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Boutique hotels in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

Self-catering properties in Queenstown

Queenstown Overview

New Zealand

Cityscape
Scenic alpine lakeside
City life
Extreme sports paradise

Set on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, postcard-perfect Queenstown boasts a striking setting beneath jagged mountain range The Remarkables, a pretty town centre and a rich menu of restaurants and bars.

But while other South Island destinations exude a sleepy kiwi charm, Queenstown operates at turbo speed. With more adventure activities on offer than you could shake a snowboard at, renowned ski fields such as Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, Treble Cone and Cardrona, and endless opportunities to scare yourself silly, it buzzes with an infectious adrenalin-fuelled energy. Welcome to New Zealand's year-round high-octane holiday hub.

Quintessentially Queenstown

Ever since AJ Hackett introduced bungy jumping to Queenstown – and the world – in 1988, the town has been trying to outdo itself with faster, higher and scarier jumps. The 43m-high Kawarau Bridge is the site of the world's first commercial bungy jump but you can also try jumping at night from the 47m-high Ledge Bungy. If that sounds too tame, try the Nevis Bungy, where you leap from a stomach-churning 134m-high pod suspended over the Nevis River. Contact AJ Hackett Bungy for jumps (+643 442 4007; www.ajhackett.com).

Local knowledge

Taxis
There is a taxi rank on Camp Street and local firms include Alpine Taxi (+64 3 442 6666) and Queenstown Taxis (0800 788 294).

Tipping culture
Tipping is optional, but if you’re happy with restaurant service then a 5 to 10 per cent tip is common.

Siesta and Fiesta
Most shops are open from 9am until late, many until 9pm daily. Restaurants start filling up around 7pm and many bars stay open until the early hours (around 4am).

Packing tips
Layer that North Face and Patagonia to wrangle Queentown’s rollercoaster weather and work a sporty look.

Recommended reads
Spot the sets from JRR Tolkein's orc-packed The Lord of the Rings trilogy, parts of which were shot in Queenstown.

Cuisine
There are some excellent restaurants in Queenstown with most countries' cuisine represented. The main dining strips run from Steamer Wharf up Beach Street, splitting into Shotover and Church Streets. During warmer months join the crowds of al fresco diners and in winter grab a seat in front of a roaring fireplace.

Regional specialities
Local seafood, fish, lamb and steak are all perfect post-bungy jump pick-me-ups. You won't go wrong with a bottle of much touted regional tipple Central Otago Pinot wine either.

Currency
New Zealand dollar (NZ$).

Time zone
GMT +12.

Dialling codes
Country code for New Zealand: +64; Queenstown: (0)3.

Do go/don't go
Winter (June–August) is peak time for ski buffs to hit Queenstown, with blue skies, white slopes and temperatures that rarely rise above 8ºC. The rest of the year, the city and its spectacular natural surrounds warm up for walking, water sports and more extreme thrills and spills.

Don't go home without

This is the adrenalin capital of the world so try at least one heart-stopping activity whether that’s bungy-jumping, skydiving, hang gliding, jet-boating, caving, canyoning, white-water rafting, climbing, mountain biking or kayaking. Horse treks, walking and fishing are all options if you prefer less of a white-knuckle ride.