About Queenstown
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is the largest town in the Queenstown-Lakes District, and the primary administrative centre.
Cheap flights to Queenstown
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,007 from Los Angeles, travelling 20 Feb – 8 Mar. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- LAX Los Angeles to Queenstown20 Feb – 8 Mar · ZQN from$1,007
- SFO San Francisco to Queenstown25 Nov – 3 Dec · ZQN from$1,099
- NYC New York to Queenstown17 Mar – 31 Mar · ZQN from$1,424
- CHI Chicago to Queenstown26 Mar – 2 Apr · ZQN from$1,372
- DEN Denver to Queenstown1 Dec – 8 Dec · ZQN from$1,501
- SEA Seattle to Queenstown3 Feb – 24 Feb · ZQN from$1,322
- DFW Dallas to Queenstown13 Feb – 27 Feb · ZQN from$1,743
- WAS Washington to Queenstown4 Feb – 17 Feb · ZQN from$1,585
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways, Fiji Airways.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to QueenstownPlaces to visit in Queenstown
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Lake Wakatipu
Nature · 8 mi from centreA long, deep lake shaped like a lightning bolt, surrounded by mountains, with Queenstown on its northern shore. Take a boat trip or walk the lakeside paths to enjoy the scenery from different angles.
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Skyline Gondola and Ben Lomond
Viewpoint · 3 mi from centreA gondola that climbs Bob's Peak on the slopes of Ben Lomond, with views over Queenstown and the lake. Ride the luge at the top, or hike the steep trail up if you want a challenge.
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Milford Sound
Nature · 46 mi from centreA dramatic fjord in Fiordland National Park with sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and Mitre Peak. The drive from Queenstown is long, so consider a scenic flight or a coach tour, and book a boat cruise.
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Arrowtown
Historic · 10 mi from centreA gold rush town with a historic main street, restored miners' cottages, and an old Chinese settlement. Visit in autumn when the trees turn golden, and stop at a cafe in the old town.
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Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
Entertainment · 12 mi from centreA historic suspension bridge over the Kawarau River gorge, famous as the world's first commercial bungee jump site. Watch from the viewing platform even if you do not jump, and book ahead in summer.
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Glenorchy
Nature · 18 mi from centreA small town at the head of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains used as film locations. The lakeside road from Queenstown is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, so stop at the lookouts along the way.
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TSS Earnslaw
HistoricA historic coal-fired steamship that has carried passengers across Lake Wakatipu since 1912. Take the cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a farm show and a meal before sailing back.
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The Remarkables
Nature · 12 mi from centreA jagged mountain range rising above Queenstown, home to a ski area in winter and hiking trails in summer. Take the access road up to the ski field for views, and bring warm layers.
Things to do in Queenstown by type
12 tours, tickets and experiences across 4 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours 6 experiences 2-hour Flight with landing - Half-Day Tour -
Cruise & Water Tours 4 experiences Discovery the Lake Wakatipu - Cruise Trip -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 3 experiences 4x4 Adventure into the Legendary Skippers Canyon- Half-Day Tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 2 experiences Discover Milford Sound from Queenstown to Te Anau with Lunch - Full-Day Tour
- 3-6 hours 5
- Over 6 hours 3
- 1-3 hours 2
- Up to 1 hour 1
Top experiences in Queenstown
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.
Milford Sound and Big 5 Glaciers Scenic Flight
From $356 per adult
Fly and Nature Cruise - Half-Day Tour
From $484 per adult
2-hour Flight with landing - Half-Day Tour
From $417 per adult
Southern Discoveries Coach, Cruise and Fly with Picnic Lunch - Full-Day Tour
From $542 per adult
20-minute Queenstown Scenic Flight
From $175 per adult
Queenstown Flight Package - Walter Peak Flight and Steamship Cruise - Half-Day Tour
From $359 per adult
Discover The Kiwi Park Queenstown - Ticket
From $54 per adult
The Ultimate Waiheke Island Wine and Gourmet Lunch Experience- Half-Day Tour
From $201 per adult
Discovery the Lake Wakatipu - Cruise Trip
From $70 per adult
4x4 Adventure into the Legendary Skippers Canyon- Half-Day Tour
From $229 per adult
Discover Milford Sound with Lunch - Full-Day Tour
From $192 per adult
Discover Milford Sound from Queenstown to Te Anau with Lunch - Full-Day Tour
From $192 per adult
Best time to visit Queenstown
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Queenstown is January to February, when average daytime highs are around 70–71°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Queenstown weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 66° 39° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 63° 42° 4%
- Fri 23 Oct 71° 44° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 66° 42° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 65° 46° 41%
- Mon 26 Oct 64° 53° 94%
Know before you go
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar (NZD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.77
- Languages
- English, Māori
- Calling code
- +64
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Pacific/AucklandUTC+13
- Capital
- Wellington
Upcoming public holidays in New Zealand
- Labour Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Day after New Year's Day
- Waitangi Day
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Queenstown
These are the airports closest to central Queenstown. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ZQN Queenstown Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Getting around Queenstown
The Queenstown town centre is small enough to walk around. Parking is at a premium and can be hard to find during the day. For further distances a bus or car is necessary.
By boat
A number of boat tours depart from the Queenstown Wharf at the bottom of the Mall, including the historic steamship the TSS Earnslaw, affectionately known as the "Lady of the Lake". There is also a water taxi service.
By bus
Queenstown has a small local bus service operated by Orbus. You can buy tickets from the driver. There are five routes - the most useful for tourists being services route 1 which operates every 15 minutes to the airport and the Remarkables Park shopping centre. Fares are reasonable if you pay cash: $4 for most trips and $10 to the airport. If you'll be taking the bus more than a handful of times, it is better value to get a Bee card for $5 and top it up with $10 to get $2 fares on all buses.
By car
Renting or buying a vehicle is convenient for getting around town, and to nearby areas. Many budget and premium car rentals provide services in Queenstown.
Queenstown travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Queenstown is January to February, when average daytime highs are around 70–71°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.
What is the weather like in Queenstown?
January is usually the warmest month in Queenstown, with average highs of 71°F (22°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 35°F (2°C). The wettest month is typically September, with about 385 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Queenstown?
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Queenstown.
How much are flights to Queenstown?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Queenstown in the last 30 days was $1,007 from Los Angeles, travelling 20 Feb – 8 Mar. February is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $1,007.
What currency is used in Queenstown?
Queenstown uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1.77.
What time zone is Queenstown in?
Queenstown uses the Pacific/Auckland time zone (currently UTC+13). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Queenstown?
The Queenstown town centre is small enough to walk around. Parking is at a premium and can be hard to find during the day. For further distances a bus or car is necessary.
What are the best places to visit in Queenstown?
Top sights in Queenstown include Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Gondola and Ben Lomond, Milford Sound and Arrowtown. A long, deep lake shaped like a lightning bolt, surrounded by mountains, with Queenstown on its northern shore. Take a boat trip or walk the lakeside paths to enjoy the scenery from different angles.
What are the top things to do in Queenstown?
Popular experiences you can book in Queenstown include Milford Sound and Big 5 Glaciers Scenic Flight, Fly and Nature Cruise - Half-Day Tour and 2-hour Flight with landing - Half-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 12 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Queenstown?
The most popular types of experiences in Queenstown are air, helicopter & balloon tours (6), cruise & water tours (4), outdoor activities & adventure (3) and day trips & excursions (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
