Hotels in Queenstown

Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand's South Island, surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range and the peaks of the Southern Alps. The town of around 16,000 permanent residents swells to several times that number during peak tourist season, earning its reputation as the adventure capital of the world. Bungee jumping was commercialised here in 1988 at the Kawarau Bridge, and the town has since added jet boating, skydiving, paragliding, and canyon swinging to its adrenaline menu.

Queenstown is not only about extreme sports. The Central Otago wine region - particularly the Gibbston Valley, just 25 minutes east of town - produces some of the world's finest Pinot Noir. The town centre itself is compact and walkable, with restaurants, bars, and gear shops lining Shotover Street and the waterfront. The Skyline Gondola carries visitors up Bob's Peak for panoramic views across Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding ranges.

Queenstown Airport (ZQN) receives direct flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Within town, most visitors walk or use the local Orbus service (NZD 2 per ride with a Bee Card). For day trips to Milford Sound, Glenorchy, or Arrowtown, renting a car is the most flexible option - roads are well-maintained but winding, and winter driving may require chains. The best weather falls between December and March (summer), though June through August brings world-class skiing at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.