A trip to Middle-Earth, it turns out, is not as farfetched as you might think. Just head to Queenstown, New Zealand, where Lord of the Rings fans will recognise scenery from the trilogy movie series. Surrounded by rivers and mountains, this South Island destination is also rich with possibilities for downhill mountain biking, sky diving, hiking, river rafting, and more. Whether you are travelling alone or with family and friends, Queensland serves up adventure on a silver platter.
Things to Do in Queenstown
Queenstown offers visitors an incredible amount of adventures to undertake during their stay in the area. As this resort town rests right on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, spend your holiday snorkelling and scuba diving, but also swimming with the local dolphins and seals. Yet there is still plenty to do during the cooler times of year as well. Skiing and snowboarding are wildly popular on Mt. Hutt and other surrounding slopes, while tourists and locals alike love wine tours to the nearby vineyards.
The Queenstown Gardens offers a glimpse at some of the country’s native plant and flower species, while the Kiwi Birdlife Park allows you to admire the various types of avian species found in this corner of New Zealand. Other natural attractions that you may want to include on your list of sights to see include Milford Sound, which offers unparalleled views of Fiordland National Park, and Skippers Canyon, a massive gorge that holds a surprising amount of history. The Remarkables mountain range is another popular draw for avid trekkers, as is the world-famous Routeburn Track, which starts at the Southern Alps and concludes at the Divide, located not far from Homer Tunnel.
Weather in Queenstown
Due to its relatively high altitude and location amid the mountains, Queenstown enjoys an oceanic climate that creates comfortable temperatures in the summer, and reasonably mild winters. During the summer months, thermometers may occasionally climb to a steamy 30 degrees Celsius, though the mercury mostly stays in the low- to mid-20s. Winter, conversely, can get rather cold with average temperatures hovering around 5 degrees, though they sometimes dips below zero. It is common to see snow falling during these cooler times, but the white stuff rarely sticks around long enough to result in any actual accumulation, except on the nearby mountaintops.
Hotels and Accommodation in Queenstown
Whether you want to stay at a budget motel or indulge in Queenstown luxury accommodation, you can be comfortable during your holiday. Outdoor enthusiasts are also welcome to sleep beneath the stars at a campsite or holiday park. Browse the wide selection of Queenstown hotels available right here on Expedia.com.au, where our passion for travel means we always hunt down the best accommodation at great deals just for you.
Travel Basics
You can arrive in Queenstown via the Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), which is just 10 kilometres from the centre of things. Once you’re in town, take advantage of public transportation which includes a bus system. Active travellers will be happy to hear you can also reach plenty of activities on foot.
Summer days in Queenstown are long and enjoy temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees on average. In the winter, the temperature drops drastically. Come prepared to face a daily temperature between -2 and 8 degrees.
Plan Your Getaway to Queenstown
Savor some fine wine, get a pampering massage, or take to the hills on an adventure during your time in Queenstown. This South Island gem has become a popular holiday destination for a reason—it’s welcoming and boast natural beauty on all sides. Book your Queenstown holiday package right here on Expedia.com.au with travel experts who offer the best deals on accommodation in Queenstown, car rental, and more.
