Queenstown © Judith Duk
Why? Queenstown, set in the heart of New Zealand's southern Alpine region in a blissfully beautiful spot, is the country's major vacation station with thousands drawn to travel to Queenstown every week, all year round. The city's main reason for existence is to cater for the tourists who choose to holiday in Queenstown because of its hundreds of adventure sports operators who tout their thrills, from heli-skiing to caving, on nearly every street corner.
When? A holiday in Queenstown is exciting at any time of year. For water-based activities of course summer is the best season to travel to Queenstown, while autumn is a lovely time for hiking the Alpine trails in the region. In winter a major festival marks the skiing and snowboarding season, with snow cover guaranteed from July to September.
Who for? Anyone who enjoys the outdoors will relish a holiday in Queenstown, which offers a long list of activities to suit all ages, from fly-fishing to bungee jumping.
More Info: Find out all you need to know to plan a holiday in Queenstown by consulting our Queenstown travel guide. Updated regularly, the guide features information on the city's attractions, activities, excursions and transport system, and a whole lot more.
Overview
With a reputation as the adventure sports capital of the world, Queenstown is New Zealand's premier tourist destination, offering visitors the chance to indulge in almost every adrenalin activity imaginable. But Queenstown has more to offer visitors than action packed activities.
Queenstown is a heavily commercialised, year round resort that is touristy, crowded and characterless, but with its magnificent scenery, set on the deep blue Lake Wakatipu and framed by the craggy Remarkables Range, it is appealing to adventurers and leisure seekers alike. The lake is the perfect setting for steamer cruises, there are many fine walking opportunities in the surrounding hills and valleys with breathtaking views, surrounding vineyards offer wine tasting, shopping at the town's many boutiques, and the nearby historic gold mining town of Arrowtown is a fascinating day's outing. Scenic flights take visitors on unforgettable excursions, such as those around the majestic peaks of Mt Aspiring and Mt Cook, or to Milford Sound.
Queenstown's popularity is also due to the fact that it is a year round resort, a renowned alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders in winter and activities such as jet boating, bungee jumping, luging, white water rafting and paragliding in the summer months.
Queenstown Climate and Weather |
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Queenstown is a destination for all seasons, with its Alpine climate. Winter is magical with snow-capped mountains and blue skies, providing a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Spring, officially starting on September 1, brings a meltdown with temperatures ranging between 8ºC and 15ºC with some beautiful, fresh days and cool evenings, punctuated by spring showers. At the end of November high summer sets in with long warm days averaging around 80ºF (26ºC), ideal for outdoor fun in the sun. Autumn arrives in March, still warm with occasional hot spots and balmy evenings, magnificent as the leaves begin to turn.
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