Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand is nestled in the basin of the mountains that surround the town. Its cold in the winter due to how far south it is situated, but bright and welcoming in the summer. It’s a city on the map and considered a must see for visitors to New Zealand.
During peak seasons it is thriving and sometimes hard to get accommodation. In winter it is just as loved, even by a different group of visitors.
Queenstown is often the anchor of a South Island itinerary. To see how it fits into a bigger trip — including how many days you need overall, what the costs look like, and how to get around — check out our complete New Zealand planning guide.
Queenstown: Where Ancient Stories Meet Modern Dreams
Queenstown’s stunning natural amphitheater beside Lake Wakatipu tells a story that spans centuries, beginning with the Māori tribes of the South Island who ventured through the Whakatipu Basin in search of food and pounamu long before European eyes gazed upon these dramatic peaks.
The region’s profound connection to the land extends from these ancient pathways to the gold discovery by Jack Tewa (known as Māori Jack) in the Arrow River in August 1862, which transformed the wilderness into a bustling frontier town of 1,000 miners almost overnight.
The Old
Today’s visitors can step back in time through nearby Arrowtown‘s more than 70 historically listed features, including quaint miners’ cottages along Buckingham Street dating back to the 1860s, built from wood and local schist stone.
This living museum, with its imposing Bank of New Zealand building now part of the Lakes District Museum, offers a tangible connection to the dreams and struggles of those early pioneers while surrounded by the same majestic mountains that have inspired visitors for generations.
The New
The region’s creative spirit has found new expression through New Zealand’s world-renowned film industry, with Wētā Workshop, founded by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger in 1987, representing the magical intersection where imagination meets craftsmanship.
While Wētā Workshop specializes in concept design and manufacture for the world’s creative industries, from film and television to immersive experiences, its influence on the region extends far beyond movie magic.
Images courtesy of QueenstownNZ.co.nz
Boutique Wines
The surrounding Central Otago wine region perfectly complements this creative heritage, where ancient schist soils and extreme continental climate create ideal conditions for world-class Pinot Noir.
Boutique wineries like Chard Farm cling to steep hillsides while others like Gibbston Valley house their cellars in caves blasted from rock, creating intimate spaces where visitors can savor wines alongside spectacular mountain vistas.
The University Town
The University of Otago’s presence adds an intellectual dimension to the region, fostering research and education that deepens our understanding of this unique environment.
What makes Queenstown truly special is how seamlessly it balances exhilaration with tranquility, allowing visitors to find their own rhythm amidst nature’s grandeur.
The Adventure Capital of the South Island
Yes, you can experience the famous Skyline Gondola‘s steep ascent up Bob’s Peak for breathtaking 220-degree views, followed by the playful thrill of the gravity-fueled Luge rides.
But you can equally find profound peace in a quiet moment beside Lake Wakatipu’s mirror-like waters, where Māori legend tells of a sleeping giant whose heartbeat creates the lake’s mysterious tide-like rhythm every five minutes.
The town’s compact nature means you can transition from morning wine tastings in sun-drenched vineyards to afternoon walks through historic gold-mining settlements, evening fine dining featuring locally-sourced ingredients, and nighttime stargazing under some of the world’s clearest skies.
In Queenstown, every experience—whether heart-pounding adventure or gentle contemplation—connects you more deeply to the timeless forces that shaped this extraordinary landscape, where ancient mountains, pristine lakes, and human stories converge in perfect harmony.
Check out part of a recent South Island itinerary that focuses on Queenstown and the surrounding area. https://issuu.com/relaxedtravelescapes/docs/nz_south_island_itinerary_queenstown