New Zealand · City Guide
Queenstown
Queenstown is New Zealand's most celebrated resort destination, a stunningly beautiful lakeside town set against the Remarkables mountain range that has evolved from an adventure sports capital into one of the southern hemisphere's finest luxury destinations. From world class skiing at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables to outstanding wine at Gibbston Valley and Amisfield, the magnificent Milford Sound day trip and a restaurant scene that has earned genuine international recognition, Queenstown delivers at every level.
Elect's take
"Queenstown is the New Zealand destination I recommend most confidently. The combination of extraordinary mountain and lake scenery, outstanding wine, excellent restaurants and the almost unlimited outdoor activity options creates a destination that I find consistently exceptional."
The Remarkables ski field and Coronet Peak provide outstanding skiing accessible within 20-30 minutes of central Queenstown, with varied terrain, reliable snow and spectacular scenery. The Central Otago wine region, with Amisfield, Gibbston Valley and Peregrine among the finest producers, provides outstanding Pinot Noir in beautiful high country settings. The Milford Sound day trip, approximately 5 hours by road through Fiordland National Park, is one of the world's great natural experiences. The restaurant scene in Queenstown, led by Amisfield Bistro, Rata and Botswana Butchery, is genuinely world class for a town of its size. The lake cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard TSS Earnslaw is beautiful.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Coronet Peak & Remarkables
World class ski fields within 30 minutes of central Queenstown with spectacular scenery.
Central Otago Wine
Outstanding Pinot Noir from Amisfield, Gibbston Valley and other celebrated producers.
Milford Sound
One of the world's great natural experiences, approximately 5 hours through Fiordland.
Adventure Activities
Bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating and countless outdoor activities.
Queenstown Dining
A world class restaurant scene outstanding for a resort town of its size.
Lake Wakatipu
A beautiful glacier-carved lake with spectacular mountain reflections and historic steamship cruises.
