20 BEST Things to Do in Queenstown in Summer

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Ready to experience the best things to do in Queenstown this summer? You’re in the right place because the top 20 activities are listed right here.

Queenstown is a resort town nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand and known for skiing and winter festivities. However, visiting Queenstown in the summer is equally fun.

Summer is a popular season for visitors and for good reason. If you’re planning a visit during this season, you may be wondering what summer is like in Queenstown. As a local, I can you help you with that.

Although skiing is off the table, water sport activities such as SUP, kayaking and canyoning are in full swing. There’s certainly no shortage when it comes to Queenstown summer activities so let’s get to it!

Also, a reminder that the seasons in New Zealand are the opposite to the northern hemisphere. So for us down here, summer starts in December.

Queenstown in Summer Overview & FAQs

Queenstown in the summer

When is summer in Queenstown?

Summer in Queenstown officially runs from December to February, although most activities are available from October until April or May.

What is the hottest month in Queenstown?

Average summer temperatures in Queenstown can range between 20°C and 30°C (68℉ to 86℉), with January generally being the hottest month.

Is Queenstown nice in summer?

Yes! The weather in summer is generally drier, except December which is the wettest month in Queenstown, with cooler mornings turning into hot afternoons. Long sunny days give you more time to pack in all the fun activities and soak in the beautiful alpine landscape. 

What are the best months to go to Queenstown?

The best time to visit Queenstown is generally the summer months from December to February, when most activities are available with long days and warm temperatures to enjoy them. Visitors from all over the world travel to Queenstown in summer so expect it to be busy.

Can you swim in Queenstown in summer?

Yes. Lake Wakatipu offers a refreshing place to swim on a hot summer day in Queenstown. Queenstown Bay Beach and Bobs Cover are two popular swimming spots.

Warm dry weather and long daylight hours means a bigger range of activities and more time to do them. With sunrise as early as 5am and setting as late as 10pm in peak summer you can really make the most of your time in Queenstown. 

Summer is peak season and visitors from all over the world travel to Queenstown to experience all it has to offer so expect it to be busy. We highly recommend booking things like hotels, car rentals and activities in advance.

With the range in temperature between night and day, we suggest bringing light layers for the cooler mornings and evenings and lighter clothes for during the day, along with comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and raincoat (just in case!).

You can check out our New Zealand packing guide which includes a printable packing list for more details on what to bring.

Things To Do in Queenstown in Summer

1. Go on a Hike

Ben Lomond hike in Queenstown has great views of the vast Lake Wakatipu
Incredible views from the Ben Lomond hike

Queenstown is home to some pretty fantastic hikes and with longer days, summer is the perfect season to make the most of the outdoors. Here are two hikes we really like.

My favourite hike in Queenstown is hands down Ben Lomond. It’s a full day’s hike that will take about 6-8 hours return to the summit. It’s an intermediate to advanced hike so a decent level of fitness and preparation is required for this one. 

The views along the way, from the saddle and the summit will take your breath away. It’s a big effort for an even bigger reward. This one isn’t suitable in snow, ice or bad weather so summer is a great time to tackle Ben Lomond if you’re up for it. 

Queenstown Hill Time Walk is another hike we really like and less demanding than Ben Lomond. It’s an easily accessible 5 km (3 mile) return hike that starts from Belfast Terrace right in downtown Queenstown.

It’s steep in the beginning and then a gradual uphill climb. At the top you are rewarded with panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountain ranges.

These are just some of the options. You can find more in our guides to the best hikes in Queenstown and the best day walks in Queenstown.

2. Ride the Queenstown Trail

Riding a bike on the Queenstown Trail
Photo credit: newzealand.com – The Queenstown Trail

The Queenstown Trail is a New Zealand Great Ride featuring a 130km network of trails in the Wakatipu basin. The trails will lead you between rivers, lakes and mountain ranges giving easy access to popular spots such as Arrowtown, Lake Hayes and Gibbston Valley. 

You’ll have the option to hire a bike and navigate on your own (I recommend an eBike unless you are really fit) or opt for one of the guided bike tours that are available.

There are many trails to choose from, ranging in distance, duration and difficulty. It’s a great way to explore the surrounding areas being outdoors rather than in a car.

» Tour to try: Queenstown Guided E-Bike Tour with Winery Visits & Tastings

3. Visit Gibbston Valley

Amisfield Winery in Queenstown
Photo credit: Queenstown Wine Trail – Amisfield Winery

How does wine tasting and alfresco dining in a picture perfect location on a summer afternoon sound? Queenstown is surrounded by some of New Zealand’s award winning wineries. This region is particularly known for its Pinot Noir variety and summer is a beautiful time to experience this part of the region.

If you have a car, Gibbston Valley is an easy 30 minute drive from Queenstown.

Or perhaps you’d like to join a tour. There are quite a few wine tours to choose from, many offering pick up locations from Queenstown.

We like this Gourmet Food, Wine and Cheese Tour for its small groups, variety of wineries and food pairings. Plus it stops in two charming small towns, Cromwell Heritage Precinct and Arrowtown, offering great value. Prices start from around $299 NZD per person for a full day food and wine tour.

4. Go Ziplining for Views and Adventure

Ziplining in Queenstown
Photo credit: Ziptrek Ecotours

If the idea of flying through the forest canopy on the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline sounds exciting then a tour with Ziptrek Ecotours is a fun summer activity for you to do.

I’ve been ziplining at a few different places, and this is hands down one of the best zipline experiences in New Zealand.

They offer three different tours to choose from, and kids aged 6 years and up can ride so it’s a great activity for families. Tours range from 1 to 3 hours so you have flexibility to choose based on the amount of time you have.

It’s open all year round…rain, sun or snow although booking for a clear day in summer will make the most of the incredible views!

Prices range from $119 to $209 NZD depending on which tour you choose. As one of the best Queenstown zipline experiences, it’s best to reserve your spot in advance to avoid missing out.

» Book your 1 Hour Zipline Tour

» Book your 2 Hour Zipline Tour

» Book your 3-Hour Zipline Tour

5. Have a Picnic with a Nature Walk

Grab some food from one of many cafes in Queenstown or the Four Square supermarket on the corner of Stanley and Shotover Streets and have a picnic.

Here are a few of our favourite spots for a picnic that also have walking trails for an easy post picnic stroll. One is right in Queenstown centre and three you will need a car to get to.

Picnic at Moke Lake
Picnic at Moke Lake

Queenstown Gardens has an easy walking trail in walking distance of downtown with views of Lake Wakatipu, Frankton Arm, surrounding mountains, and Queenstown itself. It’s a 3km loop and should take about 1.5 hours to complete.

Moke Lake is a small lake surrounded by freshwater wetlands, farmland and mountains tucked away on the outskirts of Queenstown. It’s one of the South Island’s hidden gems, about a 20 minute drive from Queenstown. The Moke Lake Loop trail will take you on an easy walk around the lake.

Lake Hayes is a 15 minute drive from Queenstown via highway 6 and the Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road. It’s a peaceful spot for a picnic and has an easy walking track that is an 8 km (5 mile) loop around the perimeter of the lake that takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Kelvin Heights Peninsula is a peninsula on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. The Kelvin Heights Peninsula Loop is a 3.7km (2.3 mile) walk around the Queenstown Golf Course with spectacular views of Queenstown across the Lake and Walter Peak. There are plenty of spots along the shore for a picnic.

6. Try Canyoning

Canyoning in Queenstown New Zealand
Photo credit: Canyoning New Zealand

I have to admit I hadn’t heard of canyoning before seeing it in Queenstown. Keen for a new challenge, I thought I’d give it a try and wow what an exhilarating experience!

You learn how to navigate the canyon, climbing massive stone walls and abseiling down waterfalls. The water is still cold but refreshing in summer.

If it sounds like something you might like, I highly recommend giving it a try. We went with this Canyoning New Zealand half day tour and had a blast. It’s a great introduction to canyoning with prices starting from $249 NZD.

7. Cool off with a Freak Shake

Freak Shake from Balls and Bangles
Freak Shake from Balls and Bangles

Balls and Bangles is a fun and vibrant café specialising in sweet treats and bagels. It’s my go-to cafe for bagels with cream cheese (great to take on a hike) and my sweet tooth could not resist trying one of their Instagram worthy specialty freak shakes. They truly are sugary works of art.

If the freak shake is too much for you, we really like the gelato from Patagonia Chocolates as an alternative for a refreshing summer treat.

8. Visit Bob’s Peak via Skyline Gondola

Skyline Gondola with Lake Wakatipu in the Background
Great views from the Skyline Gondola

The Skyline Gondola is an iconic must-do experience in Queenstown. It’s the steepest gondola in the Southern Hemisphere that takes you to the top of Bob’s Peak and they’ve just been upgraded!

The ride up will take about 15 minutes and costs $64 NZD per adult ($45 NZD per child) round trip. Be sure to book your tickets for the gondola in advance to avoid the queues. 

Once at the top, the main viewing platform offers views of Queenstown and surrounding mountain peaks.

You can also take a ride on the luge, walk around The Lower Ridge Track, a moderate 50 minute uphill walk that takes you onto the ridge of Bob’s Peak offering panoramic views, or dine at the Stratosfare Restaurant.

9. Go Paragliding

Paragliding over Queenstown
Photo credit: G Force Paragliding in Queenstown

At the top of the Skyline Gondola you’ll find G Force Paragliding. It’s a tandem paraglide flight that will have you soaring over Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown.

I haven’t been paragliding in Queenstown, but I did go paragliding on a visit to Switzerland and it wasn’t at all what I expected. I thought it would be a crazy adrenaline rush but it was a peaceful and serene experience floating above the town, surrounded by mountains with the lake below.

In Queenstown, an early morning soar in summer would be absolutely magic. Being a weather dependent activity, it would be best to book in for the start of your stay in Queenstown just in case it needs to be re-booked due to unfavourable conditions.

10. Enjoy Fish and Chips at Queenstown Bay Beach

Grab some fish and chips from Eriks Fish and Chips and head down to the shores of Lake Wakatipu to enjoy this kiwi tradition.

Just watch the seagulls because they might snatch the fish right out of your hand (this actually happened to me!).

11. Hit the beach

Queenstown Bay Beach
Queenstown Bay Beach

Ok, so the beach probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Queenstown but hear me out. There are a couple of good beaches along Lake Wakatipu that I’m going to share.

Alpine beaches along a lake are a bit different to ocean beaches but it’s how the locals do it.

The first and most obvious is Queenstown Bay Beach. It’s the small stretch of a pebbly beach located right in the centre of Queenstown along the edge of Lake Wakatipu.

It’s a popular spot all year round and can get pretty busy during summer. Still, it’s a fun atmosphere where you can pack your cooler (or chilly bin as it’s called in New Zealand), roll out some blankets and spend the afternoon amongst it all.

If you prefer a more peaceful and secluded option, Sunshine Bay is a favourite spot with locals to get away from the hustle and bustle. It’s a 5 minute drive from Queenstown heading towards Glenorchy on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. Look out for the One Mile Car Park and it’s a short walk from there. 

Kelvin Heights beach is another option. It’s located a 20 minute drive from Queenstown on the Kelvin Heights Peninsula. It’s a rocky beach, popular with boaties, water skiers and paddle boarders so it can be lively but in a different way to Queenstown Bay. 

Just be warned, Lake Wakatipu – being a glacial fed lake, is cold all year round.

12. Go Kayaking

Kayaking on lake wakatipu
Photo credit: Everything NZ

Kayaking is a fun summer activity in Queenstown. Moke Lake, the Dart River in Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu are some of the places around Queenstown where you can kayak amongst spectacular scenery. 

We did this Moke Lake Kayak Exerience and had so much fun. It includes all the gear and transport to Moke Lake. Two birds, one stone if you don’t have wheels.

If you’d like to kick it up a notch this packrafting and jet boating adventure is one of my all time favorite activities. You’ll get an exhilarating ride down the river before hopping into a packraft to explore places you can’t get to on foot. The scenery is truly spectacular.

Whatever you choose it will be an exciting experience on the water offering a new perspective and lots of fun. Prices vary depending on which option you choose.

13. Cruise Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw docked at Steamers Wharf
All aboard TSS Earnslaw

A leisurely cruise along Lake Wakatipu on the historic coal fired steamship the TSS Earnslaw is a relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon in Queenstown.

You can explore the decks and engine room. There is also a cafe onboard offering food and drinks. The basic cruise along Lake Wakatipu from central Queenstown takes about 90 minutes with prices starting from $109 NZD.

There is also an option for a half day tour which includes a BBQ and farm tour at Walters Peak. This includes lunch at a beautiful homestead followed by sheep herding and shearing demonstrations.

14. Jet boat down the Shotover River

Thrilling jet boat ride down the shotover river
Thrilling jet boat ride down Shotover River

Jet boating through one of the fast-flowing rivers through narrow river canyons at speeds of up to 90 km (56 mph) is one of the best things to do in Queenstown for an exhilarating experience.

You will cruise at high speed through the glacial blue waters surrounded by the natural beauty of the canyons.

We went with Shotover Jet, located a 10-minute drive from Queenstown. You can make your own way there or they offer a complimentary shuttle service leaving from downtown Queenstown.

The ride lasts for approximately 25 minutes and the excitement levels are high from the moment you step on the boat. You will glide at high speeds over shallow water before hitting 360-degree spins and getting up close and personal to cliff faces of the jaw dropping Shotover Canyon.

I had a huge grin from ear to ear the whole time! 

15. Take a 4WD Off-Road Adventure

Buggy tour through the back country of Queenstown
Photo credit: Off Road Adventures

Ready to get dirty? Off Road Adventures is a local family owned and operated company offering quad and dirt bike tours through Queenstown’s stunning back-country. They have tours for all levels from beginners to pro. 

You’ll get access to some incredible locations not possible by car and too far to reach on foot. Tours are tailored to meet everyone’s needs with a small rider to guide ratio for the ultimate adventure without compromising on safety. 

The warm dry Queenstown weather in summer is the perfect season to get out there and explore the backcountry. Once you’re finished you can jump into Lake Wakatipu to clean off and cool off!

16. Indulge your Adventurous Side

A trip to Queenstown wouldn’t be complete without experiencing what Queenstown is known for, getting amongst the adventure with these adrenaline pumping activites.

There are many options to choose from, but here are few we really like. 

Skydiving in Queenstown
Skydiving with NZone was a great experience!

If skydiving is on your bucket list then Queenstown is the place to do it! Jumping out of a plane is a sure-fire activity to get the adrenaline flowing which will last for days after.

I took the plunge with this NZone skydiving experience (I opted for the 15,000 ft which gets you about 60 seconds of freefall) and had the best experience. You’ll get to witness the most incredible birds eye view of Queenstown and the surrounding areas.

Or perhaps you’d like to try bungy jumping. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is said to be the original and world famous after all. It’s a 43m (140 foot) high bungy over the Kawarau River. You even have the option to touch the water if you dare. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be shot out of a canon then The AJ Hackett Nevis Catapult will get you pretty close to that experience. As the world’s biggest human catapult you’ll be propelled 150m (nearly 500 feet!) out across the Nevis Valley.

The Shotover Canyon Swing is the closest you can get to the ultimate cliff jump and most definitely one of the most heart pounding things to do in Queenstown. Once the rope is cut its a 60 meter (nearly 200 feet) freefall through the picturesque Shotover Canyon.

You can even book all three and do the Swing, Bungy and Catapult. May need to pack an extra pair of undies for this one.

17. Take a Scenic Flight

Helicopter perched by the the lake and mountains
Photo credit: Glacial Southern Lakes Helicopters

For the ultimate experience and best views of Queenstown you might like a scenic flight high over Queenstown and into the mountains. It’s one of the more expensive things to do on our list but, if the budget allows, is sure to be a memorable experience.

I have done a scenic flight in Mount Cook and it was nothing sort of spectacular, so I’m sure this would be too. 

There are several scenic flight options, and you can choose between a helicopter or a small fixed-wing plane. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience I would personally go for this Southern Glacier Helicopter Experience because it offers a decent amount of airtime and a landing on Jura Glacier!

If you prefer a fixed-wing plan then this scenic flight from Queenstown is the way to go which gets views over five glaciers.

If you want to visit Milford Sound and go on scenic flight this Half Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise experience from Queenstown will save you time and money. You’ll get to fly over the Southern Alps and get to experience Milford Sound from the air and sea!

18. Shotover Rafting Adventure

A group of people rafting through rapids in a rocky canyon along the Shotover River in Queenstown.
Photo credit: Real NZ

Shotover river rafting is a whitewater rafting adventure with spectacular scenery. It’s closed for winter, making this the ideal summer activity.

This 4.5 hour excursion tackles grades 3-5 whitewater rapids and passes through the darkness of the Oxenbridge Tunnel as you make your way along the Shotover River. 

It’s a fun and exhilarating experience, not for the faint of heart.

19. Swim at Bob’s Cove

Bob’s Cove is a short hike to a local swimming hole and one of our favourite things to do in summer. It’s accessed via the Bob’s Cove Track, which starts at a sign-posted car park on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. It’s a 15 minute drive from downtown Queenstown so you’ll need a car to get there. 

From the car park, take the short walk through native bush until you reach a beautiful cove on Lake Wakatipu. It’s an easy grade trail and should take about 20 minutes one way.

The views along the way offer a huge reward for minimal effort. Once at the cove you can take a dip in Lake Wakatipu. Don’t forget to bring a towel.

20. Go on a Day Trip 

Dramatic cliff and waterfalls at Milford Sound
Milford Sound and its dramatic scenery

Queenstown is surrounded by charming small towns and dramatic landscapes that are worth hopping in the car for. If you don’t have a car, tour options are available to each of these places. Here are a few day trips we recommend.

  • Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town located a short 20 minute drive from Queenstown, rich in history, character and charm. Its quiet location, quaint architecture and beautiful scenery make it a nice change of pace from lively Queenstown. Buckingham Street is filled with boutique shops, restaurants and cafes and there are some great nature trails. You can even try your luck at gold panning!
  • Glenorchy is a beautiful rural little town, and the 45 minute drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is considered one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. It’s home to the iconic red shed, nature walks and LOTR filming locations. With many fun things to do it’s easy to spend a day here.
  • Milford Sound is an unforgettable and unique experience with lush landscapes, towering mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls. You’ll experience some of the most dramatic and picturesque landscapes New Zealand has to offer. You can self drive or there are several organised day trip options from Queenstown, costs starting around $220 per person.

Best Places to Stay in Summer

Queenstown with the sun shining
You’ll be spoiled for choice with so many hotel options but book early!

Choosing where to stay is an important decision to ensure you have a great stay. Many visitors to Queenstown stay in either Frankton or downtown Queenstown. 

Frankton is a good option if you have a car and plan to use Queenstown as the starting point for visiting other places in the area, although there is a regular bus service into downtown if you don’t want to drive.

Hotels are often more affordable than downtown Queenstown with free parking. There are a couple of retail parks in Frankton with plenty of restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and fuel (gas) stations.

On the flip side it has more of an industrial feel, like the practical residential area, which may not have the vibe you are after for a summer vacation.

Downtown Queenstown is a great option for a variety of things to do and nice places to stay. It’s generally more expensive than Frankton and parking can be tricky in Queenstown during the busy summer months. If you are staying in downtown Queenstown not all properties have parking and ones that do will likely charge you extra to park there.

On the plus side, you will have bars, restaurants, attractions and nightlife at your doorstep. You are near Lake Wakatipu and hiking trails. In my experience, downtown Queenstown has the better atmosphere for a summer holiday.

Here are our top options of where to stay in Queenstown. Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance because, although there plenty of good places to stay, they book up fast in summer.

Sunset over Queenstown
View from the Crown Plaza Hotel
  • If you’re looking for something more affordable there are plenty of hostels and campgrounds, two we really like: Driftaway Queenstown in Frankton and Haka Lodge in downtown Queenstown. 

If you don’t mind being outside of Queenstown, there are a couple of alternative options you may like to consider that we highly rate.

  • The Kamana Lakehouse Is a  boutique luxury property located in the Fernhill area, a suburb about a 15 minute walk from downtown Queenstown up a steep hill. There are buses that run between Fernhill and Queenstown if you don’t want to walk. It’s the highest altitude accommodation in the Queenstown central area with beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounds. There are a variety of room types to choose from and a private hot tub experience on site that guests can book.
Room with lake view at Kamana Lakehouse in Queenstown
Photo credit: Kamana Lakehouse
  • For a unique experience in a remote area surrounded by nature we recommend Glam Camping at Moke Lake. Moke Lake is a remote area about a 20 minute drive from Queenstown heading to Glenorchy. Being far enough from the light pollution, it’s an incredible spot for stargazing.
  • Arrowtown is a quaint and charming area to stay in. It’s an easy 20 minute drive from Queenstown away from the hustle and bustle. If this sounds like an appealing option, you may find this article on the best places to stay in Arrowtown helpful in choosing where to stay.

For more choices to suit a variety of budgets you might like to check out our Queenstown Accommodation Guide.

Best Places to Eat in Summer

There are many cafes and restaurants to choose from in the Queenstown area. I’ve never experienced so many choices of restaurants in such a small area before. To help you narrow it down, these are our summer favourites.

View of Steamers Wharf from Queenstown Bay Beach
Steamer Wharf is a great spot for dining in summer
  • The Public Kitchen and Bar is located on Steamer Wharf and has a large selection of New Zealand international dishes made from fresh local ingredients. You can book a table outside on the patio right by the water for beautiful views overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
  • The famous Fergburger is a must-try when in Queenstown. Their burgers really are as good as everyone says. It does get super busy so if you don’t have the time (or patience) for the lines head around the corner to Devil Burger. Their gourmet burgers are also delicious and popular with the locals.
  • The Market Kitchen Café is located at the top of the Skyline Gondola and the perfect spot for lunch after a morning of activities. It’s a casual atmosphere with outdoor seating and fantastic views of Queenstown from above.
  • If you prefer a more formal option, The Stratosfare Restaurant is a buffet style restaurant with floor to ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views of Queenstown.
  • If you’re a fan of craft beer you might like to try Atlas Beer Cafe located on Steamer Wharf. They have a selection of boutique brews, great food and incredible views of Lake Wakatipu.

Related read: For more great options, check out guides to the best eats in Queenstown, our top places for breakfast in Queenstown and our favorite Queenstown restaurants.

How to Get Around

The best option for getting around Queenstown and surrounding areas is to rent a car. This will give you the most flexibility to explore this beautiful region.

We always book our rental cars through Discover Cars and use Motorhome Republic for campervans, because they compare available car and campervan options to ensure you get the best deal.

However, this may not be an option for everyone and if you plan to spend most of your time in downtown Queenstown parking can be tricky to find and expensive, not to mention congested with traffic, especially in the peak summer season. 

Street view of Queenstown Mall
Many activities offer a shuttle service from Queenstown

If you don’t have a car, here are some useful alternatives for getting around.

  • Take the bus. Queenstown has reliable bus service that operates between downtown Queenstown and surrounding areas including Frankton, Lake Hayes, Arrowtown, Arthurs Point, Kelvin Heights and Sunshine Bay.
  • A ferry service runs between downtown Queenstown and Kelvin Heights, useful if you are staying in the Kelvin Heights area such as the Hilton or an AirBnB.
  • Tours are a good option if you don’t have a car and want to explore further than the bus schedule. You can choose from half-day, full-day or multi-day tour options for a variety of experiences.
  • Use a shuttle service. Many activities that are based outside of downtown Queenstown (jet boating, skydiving) offer a shuttle service, usually for no additional cost, that have pick up and drop off points at a nominated location in downtown Queenstown. 

Tips for Visiting Queenstown in Summer

rocky shore of lake wakatipu with a yellow sunset
Sunset on the shores of Lake Wakatipu
  • Plan ahead when travelling to Queenstown so you don’t miss out. Our awesome 3-day itinerary might help with inspiration and planning.
  • Expect crowds and higher costs for things like accommodation and car rentals. The earlier you can book the better.
  • Research ahead of time the different activities and decide which ones you would like to do during your stay. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as popular attractions do tend to sell out.
  • Same goes for booking restaurants, if there is a particular restaurant you don’t want to miss out on then I highly recommend making a reservation in advance.
  • Bring sunscreen and bug repellent. The New Zealand sun is intense even if the temperatures aren’t. Sandflies and mosquitoes can make an appearance especially if you will be around the forest and lake fronts.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes and a sun hat. The days are long and you’ll be able to fit many great outdoor activities into your day so you want to be comfortable.
  • Be sure to choose accommodation that suits your needs. Hopefully the information above will help you choose the best location.

Final Thoughts

Lake Wakatipu with the mountains in the background

Visiting Queenstown in the summer is sure to be a good time with many activities on offer and a fun atmosphere around town. Temperatures are warm and the days are long so you can really make the most of your time there!

Check out our comprehensive Queenstown Travel Guide for the best things to do, popular places to eat, where to stay and more!


Travel Planning Guide

🚗 Where should I book my rental car?

Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.

🚐 What about a campervan?

Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic, which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.

🎟 Where should I book my tours?

Tours are a great way to experience New Zealand’s top attractions while learning about the area and culture through local guides. We always use Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best tours.

🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?

For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.

🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?

For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com.


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