Located on the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown might be a small affair, with a small population but figuring out the right Queenstown accommodation can be a challenge.
Queenstown is found on the idyllic shores of Lake Wakatipu, an extensive, glacial lake that has the distinction of being the longest in New Zealand. It’s also one of the most photogenic places to visit in the entire country.
But it doesn’t stop there, the city is also surrounded by the spectacular Southern Alps, a glorious mountain range, perfect for summer hiking and winter snow sports.
Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet New Zealand (Travel Guide)
Around the city, all manner of adrenaline activities can be found. From skydiving and river rafting to zip-lining and canyon swinging. Queenstown is even the home of commercial bungee jumping and the site of the first-ever AJ Hackett bungee jump.
It really is an adrenaline lover’s dream. Queenstown is the place in order to explore such famous natural sights as Milford Sound, the beautiful fjords of New Zealand and other inspiring, scenic attractions.
Queenstown Accommodation Guide: By Area
Downtown
Queenstown is a small place and everywhere in the city is easily accessible from anywhere else.
But even so, staying in the most central, the downtown area will give you even easier access to the multitude of restaurants, bars, and cafes that found here, as well as the all-important adventure company and tour booking offices.
Downtown has the best pick of accommodation too, with the widest price range and best value options. If you are a backpacker or budget traveler, then this is the best place to stay, as this is where all the hostels are found.
There are also some great upmarket options too and some excellent hotels that offer luxury without the price tag.
Top Downtown luxury hotels:
Top Downtown mid-range hotels:
Top Downtown budget hotels:
Top Downtown hostels:
Lake Esplanade Street
Queenstown is built on the beautiful banks of Lake Wakatipu and from across the city, you’ll never be a long walk away from the beach and the water.
For the best views though, along with a quiet, serene atmosphere, it’s best to escape downtown and to stay along the lake’s edge on Lake Esplanade Street.
Top luxury hotels Lake Esplanade Street:
Top mid-range hotels Lake Esplanade Street:
Top budget hotels Lake Esplanade Street:
Top hostels Lake Esplanade Street:
Check out our article for helpful tips before your trip: New Zealand Travel Guide
Fernhill
Fernhill is a suburb of Queenstown, found further along the lake, past Lake Esplanade and in the foothills of Ben Lomond, one of the most impressive of the many peaks that surround Queenstown.
Fernhill is a great option if you want to stay outside the bustle of the city itself yet still want easy access to all the amenities, restaurants and opportunities of downtown.
Stay here if you want to be on the doorstep of a mountain, and if you want to begin your New Zealand adventures as soon as you step out of the door.
Top luxury hotels Fernhill:
Top mid-range hotels Fernhill:
Top budget hotels Fernhill:
Top hostels Fernhill:
Arrowtown
The quaint streets of little Arrowtown are technically not in Queenstown, but their own little alpine town.
Arrowtown however, is just a fifteen-minute drive away from downtown Queenstown and is the perfect location to stay in to experience small-town life in southern New Zealand.
Arrowtown offers a few humble lodgings, nothing either as fancy or as a backpacker like Queenstown.
Many of the options here are homely, privately owned and family-run bed and breakfast lodgings, offering a personal and unique experience to every guest.
The town is an old gold mining town that now caters almost exclusively to tourists, is perfectly situated for easy access to the mountains and further on to Milford Sound.
It’s an amazing place to base yourself to experience all of Queenstown’s great outdoors and charming country life.
Top luxury hotels Arrowtown:
Top mid-range hotels Arrowtown:
Top budget hotels Arrowtown:
Top hostels Arrowtown:
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I love your detailed and comprehensive recommendations on Queenstown Accommodations. I have never been to New Zealand but if I go one day I will use your advice for planning my trip. Right now I like all of the places surrounding them as I really enjoy being around nature. Thanks for sharing!