2 daysChristchurch
Christchurch to Queenstown 2-Day Transfer Via Franz Josef
5.0(13)Free cancellation
from$335
Photo: Avenue, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsQueenstown
Queenstown and the southern lakes
Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, ringed by the jagged Remarkables. It's where commercial bungy jumping started in 1988, and today it packs jet boats, skydives, ski fields, vineyards and lake cruises into a compact, lively town.
Things to do
- Skyline gondola: Ride up Bob's Peak for the classic view, with luge tracks at the top.
- Bungy: The original Kawarau Bridge jump (43 m) or the Nevis (134 m).
- Jet boating: Through the narrow canyons of the Shotover or Kawarau rivers.
- Arrowtown: A gold rush village 20 minutes away, glorious in autumn.
- TSS Earnslaw: A century old steamship cruise to a high country farm.
- Gibbston Valley: Pinot noir wineries along the Kawarau Gorge.
Practical information
| Airport | Queenstown Airport, 15 minutes from town, with flights from Auckland, Christchurch and Australia |
| Best months | December to April for summer, July to September for skiing |
| Bungy price | About NZ$200 to 400 |
| Getting around | Buses and taxis; a car for day trips |
Tip: Stay three or four nights: one for the town, one for Milford Sound and one or two for Arrowtown, Glenorchy or an adventure. See our Queenstown guide.
Honest downsides
Queenstown is busy and expensive, with heavy traffic at peak times. If you want the scenery without the crowds, add a night or two in Wanaka, an hour away.
When to go
Summer, from December to February, brings long days for lake swims, hikes and wine tasting, but also the biggest crowds. Autumn, from March to May, is calmer, with golden trees around Arrowtown in April. Winter turns Queenstown into a ski town from about mid June, and spring is quiet and good value.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Queenstown
Every tour here includes Queenstown in its itinerary. Best rated first.
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9 days
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2 daysQueenstown
Queenstown to Christchurch via West Coast 2-Day Small-Group Tour
4.9(10)Free cancellation
from$335
3 daysLikely to sell out
7 daysLikely to sell out
2 daysChristchurch
Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour
5.0(6)Free cancellation
from$1,682
4 days
5 daysCombine it with
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Queenstown: questions
How do you get to Queenstown?
Fly into Queenstown Airport from Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington or Australia, or drive about 6 hours from Christchurch via Lake Tekapo.
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
Three or four nights, including a day for Milford Sound.
What is Queenstown famous for?
Adventure activities, especially bungy jumping, plus skiing, scenery and wine.
Is Queenstown good in winter?
Yes, it's New Zealand's main ski town, with Coronet Peak and the Remarkables nearby.