Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Queenstown?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Queenstown?
Most visitors spend two to seven days in Queenstown when visiting. The bustling city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the skiing, the hiking, the food, and the nightlife.
Queenstown is located on the banks of Lake Wakatipu near the Southern Alps in New Zealand. It is a high adventure destination with many activities for thrill seekers. There are also vineyards in the area, bungee jumping, and world class hikes. Whether you want to enjoy skiing in the winter or boating in the summer, there is no shortage of activities here.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Queenstown? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Queenstown?
With one week at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Queenstown has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel, spend more time hiking, or use Queenstown as a base for day trips to nearby mountain towns. You'll be able to relax while enjoying the skiing, the hiking, and the food at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend a week in Queenstown
Snow skiing takes the spotlight during the winter season, so set aside at least a day to hit the slopes. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour (Half-Day) ($170)
- Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour from Queenstown ($120)
- Skip the Line: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Queenstown Ticket ($20)
The culinary scene in Queenstown is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Wine Tour & Maori Culture Queenstown ($153)
- Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour ($134)
- Full-Day Central Otago Food & Wine Tour ($202)
Queenstown is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.
Known for it's hiking, Queenstown sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Golden Hills Horse Treks ($80)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.
The public transit in Queenstown is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.
Don't miss Kawarau Bridge during your trip to Queenstown, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Queenstown is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.
A few tour suggestions include:
- The Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire And Boat Experience ($178)
- Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown ($100)
- KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers ($83)
Shopping in Queenstown is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Queenstown, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Queenstown.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Queenstown. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With added time, spend another day on the ski slopes. After all, that's one of the main attractions here. You'll probably improve your skills every day, so check out some of the runs you haven't spent much time on yet.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Queenstown.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Queenstown?
Two weeks is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Queenstown, giving you the freedom to set your own pace while you explore the town and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the chance to hit the ski slopes, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and enjoy the evening activities on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel, take on some extra hikes, or use Queenstown as a hub for some nice day trips to nearby towns.
Queenstown, New Zealand
How to spend 2 weeks in Queenstown
With 2 weeks in Queenstown, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time skiing on the slopes, hiking, and dining at local restaurants. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- The Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire And Boat Experience ($178)
- Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown ($183)
- Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown ($73)
- Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown ($100)
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown ($116)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Queenstown, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.