Cheap Flights to Queenstown Airport

Discover Queenstown

In a country celebrated for its beautiful landscape, it may be hard to stand out amongst a crowd, but Queenstown, poised on the magnificent Lake Wakatipu, with views out to the aptly named Remarkables Mountain Range, is a town that is plucked out of fantasy.

A location frequented by the crew of Lord of the Rings, this is an otherworldly place, and you can come here for the friendly town, for the views, for the adrenalin pumping sports, or for the low-key hiking and horseriding. However you choose to spend your time here, you will leave wishing you could stay.

Things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand

Almost all of Queenstown’s attractions are natural ones, but that doesn’t mean the town doesn’t have plenty of charm. There are lots of cafes and restaurants that have secured views out to the lake, and there is much more than you would expect in the way of nightlife. This is a town for leisure seekers, and it is intrinsically designed around showing you a good time. 

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or hire out kayaks and row yourself around its pristine waters. Book a trip to Queenstown in the winter and ski on The Remarkables or Coronet Peak, and experience powder that is supposed to be world-class.  Walk through the Mount Crichton Track, perfect for walkers of any ability.

Or for more experienced hikers there is the Ben Lomond Track, where you can trek up to the summit of Ben Lomond and see spectacular panoramas of the lake. Or rent a bike and cycle along the Queenstown Trail, a path that runs 110 km along some of the region’s most beautiful countryside. 

Of course, adrenaline junkies can zipline, bungee jump and skydive with any number of companies in this town, which are usually backed with excellent reputations for safety. If you’re not so keen on those nerve wracking activities, you can find adventure by horseriding through the landscape; traverse gorges, forests and hillsides for an invigorating experience that involves less height and more stamina. 

Lastly, Queenstown is a great jumping off point for Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural attractions. You can explore the fjord through hiking, sailing or driving through the national park, all of which will give you a chance to embrace this magical wilderness. 

Best time to visit Queenstown, New Zealand

• For great hiking weather and a temperate climate, the spring and autumn months are best when the mercury hovers at about 15°C. 
• Summer (December-February) is perfect for most activities in Queenstown, but especially for watersports along the lake. Expect temperatures of 20°C with highs of us to 30°C. 

• For skiing and snowsports, the winter season (June-August) is ideal. The temperature in the town is about 9°C, so make sure you pack some jumpers! 

Best time to book

• Booking 6 weeks ahead is the recommended time to sort out flights to New Zealand from Australia.  

Expect to pay

• New Zealand Dollar (NZD).  
• A regular-sized cappuccino will cost about 4.50NZD ($4) in Queenstown.  

Arriving in Queenstown, New Zealand by plane

• Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is the only airport that services the township. Airlines that fly to this airport are New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia.  
• ZQN is only 7km outside of Queenstown proper. There are good facilities available to passengers, including shops, cafes, free WiFi and banking services.  
• Queenstown welcomes flights from the eastern cities of Australia, such as the Gold Coast (OOL), Brisbane (BNE), Melbourne (MEL) and Sydney (SYD). 

Visa requirements

• Australian citizens do not need a visa to travel to New Zealand. For more information on exceptions and general advice, visit the foreign affairs site. 

Transportation to city centre

• A cab journey into town should come to about 35-40NZD ($31-35) 
• There is a public bus service, shuttles, and you can organise airport transfers through Skyscanner.  
• At ZQN airport you can hire cars or vans once you arrive, or book a vehicle in advance.  

Where to stay in Queenstown, New Zealand

• Queenstown is a very small place, and you’ll find most of the hotels, motels, hostels and self-catered apartments are in the central area. There are options that cater to all budgets and tastes.  

Useful tips before you go

• Queenstown is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, and locals are very protective of the environment, so please do not litter or abuse the rules of the area.  
• Tipping is not generally expected, but it is appreciated.