Flights To Queenstown Guide

Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is your prime landing point, just 10 minutes from the city centre. The airport has every basic amenity that passengers require, including free Wi-Fi, cafes, and car hire services. Alternative airports in Queenstown include the Christchurch International Airport (CHC) and the Dunedin Airport (DUD) which mostly handle domestic flights.

The typical flight duration from the UK to Queenstown is around 24 to 30 hours, including layover periods. Moreover, the airlines that facilitate this operation include Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand.

Woking Travel provides a seamless transit service from the airport to your hotel. To book your transfer, please visit Transfers-Woking Travel.

Our selection encompasses diverse lodging options and meticulously crafted travel packages, and we are committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences. Visit our Hotels page to look at a range of hotels in your destination, or view our Packages page for information on comprehensive vacation packages.

Here is an assortment of carefully handpicked hotels, catering to every traveller’s budget and preferences:

1. The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments: Experience stunning Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables at The Rees. Luxurious rooms, apartments, and private residences are available. Award-winning dining and a private jetty for lake excursions are also available.
   
   
2. Matakauri Lodge: Experience modern luxury and incredible views at Matakauri Lodge. It offers exclusive retreats with private terraces featuring lake views, an on-site spa, a pool, and gourmet dining.
   
   
3. Millbrook Resort: Perfect for a cosy stay with outdoor fun, Millbrook Resort features roomy accommodations and villas by a gorgeous 27-hole golf course, spa, and dining options.
   
   
4. Heritage Queenstown: Designed like a Swiss chalet, this hotel provides cosy rooms with lake or mountain views, an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness centre. It is the perfect retreat for families and couples.
   
   
5. Nomads Queenstown Hostel: Perfect for backpackers and solo travellers, Nomads Queenstown provides clean, affordable accommodation in the heart of Queenstown. Guests can choose from dormitory rooms to private suites.
   
   
6. Pinewood Lodge: Offering a range of budget-friendly rooms and apartments, Pinewood Lodge is an excellent choice for travellers who prefer self-catering options. It’s within walking distance of Queenstown’s main attractions, making it convenient for explorers.
   
   
7. Azur Luxury Lodge: Azur is an intimate boutique hotel with nine private villas set against a stunning natural backdrop. It offers unparalleled service and luxury and magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu.
   
   
8. Hulbert House: For a unique boutique experience that combines New Zealand’s history with modern comfort, Hulbert House offers a restored Victorian villa filled with elegant antique furnishings and personalised service in a cosy setting.
   
   
9. The Spire Hotel: Located in the heart of Queenstown, the Spire Hotel is a considerable option for guests looking for a refined and comfortable lodging with a lake view and modern amenities.
   
   
10. Hotel St Moritz Queenstown: Hotel St Moritz is where alpine allure blends with modernity. This hotel provides guests with incredible accommodation, an on-site eatery, a dynamic bar, and a fitness facility.

Here are the transportation options available in Queenstown:

1. Rental Cars: Renting a car allows you to explore Queenstown and the scenic South Island at your own pace. Rental agencies are located at the airport and town centre.
2. Public Buses: The local bus service, Connectabus, provides an affordable way to travel around Queenstown and nearby areas, including Arrowtown and local ski fields.
3. Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis and Uber are easily accessible in Queenstown, and you can get convenient door-to-door service from your hotel to anywhere in town and nearby areas.
4. Bicycles and E-Bikes: With many trails and bike lanes, cycling is a great way to enjoy natural landscapes. Bike and e-bike rentals provide a healthy, eco-friendly transport choice.
5. Ferries: For a scenic journey to attractions, the Lake Wakatipu ferry links Queenstown to spots like Walter Peak, providing stunning area views from a unique angle.

Queenstown is a treasure trove of natural wonders and human-made marvels. It thrives on diversity, offering something for everyone. We’ve curated a list of the top 10 tourist hotspots you can’t miss when visiting Queenstown.

1. .Skyline Queenstown: Take the gondola to Skyline Queenstown for stunning panoramic views. Whether for lunch, stargazing, or luge rides, it’s a perfect start to your Queenstown adventure.
   
   
2. Milford Sound: Known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ Milford Sound offers scenic cruises past waterfalls, rainforests, and iconic Mitre Peak. It’s a peaceful nature retreat.
   
   
3. Queenstown Gardens: These serene gardens offer a peaceful escape from Queenstown’s action-packed adventures. Ideal for a leisurely walk or a game of frisbee golf, they are a refreshing oasis.
   
   
4. The Remarkables: Whether for skiing or snowboarding in winter or hiking in summer, The Remarkables mountain range lives up to its name with stunning views and alpine landscapes.
   
   
5. Shotover Jet: Thrilling jet boating through Shotover Canyons, Shotover Jet provides high-speed twists and turns for an adrenaline rush against a stunning river backdrop.
   
   
6. Lake Wakatipu: With its blue waters surrounded by mountains, Lake Wakatipu offers various water activities, from cruises to jet-skiing, a focal point of Queenstown’s charm.
   
   
7. AJ Hackett Bungy: Experience the ultimate thrill by bungy jumping off the Kawarau Bridge, where the world’s first commercial jump took place. It’s a must-do adventure, blending fear, excitement, and pure joy.
   
   
8. Arrowtown: A short drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a charming gold mining town with a rich history. Stroll its historic streets, visit the Lakes District Museum, and explore nearby hiking trails.
   
   
9. Fergburger: No Queenstown trip is complete without Fergburger! Known for big, juicy burgers, it’s worth the wait for what some call New Zealand’s best, maybe even the world’s.
   
   
10. Glenorchy: At Lake Wakatipu’s northern tip, Glenorchy is the gateway to New Zealand’s stunning scenery and iconic “The Lord of the Rings” film locations. The scenic drive is a must for nature lovers and photographers.

Here are the top 10 eateries in Queenstown serving scrumptious delicacies:

1. Fergburger: Known as an iconic eatery in the city that prepares vast and tasty burgers. They have a menu consisting of different gourmet burgers, making it one of the obligatory places to visit for every burger lover.
   
   
2. Rata: An upscale restaurant by chef Josh Emett, which is all about fresh ingredients sourced locally. Modern New Zealand cuisine and interior design are perfect for special occasions.
   
   
3. Amisfield Bistro: With Amisfield Bistro, you don’t know what will be served under ‘Trust the Chef,’ but they offer a unique experience with inventive dishes like no other place in town. This is also a good retreat for food and wine lovers as they can sample some of their vineyard wines.
   
   
4. Botswana Butchery: Botswana Butchery is famous for its prime steaks, which are served in an intimate atmosphere. The menu includes meat and seafood options and an extensive wine list to complete your dinner.
   
   
5. The Bunker: This hidden gem offers gourmet New Zealand fare in a rustic, intimate setting. The restaurant features a fantastic collection of local produce and fine wines, making it ideal for a romantic dinner or special celebration.
   
   
6. Ivy & Lola’s Kitchen & Bar: Ivy & Lola’s is on the waterfront with multiple choices on their menu including great cocktails. It’s a brunch, lunch, or dinner spot with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu.
   
   
7. Blue Kanu: Their cuisine intertwines Polynesian and Asian tastes, providing a diverse restaurant experience. It’s a favorite destination among gastronomes due to its laid-back ambiance and creative dishes.
   
   
8. Taco Medic: A popular joint where tacos are freshly made using good ingredients only. Taco Medic has you covered if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat in relaxed surroundings!
   
   
9. Vudu Café & Larder: Vudu Café & Larder is stylish, offering sumptuous breakfast, brunch, and coffee. It has incredible views of a lake and an assortment of dishes on the menu that are healthy and fresh, hence a tourist’s delight.
   
   
10. Flame Bar & Grill: Flame Bar & Grill is great for having fun with friends. It’s known for its mouthwatering BBQ. Some grilled meats and sides would be loved by all meat lovers in this place.

Here, we’ve compiled a ‘must-do’ list of ten immersive experiences in Queenstown. These activities are not just about ticking off a checklist but about living a moment you will remember forever.

1. Bungy Jump at the Nevis: Push your limits by jumping from one of the world’s highest bungy platforms. The Nevis Bungy is not for the faint-hearted, offering a heart-pounding 134m drop into the Nevis Valley.
   
   
2. Wine Tasting in Gibbston Valley: Explore the ‘Valley of the Vines,’ home to some of the best Pinot Noir in the world. Join a wine tour to discover the art of winemaking and sample exquisite wines amidst stunning landscapes.
   
   
3. Queenstown Hill Walk: Hike to the summit of Queenstown Hill for spectacular views of the town, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. The walk is a moderate challenge but rewards with breath-taking vistas.
   
   
4. Jet boating on the Dart River: Experience the exhilaration of jet boating amidst the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park. This adventure combines adrenaline, speed, and natural beauty.  
   
   
5. Paragliding from Bob’s Peak: Glide over Queenstown with a tandem paragliding flight from Bob’s Peak, offering unparalleled views of the town and its dramatic landscapes.  
   
   
6. Kayaking on Lake Wakatipu: Paddle the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu. Explore hidden coves and enjoy the tranquillity of the lake at your own pace with a kayak rental or guided tour.  
   
   
7. Skiing or Snowboarding at Coronet Peak: Hit the slopes at Coronet Peak, Queenstown’s closest ski field. The field suits all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, and offers fantastic conditions and breath-taking views.  
   
   
8. Explore the Underwater Observatory: Delve into the depths of Lake Wakatipu without getting wet. The Underwater Observatory offers a unique view of the lake’s underwater ecosystem and resident trout and eels.
   
   
9. Take the Queenstown Trail: Cycle or walk the Queenstown Trail to discover the area’s beauty at your own pace. The trail network offers various routes with stunning scenery, passing through vineyards, along rivers, and by the lake.
   
   
10. Relax at Onsen Hot Pools: After an adventure, unwind at the Onsen Hot Pools. These private hot tubs offer incredible views over the Shotover River canyon, providing the perfect end to an action-packed day.

The weather in Queenstown influences several activities and experiences. It is essential in summer when one plans to go to the beach or ski in winter. This local weather guide has updated weather information.

Summer (December – February) 

• It is warmer; the temperature ranges between 20°C and 30°C (68°F-86°F).
• Great for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying the sight of the lake.
• The humidity in summer is high; make sure you check before you head out!
• You may find cheap flights to Queenstown during this period, which is the best travel time for visitors.

Winter (June – August)

• During its coldest months, mean temperatures range from approx. 0°C to 8°C (32°F-46°F).
• Perfect conditions for snowboarding or skiing at nearby ski resorts like Coronet Peak and The Remarkable.
• Snowfall is frequent, attracting snow lovers from all over the globe.
• This link contains information about current weather forecasts.
  
  

To stay up-to-date with Queenstown’s weather conditions, follow this Queenstown Weather Forecast.

UK travelers to Queenstown should note the time difference based on British Summer Time (BST) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) versus New Zealand Time (NZT).

• During British Summer Time (BST), Queenstown is 11 hours ahead of the UK. This means when it’s 9 AM in London on BST, it’s 8 PM the same day in Queenstown.
• During Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Queenstown is 13 hours ahead of the UK. Therefore, 9 AM in London on GMT translates to 10 PM the same day in Queenstown.

Currency:

• The local currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Credit cards are acceptable, and there are many ATMs where cash can be withdrawn whenever required.

Language:

• English is the official language here; tourists can communicate easily without language barriers.

Local Customs:

Although New Zealand’s laid-back culture is characterised by friendliness, people should still adhere to its customs. Informal dressing is standard; however, intelligent casual is suitable for visiting official establishments and occasions. Also, taking off your shoes when entering someone’s house is polite.

Laws:

To familiarise yourself with the laws pertaining to travellers in New Zealand, please refer to the links below:

• New Zealand Government’s Official Website
• UK Government’s Travel Advice for New Zealand
• Queenstown Local Government Advice

In conclusion, we believe that every traveller deserves to experience the enchantment of Queenstown. With Woking Travel, your flight to this paradise is more than just a plane ride; it catalyses a remarkable experience. Seize the moment, book your flights, and immerse yourself in the adventure that awaits in Queenstown.

With Woking Travel’s comprehensive guide and trusted services, your New Zealand odyssey begins here.