Holiday in Queenstown
City in New Zealand — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇳🇿
Country
New Zealand
Type
City
Best time to travel
December–February (summer, adventure), June–August (skiing)
Budget/day
120–220 €
Getting there from Germany
Flights with 2 stops (Singapore/Auckland or Sydney/Queenstown) take 24–30 hours to ZQN. NZeTA online in advance.
Deals for Queenstown:
What makes Queenstown special as a destination?
Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island rightfully holds the title of Adventure Capital of the World: The city, spectacularly located on Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the snow-capped Remarkables, is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping and offers an unparalleled density of outdoor activities in breathtaking mountain scenery. The Kawarau Bridge was the first commercial bungee site in the world in 1988, and since then, Queenstown has steadily expanded its offerings: jet boat rides through narrow gorges, skydiving over the lake, paragliding from Bob's Peak, canyoning, and mountain biking on top-notch trails. In winter, the surrounding mountains transform into excellent ski resorts like Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. But Queenstown offers much more than just adrenaline: The Skyline Gondola takes you to Bob's Peak with one of the most beautiful panoramas in New Zealand. The wine region of Central Otago around the nearby town of Cromwell produces some of the best Pinot Noirs in the world. Day trips to Milford Sound, a dramatic fjord with 1,000-meter-high cliffs and waterfalls, are unforgettable. The city served as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings and offers film tourism to the iconic locations. Queenstown is appealing year-round.
What are the top highlights in Queenstown?
The top highlights in Queenstown include Milford Sound, Bungee at Kawarau Bridge, Skyline Gondola & Luge, Glenorchy & Paradise, Central Otago Wine Trail.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Milford Sound
The 'eighth wonder of the world' – a fjord with 1,000 m high cliffs, waterfalls, and dolphins. The boat trip is a must, spectacular even in the rain.
Bungee at Kawarau Bridge
The birthplace of commercial bungee jumping – 43 m above the turquoise Kawarau River. You can also just watch.
Skyline Gondola & Luge
Take the gondola to Bob's Peak for the best view over Queenstown, then ride the luge (summer toboggan) down – fun for all ages.
Glenorchy & Paradise
At the end of Lake Wakatipu lies the landscape that served as Middle-earth in 'The Lord of the Rings' – one of the most beautiful roads in New Zealand.
Central Otago Wine Trail
The southernmost wine region in the world produces world-class Pinot Noir – wineries like Amisfield and Peregrine offer tastings with mountain views.
Hotels in Queenstown
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Reise-SIM für Queenstown
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
The best time to visit Queenstown is December–February (summer, adventure), June–August (skiing). Pleasantly warm, 20–28 °C, long days until 9:30 PM, occasional rain In winter: Cold, -2 to 8 °C, snow on the mountains, skiing at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
Recommended travel time
December–February (summer, adventure), June–August (skiing)
Summer
Pleasantly warm, 20–28 °C, long days until 9:30 PM, occasional rain
Winter
Cold, -2 to 8 °C, snow on the mountains, skiing at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
How much does a holiday in Queenstown cost?
Budget travellers: 60–90 €/day, mid-range: 120–220 €/day, luxury: 350–700 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
60–90 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
120–220 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
350–700 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Queenstown?
Flights with 2 stops (Singapore/Auckland or Sydney/Queenstown) take 24–30 hours to ZQN. NZeTA online in advance.
Book a package holiday to Queenstown
Compare thousands of package holidays to Queenstown and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Queenstown?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
A day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown takes 12 hours – better to stay overnight in Te Anau and start early.
Booking combo deals for adventures (e.g., bungee + skydive + jet boat) saves up to 30% compared to individual bookings.
Fergburger is Queenstown's legendary burger joint – the line is long, but it's worth it. It's quieter around 2 PM.
A campervan is the best way to explore New Zealand – the freedom camping spots by the lake are free and spectacular.
What should you eat in Queenstown?
Typical specialities in Queenstown: Fergburger — Queenstown's most famous burger – huge, juicy, and the line often wraps around the block. The 'Big Al' is legendary., Central Otago Pinot Noir — The region produces some of the best Pinot Noirs in the world – elegant, fruity, and with unique terroir., New Zealand Lamb — New Zealand lamb is world-famous – often served as rack of lamb with mint sauce in Queenstown., Meat Pie — The New Zealand version of the meat pie – hearty, flaky, and the perfect hiking snack., Hokey Pokey Ice Cream — New Zealand's national ice cream: vanilla with honeycomb pieces – available in organic quality at Patagonia Chocolates in Queenstown..
These specialties you must try!
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