Queenstown Airport (1991-2020) give an annual mean daily maximum of 15.3C (60F), a
Most visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA (NZ$17 or NZ$23 depending on whether applied through the app or website, about US$10 to US$13) plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (NZ$100, about US$58), paid with the NZeTA. Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA. Confirm the current fee at immigration.govt.nz before applying. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Queenstown is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Queenstown: English, Te Reo Maori. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Queenstown include Skyline Queenstown Gondola, Skyline Queenstown Luge, TSS Earnslaw Steamship, Kiwi Birdlife Park, and Queenstown Gardens. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
