Queenstown is small enough to know well and interesting enough to keep surprising you. This is our take on the places worth your time: where to eat, where to drink, what to do, and how far to go when you're ready to see more of it.
Queenstown punches well above its size for food. From lazy brunch spots to proper sit-down meals, there's something worth trying at every hour of the day.
The bar scene here is easy to fall into. A few places are worth seeking out, whether you're after a quiet glass of wine or a late night.
There's more here than the view, though the view alone is worth it. Queenstown rewards those who explore without much of a plan.
Some of the most stunning parts of New Zealand are within an hour (or more) from Queenstown. A few of them are reason enough to make the trip. So rent a car, pick a direction, and give yourself a full day. You won't regret it.
A well-preserved gold rush town tucked into a wooded valley. Good cafés, a charming main street, and some of the best pies in the South Island. Easy to do in a half day.
The drive alone is worth it. The road hugs the edge of Lake Wakatipu through some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand. The town at the end is small and slow. Buy a coffee and stay a while to take in the view. Has short hiking trails too.
Quieter than Queenstown, but just as beautiful. A lake town surrounded by mountains with a relaxed pace that makes it easy to linger. The drive over the Crown Range is one of the best in the country.
New Zealand's highest peak, deep in the Southern Alps. The drive through Mackenzie Country and past the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki is half the experience. It has several hiking trails ranging from easy to hard. Absolutely worth it.
A full day commitment, and one of the few things in New Zealand that genuinely exceeds the photographs. The drive to and the place itself are incomparable. It's even better when it's raining.
A few practical things that will make your stay smoother.