Queenstown Travel Guide

With a reputation as the adventure sports capital of the world, Queenstown is New Zealand's premier tourist destination, where visitors have the chance to indulge in almost every adrenalin activity imaginable. However, Queenstown has more to offer visitors than action-packed activities.

Queenstown is a heavily commercialised, year-round resort that is touristy, crowded and characterless. However, with its magnificent scenery, set on the deep blue Lake Wakatipu and framed by the craggy Remarkables Range, it's appealing to adventurers and leisure seekers alike. The lake is the perfect setting for steamer cruises, and many fine walking opportunities in the surrounding hills and valleys provide breathtaking views. The surrounding vineyards offer wine tasting, and there's shopping at the town's many boutiques. The nearby historic gold mining town of Arrowtown is a fascinating day's outing. Scenic flights take visitors on unforgettable excursions, such as those around the majestic peaks of Mount Aspiring and Mount Cook, or to Milford Sound.

Queenstown's popularity is also due to the fact that it's a year-round resort, a renowned alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders in winter, and activities such as jet boating, bungee jumping, luging, white water rafting and paragliding in the summer months.

Things to do in Queenstown

Queenstown offers the perfect setting for adventure, relaxation and fun all year round. With a buzzing atmosphere and stunning scenery, travellers will find there is no other place in the world quite like Queenstown. For iconic views of the city and Lake Wakatipu, visitors should take a ride on the Skyline Gondola, which climbs its way to Bob's Peak. From there, visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk or visit the Kiwi and Birdlife Park when reaching the bottom terminal.

Around town, travellers can take a leisurely stroll through Queenstown Gardens or take in the view from the Ben Lomond walkway. For the golfer, there are plenty of world-renowned courses to choose from around Queenstown, while the wine fanatic can sample some of New Zealand's finest vineyards around which they can plan a day of excellent wine tasting. For something truly special, visitors to Queenstown should not miss out on a visit to Lake Wanaka, which was voted as one of the world's top 10 most romantic destinations in the world and sports the most photographed tree in New Zealand.

As part of the Southern Scenic Route, Queenstown is ideally located on a tourist highway in New Zealand linking Queenstown, Fjordland, Te Anau and the iconic Milford Road to Dunedin via Riverton, Invercargill, and The Catlins. Also, an Australian travel magazine labelled the Southern Scenic Route as 'one of the world's great undiscovered drives' in 2008. If visitors have the time and an adventurous spirit, renting a car and exploring the most beautiful scenery that can be found in New Zealand is a must.

Queenstown has been branded the Adventure Capital of the World for good reason. Thrill-seeking opportunities include bungee jumping, white water rafting and jet boating on Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River while soaking up the spectacular scenery.

Skyline Gondola photo

Skyline Gondola

The Queenstown Gondola takes visitors up to Bob's Peak above the town, and has incredible views over Queenstown, the lake, and the Remarkables Range. At the top of the gondola is the Luge offering three-wheel cart rides for all different ages and abilities, or there are numerous walks on the mountain with beautiful views of the area. At the bottom terminal is the Kiwi and Birdlife Park featuring nocturnal kiwi houses and other endangered species of New Zealand.

Arrowtown photo

Arrowtown

Arrowtown sits at the edge of the Otago Goldfields and was one of New Zealand's biggest gold towns in its day. It still has reminders of the gold rush days with little miners' cottages along the tree lined streets, historic wooden buildings, and 19th century-style shops. There are the interesting remains of a Chinese settlement, with interpretive signs, nestled along the banks of Bush Creek where gold was panned. The Chinese diggers often worked through the remains of previous miner's claims in search of undetected fine gold. The Visitors Centre contains the excellent Lake District Museum that has a small display on local history and gold mining.

Lake Wanaka photo

Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka was voted as one of the world's top 10 most romantic destinations. It is a picture-perfect alpine lake located in the Otago region of the South Island. It is New Zealand's fourth-largest lake and certainly one of its most beautiful. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming and the temperate climate ensures that this is a year-round destination. The nearby Harris Mountains provide ample opportunity for skiing in winter as well.

Getting Around

Queenstown is a compact city that's easy to negotiate on foot, though double-decker sightseeing buses are a popular way to cover the city's principal attractions. The only existing public transport is a bus service that operates on three lines; day passes are available. Taxis are readily available and there are also several car rental agencies. Uber is an option.

Queenstown Climate and Weather

Queenstown has an Alpine climate and is a destination for all seasons. Winter is a magical time of snow-capped mountains and blue skies that will delight winter sports enthusiasts. Spring, officially starting on September 1, brings a meltdown, with temperatures ranging between 46ºF (8ºC) and 59ºF (15ºC), and with some beautiful, fresh days and cool evenings, punctuated by spring showers. At the end of November high summer sets in with long warm days averaging around 80ºF (26ºC). The season is ideal for outdoor fun in the sun. Autumn arrives in March and is blessed with occasional hot spots and balmy evenings as the leaves begin to turn.

New Zealand travel info

Electricity

The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Oblique flat blade plugs are standard.

Language

The official languages in New Zealand are English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language.

Money

The local currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), which is divided into 100 cents. Most businesses accept MasterCard and Visa and, while Diners Club and American Express are also widely accepted in the main tourist centres, they might have limited acceptance elsewhere. ATMs can be found in all towns and cities.

Tipping

Gratuities are not expected in New Zealand, but it's acceptable for guests to tip at their discretion.

Health

There are no health risks associated with travel to New Zealand. New Zealand's Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) covers emergency treatment for visitors, but health insurance is recommended to cover any additional charges and for those not entitled to free emergency treatment. Those intending to participate in adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, white water rafting should ensure that their travel insurance covers these types of activities.

Safety

New Zealand has a reputation as one of the safest destinations in the world, but sensible precautions against petty theft are still advised. Among them, travellers should avoid leaving possessions in unattended vehicles, even if they're out of sight, and they should use the hotel safe if possible.

Travellers who plan on swimming in coastal waters should be aware that riptides are common and can be dangerous, and that several drownings are reported every year. Sharks, seals and other wildlife present a risk to swimmers in certain areas. Travellers should avoid unsupervised beaches and at all times follow the instructions and warnings of lifeguards.

Adventure tourism, which includes zip-lining, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if activities are not well-organised. Enthusiasts should educate themselves on best practices for safety, and arrange activities through a tour operator that meets international standards.

Local customs

Though New Zealand has a strong reputation for tolerance towards homosexuality, there are still isolated incidents of homophobic related crime. LGBT travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, especially when visiting rural areas. Importing illegal drugs is punishable by up to 12 years' imprisonment.

Doing business

New Zealand is ranked first in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings. The business culture of New Zealand conforms to a typically British model: formal, reserved and conservative. However, this is tempered with a characteristically Antipodean warmth and friendliness, creating a relaxed, yet professional atmosphere.

Business etiquette in New Zealand will be familiar to those who've worked in western corporate environments before. Foreigners should use titles until instructed not to do so, and maintain eye contact when speaking to their associates. Business meetings should be scheduled at least a week in advance, and then confirmed a few days before they are due to take place. The dress code for business in New Zealand is usually formal. For meetings, men should stick to a dark suit, worn with a tie; women should wear a smart dress, business suit or pants suit, and limited accessories.

The official language of business in New Zealand is English, and business hours are generally from 8.30am (or 9am) to 5pm, Monday to Friday; and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

Duty free

Travellers to New Zealand over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 50 cigarettes, or 50g of cigars or tobacco, or a mixture of all three not exceeding 50g; three bottles of spirits or liqueur each containing not more than 1,125ml; 4.5 litres of wine or beer; and other goods to the value of NZD 700. Goods exceeding the allowances must be declared. Personal effects not dutiable include items such as jewellery, binoculars, portable radios, prams, camping equipment, cameras and video cameras. Prohibited items include concealed firearms, foodstuffs, animals, plants and plant products. It is forbidden to export Greenstone, Maori antiquities and Paua shells (unless they are products manufactured from such shells). Prescription medications need to be accompanied by a doctor's letter and the original prescription, they should not amount to more than three months worth of the medication.

Communications

The international access code for New Zealand is +64. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0061 for Australia). A good option is to purchase a local prepaid SIM card at the airport on arrival. Alternatively travellers use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. WiFi access is widely available in hotels, restaurants and other tourist establishments, except in some of the more remote areas.

Passport & Visa

All foreign passengers to New Zealand must hold return or onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country (usually NZD 1,000 per month, or NZD 400 if accommodation has been prepaid). All visitors must obtain a permit to enter Tokelau from the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office in Apia, at least two weeks prior to travel. It's highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from New Zealand. No visa is required for stays of up to three months. Travellers must have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) obtained prior to boarding.

UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their date of departure from New Zealand. No visa is required for stays of up to six months. Travellers must have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) obtained prior to boarding.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from New Zealand. No visa is required for stays of up to three months. Canadians must have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) obtained prior to boarding.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in New Zealand. No visa is required.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in New Zealand. South Africans require a visitor visa that must be organised prior to travel.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in New Zealand. No visa is required for stays of up to three months. They must have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) obtained prior to boarding.

Useful contacts

Tourism New Zealand, Wellington:+64 4 462 8000 or www.tourismnewzealand.com

111 (All Emergencies)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 328 4800.

New Zealand High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7930 8422.

New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 5991.

New Zealand High Commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6270 4211.

New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 435 9000.

Embassies / consulates in New Zealand

United States Embassy, Wellington: +64 4 462 6000.

British High Commission, Wellington: +64 4 924 2888.

Canadian High Commission, Wellington: +64 4 473 9577.

Australian High Commission, Wellington: +64 4 473 6411.

Honorary Consulate of South Africa, Wellington: +64 4 815 8484.

Honorary Consul General of Ireland, Auckland: +64 9 919 7450.