The Earnslaw boat on Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown

Travel Guide

The Adventure Capital of the World

Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital, set against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. Visitors flock here for skiing, jet boating, bungee jumping, hiking, and world-class dining. Its vibrant atmosphere, stunning scenery, and endless outdoor activities make it one of the country’s most popular destinations.

  • Skyline Gondola in Queenstown

    Skyline Queenstown

    Ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. At the summit, enjoy scenic dining, thrilling luge rides, mountain biking, and spectacular alpine walking trails.

  • Shotover Jet boat

    Shotover Jet

    Experience Queenstown's most iconic adventure aboard the world-famous Shotover Jet. Speed through narrow canyons, skim crystal-clear waters, and enjoy exhilarating 360-degree spins in one of New Zealand's most unforgettable adrenaline experiences.

  • Lake Wakatipu & TSS Earnslaw boat

    Lake Wakatipu & TSS Earnslaw

    Cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. Surrounded by magnificent alpine scenery, the journey offers spectacular views and a glimpse into Queenstown's rich heritage.

Weather

Queenstown Weather

Milford Sound has a cool, temperate rainforest climate with high rainfall throughout the year. Every season offers spectacular scenery, from misty waterfalls and lush rainforest to snow-capped peaks, making it one of New Zealand's most iconic natural destinations.

  • Summer

    12°C - 20°C

    December - February

    Longer daylight hours make summer ideal for cruises, kayaking, scenic flights, and exploring the surrounding walking tracks.

  • Autumn

    8°C - 17°C

    March - May

    Cooler temperatures, vibrant rainforest, and fewer visitors create perfect conditions for photography and peaceful fiord cruises.

  • Winter

    2°C - 10°C

    June - August

    Snow-covered peaks, dramatic mist, and powerful waterfalls make winter one of the most spectacular times to experience Milford Sound.

  • Spring

    6°C - 15°C

    September - November

    Melting alpine snow and frequent rain create hundreds of cascading waterfalls, while fresh greenery makes the fiord especially beautiful.

Wild Kiwi Tours

How we explore Queenstown

Southern Voyager
AdventureAdventure

Southern Voyager

7 Days
Departs Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $2,025 NZD
Southern Voyager
Boat cruising through Milford Sound
PremiumPremium

South Island Escape

7 Days
Departs Christchurch
For all ages
From $4,520 NZD
South Island Escape
Group of people hiking up Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand
AdventureAdventure

Big South

14 Days
Departs Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $3,950 NZD
Big South
Person walking next to an alpine lake on the Tongariro Crossing
AdventureAdventure

NZ Explorer

14 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $4,085 NZD
NZ Explorer
View over Lake Tekapo with Mount Cook in the background
AdventureAdventure

NZ Discovery

21 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,048 NZD
NZ Discovery
View of the Southerns Alps and Lake Pukaki
PremiumPremium

New Zealand Highlights

14 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For all ages
From $8,880 NZD
New Zealand Highlights
Group of people kayaking at Cathedral Cove
AdventureAdventure

New Zealand Epic

18 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,559 NZD
New Zealand Epic
The Earnslaw boat cruising across Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown
PremiumPremium

New Zealand Odyssey

21 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For all ages
From $15,430 NZD
New Zealand Odyssey
Group of friends pose for a photo in front of Lake Tekapo
AdventureAdventure

Grand Adventure

25 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $8,670 NZD
Grand Adventure
Group of friends pose for a photo on Wharariki Beach
AdventureAdventure

New Zealand Uncovered

18 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,559 NZD
New Zealand Uncovered

Where to Eat

Best Local Eats in Queenstown

Person holding a fergburger in front of Lake Wakatipu

1. Local Favourite - Fergburger

Table of food at Vudu Café

2. Best Café - Vudu

2 Michelin Star food at Essence

3. Michelin Dining - Essence

Patagonia Ice Cream

4. Must-Try Treat - Patagonia Ice Creams

Reviews

What Travellers Say

Customer Reviews by
based on 616 reviews

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Queenstown

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