Built on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and nestled between the high mountains of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is by far the busiest and most touristy city on the South Island. Its Māori name Tāhuna means "the shallow bay". The first Europeans to settle here arrived around 1860. The name Queenstown was discontinued in 1863, following the example of an Irish town that decided to rename itself Queenstown in 1850 in honor of Queen Victoria. Claimed to be the Adventure Capital of the World, it is the country's top destination for outdoor and thrill-seeking activities of all kinds. Its streets are filled with visitors who come to enjoy the myriad of activities offered in both summer and winter, and the season is in full swing all year round. Parachute jumping, bungee jumping, jet boating, rafting, quad biking, skiing: it's all there, and a stay here is a sure-fire hit, no matter what the interests. Backpackers will find a small paradise for its incomparable nightlife and its excellent hostels. Don't miss out on a few days here, coming here is already a spectacle in itself as the region is so splendid. On the other hand, you will have to plan a budget accordingly. The services and accommodation are quite expensive, as well as the daily purchases (the big supermarkets are in the Frankton district).

What to visit Queenstown?

When to go to Queenstown?

It's up to you and your abilities. Skiing in winter, rafting in summer. The sportsmen will choose their season. The high tourist seasons are in winter (summer for us) and in summer (winter for us). You must then have planned your stay because the site is very touristy. Prices drop in the low season, from April to October, but the number of active tourist providers is also high and the weather is rarely good. It is therefore preferable to stay in Queenstown from January to March, or in November and December. At the beginning of July, the While Winter Festival lifts the mood in the resort with live music and festive entertainment for 4 days.

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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

Queenstown has a temperate oceanic climate with average temperatures over the year of 13°C, in July of 6°C and in February of 20°C. Rainfall is significant (1 480 mm over the year) with a minimum of 80 mm in June and a maximum of 156 mm in January. Snow is abundant on the hills in January.

Budget

The biggest part of your budget for a stay in Queenstown concerns the plane ticket and the car rental. You cannot stay less than 15 days in this country because of the price of the plane ticket, so you will combine your arrival in Auckland or Wellington with the discovery of this city, and then a short trip to visit the South Island before your stay in Queenstown. You will then add your stay and your activities in a rather expensive resort. The dollars will fly!

Procedures

To travel to New Zealand, and therefore to Queenstown, for a stay of up to three months, you must have a passport valid for three months after your return, an international credit card, a round-trip plane ticket, and a financial guarantee of at least NZD 1,000 (about €570) for the duration of your stay. No visa is required for French nationals, but each traveler to Queenstown must have an authorization that can be obtained online (€49.95) including the electronic travel authorization (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority or NZeTA) and the tourist and environmental protection tax. Your French driver's license is valid in New Zealand. You will, of course, have to drive on the left side of the road.

Health

It is recommended that you get an up-to-date diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination (DTP), as well as a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination for children. No particular health concerns if you live in Queenstonw. However, the usual hygiene and precautions of a traveler must be respected. In addition, if you come for intense sports activities, a repatriation insurance is recommended.

How to go to Queenstown? Our advice & tips

Tolkien's Footprints and Sporting Trips are the two types of trips organized by travel agencies for Queenstown. The formula of the organized trip is well adapted to this destination. So you don't have to worry about anything. You can choose between tailor-made trips - which are quite expensive - or sports groups. The atmosphere is generally "young, dynamic and sporty", rather preppy.

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Usually you arrive in Auckland and take a domestic flight to Queenstown. There are also flights to Queenstown from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. When you arrive in Auckland, during the high tourist season, it is best to have booked your accommodation. Renting a car is essential if you want to make the most of your time, your visits and your activities. You will find at the tourist office the contacts of the service providers to book your sports outings and the addresses of the best spots.

It is best to arrive by plane. The airport is a 25-minute bus ride and a 15-minute cab ride from the city center. You can rent a car (left hand drive) to explore the area. Otherwise, buses and shuttles, or even a helicopter, will take you to the ski resorts.

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Discover Queenstown

When to travel?

It's up to you and your abilities. Skiing in winter, rafting in summer. The sportsmen will choose their season. The h...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Queenstown has a temperate oceanic climate with average temperatures over the year of 13°C, in July of 6°C and in F...
Read more about it

Budget

The biggest part of your budget for a stay in Queenstown concerns the plane ticket and the car rental. You cannot sta...
Read more about it

Formalities

To travel to New Zealand, and therefore to Queenstown, for a stay of up to three months, you must have a passport val...
Read more about it

Health

It is recommended that you get an up-to-date diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination (DTP), as well as a measles-mumps-r...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Usually you arrive in Auckland and take a domestic flight to Queenstown. There are also flights to Queenstown from Br...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Tolkien's Footprints and Sporting Trips are the two types of trips organized by travel agencies for Queenstown. The f...
Read more about it

Getting around

It is best to arrive by plane. The airport is a 25-minute bus ride and a 15-minute cab ride from the city center. You...
Read more about it

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