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New Zealand · Trip plan

5 days in Queenstown

The adventure capital: bungy, jetboats, Milford Sound and alpine lakes.

Best time
Nov – Mar, Jun – Aug
Ideal length
5 days
A day, mid-range
$260 per person
Trip for two
about $2,600

Planning a 5-day trip to Queenstown? Here's a day-by-day Queenstown itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Summer (December to February) brings long days for hiking and Milford Sound; winter is ski season.

Queenstown sits on Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables: New Zealand's adventure hub with stunning scenery.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun: a good time to go
  7. Jul: a good time to go
  8. Aug: a good time to go
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December to February: 10–25°C.

Create my Queenstown trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Queenstown

  • 01

    Milford Sound

    A fiord of waterfalls and sheer cliffs.

  • 02

    Bungy and jetboats

    The original bungy at Kawarau Bridge.

  • 03

    Skyline Gondola

    Views over Lake Wakatipu.

  • 04

    Arrowtown

    A historic gold-rush village.

Day by day

Queenstown itinerary for 5 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Lake and gondola

    Morning
    Walk the lakefront of Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables.
    Afternoon
    Ride the Skyline Gondola and race down the luge track.
    Evening
    Dinner, and a Fergburger if the queue allows.

    Sunset from the gondola is spectacular.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Adrenaline day

    Morning
    Bungy jump at the Kawarau Bridge, the world's first commercial bungy site.
    Afternoon
    Ride the Shotover Jet through a narrow canyon.
    Evening
    Dinner in historic Arrowtown.

    Book activities in advance.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Milford Sound

    Morning
    Take a coach or scenic flight to Milford Sound in Fiordland.
    Afternoon
    Cruise beneath sheer cliffs and waterfalls.
    Evening
    Return to Queenstown.

    Flights are weather-dependent; have a plan B.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Wine and Glenorchy

    Morning
    Drive the lakeside road to Glenorchy.
    Afternoon
    Wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley.
    Evening
    Dinner.

    The Glenorchy road is one of New Zealand's most scenic.

  5. D5

    Day 5: Home

    Morning
    Morning walk.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    The airport is about 15 minutes away.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Queenstown in 4, 5 or 7 days

4 days in Queenstown

Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

7 days in Queenstown

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Queenstown trip budget

StylePer person, a day5 days for two
Budget$130$1,300
Mid-range$260$2,600
Luxury$650+$6,500

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Queenstown is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Queenstown for every budget

  • Budget

    Nomads Queenstown

    Centre

    A hostel by the lake.

    from $50 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels on the lakefront

    Lakefront

    Lake views.

    from $250 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Eichardt's Private Hotel

    Lakefront

    Historic luxury.

    from $900 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Queenstown

  • Fergburger

    The famous burger.

  • Lamb

    New Zealand's best.

  • Central Otago Pinot Noir

    World-class wine.

Getting there

How to reach Queenstown

Travel
Queenstown airport has flights from Auckland and Australia.
Getting around
Buses and a car for day trips.
  • Book Milford Sound cruises with return flights or coach.
  • Fergburger queues are long; order ahead.

Before you go

What to pack for Queenstown

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
  • Waterproof boots
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Queenstown trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Queenstown?

5 days are enough to see the highlights: Milford Sound, Bungy and jetboats, Skyline Gondola. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 5-day Queenstown trip cost?

Roughly $130 a day per person on a budget, $260 mid-range and $650+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,600 for 5 days.

What is the best time to visit Queenstown?

Nov – Mar, Jun – Aug. Summer (December to February) brings long days for hiking and Milford Sound; winter is ski season.

Where should I stay in Queenstown?

Budget: Nomads Queenstown (Centre), from about $50 a night. Mid-range: Hotels on the lakefront (Lakefront), from about $250 a night. Luxury: Eichardt's Private Hotel (Lakefront), from about $900 a night.

How do I reach Queenstown?

Queenstown airport has flights from Auckland and Australia.

Is 4 days enough for Queenstown?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Queenstown?

December to February: 10–25°C.

What food should I try in Queenstown?

Fergburger: The famous burger. Lamb: New Zealand's best. Central Otago Pinot Noir: World-class wine.

How do I get around Queenstown?

Buses and a car for day trips.

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