"Your preferences for weather and activities will determine the best season to visit Queenstown; summer (December to February) is excellent for outdoor activities, while winter (June to August) is best for skiing.December to February is summer.
Weather: The typical temperature is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F). Long days with lots of sunshine are to be expected, which makes them ideal for outdoor activities.
Activities: Great for boating, hiking, biking, and taking in the lakeshore beaches. Because this is the busiest time of year for tourists, there will be more people and more expensive lodging and activities.
The weather in the fall (March to May) is between 5°C and 25°C (41°F and 77°F). The fall foliage produces breathtaking panoramas, and the weather is gentler.
Activities: Excellent for hiking and taking in the fall foliage. For those seeking a more sedate experience, this time of year is ideal because it sees less tourists than the summer.The average temperature throughout the winter months of June through August is between -4°C and 8°C (24°F and 46°F). With snow on the nearby mountains, the area becomes a winter paradise.
Activities: Nearby resorts like The Remarkables and Coronet Peak offer the best skiing and snowboarding conditions. While winter is the slow season for other activities, it has a certain allure for those who enjoy snow sports.
"Long, sunny days and crisp mountain air are hallmarks of Queenstown's summer. For a memorable Queenstown summer vacation, it entails food, drink, mingling, and an insatiable thirst for adventure, whether it be slow exploration or high-adrenaline exploration.
During the summer, Queenstown becomes a lively outdoor playground with an unmatched array of events and activities to suit all interests and levels of adventure. There is something for everyone, including scenic flights, biking routes, and water sports like kayaking and jet boating. Enjoy exhilarating pursuits like zip lining and bungee jumping, hike to stunning views, or explore the town's picturesque gondola and Skyline Luge. Take advantage of Queenstown's long summer days and discover the area's hidden treasures, markets, and festivals—and that's only the start of your journey.
With a variety of outdoor activities to suit all levels of adventure and excitement, Queenstown's resort town is transformed into a lively playground throughout the summer. The Shotover and Kawarau rivers provide kayaking, jet boating, and white-water rafting for those who love water sports. Take a picturesque boat ride on Lake Wakatipu or Lake Te Anau for a more relaxed experience. While thrill-seekers can partake in zip line, skydiving, or bungee jumping, cyclists can explore the picturesque pathways. A trip to the Skyline Luge is a must for an exciting afternoon, and the town's picturesque gondola provides expansive views of the surrounds. Queenstown is a great summertime getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike because there are so many things to do there.
The lakes and rivers of Queenstown become a paradise for water lovers when the summer sun shines brightly. For those looking for an aquatic experience, the alternatives are infinite, ranging from serene lake sports to heart-pounding jet boating. There is something for everyone in Queenstown's water sports scene, whether you want to unwind or get your heart racing.
"If you want to hit the slopes, winter is a terrific time to go. Queenstown is an excellent starting point for skiing or snowboarding because of the proximity of the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Cardona ski fields.
New Zealand's winter season lasts from June until the end of August, and Queenstown has high temperatures that typically range from 5°C to 9°C (41°F to 48°F).
The days are short and sharp throughout the winter, and the skies are usually clear and blue. Mornings can be chilly because overnight lows can fall into the negatives.
For both locals and tourists, Queenstown is the best place to go skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Three ski areas with a vast range of terrain are located close to Queenstown: Treble Cone in Wanaka, The Remarkables and Cardrona, and Coronet Peak.
Soak in cedar-lined hot tubs situated in the highlands with a view of the Shotover River Canyon at the Onsen Hot Pools, a Kiwi twist on this lovely Japanese custom. For the utmost indulgence, you can schedule a spa treatment or just a traditional hot tub session. Fiordland is typically more picturesque and less congested in the winter, making it a more tranquil time to take a Milford Sound tour, even if Queenstown can attract large crowds during the ski season. The gloomy sky enhance the already striking scenery, and you may be able to spot animals like fur seals, dolphins, and whales.
The snow sports competition known as the Winter Games NZ typically begins around the end of August. The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Cardrona ski fields host a number of competitions in a variety of disciplines.A 45-minute drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy is a quaint small hamlet at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. It's worth a visit and quite adorable. It is a tranquil haven from the bustle of Queenstown's center, with snow-capped mountains encircling undulating green hills.
Not including transportation to and from the city, you should budget roughly $659 for your five days in Queenstown. By making reservations at moderate hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and purchasing some admission tickets to well-known sites, one can remain relatively close to this daily average.
When visiting New Zealand, the majority of foreign visitors will pay an IVL of NZD $100. This is paid at the time of visa application or NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) request.
"Queenstown is well known for its varied food scene, which includes classic cheese rolls, Fergburgers, and fine regional wines.
Must-Try Recipes
Perhaps Queenstown's most well-known burger is the Fergburger, which is renowned for its flavorful and substantial quantities. With bacon, cheese, dill pickle, tomato, onion, aioli, and tomato relish, the Ferg Deluxe is a traditional option.
Duck Nachos: A distinctive take on classic nachos, these are offered at Blue Kanu and consist of fried wontons topped with Polynesian veggies, goat cheese, and soft duck flesh.
Cheese rolls are a common snack in New Zealand made of crustless white bread stuffed with cheese and onions, then grilled and garnished with butter. They are frequently found in Queenstown cafes.
Pavlova: Usually consumed in the summer, this classic dessert is composed of meringue, whipped cream, and fresh fruit. Those who are traveling to New Zealand should definitely try it.
A mainstay of New Zealand cooking, meat pies are light pastries stuffed with a variety of meats and gravies. They are ideal for a quick dinner and are available in many bakeries.
"From almost anywhere in the South Island, Queenstown is easily accessible by road, whether by bus, RV, or automobile. To see driving timings from all of the main South Island locations, consult our Driving Distances Table.
By Air
Because Queenstown International Airport is only 10 kilometers from the town center and is well-served by both domestic and international flights from major airlines like Qantas Airways, Air New Zealand, and Jetstar, getting to the resort town of Queensland is simple.
By bus
You should choose the road if you want a more picturesque route. Every day, buses from Invercargill, Wanaka, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Glenorchy arrive in Queensland. For the convenience of visitors, Queenstown offers bus and coach services as well as automobile rentals.
