Is Queenstown Worth Visiting? My Honest Take After Several Visits
Queenstown is one of those places that people either fall completely in love with or find a little overwhelming. I’ve visited several times now — in different seasons and for different activities — and I still find new things to enjoy each time.
During my week there this summer, I ticked off some of the classic activities (including my second skydive) and tried a few new ones like the TSS Earnslaw dinner cruise. Between the lake views, the nearby wineries and the easy access to Fiordland, it’s hard to argue that Queenstown isn’t worth a visit.
I’ve been to Queenstown on every trip I’ve made to New Zealand, and it’s one of those places that keeps drawing me back.
But it also isn’t perfect for everyone. It’s busy, expensive, and some of the activities are better suited to thrill-seekers than to people who prefer a slower pace. If you’re planning a New Zealand trip and trying to decide whether to include Queenstown, this guide will help you figure out if it’s right for you.
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4 Great Reasons To Visit Queenstown
Landscapes and Scenery
The Southern Alps run down the middle of New Zealand, which is why it has those incredible backdrops of mountains, lakes and glaciers. Queenstown sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu in the South Island, surrounded by mountains, rivers and valleys.
When wandering around the town centre by the lake, the Remarkable Mountains are directly opposite the town. The mountain range is named as such because it runs almost perfectly in a north-south line.
The mountains in this area are so beautiful that they are used frequently in the background for several Lord Of The Rings scenes.
Queenstown is also one of the best places to base yourself for trips to other parts of the South Island. Fiordland, Milford Sound, Glenorchy and Wanaka are all accessible from Queenstown.
Adventure Capital of the World
Queenstown has a wide range of adventure activities, and it’s probably the thing that Queenstown is most famous for. I’ve been paragliding, jet boating and even skydiving in Queenstown.
The experience of jumping out of a plane at 15,000ft is one of the most memorable experiences of my life. And to do it over lakes and mountains made it even more amazing.
Queenstown is the birthplace of the bungy jump, with the first commercial company operated by AJ Hackett. They now have several sites around the country with a variety of vertical experiences!
Although I haven’t done one of those yet it’s one of the town’s most popular activities.
New Zealand is also where the jetboat was invented, and there are several places you can go on jet boat rides in Queenstown.
Most adventure companies can either pick you up from accommodation or have a central meeting point in town and will then transport you to and from your chosen activity.
If you need help planning your time, take a look at my itinerary suggestions for 2, 5, and 7 days in Queenstown.
Food and Wine
Queenstown is in the Central Otago region of New Zealand, which is one of the country’s major wine regions. There are several wineries nearby and I always enjoy trying the local wines when I’m there.
Most of the New Zealand wine that is exported is from Marlborough, at the northern end of the South Island. Wine from Central Otago can be harder to come by, so try some while you are there. The area specialises in Pinot Noir.
When it comes to food, Queenstown offers everything from burgers to fine dining. Almost every article will mention Fergburger, which has long but fast-moving queues of people waiting to buy the town’s best burgers.
The menu includes options such as venison, falafel or lamb burgers, as well as several types of beef burgers.
For a sweet treat, head to Patagonia Chocolates. They make amazing ice cream, and in summer there’s nothing quite like sitting by the lake on a warm day, surrounded by mountains, with some ice cream.
For something a little fancier, head to The Bunker. They use ingredients from around New Zealand and it’s a perfect choice for a date night.
Coffee culture here is also strong – I’ve rounded up the best cafés and coffee in Queenstown if you want the full picture.
Seasonal Fun
Queenstown varies a lot according to season. Summer (November-January) is ideal for hiking, golfing, sightseeing tours and jetboating. Winter (June-August) is perfect for skiing enthusiasts – there are 4 ski fields nearby.
Some places shut down over winter, but Queenstown is a year-round destination.
I tend to visit during the New Zealand summer. Although the town gets very busy, especially around the New Year, it’s the best time to visit for the things I enjoy doing there.
Want help turning your Queenstown research into a clearer plan?
My Queenstown Trip Planner is there to help you organise the practical side of the trip, including where to stay, what to prioritise, what to book, and how to make your days fit together more smoothly. It includes a 36-page guide, printable checklist, editable planner, and custom GPT bonus.
View the Queenstown Trip Planner
6 Best Activities In Queenstown
There’s so much to do in Queenstown that I have an article dedicated to the Queenstown activites I’ve enjoyed doing there, but here are some of the highlights.
Wine Tasting
I’ve done a few wine tours in Queenstown and they are always fun. As a solo traveller they are a great way to have a bit of social time with people who have a shared interest.
It’s also one of the best ways to see some of the areas outside the town.
Almost any wine tour you take will include Gibbston Valley Winery – the most famous winery in the area.
Book your wine tour here!
If you don’t want to spend a full day on a wine-tasting tour, check out The Winery in the town centre. The machine dispenses tasting portions of various wines, including some more expensive ones that I couldn’t justify buying a bottle of, but would pay for a tasting glass.
Shotover Jet
There are a few different jet boat tours you can do, but the Shotover Jet is possibly the best one I’ve tried. Jetboats can operate in very shallow water, and the Shotover Jet makes the most of this.
360° turns in shallow waters next to canyon walls is a fun experience. It’s a great introduction to some of Queenstown’s more adventurous options.
Another great choice is the Skippers Canyon jet, but don’t go on it if you are nervous about heights. The only way to get to the jetboat is in a coach along a very high, narrow road above a canyon.
Skydiving
This definitely isn’t for everyone, but it’s one of my proudest moments. There are a few companies around New Zealand – I jumped with NZONE. The idea of it was terrifying (as was the waiver form I had to sign).
Being pushed towards the open door of a plane at 15,000ft was surreal. But once you are out, there’s nothing like it.
It doesn’t feel like falling – the wind resistance actually makes it feel like you are being pushed upwards. It’s probably the closest you can get to feeling like you are flying, and to do it in such a spectacular location is a memory I’ll have forever.
And you can see for yourself below! I knew not everyone would believe I had done it so I paid for a second guy to jump and take footage.
(Excuse my weird hand positions – it felt like my gloves were coming off so I’ve got claw hands all the way down trying to make sure they didn’t disappear!)
If you’ve ever considered doing something like this, Queenstown is one of the best places in the world to do it.
Bungy jumping is also very popular, but as I haven’t done it myself I couldn’t give you much insight about the experience! AJ Hackett is a company that has been operating a bungy jump from Kawarau Bridge over a river for decades.
They also operate a zipline ride from the same bridge.
Lake Cruise
If you aren’t an adrenaline junkie, try a more relaxing activity. The TSS Earnslaw is a coal-fired steamship, more than 110 years old. Daily cruises are available, with amazing views of the mountains.
There is a cafe on board which is licensed to serve alcoholic drinks as well as food. You can combine your cruise with a visit to Walter Peak and it’s the perfect way to see a bit more of the lake.
I have a full guide to the TSS Earnslaw dinner and cruise experience if you’d like to know more. I only took this tour on my most recent visit, and I really wish I’d done it before.
Book a TSS Earnslaw cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ here!
Skyline
The Skyline Queenstown sits at the top of Bob’s Peak to the north of the town. Take the gondola up to the top and enjoy a few of the activities. As well as a restaurant and viewing areas, they also have a luge ride.
These carts run on a downhill track, and you control the direction and speed with a simple lever. They are basic, but good fun.
You can also go on guided walks from Skyline, and if you are there after dark they offer stargazing experiences.
Meet A Kiwi
One of New Zealand’s unofficial national symbols is this flightless bird. As they are nocturnal it can be very difficult to see them in the wild. Kiwi Park Queenstown sits at the bottom of the gondola up to Skyline.
This 5-acre site is home to more than 20 types of native species, including the Kiwi. These birds are housed in nocturnal kiwi houses, so visitors can see them during the day while keeping the birds in as close to their natural environment as possible.
The park runs a breeding programme which then releases kiwis into the wild to help boost their numbers. In addition to the kiwis, the park also has Kea, Tui and Kaka birds, and lizard species including Tuatara.
You can also learn about conservation efforts to protect native species that are endangered – largely due to the arrival of humans in a country that had been isolated for millions of years. Several of these species are unique to New Zealand, making efforts to protect them especially important.
✈️ Planning a trip to New Zealand? Explore all my NZ travel guides and itineraries here.
3 Easy Day Trips From Queenstown
There are so many places you can visit on a day trip from Queenstown that it deserves a separate article. Which is why I wrote one! Here is a list of the best day trips you can do from Queenstown.
For a taster, here are a few of the best options.
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most famous places, and for good reason. It’s a stunning place, and great to visit all year round. On sunny days you can do some wildlife spotting, which if you’re lucky might include dolphins.
The sound is especially beautiful on rainy days when the waterfalls become more powerful and mists float across the water.
If you are staying in Queenstown then I recommend doing this as a tour. It’s quite a drive and you don’t want to miss out on the scenery along the way.
Book your Milford Sound tour here!
Doubtful Sound is another stunning day trip, and I have a comparison of Milford and Doubtful Sounds if you need help choosing.
Wanaka
Wanaka is a good alternative to Queenstown if you want to visit somewhere a bit quieter, but you can also see the best of it as a day trip from Queenstown. Go for a walk around Lake Wanaka and spot the famous Wanaka tree.
Visit Puzzling World, which will entertain adults and kids with optical illusions and interactive displays. I have a full Wanaka itinerary if you have a few days to spare rather than just a day trip.
Glenorchy
It’s a short drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, and it’s also one of the prettiest roads in the country. You could easily do this as a quick morning trip, driving along the lake and stopping in Glenorchy for lunch with a view before heading back for other activities.
For a bigger adventure, the Routeburn Track starts at Glenorchy. It’s one of the country’s most famous hikes, and you could spend a day doing part of it, or do the whole route over a couple of days.
Why Queenstown Might Not Be For You
High Tourist Density
Queenstown sees a huge number of visitors each year. It can get extremely busy, especially in the summer. If you want a more relaxing experience consider staying in Wanaka and just visiting Queenstown for specific activities you want to do.
Expensive Accommodation and Activities
You can visit Queenstown on a budget by staying in hostels and booking cheaper activities, but there’s no denying that many of the most popular activities are expensive. Skydiving and bungy jumping can cost a lot of money. Do some research to see if you have the budget for the things you want to do.
Traffic and Parking Issues
Having a car is useful for seeing areas around Queenstown, but parking can be hard to find and expensive. Most accommodation options either don’t have parking or if they do it is expensive. Try to plan your trip so you only have a car on days when you need it.
If You Prefer a Slower Pace
If you’d rather spend your trip relaxing, Queenstown does have slower moments. Cafés like Vudu are perfect for a quiet morning, and there are plenty of easy-going options such as wine tasting in Gibbston Valley, scenic lake cruises, and half-day tours to nearby Arrowtown or Glenorchy.
Still, it’s a place that rewards getting out and doing things — you’ll get more from it if you like exploring rather than just unwinding.
Where To Stay
Visitors come to Queenstown with all sorts of budgets, so the accommodation is varied to suit everyone. There are some great hostels, B&Bs, and even luxury lodges attached to wineries. For more information check out my guide to Queenstown accommodation.
Queenstown Costs and Budget Guide
Queenstown suits a range of budgets, but it’s one of the more expensive places in New Zealand. Prices rise in summer and during the ski season, and accommodation often sells out well in advance.
Accommodation
Budget: Hostels or basic motels start around NZ$40–70 per night for a dorm bed or small private room.
Mid-range: Expect NZ$160–250 for a standard hotel, lodge, or well-rated Airbnb.
High-end: Luxury stays and lake-view apartments often start from NZ$400+ per night, especially in peak season.
I’ve stayed in everything from a car I converted to sleep in (not a great winter choice!) to mid-range hotels, which I now prefer for comfort and convenience.
Food and Drink
You’ll find budget meals from NZ$10–20 at bakeries, food trucks and takeaway spots.
Casual restaurants average NZ$25–40 per main, while high-end dining can reach NZ$60+ per dish.
Coffee is typically NZ$5–6, and a glass of local wine around NZ$12–15.
Activities
Costs vary widely depending on what you do.
- Short walks and scenic lookouts are free.
- Mid-range experiences like the Skyline Gondola (around NZ$52 return) or wine tastings (NZ$10–15 per glass) add up gently.
- Adventure tours such as jet boating, rafting or ziplining usually start from NZ$120–200, while skydiving or helicopter flights can exceed NZ$400–600.
Transport
Queenstown is compact enough to walk or use local buses.
Rental cars cost NZ$70–120 per day, plus parking fees.
Airport transfers are about NZ$15–20 each way on the public bus or NZ$40–60 by shuttle or taxi.
I usually don’t bother with a car while I’m in Queenstown. Parking can be tricky and although there are a few hills up to attractions like the gondola, it’s small enough to walk around.
Typical Daily Spend
Travellers generally spend NZ$150–250 per day if mixing free and paid activities, and more if adding premium tours or high-end dining.
From experience, I tend to budget a little higher for Queenstown than for most other parts of New Zealand, simply because there are so many fun things to do. Between adventure tours, lake cruises and wine tastings, it’s one of the few places where I happily spend more each day — and it always feels worth it.
Even with higher prices, many find Queenstown worth the cost for the scenery and range of things to do — from lakeside walks to once-in-a-lifetime experiences you can’t easily replicate elsewhere.
Planning Tips
Getting to Queenstown
Queenstown Airport has daily flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as some Australian cities. If you’re road-tripping, it’s about 6 hours from Christchurch or 3 hours from Te Anau.
Book Activities For First Few Days Of Your Stay
Many activities in Queenstown are weather-dependent. If you are staying there for a few days, book your priority activities for day 1. If they are cancelled due to weather you can either re-book or get a refund. Booking them on day 1 means it’ll be easier to re-book before you leave.
Bring Sunscreen
This is true across New Zealand, but bring sunscreen even in winter. New Zealand has a high UV index, so you can easily burn even if it doesn’t feel that hot.
Book In Advance
Queenstown is a small place with a lot of visitors. In the height of summer, tourists outnumber the locals. Book things in advance to avoid disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Queenstown
Is Queenstown really worth visiting?
Yes — Queenstown genuinely lives up to the hype. It’s one of the most scenic places in New Zealand, surrounded by mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Even if you’re not into adventure sports, there’s plenty to do — from relaxed lake walks and wine tours to day trips into Fiordland.
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
Three to four days is ideal. That gives you time for a few key activities, a half-day trip, and a chance to enjoy the lakefront without rushing. If you plan to visit Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound as a day trip, add an extra day because those involve long drives.
Is Queenstown too expensive?
It can be — particularly in summer and during ski season. Accommodation, food and activities tend to cost more than in many other New Zealand towns.
That said, there are free and low-cost things to do, such as exploring the Queenstown Gardens, walking the Bob’s Cove Track, or simply enjoying the lakefront views. It doesn’t have to blow your budget.
Is Queenstown worth visiting in winter?
Yes, but it’s a very different experience. Winter brings snowy mountain views and fewer crowds, but also shorter days and colder weather. Some hikes, like the Ben Lomond Track, can be icy or partly closed. Roads to Milford Sound sometimes shut due to snow or ice, so it’s best to have a backup plan.
Can you enjoy Queenstown without doing extreme activities?
Definitely. While Queenstown is known for bungee jumps and skydives, it also suits a slower pace. You can take the Skyline Gondola, visit Gibbston Valley for wine tasting, walk to Frankton, or take day trips to Arrowtown or Glenorchy. I’ve done both the adrenaline-filled and the slower experiences, and it’s just as enjoyable either way.
What Next?
Hopefully, I’ve convinced you that Queenstown is worth visiting as part of your New Zealand adventure. I’ll certainly be going back for some new adventures.
I even managed to break a bone in Queenstown — I fell off a horse onto a rock — but it was mostly my fault for overestimating my ability. I’d still go riding there again, and I’d go back to Queenstown tomorrow. That probably says it all.
Check out the posts below to help with your Queenstown planning.
Related Posts
What To Do and What To Skip in Queenstown
Queenstown Accommodation Guide
Best Things To Do In Queenstown
Queenstown Itinerary: 2, 5, and 7 Days
