Visit Queenstown

Busy Queenstown bustles with activity and overlooks Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake, and the Remarkables Mountains. It has the buzz of a city though it's a relatively small town.

Here in ‘Adrenaline Central', as it's affectionately known, you can bungee jump, skydive, hang glide, white-water raft, jet boat and ski.

But the town doesn't only cater to thrill-seekers. Those looking for a quieter and more relaxed time can enjoy any number of things, not least the local wine.

Queenstown and the nearby Gibbston Valley are home to more than 75 wineries producing a wide range of wines, particularly pinot noir.

The Remarkables Mountains

The Remarkables Mountains rise sharply from the flat plains that surround the south- eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu. They are snow-capped in winter but barren and rocky in summer, and coax up the adventurous souls of Queenstown throughout the year - for skiing in winter and hiking or hang gliding in summer.

The range has some impressive peaks, with its own Ben Nevis dwarfing its Scottish namesake by almost 1,000 metres.

Top itineraries in Queenstown

Highlights of New Zealand

19-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,065 pp incl. flights

With boutique hotel stays and car hire included throughout, this curated road trip perfectly showcases the unique cultures and natural wonders of New Zealand's North and South islands.

Australia and New Zealand Discoverer

21-day tailor-made journey from £4,380 pp incl. flights

This tailor-made holiday combines the best that Australia and New Zealand have to offer. You'll explore New Zealand's world-famous glaciers and remote fjords with a self-drive before discovering Australia's sacred Ayers Rock, stunning beaches and delightful waterside cities.

Cultural Highlights of New Zealand

19-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,345 pp incl. flights

A tip-to-toe tour of New Zealand, taking in the best of its landscapes and culture, and calling into filming locations from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

New Zealand by Motorhome

20-day motorhome self-drive from £3,515 pp incl. flights

From the subtropical beaches of the Bay of Islands, the geothermal pools of Rotorua and wine lands of Hawke's Bay to the majestic glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef and the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, New Zealand is home to some of the world's most spectacular driving routes.

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Top places to stay in Queenstown

Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown

Small & intimate lodge

Located just seven minutes from the lively centre of Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge sits on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu. With breathtaking views over the jagged peaks of the Remarkables mountain range, this lodge is a world away from the hustle and bustle of New Zealand's adventure capital.

St Moritz Hotel, Queenstown

Traditional hotel

Combine alpine chic with city slicking all overlooking Lake Wakatipu and some of New Zealand’s most impressive mountains.

Blanket Bay, Glenorchy

Traditional lodge

With a name that refers to the region’s idyllic sheep-rearing past, this is rural charm sprinkled with contemporary luxury.

Azur Lodge, Queenstown

Contemporary lodge

Although it may look out to mountain and lake views that have taken millennia to form, Azur Lodge is anything but dated, featuring ultra-contemporary luxury with service to match.

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Queenstown articles

Discovering New World Wine on Holiday

Wine is big business. We take a look at how the wines of Australia, Canada, Slovenia, New Zealand and more fare against Old World wine.

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