Queenstown Travel Guide

When to visit Queenstown: June–August is peak Southern Hemisphere ski season at the nearby Remarkables and Coronet Peak

When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

Avg Temp

-2–6°C

Rainfall

Low, ~60mm/month (often as snow)

Best Time

June–August is peak Southern Hemisphere ski season at the nearby Remarkables and Coronet Peak

Packing Tips (4)

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Local currency: NZD

Fergburger
Burgers · $$
Legendary burger joint with a near-permanent queue, famous for oversized burgers like the Sweet Bambi venison burger.
Rata
Contemporary New Zealand · $$$$
Fine-dining restaurant by chef Josh Emett focused on New Zealand produce like Fiordland venison and local lamb.
Fishbone Bar & Grill
Seafood · $$$
Long-standing seafood restaurant on the main street known for its blue cod and chowder.
Botswana Butchery
Steakhouse · $$$$
Steakhouse and bar with lake views, popular for its dry-aged New Zealand beef.
Vudu Cafe & Larder
Cafe · $$
Popular cafe for breakfast and coffee, known for its counter of baked goods and hearty brunch plates.
The World Bar
Bar
Quirky bar known for its flaming Woo Woo shot ritual and eclectic decor, a rite of passage for visitors.
Below Zero Bar
Ice bar
Ice bar where drinks are served in glasses made of ice inside a chilled room, a novelty stop on a night out.

Kiwi Birdlife Park
Wildlife conservation
Conservation park in town where visitors can see live kiwi birds in nocturnal enclosures alongside other native species.
Reading Cinemas Queenstown
Small-town multiplex screening current releases, with a boutique 'Deluxe' lounge-seating cinema upstairs.
Winter Festival (Queenstown Winter Pride/Festival)
Late June
Multi-day winter festival with fireworks over the lake, ski and snowboard events, and live entertainment.

The Remarkables
~25 km from center
Dramatic jagged mountain range and ski field directly across the lake from town, one of Queenstown's two main winter ski areas.
Coronet Peak
~18 km from center
Queenstown's original ski field, closest to town, with night skiing sessions under floodlights in winter.
Ben Lomond
In town (gondola base)
Peak reachable via the Skyline Gondola and a hiking track, offering panoramic views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Snap Fitness Queenstown
Fitness gym
24-hour gym chain location near the town center with standard cardio and weight equipment.
Alpine Aqualand
Public pool · ~3 km from center
Public indoor pool and leisure center with a heated lap pool, popular for escaping the winter cold.