Queenstown Travel Guide

Travel to Queenstown

Queenstown has one of the most beautiful settings of any city in the southern hemisphere, nestled as it is between lofty peaks and a stunning lake. It is the adventure capital of the world, where almost anything goes, from bungee jumping and jet-boating to fly-by-wire and luging. This gorgeous city is also know for its top-class skiing, while a huge number of bars and eateries make for a great night-time atmosphere, filled with extremists of the sporting kind.

Transportation to Queenstown

Queenstown's international airport receives direct flights from some Australian cities and regular flights from cities all over New Zealand. Transport options from the airport to the town and back are good and include an airport bus, shuttle buses and taxis, while the drive is an easy one. Additionally, buses and minibuses arrive in Queenstown from all over the South Island and services are well priced, while driving here is an experience not to be passed up. The roads are good, congestion non-existent and the scenery unbelievable.

What to see

Without a doubt, Queenstowns number one asset is its terrain and the many adventure activities that traverse it. Apart from the usual bungee jumping, jet-boating and skiing options, there is also horseback riding, some great hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, rock climbing, snowboarding and zorbing. There are also several wineries in the region owing to the great weather conditions and terrain, while the city itself features the popular Skyline Gondola, cruises on Lake Wakatipu andnumerous shops.

Daytrips

If you have a car, you will be spoilt for choice with which way to point it. Options are plentiful and range from the nearby beautiful villages of Glenorchy and Arrowtown; Wanaka and its associated lake farther north; and the impressive Fjordland to the southwest. However, the most popular daytrip attraction is Milford Sound; the Fjordlands greatest asset and a truly remarkable spectacle of land meeting water. Cruises of Milford Sound are popular, while the four-day seasonal Milford Track is an absolute must for lovers of the outdoors.

Activities and leisure

Apart from the huge amount of adventure activities at everyones disposal in Queenstown, including white water rafting, jet-boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking and hiking, there is also a very good choice of leisure pastimes. Simply walking along the lake front can be enjoyable, while window shopping past the many souvenir stores in the city is another highlight.

The city has a wonderful feel to it and is even more charming at night, when the city lights up with dozens of terrace cafs and boisterous bars. Queenstown also has a couple of casinos, while the view from the restaurant at the top of the Skyline Gondola is breathtaking.

Safety issues

Most people have a hassle-free stay in Queenstown as it is a very safe city, yet those participating in adventure activities will always place themselves at a greater risk of having an accident. Driving also increases the risk, especially when negotiating tricky mountain roads during the ski season. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance when visiting Queenstown.