The first people to discover Queenstown's rare beauty were Maori pounamu (jade) hunters. Then came the gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Today Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery, adventure opportunities and luxury lifestyle.
Springtime in Queenstown will fuel your imagination and revitalise your spirits. Ski fields offer softer snow. Golfing greens are at their lushest and Central Otago’s hillsides are ideal for a horse trek, four-wheel-drive adventure, mountain bike ride or tramp.
The first people to discover Queenstown's rare beauty were Maori pounamu (jade) hunters. Then came the gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Today Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery, adventure opportunities and luxury lifestyle.
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
Sensational in any season
Long summer days blonde the tussocks, throwing the hills open to mountain bikers and hikers. The brilliant reds and golds of autumn colour the trees, inspiring photographers and golfers alike. In winter, snow transforms the region into a remarkable alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders. Spring brings the spark of fresh green to the landscape - a time to celebrate life with a cruise on the lake or an invigorating bungy jump.
In any season, you can count on stylish accommodation, designer shopping and marvellous cuisine experiences. Queenstown's compact downtown area is a cosmopolitan hub that's relaxed during the day and huge fun at night.
Key Features
Larger-than-life scenery From crystal clear Lake Wakatipu across to The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown’s environment is majestic, awe inspiring and almost unbelievable. Catch the gondola up Bob’s Peak to discover this view.
A treasured land Queenstown has always attracted people on a quest. First came the Maori, seeking pounamu (jade). Gold prospectors followed and today, the quest for high adventure and sublime relaxation attracts people to Queenstown.
Adrenalin buzz Queenstown’s wildly exciting environment is irresistible to adventure seekers. In the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ you’ll find adrenalin-stirring, sanity-reducing exploits of the most extreme kind.
Key Tips
Queenstown airport welcomes daily flights from New Zealand’s main centres and several flights each week to/from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The downtown area of Queenstown covers less than 2 square kilometres. Most shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Four golf courses (three eighteen-hole and one nine-hole) provide spectacular and varied terrain. Clubs, trundlers and carts can be hired.
You won’t need a suit or tie in Queenstown. But be ready with warm clothing - mountain weather can change quickly.
MEMORY: Submitted by Ella from Australia
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Everywhere you look you and see the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu is brilliant blue in the background, and the air is clean and fresh.
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Summer in Queenstown is relatively hot and very dry. At 45° south, the summer days are long with dawn breaking as early as 5.30am and the sun setting as late as 10.30pm.
It’s a fantastic time to pack a gourmet picnic lunch and find a beach at the edge of the lake. Or climb into the hills as high as you dare for massive views of the mountains, lake, rivers and valleys.
