Search hotels in Queenstown

There are lots of places to eat, easy to get to everything, just be mindful of the cost we didn't realise Queenstown/New Zealand was so expensive but didn't stop us enjoying everything we did, Gondola, Shot Over River, Onsen, TSS Earnslaw Cruise, Helicopter flight ever drove around to see other small towns and the countryside. Excellent place to visit

Queenstown is expensive for sure but a quaint town with numerous activities available in both the town and the surrounding area, therefore offers both relaxation and adventure depending on your mood. I went during May, therefore the snow hadn't set for which I believe skiing is a popular activity in the region and adds to the landscape with the snow covered mountains surrounding the city. Ensure you have enough money as there are plenty of other places around the South Island to stay which would be cheaper. I enjoyed Milford Sound but they were having a "drought" as it hadn't rained in 2 weeks therefore not as many waterfalls on display but still beautiful. I would go up top to do the luge and paragliding, but don't do the luge if you are tall (I'm 6'4") as there aren't any big enough for you. I also visited Arrowtown which is a nice village just outside to visit with a great vibe. Other activities I would recommend are also jet-boats and plenty of opportunities for bungee and possibly skydiving as this is very temperamental in Franz Josef where we booked and it was cancelled, therefore either here or Abel Tasman is a safer bet.

I spent quite a bit of time around downtown Queenstown. It was very easy to get around and the people were quite friendly and helpful. I ate at the "Boardwalk" and "Flame" -- both on the wharf side. I was disappointed in the food at the Flame (pork ribs), and also that the waiters didn't explain how large a portion I was ordering. In many NZ restaurants, you have a choice of ordering a "Main" or "Entree" portion. I enjoyed eating at the Boardwalk more. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful there and the energy of the town was incredible to experience! I'm so glad I decided to visit Queenstown!

This was our fourth visit to Queenstown from Auckland, and the 3rd time staying at the Heritage Hotel. Because there are numerous road works around the town at present( May 2024) and also having to pay for parking everywhere we found it easier to go in by bus and leave the car at the Hotel which gave us more freedom to walk, sight see and get around. There are an abundance of eateries around Queenstown. Pog Mahones Irish pub. Eriks fish and chips food truck, and of course the famous Fers burgers. A short drive by car or on the bus is the the new shopping centre at Franklin not far from the airport , which takes around 15 mins, where we had lunch at Billy`s cafe, and also lunch at the Coffee club. In Queenstown, we took the Lunch time cruise on the Earnslaw steamboat up to Walter peak sheep station. Beautiful lunch and scenery. walked around the Botanical gardens. Its a lovely drive by car or bus to Arrowtown you can go one way and return via lake Hayes. While there pop into the Fork and tap pub.

The traffic management situation is problematic. Queenstown seems to be overloved causing traffic issues which are exacerbated by road works all over the place. Don’t expect to solve the parking riddle easily. Apart from these issues Queenstown is great place with great scenery and a good vibe.

Beautiful landscapes and scenery, lot of places to try different foods and activities to do and Queenstown is a stones throw away from the outer towns e.g. Cardrona, Wanaka, Cromwell, Arrowtown which we visited. Definitely worth a visit and the drive and scenary were spectacular. We went on two jet boat rides, to the Onsen Spas and up the Gondala for dinner at the Stratosphere Restaurant (food was great but it was very busy). Had our first Ferg Burger which was delish!! Overall, a great trip!!