The short answer
- Nights
- 3 to 4
- Fly from Auckland
- About 1 hr 50 min
- Must do
- Gondola, Arrowtown, Milford Sound
- Ski season
- Mid June to early October
Queenstown is small but lively, with bars and restaurants along the lakefront and mountains on every side. It's where commercial bungy jumping began in 1988, at the Kawarau Bridge, and it's the gateway to Milford Sound, Glenorchy and Wanaka.
Things to do
| Activity | What it's like | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Skyline gondola | Views over the lake and the Remarkables; luge rides at the top | 1 to 2 hours |
| Arrowtown | A gold rush village, beautiful in autumn | Half a day |
| Jet boat | High speed spins through the Shotover or Kawarau canyons | 1 to 2 hours |
| Bungy jump | The original Kawarau Bridge (43 m) or the Nevis (134 m) | Half a day |
| Glenorchy | A scenic drive to the head of the lake and Lord of the Rings scenery | Half to a full day |
| Lake cruise | The TSS Earnslaw steamship to a high country farm | 3 to 4 hours |
| Wine tasting | Pinot noir in the Gibbston Valley | Half a day |
Day trips
- Milford Sound: About 12 hours by coach, or fly in about 40 minutes. See our Milford Sound guide.
- Wanaka: About an hour over the Crown Range, for a quieter lake and Roys Peak.
- Routeburn Track day walk: From near Glenorchy to Routeburn Falls and back.
Tip: Book activities for your first couple of days, so weather cancellations can move to a spare day.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
Three or four nights: time for the town, a Milford Sound day trip and a couple of activities.
Is Queenstown expensive?
Yes. Activities, accommodation and eating out are among the priciest in New Zealand. Book early for summer and ski season.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
December to April for summer activities and autumn colours, and July to September for skiing.
New Zealand month by month
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