This picturesque resort town, nestled between jewel-like lakes and snow-capped mountains, also has an impressive culinary scene, high class vineyards, a thriving art and culture community and great shopping.
There’s something for everyone here and it’s not surprising that it’s one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand.
The downtown area is quite compact, so it’s easy to get around on foot. You can spend hours simply perusing the local shops and galleries.
From almost anywhere in town you can enjoy spectacular views of The Remarkables, a range of jagged mountain peaks framing the lake and town.
Queenstown is buzzing no matter what the season, with festivals in the Winter and live outdoor music in the summer.
Every Saturday you can check out the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market held at Earnslaw Park, featuring handcrafted wares by local artisans. It’s also a fascinating spot for history lovers.
Arrowtown (only a 15 minute drive away) is one of the most significant historic settlements on the South Island and has many well preserved Gold Rush era buildings.
Even if you don’t feel like getting an adrenaline rush by jumping out of a plane or hurtling down a mountain, you’ll love just relaxing and admiring Queenstown’s natural beauty.