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Picture of Queenstown, New Zealand

Travel Guide for
Queenstown

New Zealand

Temperate, four distinct seasons, mild summers, cool winters

Introduction

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks, Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand’s South Island. Originally a gold mining town, it now boasts a vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe with luxurious lodges, chic restaurants, and buzzing nightlife.

Mid-August brings the heart of winter, offering crisp, clear days perfect for skiing and snowboarding with your friends at world-class resorts like Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Discover the local wine scene with private tours or unwind in exclusive spas, all set against breathtaking snowy backdrops—ideal for an unforgettable group getaway.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates15-22 August 2025

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house, villa

Interests and Activities:

festivals and eventssightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainmentgastronomy

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Picture of Queenstown, New Zealand

Key Facts

Location

Otago Region, South Island

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Religion

Christianity (dominant), Secular

Population

15,300

Language

English, Maori

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type I plug

Time zone

UTCNZST/NZDT (UTC+12)

Country code

+64

Internet access

Broadband, fiber widely available; fast, affordable

Climate

Temperate, four distinct seasons, mild summers, cool winters

Map

Logistics

The easiest way to reach Queenstown is by direct flight; Queenstown Airport connects to major cities like Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, and Melbourne. For high-budget travelers, flying business class offers extra comfort and stunning aerial views during descent. Private jet charters are also available for ultimate luxury and flexibility.

There is no train service to Queenstown, but luxury coach tours and private transfers from Christchurch or Dunedin provide scenic journeys through the Southern Alps. Helicopter transfers are a stylish option, turning travel into an adventure. Weather in August can bring snow and occasional delays, so check schedules and allow extra time for winter travel.

Weather

Queenstown enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers (December–February) averaging 20–30°C and crisp, cool winters (June–August) bringing snow to the surrounding mountains. The climate is generally dry, but weather can change quickly due to the alpine setting.

From August 15 to 22, expect winter conditions: daytime highs around 5–10°C and lows close to 0°C. Occasional snowfall and morning frosts are common, making it ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Extreme weather is rare, though brief snowstorms may temporarily affect travel.

Winter in Queenstown is lively, with bustling après-ski bars, cozy restaurants, scenic lake cruises, and popular ski festivals. Nightlife thrives, and winter adventure tours like snowshoeing or heli-skiing offer memorable outdoor experiences during this period.

Food & Drink

Queenstown’s food scene is vibrant, with fresh local lamb, venison, green-lipped mussels, and south island salmon on many menus. Signature Kiwi experiences include tasting Central Otago pinot noir and indulging in Manuka honey treats. Fergburger is iconic for gourmet burgers, and Rātā, by celebrity chef Josh Emett, showcases upscale New Zealand cuisine.

For elegant group dining, try Botswana Butchery for top-notch steaks or The Bunker for intimate fine dining and creative cocktails. Rooftop bars like Reds Bar offer stunning lake views, while Vudu Café serves excellent brunches and coffee. Queenstown caters well for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diets—just check menus for details.

Tipping isn’t expected but is appreciated for great service, typically 10%. Book reservations in advance, especially during ski season or summer, to ensure the best culinary experiences for your group.

Accommodation

Queenstown offers luxury hotels like Eichardt’s Private Hotel and The Rees Hotel, both boasting stunning lake views and premium amenities. Exclusive villas and apartments, such as those managed by Touch of Spice, are ideal for groups of friends looking for privacy, space, and top-notch service. Popular booking sites include Booking.com and Airbnb, but using a specialist agency can unlock unique, high-end properties.

Consider staying in central Queenstown for vibrant nightlife and dining, or opt for the peaceful neighborhoods of Fernhill or Kelvin Heights for dramatic scenery. August 15–22 is peak ski season, so book well in advance; demand and prices for upscale accommodations are significantly higher during this period. Splurge-worthy stays and seamless service await!

Itinerary

Kickstart your journey by settling into Queenstown, soaking up the lively alpine atmosphere and experiencing a warm welcome with friends in the heart of the adventure capital.

Skyline Gondola Ride & Panoramic Views

Begin your adventure by riding the iconic Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak with your friends. Enjoy sweeping vistas over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, and take memorable photos. A great way to orient yourself in Queenstown while sharing excitement for the days ahead.

Dinner at Rātā by Josh Emett

Indulge in a gourmet welcome dinner at Rātā, Queenstown’s acclaimed restaurant by chef Josh Emett. Savor modern New Zealand cuisine with seasonal ingredients and a superb local wine list. Perfect for relaxed, high-budget dining with friends.

Stroll Along Queenstown Bay & Marine Parade

Take a leisurely evening stroll with your group along Queenstown Bay and the bustling Marine Parade. Soak in the lively alpine vibe, check out local musicians, street performers, and explore artisan ice cream shops along the waterfront.

KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Hang on during this thrilling Jet boat ride that travels at high speeds on two rivers, covering more ground with a longer time out on the water than similar tours in the region. Leaving right from the Main Town Pier in Queenstown, scream with delight as your jet boat zooms across Lake Wakatipu, spins in circles on the Kawarau River, and navigates the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Be prepared to have heart-racing fun on this roller coaster of a ride!

4.7 (598 reviews)

From $92 USD

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Attractions

4.9 (2437 reviews)
Small Group: Milford Sound Day Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Small Group: Milford Sound Day Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible views are guaranteed to leave you awestruck. This globally award winning small group tour is for travellers seeking an all-inclusive, uniquely-kiwi, personalised trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back. Our fleet of modern Mercedes vans are fitted with leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi and Spotify. Enjoy a small-group journey with 15 people maximum for ultimate comfort and undivided attention from your guide. Let your Altitude Tours guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge of the area, as you travel from Queenstown into the Fiordland National Park on the famous Milford Road. Enjoy many scenic photo stops at both famous locations, as well as your guide's favourite spots. Enjoy a 1hr 45min boutique uncrowded cruise and picnic lunch while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer!

From $234 USD

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5.0 (320 reviews)
Queenstown Wine Tour

Queenstown Wine Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover Queenstown’s finest wineries with the flexible, Wine Hopper experience. Unlike rigid tours, our expert local Wine Guides help you customize your day, letting you explore at your own pace through Arrowtown, Queenstown, and Gibbston Valley. Enjoy a relaxed, full afternoon of wine tastings, cheese platters, lunch options, craft beer, or gin experiences, all while soaking in the stunning Central Otago scenery, from mountains and rivers to the charming historic village of Arrowtown. Wine tastings, food, and drinks are purchased directly at each winery, so you’re in control of what you spend and how you enjoy your day. As a top-rated Queenstown Wine Tour, we deliver an exceptional, personalized experience, making us the best way to explore Queenstown’s wine scene. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, with friends, or independently, our family-owned, locally operated service ensures a personal, authentic, and unforgettable experience in New Zealand’s premier wine region.

From $61 USD

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4.8 (215 reviews)
Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese

Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Classic Wine Tour - Running Daily 1:30pm - 5pm Get a real taste for Central Otago wines with an interactive afternoon tour through Queenstown’s neighbouring wine region, Gibbston, otherwise known as the “Valley of Vines”. Enjoy tastings at three unique cellar doors including a guided tour and wine tasting inside New Zealand’s largest wine cave. Also, enjoy a delightful cheeseboard to accompany one of the wine tastings. Enjoy a full running commentary from your passionate and enthusiastic Wine Guide. Learn about this pioneering wine region and its evolution from just a couple of rows of vines into a world-renowned Pinot Noir producer. Be returned to your accommodation at approximately 5pm.

From $147 USD

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4.9 (334 reviews)
Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown All-Inclusive Tour

Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown All-Inclusive Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience an indulgent and diverse full day tour showcasing the very best sights and tastes from the Central Otago region. Let your experienced wine guide lead you on a tasting journey through three contrasting Central Otago wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Enjoy a guided tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave and savour a unique lunch with 5 dishes cooked in retired oak barrels and perfectly matched with 5 wines. You will also have an opportunity to retrace history with a visit to the historical settlements of Arrowtown, and Old Cromwell (when time permits). Learn about the early pioneering history and how the wine region was formed through an array of fun facts and interesting stories from your knowledgeable wine guide. At the end of your tour you will be returned to your accommodation.

From $203 USD

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4.7 (437 reviews)
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach journey with panoramic windows, glass roofs, and USB charging ports. From Queenstown, journey along Lake Whakatipu and onto the Milford Road before meeting your cruise in Milford Sound. Includes options to pre-order a picnic lunch or choose the To Kai buffet on selected departures. With 70+ years of expertise, we deliver unforgettable journeys and a premium experience for all. Download our free app to hear the commentary in eight languages. With round-trip transport from Queenstown and an easy cruise connection, everything is sorted, so you can lose yourself in the wonder of Milford Sound.

From $213 USD

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4.8 (64 reviews)
Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown

Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Mt Cook Bus Tour & Heli Hike Combo, this small group, fully-guided day trip from Queenstown combines all of the key highlights of Mt Cook with a guided bus tour before an incredible Heli Hike on Tasman Glacier including two scenic helicopter flights. Our airline partner will provide you with all the necessary equipment such as leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons/snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket, & over trousers (itis not recommended to wear jeans) Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge!

From $747 USD

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4.3 (40 reviews)
Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining commentary, and let us show you the best stops along the way as you connect seamlessly to your Milford Sound cruise. Discover native wildlife, towering waterfalls and majestic mountains on our extended Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Get within touching distance of impressive rock walls and close enough to feel the full force the powerful 15,000-year old Stirling Falls. Specialist nature guide on board shares their local knowledge with lively and informative commentary. This day trip includes a freshly prepared lunch on-board your cruise. Return to Queenstown by a breath-taking scenic flight, and enjoy views of the pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls that Fiordland National Park is recognised for.

From $528 USD

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5.0 (5 reviews)
New Zealand: Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

New Zealand: Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

INSTANT

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance: ► 2 Flightseeing Tours, 1 Over Milford Sound & 1 Over Mount Cook ► Jet-Boating Top-Speed Along a Turquoise-Colored River ► A World-Famous Suspension Bridge Jump (optional) ► Zip-Lining ► Cable Car Ride Over Stunning Landscape ► 4-Wheel Driving in a Scenic Valley (seasonal) ► Boat Rides Around Icebergs (seasonal), Fjords & a National Park & Inside a Cave ► A Cruise on a Historic Steamship ► Visits to Boiling Geothermal Sites ► Bathing in a Mud Spa ► Glacier-Hiking ► A Tour of Lord of the Rings’ Movie Set ► A Show Demonstrating Centuries-Old Native Rituals

From $6047 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Day Tours from Mount Cook

Day Tours from Mount Cook

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the splendor of the NZ Southern Alps on this one-way sightseeing tour from Mount Cook. Relax on board your air-conditioned coach and admire the scenery as you depart in the afternoon from the alpine region of Mount Cook National Park. Choose to either travel North up to Christchurch or South down to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand!

From $123 USD

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4.9 (405 reviews)
Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Sitting on the northern shores of Lake Whakatipu is the small picturesque village of Glenorchy, the famous Paradise Valley, and world-famous Middle-earth magic. Join this sightseeing tour for a magical half-day journey to Glenorchy and Paradise. This small settlement is full of character and charm and is home to some of the most famous and scenic sights found in the region. Tuck into a classic Kiwi morning tea and be entertained by the local stories and film history from your expert local guide. Let us take you on a mystical journey to Paradise and experience more.

From $117 USD

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4.9 (87 reviews)
Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure

Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover one of Queenstown’s ultimate biking adventures on this self-guided ride from historic Arrowtown to central Queenstown. Shuttle to Arrowtown, get fitted with a top-quality bike, and receive all the tips you need. Follow the breathtaking Arrow River Trail, crossing a spectacular suspension bridge before joining the Twin Rivers Trail. Ride alongside the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers with sweeping views, fun undulations, and a few rewarding climbs to Queenstown. Covering 36 km, the ride takes 3.5–4 hours. An electric bike option makes the climbs easier and lets you enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. Finish in the heart of Queenstown at Around The Basin’s shop (3 Searle Lane), leaving you with a real sense of achievement and memories of one of the town's most unforgettable adventures. Shuttle departures from Queenstown: • SUMMER (1 Sept – 30 Apr): 9:00 am • WINTER (1 May – 31 Aug): 10:00 am

From $59 USD

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4.9 (676 reviews)
Boutique Wine Tour - visit Central Otago, 4 Wineries & Lunch

Boutique Wine Tour - visit Central Otago, 4 Wineries & Lunch

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience a tasting journey through three of Central Otago’s incredibly scenic and varying wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Visit four boutique vineyards, tasting their unique cool climate wines and discover why the Central Otago region has become world-renowned in its own right. Savour a delightful platter-style lunch made with locally sourced produce and accompanied by a flight of wines to taste. There may also be an opportunity to retrace history with a stroll through the charming historical settlement of Old Cromwell. Learn about the early pioneering history and how the wine region was formed through an array of fun facts and interesting stories from your knowledgeable wine guide.

From $172 USD

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4.9 (55 reviews)
Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Two hour Top Hill Trek This two-hour trek takes you through the breathtaking hills of Central Otago’s backcountry, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Lake Dunstan and the Mt Pisa range. This popular trek is perfect for all riding abilities and offers an unforgettable journey through picturesque fruit orchards and rolling hills.

From $111 USD

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4.9 (365 reviews)
Queenstown: Afternoon Wine & Beer Tour with Platters

Queenstown: Afternoon Wine & Beer Tour with Platters

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Globally award-winning Altitude Tours presents the Twilight Wine & Craft Beer Tour — an afternoon where the choice is yours. Designed for the young-at-heart and anyone curious about local winemaking and brewing, this lively experience visits three cellar door and brewery locations across Gibbston and Arthurs Point. At each stop, choose between wine or craft beer tastings, making it perfect for couples, friends, or solo travellers with different tastes. You’ll be hosted by passionate cellar door staff and your knowledgeable local guide. The tour wraps up with shared antipasto platters at the last stop before returning to Queenstown around 7pm — just in time for dinner plans or some more drinks out in the Queenstown town.

From $157 USD

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4.9 (338 reviews)
Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown

Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Raft the gentle upper reaches of the Shotover River on this half-day trip through Skippers Canyon. You'll drive from Queenstown through a former gold-mining region and learn about this significant part of New Zealand's history. The Class I and II rapids are suitable for ages three years old and up.

From $185 USD

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4.9 (179 reviews)
Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Air Milford hosts you on an intimate experience, combining two incredible scenic flights into Fiordland National Park with a Nature Cruise through the fiord itself. Enjoy reserved seating for Air Milford passengers aboard the cruise and commentary from the passionate skippers while exploring the nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail. Enjoy return flights to Milford Sound so you can experience its beauty from all angles.

From $487 USD

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