The Ultimate Queenstown Travel Guide

Oh, Queenstown. You absolute stunner! You gem of a city!

When I first began planning our 10 day trip to New Zealand, Queenstown was one of the very first destinations I added to my “must visit” list. Even from that initial research, it was clear that Queenstown had a lot to offer travelers.

Not only is it the “The Adventure Capital of the World,” it’s also a jumping off point for countless day trips and other adventures. I was sold!

That said, I did initially waver on how much time we should spend in Queenstown. Was 4 nights in one place too many for a trip of this length? Would splitting nights between Queenstown and nearby Wanaka be a better use of our time?

Ultimately, I chose to trust my gut—and I am so very glad I did.

Queenstown blew my expectations out of the water, and our four days there flew by. Not only that, but those four days were some of the most enjoyable I’ve spent in any city in the world.

What’s In This Queenstown Travel Guide?

• Why You Need to Visit Queenstown
• Best Things to do in Queenstown
• Where to Stay in Queenstown
• Where to Eat in Queenstown

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Why You Need to Visit Queenstown

My love affair with Queenstown pretty much began from the moment we stepped out of the plane and onto the tarmac.

Even from the airport, I could see glimpses of epic mountain ranges in the distance, and feel that glorious New Zealand sunshine on my skin (there’s less ozone here than in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning a higher risk of sunburns—but man, it sure feels nice for a moment or two).

After checking into our amazing Airbnb on Lake Wakatipu just a few minutes outside of town, we hopped back in our rental car and headed into downtown…and just like that, Queenstown had my heart.

I quickly realized that the entire downtown was small enough to thoroughly explore on foot, which is a quality I really love in a city or town. And all those lovely little streets were lined with adorable cafes, lively open air bars, and tour companies promising amazing adventures and experiences.

The weather was absolute perfection—mild temperatures, blue skies, and a crisp breeze coming in off Lake Wakatipu. People of all ages were lounging in a grassy lawn near the waterfront, soaking in the sunshine, sipping bottles of beer, licking ice cream cones, and laughing with friends.

Somewhere around the corner, a street performer was playing upbeat music. Young kids were squealing with delight as dozens of ducks and seagulls splashed around in the bright blue water. Groups of backpackers dotted the beach area, and a few brave souls had even swum out to a floating dock in the lake.

…um, how did it take me a full 28 years to learn that A REAL LIFE PARADISE EXISTS HERE ON EARTH?!

As lame and bungling as it sounds, Queenstown just has a great vibe…and it’s that indefinable quality that makes it so darn lovable. I guess I officially fail as a travel writer, huh?

In all seriousness: Queenstown is incredibly laid back (denim shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers are the unofficial uniform), it’s vibrant and energizing, it’s stunningly beautiful, and it’s FUN. What more could you ask for in a destination?

At least I was mentally prepared for the amazing nature and overwhelming list of activities, but the food and wine scene in and around Queenstown really shocked the hell out of me. Step aside Paris and Barcelona—Queenstown is my new favorite cafe city. You heard it here first, folks!

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Best Things to do in Queenstown

Skyline Gondola – There’s no better way to experience panoramic views of Queenstown than by riding the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob’s Peak. From way up here, you’ll be treated to views of the city, Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range, and some of the region’s most iconic peaks. The luge was surprisingly thrilling (seriously, that thing feels pretty fast!), and we enjoyed having a drink at the bar before taking the gondola back into town.

Queenstown Bay Beach – If you’re looking for one of the most social atmospheres in Queenstown, this is it. You’ll find dozens of backpackers drinking and sunning themselves on this small-yet-scenic stretch of beach, along with kids chasing seagulls and couples strolling hand-in-hand. The beach seemed to be liveliest in the late afternoon around and early evening; around 7:30pm or so in February, when the sun was warm, golden, and just starting to inch towards the horizon. Pure, fun, summery goodness!

Queenstown Gardens –  These lush gardens were perhaps the most pleasant, unexpected surprise during our stay in Queenstown. In fact, we ended up revisiting them every single day! Located just a few minutes walk from the city center, the Queenstown Gardens felt like a blissful, tranquil retreat from the bustle of downtown. Here you’ll find couples napping in the shade of giant sequoia trees, students and backpackers playing disc golf, and locals and travelers alike enjoying the pristine grounds. Be sure to walk all the way to the far end of the park and down the hill to the water for amazing views of Lake Wakatipu.

Onsen Hot Pools – You may have seen these beautiful cedar pools on Instagram, but I’m here to tell you that photos don’t even come close to doing Onsen Hot Pools justice. We visited a few hours after arriving in Queenstown (following our 13-hour long-haul flight) and it was glorious. Feel all your tension and achiness melt away as you soak in the hot water, admire the views of the Shotover River below, and enjoy your complimentary beverage and snack (we both selected Pinot Noir and chocolate).

Wine Tasting – The Central Otago wine region is known for its Pinot Noir, and there are many excellent vineyards and wineries (called “cellar doors” in New Zealand) within a short 30-minute drive from Queenstown. We did a tasting at Chard Farms Winery, which has a spectacularly beautiful location. Also, this California gal was shocked to learn that tastings are FREE here. Not something you’re likely to find in Napa! We also stopped by Gibbston Valley Winery for some wine by the glass. Gibbston has an onsite cheesery, so you know we had to order a cheese plate too. The goat cheese topped with real honeycomb was unreal. You can find more wineries and wine tours in Queenstown here.

Kiwi Birdlife Park – The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a 5-acre wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Queenstown. More than 20 species of birds and reptiles live within the park, including kea, parakeets, wood pigeons, and yes, kiwis! You can actually go inside the enclosures with some of the exotic birds, which really enhances the experience. Kiwis are nocturnal animals, which means their houses are kept dark during the daytime. This makes it pretty difficult to see them, but when you do catch a glimpse, they’re quite entertaining creatures. Full disclosure: At almost $40 USD per person, I did find this activity to be a bit overpriced for what you get. That said, your ticket does remain valid for multiple entries over the span of 3 days.

Milford Sound – This remote fiord located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island is known for its dramatic landscapes, namely its towering peaks (oh hello, Mitre Peak) and dozens of waterfalls. It’s also home to marine life, like  dolphins and seals! Many travelers visit Milford Sound as a day trip from Queenstown, either independently or as part of a tour. Once in Milford Sound, you can enjoy some hiking or a cruise through the fiord. Driving to Milford Sound takes around 4.5 hours each way, making for a very long day! Travelers can also book a Fly-Cruise-Fly tour, which combines a scenic flight with a fiord cruise. Our cruise was unfortunately cancelled due to flooding, but the scenic flight alone was one of the best things we did in New Zealand.

Glenorchy – Nestled among snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes, just 45 minutes from Queenstown by car, is the darling frontier town of Glenorchy. Many scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed around Glenorchy, including scenes in Isengard and Lothlorien. Even if you’re not a LOTR fan, you’re sure to appreciate the beautiful wharf and bucolic scenery. My favorite part about our day trip to Glenorchy was walking the Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk.

Hiking – Hiking and walking opportunities abound in Queenstown. Some of the most popular trails in Queenstown include Queenstown Hill, Bob’s Peak, Bob’s Cove, and Moke Lake. We ended up doing less hiking than we expected as we stayed busy with other activities, but you can learn more about hiking in Queenstown here.

Bungy Jumping – Did you know the first commercial bungy jump took place in Queenstown in the 1980s? What better way to pay homage to Queenstown’s rich history of bungy jumping than by…er…throwing yourself off a bridge? 😬 We’re not quite so brave, but we did stop by the Kawarau Bridge to enjoy the show as other people flung themselves towards the bright blue water below. Even if you don’t plan to bungy jump, watching others is a fun way to pass some time. See all 3 Queenstown bungy jump locations here.

Jetboating – Fancy an adventurous boat ride through the Shotover River Canyons? Look no further than the Shotover Jet! You’ll speed through rapids, twist alongside canyon walls, and experience 360-degree spins in shallow waters. We unfortunately didn’t have time to include this activity, but it was definitely something I had on my wishlist originally.

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Where to Stay in Queenstown

Travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding accommodation in Queenstown. There are more than 700 properties in and around Queenstown…and that’s not including the hundreds of great Airbnbs.

We booked an AMAZING Airbnb just a few minutes outside of town, right on Lake Wakatipu, and I honestly believe it’s the best Airbnb we’ve ever stayed in. Every room had gorgeous views of the lake, the surrounding hills, and the mountains in the distance.

It felt so homey and comfortable, and like our own little peaceful escape from downtown; each night, we would head back to our Airbnb after dinner and enjoy a glass of wine on the patio.

When the evening air became too chilly, we would move into the living room and listen to The Hobbit audiobook while watching the sunset (usually around 9pm). Talk about a lot of perfect ends to a lot of perfect days!

Get $55 off your first Airbnb booking!

Even budget travelers and backpackers have a lot of options to choose from in Queenstown. Some of the top-rated hostels in Queenstown include:

• Absoloot Hostel Queenstown
• JUCY Snooze Queenstown
• The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers
• YHA Queenstown Lakefront
• Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel
• Nomads Queenstown Backpackers

And for the mid-range and luxury travelers reading this post, you have even more great options to choose from. Some of the top-rated hotels in Queenstown include:

• Eichardt’s Private Hotel
• Hotel St Moritz Queenstown – MGallery by Sofitel
• The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
• Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
• The Spire Hotel
• QT Queenstown
• Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

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Where to Eat in Queenstown

I’ll be real with you guys, Queenstown’s food scene SHOCKED me. Cuisine often plays a big role in my travel experiences, but to be honest, I wasn’t all that excited to dine in New Zealand. It just doesn’t have the same romance as eating street food in Thailand, or enjoying paella and sangria in Spain…right?

Wrong! Y’all, we ate some truly excellent meals in Queenstown. Below are a few of our personal favorites:

Best Cafes in Queenstown

Vudu Cafe & Larder – A cozy little spot in the heart of town where you can order from an expansive menu of sit-down breakfasts, as well as pastries and sandwiches from the display case. My veggie tart (with goat cheese, caramelized onions, balsamic vinaigrette, and tomato chutney) was absolutely divine. Derek thoroughly enjoyed his pork and mushroom roll as well.

Bespoke Kitchen – The sister cafe of Vudu. It’s located on the way to the gondola, and is much roomier with plenty of outdoor patio seating. The two menus looked nearly identical, as far as I could tell.

The Exchange Cafe – This cafe offers a nice selection of ready-made breakfast items from the display case (scones, rolls, sandwiches, tarts, pastries) as well as hot breakfast and brunch dishes that you can order. I only sampled a cheese scone, but my flat white was really tasty.

Best Restaurants in Queenstown

Tatsumi – This upscale Japanese restaurant wins the award for “best meal I had in Queenstown.” The spicy tuna and mango roll was genuinely delicious, and the miso soup and edamame with sea salt were both excellent. I know, who even says that about miso soup?! But somehow this spot truly nailed the flavor on every dish.

@Thai – If you find yourself craving authentic Thai food during your stay in Queenstown, @Thai is just the place to satisfy those desires. Derek and I shared the basil chili chicken and fried chicken with cashews; both very good, with a slight edge to the basil dish.

Fergburger – See that restaurant with a line of 30 people out the door? Yep, that’s the one—the ultra famous Fergburger, known equally for its creative burgers and hour-long wait times. Pro Tip: Skip the line altogether by calling in your order! Our wait time was a mere 15 minutes, and it was so nice strolling up to the outdoor window and bypassing that huge crowd of people. Oh, and while the burger was very enjoyable, I would ultimately classify it as an average burger. Maybe I’ve just had a lot of really superb burgers in the past? Sorry Ferg fanatics!

Muskets and Moonshine – Southern American cuisine in Queenstown? You betcha! We ordered the jambalaya and the brisket burger, which were both extremely flavorful and satisfying. They have a ton of fun cocktails to choose from as well, many of which feature—you guessed it—moonshine.

Best Dessert in Queenstown

Cookie Time – This cookie bar (!!!) was one of our favorite culinary finds in Queenstown…in fact, we ended up visiting almost every day that we were in town. The cookie dough shakes were insanely delicious, and I loved the warm cookie s’mores. You can also order straight up scoops of cookie dough!

Best Bars in Queenstown

Surreal Bar & Restaurant – With a small but lively rooftop area, this bar is a nice spot to spend an afternoon. We preferred a bit more shade, so we enjoyed watching the world go by from the front porch seating area.

The World Bar – Who knew teapot cocktails were a thing? I kept it a bit simpler with a glass of sauvignon blanc, but this bar definitely had an interesting vibe and a fun atmosphere.

Attiqa Bar & Med Kitchen – Two words: Rose. Spritzer. Head straight up to the rooftop for a great social scene, and plenty of couches for lounging and enjoying the weather.

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We snapped this photo during one of our last days in Queenstown, and I think it pretty accurately sums up our mood during our four days in the city: relaxed, happy, content, with big goofy smiles on our faces.

Saying goodbye to Queenstown was hard, even knowing that we were heading onwards to other epic destinations. Now, as I sit in my kitchen and put the finishing touches on this Queenstown travel guide, I can feel that familiar tug on my heartstrings—the bittersweet feeling I always experience when I start to feel “homesick” for a city that isn’t home 💔

If you’re reading this post because you’re planning a visit to Queenstown, all I can say is that you’re a very lucky traveler indeed.

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I hope this Queenstown travel guide is helpful as you plan your trip! Do you have any other questions about visiting Queenstown, things to do in Queenstown, or where to stay in Queenstown? Leave them in the comments below!

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