Queenstown travel guide

The currency in Queenstown is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Prices on TripRadr for tours and activities are shown in Canadian dollars (CAD). Check the current exchange rate before you travel.

New Zealand Time, with daylight saving: clocks go forward on the last Sunday of September and back on the first Sunday of April. Toronto is on Eastern Time, so check the difference for your travel dates. Toronto changes its clocks in spring and autumn, so the gap can shift during the year.

There are 2 seasons to plan around in Queenstown. Best weather: December to February. Ski season: June to September. Check the weather and any local events for your dates.

Major airports include Queenstown (ZQN) and Christchurch (CHC). Routes and flight times depend on the season and the airline. Check with the airline or travel site you book with.

The Government of Canada publishes travel advice and advisories for New Zealand. Check it before you book and again before you leave. The advice can change, so TripRadr links to it instead of repeating it.

TripRadr does not take bookings. The things-to-do section shows tours and activities from Viator when they are available for Queenstown. You book on Viator, and TripRadr may earn a commission.

The main languages are English and Māori. Signs, menus and tours may also be available in English in places that welcome visitors. Learning a few local phrases is a polite way to start a conversation.

Popular things to do in Queenstown include take a day trip to Milford Sound, try bungy jumping or a jet boat, ride the Skyline Gondola and ski or snowboard in winter. The things-to-do section on this page shows tours and activities from Viator. Open one to see its details and price, then book on Viator.