Perfect Escape To Queenstown In New Zealand With Our Guide

Queenstown, a stunning alpine paradise located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s most popular tourist destination. From dramatic mountain peaks to lush forests, from thrilling outdoor activities to crazy nightlife scenes, every corner of this small town has something to offer. Along with its pristine terrain, Queenstown in New Zealand is also famous for the different types of adrenaline activities. It is the launching pad for every sort of adventure, hence Queenstown is called as the “adventure capital” of New Zealand. The combination of nature with adventure makes for an idyllic vacation that stays with you long after you leave.

Best Time To Visit Queenstown

While planning a trip it is very important to thoroughly understand the weather conditions of the region. Here’s a breakdown of how the weather looks in Queenstown during each season. 

Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm temperatures and less rainfall. Great time for outdoor activities and water sports.

Autumn (Mar–May): Weather is very unpredictable, it could be sunny, cloudy, rainy or snowy.

Winter (Jun–Aug): Awesome time to visit if you are looking for winter activities.

Spring (Sep–Nov): Cool temperatures and colorful blooming landscapes, fewer crowds.

All said and done, there is no right or wrong time to visit Queenstown in New Zealand as it is a year-round destination. Everything depends on each person’s budget and what they want to do.

How To Get To Queenstown In New Zealand

By Air – Taking a flight is the quickest and the most convenient way to reach Queenstown. Queenstown’s international airport (ZQN) has flights taking off to both domestic and international locations. Direct domestic flights to Queenstown are from places like Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. Direct international flights are to destinations like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

By Road – Road trips are the best ways to explore Queenstown as the drive takes you through some of the most scenic routes. There are also affordable bus rides that connect Queenstown to the rest of the South Island. For a hassle free experience there are plenty of guided tours from places like Christchurch and Dunedin.

Once you are in Queenstown, the best way to commute is either by taking public transportation, by renting a bike, hiring a cab, or taking a car on rent. 

Travel Tips For First-Timers In Queenstown

• Make sure to book your accommodation well in advance during the summer and winter season as they get booked out very easily during these seasons.
• Adventure activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, ski pass tend to get sold out soon, hence book activities in advance.
• There are strict camping rules in Queenstown, one cannot use the campervan in public spaces or park them anywhere in Queenstown during the night.
• Queenstown is one of the most expensive towns, hence purchasing a Bee Card that offers rides on the public transportation at a lesser price.
• Tourists coming from nations that have a right hand drive should first understand the basic rules before renting a car as New Zealand (NZ) follows left-hand drive.
• Whichever season you plan to travel, make sure to pack warm clothing as Queenstown can get pretty chilly when the sun goes down.
• For a ski holiday it’s highly recommended to make bookings for the month of August to get the best conditions.
• Restaurants in this city are super expensive, pick some grab-and-go food from the supermarkets if you are travelling on a budget.

12 Best Things To Do In Queenstown

• Take a Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak to enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery and to get amazing views of Lake Wakatipu.
• Adventure junkies can take a jump from the 43-meter-high Kawarau Bridge while enjoying the scenic views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
• Hike the challenging Ben Lomond Track that takes you through forests and tussock grasslands.
• Get on a boat cruise to explore the dramatic landscapes of Queenstown Milford Sound which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Go skiing in Coronet Peak which offers breathtaking alpine views, diverse terrain and excellent facilities. In summer when the snow melts, the area is used for mountain hiking and biking.
• Spend a day at the Main Town Beach swimming and sunbathing.
• Taste the town’s iconic wines by going on a winery tour.
• Stroll through the tranquil walking trails at lakeside Queenstown gardens, rose gardens, and at Frisbee golf.
• Get to see some rare species of birds at Kiwi Birdlife Park, a wildlife refuge for birds and animal species.
• Visit Fear Factory, the scariest haunted house in New Zealand that has various actors and characters trying to scare the hell out of you.
• Experience the nightlife at places like Bunker, Surreal, Eichardt’s, World Bar and 1876 which are some of the best bars in Queenstown.
• Shop for souvenirs at pedestrian-only streets which are located between Rees Street and Camp Street.

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Wrapping Up

This complete Queenstown in New Zealand travel guide is full of fun and adventure. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the most breathtaking place on Earth. Every place you see or activity you do on this epic journey will show you why Queenstown is more than just a destination. Do let us know of your adventure in the comments below.

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