Should You Visit Queenstown?

Are you thinking about visiting Queenstown, New Zealand? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Queenstown worth visiting?

This city is a good place to visit for two to seven days. 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.

Queenstown, New Zealand Queenstown, New Zealand

Reasons to Visit Queenstown

Skiing
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.

Food
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.

Hiking
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.

Nightlife
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.

Shopping
It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.




Things to Consider Before Visiting Queenstown

Museums: Queenstown isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Queenstown might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Queenstown here or see if Queenstown is expensive here.

Related

What is Queenstown most famous for?

Queenstown is most famous for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. The city is very popular for its skiing, food, and hiking. It is also known for its great nightlife and shopping. It is often described as adventure-filled, outdoorsy, nature-oriented, spirited, bustling, and active.

What is the most famous sight in Queenstown?

The most popular sight in Queenstown is Kawarau Bridge. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Queenstown on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Kawarau Bridge and other attractions here.

How touristy is Queenstown? Is it a popular city to visit?

Queenstown is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Guided eBike Tour 'Ride to the Sky': $124
  • Half-Day Queenstown Photography Tour: $231
  • Highlands Taxi - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park: $90
  • Mustang V8 U-Drive - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park: $240
  • Private Tour Half Day Queenstown and Beyond Photography Tour: $149
  • Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy: $219
  • Queenstown Hop-on Hop-off Evening Beer Tour: $54
  • Queenstown Highlights - Half Day Tour - Arrowtown, Winery, Bungy, Local Sites: $78

How long should I spend in Queenstown?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Queenstown is two to seven days. Since Queenstown has a variety of activities such as skiing, dining, and hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Queenstown?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Queenstown?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Queenstown?.