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WHAT TO SEE & DO, WHEN TO VISIT, HOW TO TRAVEL, WHERE TO STAY

On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of New Zealand’s breathtaking Southern Alps, Queenstown is ultimate year-round destination for all-round adventure and ultraluxe experiences.

The lakeside adventure capital is also the gateway to iconic New Zealand experiences on the town’s doorstep in the surrounding region – from Otago’s finest wineries to Fiordland’s dramatic Sounds.

WHAT TO DO? WHO WILL LOVE QUEENSTOWN?

NATURE LOVERS

Snow-capped mountain peaks and glassy alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls and towering fiords, Queenstown’s spectacular natural surrounds will quite simply take your breath away. Whether by heli, private luxury cruise, 4WD or on foot, our Travel Designers can introduce you to these most stunning landscapes with thoughtfully curated private touring options tailored to your interests.

For those seeking the ultimate immersion in nature, we can even arrange an exclusive overnight glamping experience just for two at the foot of Earnslaw Burn’s glistening hanging glacier.

ADRENALIN SEEKERS

Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital and those seeking adrenalin-fuelled fun are spoilt for choice with bungy-jumping, ziplining and canyon swings; jetboating, white-water rafting and river surfing; kayaking, mountain-biking and ice-caving, heli-skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing and even snow-glamping – just the start of what’s on offer in and around Queenstown.

WELLNESS SEEKERS

Queenstown’s breathtaking natural surrounds and world-class wellness experiences are the idyllic ingredients for a restorative and rejuvenating vacation.

Our Travel Designers can whisk you away to a remote mountain peak to enjoy a secluded hot tub experience or arrange for massages and yoga sessions in the privacy of luxury villa. Alternatively, Queenstown’s new Aluume provides an indulgent, design-led hot pool experience to which it will soon also add a floating sauna experience on the tranquil waters of Lake Wakatipu.

The stunning new ROKI Collection Queenstown offers guests a raft of wellness experiences with a personalised Sleep Concierge service, a range of wellness experiences ‘in the wild’ and a stunning wellness sanctuary including indoor heated pool, sauna, jacuzzi and treatment rooms delivering signature rituals and massages.

HIKERS

Those looking to stretch their legs in fresh alpine air are also spoilt for choice in and around Queenstown – with short scenic strolls, lovely lakeside walks and iconic multi-day hikes (like the Milford Sound, Routeburn, Kepler or Hollyford Track).

Ask our Travel Designers about the breathtaking heli-hiking experiences we can curate across the region.

GOLFERS

Golfers enjoy a choice of spectacular golf courses in and around Queenstown (including the famous Jack’s Point, The Hills and Milbrook Resort) and can take their game to new heights with a heli-access only par 3 golf experience at 4,500 feet! Queenstown also hosts the New Zealand Open Pro-Am golf tournament annually in February/March.

FOODIES & WINE LOVERS

From cosy wine bars and cool ice bars to the famous Ferbergers Burgers and Patagonia Ice Creamery (for a scoop or two of New Zealand’s delicious ‘hokey pokey’), Queenstown’s cafés, bars and restaurants similarly offer something for everyone.

Serious foodies will delight in a collection of world-class destination dining experiences such as Amisfield (approximately 15 minutes’ from Queenstown), recently listed as one of the ‘World’s Best Restaurants’ – and Essence’s fabulous fine dining experience enjoyed with sweeping lake views at the new ROKI Collection Queenstown.

The surrounding Central Otago region is also world-renowned for picture-perfect vineyards producing award-winning pinot noir and aromatic whites.

Ask our Travel Designers about some of the fabulous foodie-focused experiences we can curate in and around Queenstown: a heli-picnic atop Mount Alfred or a full-chef in the wilderness experience, an apres-ski tipple at the world’s highest Whisky hut or a glass of pinot noir with the winemaker in his private cellar, or a hands-on paddock to plate cooking experience with a New Zealand celebrity chef at her family farm.

FAMILIES

Queenstown delights visitors of all ages from families with young children to the trickiest of teens with a range of activities to suit all interests and abilities. Some of our favourite family-friendly Queenstown adventures include scenic bike rides, Dart River jetboating and funyak (inflatable canoe) adventures or memory-making heli-touring adventures to raft in remote rivers or stand-up paddle board on secluded alpine lakes.

Ask our Travel Designers about the fabulous accommodation options for families and multi-generational groups in and around Queenstown; from stunning private villas to ultraluxe lodge-like lakeside apartments.

AVID ANGLERS

The South Island’s glassy lakes, remote rivers and secret streams serve up some rewarding fly-fishing and heli-fishing adventures. Ask our Travel Designers to hook you up with an in-the-know local guide and all the gear for a fabulous fishing experience out of Queenstown.

SKIIERS & SNOWBOARDERS

Between late June and early October, Queenstown becomes the gateway to snow-based adventures: snowboarding and heli-skiing, snow-shoeing, snow mobile tours and snow-glamping.

AND STILL SO MUCH MORE ..

Art classes immersed in nature, native tree planting or movie-set touring in cinematic landscapes, our Travel Designers can introduce you to your ideal personalised Queenstown experience.

BEST TIME TO VISIT QUEENSTOWN

Queenstown invites year-round adventures for all kinds of travellers and interests, with each distinct season bringing new reasons to visit:Be among the first to experience a collection of new luxury travel experiences in Australia and New Zealand over the coming months:

SPRING – September, October, November

These months are some of the best to enjoy a wide range of Queenstown’s fabulous outdoor adventures and spectacular scenery. The snow-capped mountains make for some fabulous photos (and until early October, still usually offer the opportunity for some skiing and snowboarding). Spring-like weather also invites other outdoor activities from hiking and golf to fishing, cycling and more. This is also a spectacular time to enjoy heli-touring into Fiordland and Milford Sound to see spectacular waterfalls at their thundering best..

SUMMER – December, January, February

The warmer summer months are an incredibly popular time of year to visit, and there is a real buzz of activity in the air. Enjoy long vineyard lunches and activities on the lakes, as well as a wide range of water-based activities from jet-boating to kakaying (and funyaking!), whitewater rafting, fishing and cruising.

AUTUMN / FALL – March, April, May

Golden landscapes and crimson leaves line some of the region’s most spectacular scenic drives (to Glenorchy, Arrowtown or Milford Sound), whilst the crisp clear days invite hiking, cycling, golf and harvest season in the vineyards is the perfect invitation to sample some of the local wines.

WINTER– June, July, August

Queenstown’s snow-clad winter wonderland is a playground for alpine adventures including snowboarding and heli-skiing (with a collection of ski fields to choose from, the nearest only 25 minutes away). Non-skiiers can still also enjoy wonderful wellness experiences (from outdoor hot tubs and floating saunas to world-class spa facilities), golfing, fireside lunches with a warming glass of local Otago Pinot Noir, colourful festivals (like the LUMA Enchanted light show experience) and a fun apres ski vibe.

HOW TO GET TO QUEENSTOWN

In the south-west reaches of New Zealand’s South Island’s, Queenstown is well connected by scheduled air services to several major hubs in New Zealand and Australia (with direct flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth).

Southern Crossings Travel Designers can also arrange private charter flights and helicopter transfers from many other locations and lodges across New Zealand.

Alternatively, several winding scenic routes lead to Queenstown for those who prefer to travel (or be chauffeured) by road.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN QUEENSTOWN

From luxury private villas perfect for multi-generational family gatherings, boutique hotels in the heart of Queenstown and stunning new lakeside ultraluxe stays, our Travel Designers can match you with your perfect place in Queenstown.