Destination Finder

Oceania

QueenstownNew Zealand

Southern Alps adventure capital: skiing in winter, bungy and alpine hiking in summer.

The vibe

ScenicAction-packedOutdoorsyRomanticFamily-friendly

Derived from Queenstown’s strongest Destination DNA attributes.

Where is Queenstown?

Map showing the location of Queenstown, New ZealandQueenstown, New Zealand is in Oceania. The marker shows its approximate position.
Simplified location map: Queenstown, New Zealand, Oceania.

Queenstown is in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island, inland on the shore of Lake Wakatipu.

At a glance

Country
New Zealand
Region
Oceania
City size
Small
English
Native English-speaking

Why you might like Queenstown

  • Mountains
  • Skiing
  • Hiking
  • Nightlife
  • Romantic
  • Winter destination

Queenstown sits on Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables, with four ski fields in winter and bungy jumping, jet boats and Routeburn and Ben Lomond hiking in summer. Central Otago pinot noir is produced in the valleys nearby, and Milford Sound is a long day trip.

Queenstown in facts

Country
New Zealand
Region
Oceania
City size
Small · ~17,000 residents

Urban area population · UN World Urbanization Prospects and national statistics offices, 2024

English
Native English-speaking

Not scored by the index because English is a native or official everyday language.

Why Queenstown stands out

  1. Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu beneath the jagged Remarkables mountain range.

  2. The town is considered a birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, with the historic Kawarau Bridge jump nearby.

  3. The TSS Earnslaw, a century-old coal-fired steamship, still operates cruises across Lake Wakatipu.

  4. Queenstown serves as a base for both summer activities like hiking and jet boating and winter skiing at nearby fields.

Good to know

  • The town is small, and its population swells considerably during the ski season from June to September.
  • Distances to surrounding attractions, like Milford Sound, are significant and often require a full day trip.
  • Weather can change quickly given the mountainous terrain, affecting outdoor activities and flights.

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