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For such a small town, there sure are a lot of options for accommodation in Queenstown. This blog breaks down where to stay in Queenstown based on location, what you want to do and see, and how you are traveling!
Queenstown is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. It’s surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and breathtaking lakes. I think we can both agree that it’s a must-visit
But there’s only one problem…
Being such a tourist town, there is a wide variety of places to stay in Queenstown. With countless Airbnbs, holiday parks, hostels, and hotels to choose from it’s
But don’t worry – we’ve got you sorted!
This blog breaks down all of the different areas around Queenstown, accommodation for different budgets, as well as reviews and suggestions of the BEST places to stay!
Where to stay in Queenstown – The BEST Areas
Queenstown Town Center
Queenstown’s center is small. You can walk the entire town center of Queenstown within a few minutes! Here, you’ll find all of the most popular shops and restaurants as well as the gorgeous lakefront.
If you want to be able to walk everywhere and be right in the hustle and bustle of it all then staying in Queenstown’s town center is ideal. But there’s a catch!
Centrally located accommodation in Queenstown generally books up the fastest, so be sure to book in advance, especially in the peak seasons (June-September and December-March.)
Also, in peak season this area is very busy and if you plan on driving anywhere, be prepared for traffic and some hectic driving. So, if you’re nervous about driving in NZ or prefer quieter places this may not be the area for you to stay in Queenstown.
The BEST Hotels in Queenstown Town Center:
Novotel Lakeside Queenstown ($$$) – This hotel has gorgeous rooms with lake views! Its location is ideal, right next to Queenstown Beach. Inside the hotel, you’ll find a spa, concierge service, and restaurant. You can choose between standard double rooms with two double beds or a king. Some rooms even offer lake views! Prices start from about $300 NZD per night.
Nomads Queenstown Backpackers ($) – Nomads is one of the best budget-friendly hostels in Queenstown. Here, you’ll find both dorm rooms as well as privates available. There is an onsite communal kitchen for cooking your own meals. The hostel is known for being a great place for meeting other travelers with a social atmosphere. Prices start from about $40 NZD per night for a dorm.
Frankton
Frankton is one of the outer suburbs of Queenstown. It is about a 10-minute drive from the town center depending on traffic (yes, this little town has traffic!) The airport is actually in Frankton which makes staying here convenient for flying in and out of Queenstown.
In Frankton, you will have a large selection of Airbnbs as well as hotels. You’ll have easy access to the Remarkables mountains and can easily get out of town to explore the Gibbston Valley or Arrowtown without dealing with traffic. Oh, and Frankton is known for getting lots of sun – especially in winter when other areas like Fernhill get almost none!
But there’s a catch…
The downside to staying in Frankton is that you will need to take a taxi or bus into Queenstown. The public bus runs often though and it’s very cheap and easy to use!
The public bus in Queenstown costs $2 per trip once you have an Orbus Card. This card costs $5 and can be bought from any bus driver. Once you have the card each trip is $2, without the card, pay $5 cash to the driver.
Check out this website for more information on the public bus in Queenstown
The BEST Hotels in Frankton:
Wyndham Garden Queenstown ($$) – Hotel located right near the airport, bus stop, and The Remarkables shopping center. This hotel has a 24 fitness center, and a heated ski gear storage room. Standard hotel rooms or apartments are available. All apartments come with a kitchenette and a washer and dryer.
Queenstown Gateway Apartments ($) – Located along the lake, these 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments come with air conditioning, full kitchens, and laundry. It’s just a short walk to get to many of the restaurants and the supermarket in town.
Fernhill
On the opposite side of Queenstown from Frankton is an area called Fernhill. Fernhill mostly is residential meaning there are few hotels but plenty of Airbnbs available.
The benefit of staying in Fernhill is that you are a 20-30 minute walk from town or a 2-minute bus ride. This part of town is also on a hill and you’ll get amazing views of Lake Wakatipu and are close to a few small hiking trails.
It is a quieter suburb that popular among locals. In fact, when I lived in Queenstown for 6 months, I lived in Fernhill and I loved it!
However as mentioned above, in winter Fernhill is known to get very little sun thanks to the mountains around the suburb. So, if you’re coming in winter and love to wake up to rays of sunshine then Fernhill might not be a top choice!
The BEST Hotels in Fernhill:
Mercure Queenstown Resort ($$) – This gorgeous hotel sits on an elevated plot for views of Remarkables Mountains and Lake Wakatipu. A pool, hot tub, sauna, lounge bar, as well as a restaurant are on site. Your choice of a double, queen, or a king-size bed.
Platinum Queenstown ($$$) – 2 and 3-bedroom fully-equipped luxury lodges style villas are perfect for groups or families. Located on Lake Wakatipu right at a bus stop so it’s very easy to get into town. All villas have a private patio and an upstairs balcony.
Related Read: If you’re looking to take an epic road trip, go from Queenstown to Milford Sound it’s one of the best choices.
Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a beautiful little town. It is also a touristy town but is much less busy than Queenstown. There are lots of shops, pubs, and restaurants in Arrowtown.
The only issue with staying in Arrowtown is its distance from Queenstown. Arrowtown is about a 30-minute drive from Queenstown.
You can take the public bus for $2 from Arrowtown to Queenstown but routes are limited and it does take a little while. Therefore, if you plan on staying in Arrowtown but want to visit Queenstown regularly, having a rental vehicle is a good idea!
The charm of Arrowtown is hard to beat though and this small quaint town offers a very relaxing and beautiful atmosphere. If you’re visiting in Autumn (late March to early May is best) then Arrowtown is a must-visit as it becomes the most beautiful place on earth with colorful leaves everywhere!
The BEST Hotels in Arrowtown:
Arrowtown Motel ($) – This renovated modern motel offers comfortable and affordable rooms with kitchenettes as well as one and two-bedroom apartments. Downtown Arrowtown is just a half-mile down the road for restaurants, cafes, and shops. Each room has outdoor patio seating.
New Orleans Hotel ($) – This charming hotel inside of an original county pub serving NZ pub food will bring you back to the gold mining days. It is located right on the main street of Arrowtown. In the winter enjoy the large fire outback and in the summer relax out on the balcony for some sunshine.
Millbrook Resort ($$$) – This luxury 5-star accommodation is located just outside of Arrowtown and boasts gorgeous mountain views and amenities including a fitness center, three outdoor heated pools, a day spa, and a 27-hole golf course. The rooms range from studios to 2-bedroom suites. The property also has two restaurants, a cafe, and a bar. Airport pick-up and drop-off services are available.
Arthurs Point
Arthurs Point is about a 10-minute drive from Queenstown center. There aren’t many shops or restaurants in Arthurs Point although it is the closest place to stay near the Coronet Peak ski field. In winter, it is almost impossible to find accommodation in Arthurs Point for this reason alone.
The area is really beautiful and it is a good halfway point between Queenstown and Arrowtown. I stayed at the Top 10 Caravan park here and they also ran a free shuttle to town which was very convenient!
The BEST Hotels in Arthur’s Point:
Swiss-Belresort Coronet Peak ($$) – Luxury accommodation right near Coronet Peak with a free shuttle provided to and from Queenstown. This hotel has a restaurant, 2 bars, and a game room with a bowling alley. A great value as the price for a double room starts at $229.
Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park ($) – Campground with a great view of the hills providing powered campsite, cabins, and apartments. Good value and a free shuttle is provided to and from Queenstown. Regardless, it’s a short drive into town. Many of the apartments have a private patio and a kitchenette.
Where to Stay in Queenstown for Skiing
If you plan on spending most of your time skiing or snowboarding in Queenstown then choosing where to stay should revolve around ease of access to one of the two ski
As mentioned above, Arthurs Point is the closest area to Coronet Peak as it is located right at the mountain’s base. Queenstown is about 10 minutes from Coronet Peak’s base and the same with Arrowtown making them other good options.
If you plan on skiing at the Remarkables, then Frankton is your best choice, followed by Lake Hayes, Shotover Country, and Queenstown.
Staying close to the ski fields can be more convenient if you have a car, but if you don’t, then taking the bus will be your only option anyway. Buses leave from Queenstown center to go to both ski fields every hour during the winter and cost $30 for a return trip. Be warned though the lines for these busses are long!
Note: Even if you do have a rental car be sure to check if you’re allowed to drive it up to the ski fields. Many rental companies have clauses against this meaning you won’t be covered if you get into an accident or you could face a fine. Read our blog about renting a campervan in New Zealand for more information!
Where to Stay in a Campervan or Motorhome in Queenstown
If you are staying in a campervan or motorhome you will need to stay in a holiday park (or a caravan park) in Queenstown. There are a couple in town as well as a couple outside of town.
Freedom camping is not allowed in Queenstown and you will have to drive well outside of Queenstown to freedom camp. Click here for more information on freedom camping zones near Queenstown. Be sure to only freedom camp where it’s allowed otherwise you will
The BEST Holiday Parks in Queenstown:
Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park ($$) – Located in town this holiday park is within walking distance to everything and offers powered campsites and access to nice facilities. It will perfectly accommodate both smaller couples to larger families and is a great option for those on a budget, there is even a resort playground for the kids.
Where to Stay in Queenstown on a Budget
Queenstown is famous for being expensive and when it comes to hotels that can be true (especially during peak season!) But if you book in advance and stay in the right places you can find hotels for good value!
Hostels are a great option if you are on a tight budget. There are many different hostels in Queenstown where you can get a dorm bed for under $40 NZD a night. Even if you are
Another great option for finding cheap places to stay in Queenstown is to use Airbnb. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, you should try it! You can get entire units, whole houses, or even just a private room for a fraction of the price of a hotel!
The BEST Budget Hostels in Queenstown:
Tahuna Pod Hostel ($) – This hostel with impressive views actually offers pods as opposed to dorm beds as an affordable option while still offering privacy! There is also a shared kitchen and ski gear and bike storage available. Beds start around $50 NZD a night and if you pay a bit more there are private rooms available too.
JUCY Snooze Queenstown ($) – Another pod sleeping arrangement that is available in Queenstown! The look inside of JUCY Snooze is hip, colorful, and modern. There’s a rooftop bar and cafe with great views and a 24-hour help desk.
Haka Lodge Queenstown ($) – This clean hostel has free parking, and an open-air kitchen just 650ft (200m) from Queenstown center. Each of the bunks has under the bed storage and privacy curtains. The cost per night starts at $34.
Must-Do Activities while you’re in Queenstown
Once you figure out where to stay, you can start planning your Queenstown itinerary! There are lots of amazing things to do in and around Queenstown. Some of my favorites are:
- Visit Milford Sound – One of the most scenic places in New Zealand is Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. This Full-Day Milford Sound Experience takes you along a scenic drive stopping at many of the best lakes, valleys, and tunnels before embarking on a 2-hour cruise through the fiords and waterfalls in Milford Sound. It will be a full day, but it’s an unforgettable experience!
- Ride the gondola – The gondola in Queenstown is an iconic activity that takes you up the side of a mountain to Bob’s Peak high above Queenstown. The view is insane, especially if you stay for sunset. And at the top of the gondola, you’ll also find the Luge, a unique go-cart-like experience that’s powered by gravity. I recommend buying combo tickets for the gondola AND the Luge!
- Visit a sheep farm – New Zealand has more sheep than people, so you must visit a sheep farm while here! But hey, why not do it in style? This Walter Peak Farm Tour includes a cruise in a vintage steamship to this picturesque seaside farm. Once there, you’ll enjoy a tasty meal of high-end barbequed meats or seafood- buffet style. Cap things off with the choice of desserts and cheeses. Afterward, you’ll watch a sheep shearing demonstration or a sheepdog show.
- Go bar hopping – There are some awesome bars in Queenstown’s small town center, from the humble tradies bar to more extravagant and luxurious ones. Smiths Craft Beer House is one of my favorite places to go when I want to try some new beers. 1876 has a lovely patio on a nice day and Cowboys is a fun place to party!
- Take a scenic food and wine tour – The Queenstown area is a foodie heaven, with incredible wine and cuisine that you just have to try. And on this day tour, you’ll sip wine from New Zealand’s largest wine cave, be served a gourmet lunch, and indulge in local cheeses – all with an epic view to boot!
- Go ziplining – If you love a good adrenaline rush like me, you’ll enjoy this zipline over Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Southern Alps. You can pick from 3 height options depending on how daring you’d like to be. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll be flying high over incredible scenery!
Renting a Car or Campervan in New Zealand
The first step to planning your New Zealand road trip is choosing your set of wheels! Most people rent a campervan or motorhome to get around, but you can also just rent a normal car and stay in hotels (as opposed to camping.)
You can search for rental cars online with Discover Cars in advance to compare car models and prices. We’ve used this website all over the world and if you want more details, read our honest review of Discover Cars for more details!
You can also do this with motorhomes and campervans on a website called Motorhome Republic. It shows all of the available campervans and motorhomes for your specific New Zealand road trip dates. You can compare prices and company reviews here too!
JUCY is our personal favorite campervan rental company in NZ. We love JUCY because they have such a range of both cars and campervans available, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something to suit your budget and travel style.
We’ve actually secured an exclusive discount code for our readers with JUCY. Just click here to browse their availability and use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off! What a good deal!
You can check prices, availability and book with JUCY online here.
Star RV is another company we personally recommend but specifically for motorhomes! They offer larger motorhomes (as opposed to budget campervans) at really reasonable rates.
Star RV has actually given us a discount code for our readers too! Use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off your motorhome rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
Note: For both Star RV and JUCY, no discounts or promotions will be applied for pickups from December 16, 2024 to January 19, 2025 for New Zealand and Australia. But for the entire rest of the year, the discount is yours!
Thanks for reading!
Thanks so much for checking out our blog on where to stay in Queenstown! I hope this has helped you plan your trip here. If you have any questions please leave them below and we will get back to you!
Also, if you found this guide helpful be sure to jump over to our Queenstown travel page or New Zeland travel page for more great travel guides. Or, check out these related articles below!
33 cheap and free things to do in Queenstown
8 must-do day hikes in Queenstown
