Melanie Colwell
December 15, 2023
Travel Guide: Queenstown

Many destinations purport to be the ultimate playground for adults. Of course, it depends on your particular vices. If you get your thrills from extreme sports or, conversely, sipping a top-notch pinot noir, Queenstown should be top of your list.

This alpine paradise on New Zealand’s South Island has a lot going for it. In winter, snow bunnies flock to the surrounding ski fields (some of the best in the Southern Hemisphere). In summer, adrenaline junkies have a veritable smorgasbord of activities to choose from: paragliding, bungee jumping, jet boats and countless hiking trails. And all year round, award-winning wineries and fine diners are paving the way in sustainable practices while showcasing the very best local produce.

In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to the city, so you can start planning your itinerary.

Many destinations purport to be the ultimate playground for adults. Of course, it depends on your particular vices. If you get your thrills from extreme sports or, conversely, sipping a top-notch pinot noir, Queenstown should be top of your list.

Planning Ahead

Before you launch into responsibility-free fun in New Zealand, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way first. Organise a pet (or plant) sitter, hand all your unfinished work over to your poor colleagues and, most importantly, sort out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can have up to ten currencies (including NZD) preloaded so you can use your Visa Debit Card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. The best part? You won’t be stung with international transaction fees.

Getting Around

Queenstown’s town centre is small enough to get around on foot. Many hotels and tour companies run complimentary shuttles to popular landmarks, and the public buses are also pretty reliable and affordable. But for total flexibility to reach the ski fields, wineries and other attractions out of town, we recommend hiring a car.

Locals Love

You’ll smell it before you see it — a rich, sweet smell that’ll immediately make your mouth water. Patagonia was established in 2005, first as a handcrafted chocolate shop before expanding into artisanal ice cream and house-roasted coffee. Visit the Queenstown outpost for a scoop of the award-winning tramontana flavour, with dulce de leche swirls.

Don’t Miss

Skyline Queenstown may scream ‘tourist trap’, but this is one of those rare instances where it actually delivers on the hype. Of course, much of that has to do with the jaw-dropping vistas you’ll witness as you zoom up to Bob’s Peak in the gondola. From there, you can try paragliding, bungee jumping, ziplining or the luge (fun for all ages!), or conquer the Ben Lomond summit.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Summer Activities

Queenstown is renowned for its extreme sports. After a slightly slower pace? There are options for that, too.

Winter Activities

Queenstown transforms in winter, but ways to experience the snow season extend well beyond a pair of skis.

Wineries

Central Otago's wine industry may be relatively new, but it punches well above its weight with award-winning drops.

Restaurants

Almost every meal here is guaranteed to feature locally sourced produce, creative combinations and epic views.

Bars

From whisky by the fire in winter to sundowners on a rooftop in summer, here's where to pull up for drinks.

Accommodation

Make the most of the stunning natural surroundings by staying at one of these well-situated spots.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Explore Queenstown Your Way

Dive into Queenstown with our interactive map. Save must-see attractions, plan your route, and build your dream itinerary — all in one place. Whether it’s buzzing streets or serene escapes, this is your ultimate tool to navigate the city with the help of your HSBC Everyday Global Account.

 

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      Further Afield

      If you've got a little extra time, here are five day trips you should plan from Queenstown.

      • Glenorchy

        Glenorchy

        A 45-minute drive from Queenstown, the tiny township of Glenorchy is the gateway to a number of the region's top hiking trails, including the Routeburn Track.
      • Arrowtown

        Arrowtown

        Arrowtown is just 20 minutes away making it a must-visit day trip destination. The former gold mining town has retained its historic charm with restored cottages, churches, artist studios and knick knack stores to explore.
      • Wanaka

        Wanaka

        Another popular South Island resort town, Wanaka is worth a visit in any season. In the warmer months, hike the famous Roy's Peak track and visit the Lavender Farm. In winter, it's all about Cardrona Ski Resort.
      • Milford Sound

        Milford Sound

        Whether you opt to explore this unspoilt fiord by boat, on foot or in a helicopter, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the cascading waterfalls, inky water and local wildlife.
      • Cromwell

        Cromwell

        Ghost towns and stone fruit are one of the more unusual tourism combinations, but that's what to expect from a visit to the small town on the shores of Lake Dunstan.

      Get Started

      Ready to start planning? We've found five experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.

      • Alpine Wine Tours

        Alpine Wine Tours

        If you want to sample Central Otago's top drops but have limited time to do so, jump aboard a five-hour tour with Alpine Wine Tours. You'll visit four vineyards with doggy companion, Ruby. Tickets start from NZD $215pp.
      • Over the Top Golf

        Over the Top Golf

        Getting a hole in one is achievement enough — but doing it at 4500 feet? You won't forget that in a hurry. That's what you attempt with Over the Top Golf. Bookings start from NZD $630pp, including helicopter pick-up/drop-off.
      • Walker Peak Farm Tours

        Walker Peak Farm Tours

        Travelling with little ones in tow? Hop aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Farm, where you can meet the resident highland cattle, sheep, alpacas and dogs. Book now from NZD $145, which includes afternoon tea.
      • Rippled Earth Kayaking

        Rippled Earth Kayaking

        You'll spend a lot of time admiring Lake Wakatipu from land. If you'd like to explore it further, including getting up-close to Pigeon, Pig and Tree Islands, join a tour with Rippled Earth Kayaking. Book now from NZD $175pp.

      Where to eat and drink

      From award-winning wineries to seasonally driven restaurants, these are the best places to refuel.

      What to do

      Whether you're hurtling yourself of a sky-high platform or down a snow-covered mountain, there's plenty of ways to fill your days in Queenstown.

      Where to stay

      Make the most of the stunning natural surroundings by staying at one of these well-situated spots.

      Be prepared for your New Zealand adventure by opening an HSBC Everyday Global Account. For more information, head to the website.

      This is a sponsored post in partnership with HSBC. This advertisement provides general advice only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the product terms and conditions before acquiring the product, available at www.hsbc.com.au.

      Illustration: Haylee Poppi
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