Queenstown, located in the south of New Zealand, is a small town with a population of approximately 15,000 residents. Despite its size, it is a popular hub for tourists due to its proximity to several natural highlights and its well-connected international airport. When traveling in New Zealand and planning to visit both islands, the typical route goes either from Auckland (in the northern end) down to Queenstown, or vice versa.
I chose to start in Queenstown because I liked the idea of beginning in the colder south and gradually traveling north to warmer regions. Additionally, my next destination lies further north, so to shorten the next flight, I thought it would be wise to finish my New Zealand trip at its northern end. Last but not least, I calculated there might still be a small chance to see the Aurora Australis if I started in the south (spoiler: I was not disappointed).
How to get to Queenstown from the Gold Coast
Both cities are connected by daily international direct flights. Prices fluctuate significantly, but if you catch the right day, you can get a flight for less than €250.
To car or not to car
The overall experience in Australia was certainly hindered by not having a vehicle at my disposal. I’ve mentioned this a few times, and my conclusion remains the same. While it is incredibly easy to travel around Asia without your own vehicle, it becomes quite complicated and/or expensive, and sometimes even impossible, to comfortably reach the places you’d like to see in Australia. I managed to visit everything I really wanted to, but I also felt stranded a few times (in Adelaide, Newcastle, and the Gold Coast, for instance). In my last days in Australia, I decided to do things differently in New Zealand, despite the fact that I thought I didn’t like driving long distances alone.
Upon my arrival in Queenstown, I visited two different car rental companies (I checked Google Maps for good reviews and ended up going with Omega Rentals). They offered me a Toyota Corolla for about €35 per day, including full insurance with zero excess. Great! I received the car the next day and spent that day exploring the surroundings of Queenstown with short drives to get used to driving on the left side of the road. I think the challenge is not driving in the “wrong” lane, but rather that the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, which gives a different sense of the car’s dimensions. After a day of cruising around, I felt confident enough to take things further!
Queenstown
Queenstown is a bustling tourist hub, offering a lively array of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. Despite its small size, the town provides plenty of activities for those with some free time. You can enjoy scenic hikes, or take the Skyline Gondola up to the viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the town, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. A leisurely stroll around the vibrant lakefront is a must, with pathways winding along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, offering picturesque views and the perfect opportunity for relaxation or photography. Shopping, dining, and simply soaking in the town’s lively atmosphere make Queenstown an enjoyable destination even on a quiet day.
Things to do around the Queenstown :
- Skyline Gondola and Luge: Take the gondola for panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables, and try the luge for a fun ride at the top.
- Bungee Jumping at Kawarau Bridge: Experience the thrill of jumping off the world’s first commercial bungee site. I had almost convinced myself to try it, but in the end, the steep price of 320 NZD (about 180 €) held me back. The river below the bridge also features in The Fellowship of the Ring.
- Glenorchy and Paradise: A scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy is a gateway to stunning landscapes. Paradise, just beyond, offers remote beauty and several LOTR filming locations (the mountains served as the backdrop for Isengard and the wooded areas were used to film several Lothlórien Forest scenes). I spend the better part of a whole day in this area just driving around and taking hundreds of pictures. Jaw-dropping for sure!
- Arrowtown: A charming historic town 20 minutes from Queenstown, known for its gold mining heritage. Arrow River which flows through the town served as Ford of Bruinen in The Fellowship of the Ring (the scene where Arwen escapes with Frodo from the Nazgul by summoning the water)
- Lake Wakatipu: Enjoy a cruise on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, or simply stroll along the lake’s picturesque shoreline.
- Skippers Canyon: Explore this breathtaking, historic canyon via scenic drives or 4WD tours, famous for its rugged beauty and gold rush history.
