Hotels in Queenstown

Queenstown: Adventure Capital on Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, 480 km south of Christchurch. The Remarkables mountain range rises directly across the lake to 2,319 m, forming a backdrop that defines the town's skyline year-round. Founded as a gold-rush settlement in the 1860s, Queenstown now draws over 3 million visitors annually for skiing, bungee jumping, jet boating, and hiking.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Queenstown Central — anchored by the Steamer Wharf and Beach Street — concentrates most hotels within walking distance of gondola terminals and departure points for lake cruises aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 twin-screw steamship. Frankton, 6 km north along the lake, offers quieter mid-range accommodation near Queenstown Airport (ZQN). Arrowtown, 21 km northeast, suits travellers preferring a historic gold-rush village atmosphere with boutique lodges.

Practical Tips

• Season: Ski season runs June–September at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables; summer hiking peaks December–February.
• Getting around: Orbus Route 1 connects Frankton, Queenstown Central, and Arrowtown; taxis and rideshare cover gaps at night.
• Airport: ZQN receives direct flights from Auckland, Sydney, and Melbourne — allow 15 minutes by road to central hotels.
• Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD); card payment accepted almost universally.