Planning a New Zealand travel? Great! If you have to visit just one city in New Zealand, then that should be Queenstown New Zealand. The scenic resort town is nothing less than a paradise. Destination Queenstown is New Zealand’s ultimate Alpine escape.
Let me share general information about travelling in Queenstown. Subsequently, I will be posting more articles about destination Queenstown for your upcoming New Zealand travel adventures!
Stay with me for a while!
Where is Queenstown?
Queenstown is a scenic resort city located on the South Island of New Zealand. The small town, with an urban population of 15000, is developed around the inlet called Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu. The lake itself is one of the most scenic lakes in New Zealand.
Queenstown airport to city
Queenstown airport is located only about 8 kilometres away from the city centre. The most economical way to reach the city is to take a direct bus. The Queenstown airport bus service is known as Connectabus service. It’s numbered as 11, and departs the airport every 20 minutes or so. The one way bus fare is $12, and you can pay it by cash directly to the driver. A taxi to the Queenstown city would cost you around $20.
There are direct buses from the airport to other nearby scenic sites. For example, bus numbers 6, 8, 9 and 10 go to Kelvin Heights, Arthurs Point, Fern hill/Sunshine Bay and Arrowtown, respectively.
In fact, I would recommend the bus from Queenstown airport to city centre. The bus journey via hilly terrain is just spectacular. The trip is not just economical, but you also get a clear view of the nature from the bus.
New Zealand travel & Lake Wakatipu
The “N” shaped Lake Wakatipu, with a length of 80 kilometres, is the longest lake in New Zealand. It’s also very deep (maximum depth being 380m). When you go on Glenorchy drive, you basically drive along the Lake Wakatipu.
The lake looks absolutely serene and beautiful. The part of the lake next to downtown is full of tourists taking photos of the lake. On the Queenstown side of the lake, you will see lots of ducks. Lake Wakatipu is a fascinating aspect of a New Zealand travel.
Queenstown accommodation
If you are into scenery, then I would recommend you to stay in the downtown. I was staying in the downtown which is very close to Lake Wakatipu. In fact, my Queenstown accommodation was only 3 meters away from the lake. 🙂 If you are fascinated by history & culture, you may look for an accommodation in Arrowtown.
Queenstown New Zealand weather
I was in Queenstown in the month of May. Although the temperature was almost freezing, the weather and scenery was absolutely stunning. The whole panorama has been just great. No wonder, Queenstown is a world famous summer getaway. For the latest Queenstown weather, you should check out MetService. In fact, I saw the first day of snowfall in Queenstown. The mountains looked full of ice. Do carry good enough winter cloths.
Queenstown CBD
The Queenstown Central Business District (CBD) is located near the Queenstown Bay inlet. There are a good number of shops and eateries to cater your daily needs. Queenstown is a party town par excellence. You can get a bus to the other parts of New Zealand from the CBD. If you don’t have many plans, just keep walking in the CBD. Well, walking in the CBD area itself is highly satisfying and would be a memorable part of your New Zealand travel. 🙂
Queenstown Skyline Gondola
A trip to Queenstown without a trip to the skyline is just not complete. The gondola is located just by the side of the CBD. There will be lots of tourist. The price of the Queenstown Skyline Gondola ride for a return ticket is $35.
You can’t buy only a one way ticket. You do have an option to walk the uphill. But it may take an hour or so. Wait for a detailed post.
Queenstown scenery
I don’t have words to describe the natural scenery of Queenstown. I am sure Queenstown will perfectly seduce you and you’d want to live here for a long-long time. Well, we come to Queenstown or anywhere else in New Zealand to enjoy the natural scenery. The views around Lake Wakatipu are simply amazing. You look in any direction, and you’d feel like continuously looking.
There are so many beautiful parks and gardens at a walking distance. You should check out the sunset and sunrise. I would recommend you to take a bus to go anywhere a few kilometres away from the CBD area, and the scenery along the route would be mind-blowing. You can rent a taxi as well.
Queenstown Transportation
In case you are planning to stay in the CBD area, you don’t need to worry about transportation. The CBD area of Queenstown can be easily covered by walking. If you want to go outside the CBD, you can take a bus, taxi or rent a car. A bus stop is located directly in the CBD. Here you can find bus services for going to other sites beyond CBD (e.g. Arrowtown).
Queenstown snow
Queenstown is surrounded by lofty hills. Obviously, during the winter season, the hills would be covered with snows. The snowfall creates a perfect ambience for the tourist and locals. I was fortunate to see the first day of snowfall in Queenstown as my flight to Melbourne was cancelled. This was such a wonderful experience! I will be posting a separate article with further details.
Relaxed vibe
I think Queenstown has the best relaxed vibe in New Zealand. The chilling temperature supports a relaxed vibe all the time. Nobody seems to be in a rush. There are lots of chairs in the downtown where you can just sit down and look at the Lake Wakatipu. I love Queenstown!
Arrowtown trip
Arrowtown is located some 20 km away from the CBD. A one day trip would be just enough to explore the Arrowtown. One way bus fare between Queenstown to Arrowtown is $15.00. The scenic bus journey may take up to 20 minutes. I will be writing a detailed post soon.
Queenstown to Glenorchy drive
Glenorchy drive is the world’s most famous scenic drive. A one day trip would be just perfect. You can either rent a car or join a guided tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy drive. Wait for a dedicated post.
The Lord of the Rings movie shooting sites
There are many sites in New Zealand where you can experience the shooting of the Lord of the Rings movie series. Some of the sites are located along the Glenorchy drive. I am sure if you go to Queenstown to Glenorchy drive with a guided tour group, your guide would show you some of these places. Check with your travel agent for further details. I will also provide some of the details in my post on Glenorchy drive.
That’s it about destination Queenstown New Zealand. You can also check out my other posts about New Zealand, or the other countries, or the complete navigation list. You can also find more about me.
Let me know your comments and suggestions.
Wish you a great trip with destination Queenstown, and elsewhere with New Zealand travel. 🙂
Last updated: Tuesday, September 5, 2017