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21 Things to do in Queenstown at NIGHT

21 Things to do in Queenstown at NIGHT

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While Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, that doesn’t mean the fun stops when the sun goes down. After living here for years, I’ve explored this area inside and out, and I’ve found some pretty epic things to do in Queenstown, and that includes a good mix of nighttime activities as well!

This blog lists places to eat and drink, fun activities, and even opportunities to relax, all of which are available after sunset. I’ve included a good mix of family-friendly activities and options for adults only, so there is something for everyone.

Without further ado, here is a list of my favorite things to do at night in Queenstown!

Things to do in Queenstown at Night

1. Cruise and dinner at Walter Peak Farm

Bailey sticks her head over the side of the TSS Earnslaw and enjoys the view as she travels to Walter Peak Station for dinner
Cruising to the farm
A sheep demonstration at Walter Peak farm
A sheep demonstration at Walter Peak Farm

I love the Walter Peak Farm, and when I found out there was a cruise with dinner at the farm, I signed up real fast.

The cruise is on the TSS Earnslaw which is a famous steamship that’s been in operation since 1912. After boarding, the ship heads out on Lake Wakatipu and I was able to catch views of the surrounding Remarkable Mountains as the sun was preparing to set. The cruise alone is worth the trip in my opinion, but when we got to the Walter Peak High Country Farm, I was so excited!

There was so much food at the buffet with plenty of salads, veggies, grilled meat, and seafood – it was a real feast! I ate too much, but then there were desserts and cheeseboards brought out … so I ate some more. Honestly, even with the large quantity of food, everything was delicious!

I’ve done the TSS Earnslaw dinner cruise before, but this was a really fun experience. After a truly delicious meal, there was a sheepdog show and sheep shearing demos which I think would be great for anyone traveling with kids. There is also a cash bar available at the farm, so they definitely pull out all the stops to make sure there’s something for everyone.

This cruise and dinner at the farm were both exceptional, and I got to stroll through the lakeside gardens which are absolutely beautiful. It costs $189 NZD and there are options to depart between 4 and 7 pm, so it’s a great way to enjoy a night after a long day.

Related Read: There are other tours to Walter Peak Farm during the day, so if you’ve already got evening plans, you can still visit this awesome place while in Queenstown.

2. Ride the gondola to Bob’s Peak

View of Queenstown from the top of the Gondola on Bob's Peak in Queenstown
Sunset at Bob’s Peak!

While most people take the Queenstown Gondola during the day, it’s open after dark as well! This ride departs from the station at Brecon Street and goes up 480 meters (1,574 feet) and ends at the top of Bob’s Peak.

Even at night, the views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges are absolutely stunning. There’s something magical about seeing Queenstown all lit up at night, and I think this would be a great idea for a date, so take notes love birds!

Gondola tickets cost $64 NZD, and there are add-ons like family packages, dinner reservations, and luge rides. But what I really recommend is the stargazing tour. It runs from March to October, and it’s one of the coolest things to do at night in Queenstown. There’s a stargazing package that includes the gondola ride which costs $139 NZD each or an option with dinner for $219 NZD.

The gondola runs year-round, but times change depending on the season. After riding up more times than I can remember, it’s still always worth the view.

3. Have a drink at Stratosfare Bar

Bailey enjoys a drink at Stratosfare Bar in Queenstown
Stratosfare Bar in Queenstown

Speaking of taking the gondola, the Stratosfare Bar is located at the top and is the perfect place to grab an end-of-day drink.

While the attached restaurant is reservation-only (and books up well in advance), I’ve been able to walk into the bar and enjoy a drink without issues. I will say that weekends are busier, so my biggest tip is to go mid-week. If you decide to have dinner too, be sure to book early and get a window seat. It costs $159 NZD for the premium option which includes the gondola ticket and a spectacular view, plus the option for 48-hour cancellation because hey, sometimes plans change.

Stratosfare is a beautiful building and its full-length glass windows and outdoor balcony offer incredible views of Queenstown. I like enjoying a glass of wine, but there are also cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages as well. They also make a pretty mean hot chocolate if I do say so myself.

The Stratosfare Bar is open from 11 am to 10 pm every day.

4. Ziplining

A man ziplining in Queenstown through the forest
Woooo!
A person ziplining in Queenstown, NZ upside down with Ziptrek Eco Tours
The views are stunning!

Over the years, I have put together a list of my favorite places to go ziplining in New Zealand, and I’m happy to say that Queenstown makes the cut.

For all my adrenaline-seekers, this zipline tour is at the top of Bob’s Peak. I suggest taking the Moa 4-line tour as it has options that start between 5 and 6 pm, which means you can glide through the trees while the sun is setting.

The Moa line is great for first-timers as the 4 lines gain height and speed as the course advances. This tour will take around 2 hours and it’s a great activity for families. It’s also really popular and has 500+ raving reviews you can read before you book!

Prices start at $159 NZD for adults, with lower costs for kids between 6 and 14 years old. Just keep in mind that this doesn’t include the gondola ticket, so that’ll need to be purchased separately.

5. Paragliding

A person paragliding in Queenstown, New Zealand
A person paragliding in Queenstown, New Zealand

For another adventurous evening activity, I love going paragliding!

This paragliding tour includes jumping off Coronet Peak (with a professional of course) and soaring over the Wakatipu Basin with views of the mountains all around. It’s such a unique experience and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Queenstown who’s looking for an epic activity to add to their itinerary.

After running off the mountain and feeling that initial “woosh” in my stomach, it’s hard to describe the feeling that takes over next. It’s serene and calm, and it’s just a unique experience that isn’t like anything else. Seeing this area from above is also pretty magical, so while it’s a bit of a splurge, I think it’s totally worth it.

Paragliding runs in the warmer months from October through April and the sunset times are popular and tend to sell out quickly! It costs $339 NZD which includes round-trip transportation from central Queenstown and will take around 1.5 hours in total.

6. Stuff your face at Fergburger

Ferg Burger burgers cook on the grill in Queenstown, New Zealand
The grill runs flat out!
Close up of a classic double Ferg Burger in Queenstown, New Zealand
The double is a lot of food!

For all my fellow foodies out there, “THE” place to eat in Queenstown is undoubtedly Fergburger.

It’s won a fair number of awards and has been called the best burger in New Zealand by locals and tourists alike. Some even claim it’s the best burger in the world! Naturally, I had to try it for myself when I first came to Queenstown, and WOW. I went in a bit skeptical, but I left a full-fledged burger believer.

All the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, so from the buns to the fillings, it’s just a perfect burger. I love the classic Fergburger with blue cheese, but I get that might not be for everyone. There are other burgers like chicken, pork, and lamb, and there are also vegetarian options as well. I also want to mention that these are some hefty burgers, and they don’t skimp on the portions.

This place is busy at most hours of the day, but usually, I spend about 15 minutes in line so it’s not too bad. Honestly, I’m more likely to order takeaway nowadays, but if it’s your first time in Queenstown, it’s worth stopping in.

Ferg’s is open until 2 am Sunday through Thursday, and stays open until 4:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays, so grabbing a meal here is pretty convenient given their hours. I definitely recommend grabbing dinner (or a late-night meal) at Fergburger while in Queenstown.

7. Drink local craft beer

Bailey drinks craft beer at Search Light Brewery in Queenstown
Search Light!
Bailey has a beer at Atlas in Queenstown
Atlas!

I love relaxing with a beer after a busy day, and Queenstown has been on the craft beer train for some time.

There are plenty of places to drink craft beer in Queenstown, and I’ve got a few favorites. To start, Atlas is a beautiful spot on the waterfront that has a good amount of beers on tap. If you like variety, Atlas offers tasting boards that include 4 beers of your choosing for just $20 NZD. The views of the lake are beautiful and the staff is always friendly.

Just a bit up the road on Shotover Street is Smiths Craft Beer House. This is another popular spot amongst locals, and they also offer delicious brews on tap that are in constant rotation.

For my fellow beer lovers, on the outskirts of Queenstown are some of the OG breweries. I like Altitude and Searchlight, both of which have some great local beers, and clearly love what they do – they put the craft in craft beer.

Of course, if you want to try a little bit of everything without having to worry about transportation, then this hop-on hop-off evening beer tour is my personal suggestion. It costs $90 NZD and runs from 5-10 pm Thursday through Saturday, with stops at over 10 different bars, breweries, and wineries so you can choose your own adventure and pick where to go. There are even discounts at certain places on the tour as well!

8. Go to Fear Factory 

An actor at fear Factory, Queenstown
One of the actors at Fear Factory! Photo credit – Fear Factory Queenstown

This next activity isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s ideal for anyone who likes jump scares. Queenstown’s own Fear Factory claims to be the scariest haunted house in the country. I can’t confirm that as it’s technically the only one I’ve been to in New Zealand. But still, I will admit that it is very scary.

Actors dress up as creepy characters which makes walking through the hotel halls pretty tense. But don’t worry, there’s an option to “chicken out” that will grant an automatic exit which over 30,000 people have taken advantage of to date.

Prices change based on the season, but tickets are usually around $40 NZD. This experience lasts about 30 minutes, and the last entry is at 9:30 pm.

9. Go jet boating

Bailey from My Queenstown Diary jet boating in Queenstown
As you can tell, I was a little scared!

For a unique way to get your heart pumping, try jet boating, which is high on my list of the best tours in Queenstown.

On top of being one of the best things to do in the area, it’s also one of the most affordable adventure activities! I’ve found jet boat rides as low as $99 NZD, but prices are usually the lowest in the off-season.

This is a great activity for all ages that includes racing down rivers and lakes, doing 360° spins, and making quick stops which means everyone is in the splash zone. If getting wet is an issue, the companies provide wet-weather gear, but given the nature of this adventure, I wouldn’t plan on staying dry.

I personally did this 1-hour KJet ride for $135 NZD and it was a blast! I was laughing the entire time and it was so worth it! And it’s not just me who loved it, you can read the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews here!

While there are a few companies that offer jet boat rides, KJet has later time slots like 5 and 6 pm, making it the perfect addition to this list! Plus, seeing epic views of the lakes, rivers, and Remarkables mountain range in the evening is such a cool experience.

Why I Book Tours on Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here

10. Watch a sunset over Lake Wakatipu

Southern Discoveries cruise on Lake Wakatipu during sunset in Queenstown
The sunsets in summer are the best!
Bailey with two of her friends at Perky's - Floating Bar Queenstown at sunset
What a place to call home!

I LOVE a good sunset. I mean, who doesn’t?! Luckily, Queenstown’s glorious Lake Wakatipu is the perfect place to see the sun go down. Watching the sun set behind the Southern Alps is a lovely way to pass the time, and I’ve rounded up a list of some of my favorite places to experience golden hour!

Little Blackwood is a cocktail bar with a fantastic view. They’re open until 2 am so there’s no rush to leave after the sun goes down. I also enjoy going to Perky’s Floating Bar which is a bar on a boat! Perky’s doesn’t have food though, but you can bring your own so that’s a plus!

Of course, I also recommend heading over to Queenstown Beach which offers views of the sun setting for free. It’s a beautiful place so don’t forget your camera!

For anyone who doesn’t want to be directly on the water, I really enjoy The Sundeck. It’s a rooftop bar with a fun, chill atmosphere and a great view. Sometimes they have a DJ playing, and it’s a nice place to wind down and enjoy a drink with friends. If you see me there, make sure to say hello!

11. Party the night away

Drinks at the Sundeck in Queenstown
Drinks at the Sundeck in Queenstown
Bailey drinks a cocktail at Ferg Bar in Queenstown, New Zealand
Cocktails at Ferg’s Bar!

Even though it isn’t a big city, there are plenty of places to party in Queenstown.

I tend to stick to Central Queenstown as there are a lot of bars close together, so it makes it easy to grab a drink somewhere. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • 1876
  • Upstairs at The Bunker
  • Surreal
  • The Sundeck
  • Cowboy’s
  • The World Bar
  • Ferg’s Bar

I usually go to Ferg’s Bar when I need a night out. They have great cocktails and they’re conveniently located next door to Fergburger, so I can grab a greasy burger on my way home which is my forever hangover cure. Thank me later.

Cowboy’s is also super fun thanks to the mechanical bull, which is basically a must-do for every first-timer. Have I ridden the bull before? Yes. Will I do it again? Absolutely.

There’s always the option to go on a pub crawl too, but I’ll touch more on that later!

banner asking people to click to join the Queenstown Diary Facebook Group

12. Go on a dinner tour

Food at the Cardrona Hotel, New Zealand
Yum!
Range of tapas style food at Pedro’s by the Lake in Queenstown, New Zealand
I love tapas style food!

I always love finding new places to eat and one of the (many!) reasons that I love living in Queenstown so much is all of the amazing food and wine. So for me, an evening here doesn’t get much better than this small group dinner tour.

The night begins with a short drive out to Arthur’s Point for a starter and aperitif in the form of a tasting session at a boutique gin garden. The second stop is for a main course and wine tasting at Ayrburn in Arrowtown, which really impressed me because this is a new and in-demand place to wine and dine! 

The tour wraps up with a yummy dessert and after-dinner drink at the historic and stately Eichardt’s Hotel. I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up continuing the evening with newfound friends, because this is a small-group tour, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow travelers. 

So… good food, good wine, and good company? Sign me up! It’s on the pricier side at $339 NZD, but if you’re only in Queenstown once, I think it’s a great way to see and eat your way around town. This tour starts at 6:30 pm and lasts around 3 hours, which means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy some of the other ideas on this list afterward!

13. Soak with a view at Onsen Hot Pools

View from the Onsen Hot Pools hot tubs
Can you imagine anything more relaxing?

For a truly relaxing way to spend your night, nothing beats a soak in the Onsen Hot Pools. They are far and away the best hot pools in Queenstown and I think everyone deserves to treat themselves whether it’s for a vacation or a staycation.

Onsen is located just 10 minutes from central Queenstown in Arthurs Point and offers private hot pools with incredible views of the Shotover River. I will admit that while the experience is pure bliss, it’s not one of Queenstown’s cheapest activities. For 1 hour of pool time, it costs around $165 NZD for two people which includes the use of one of the hot pools, and a complimentary drink and snack. There are also higher-end packages that include spa treatments and a longer soak for an additional fee.

Personally, I recommend saving up for this experience because it’s very popular, especially in winter. Sometimes they are booked out weeks in advance, so be sure to make a reservation well before you arrive.

Related Read: If you’re staying here with your partner, be sure to check out the most romantic activities in Queenstown. Or, if you’re getting married (congrats!), I’ve written all the details for planning a Queenstown honeymoon that might help!

14. Go stargazing

The milky way near Queenstown New Zealand
The Milky Way on the road between Queenstown and Glenorchy

It’s not hard to find places to enjoy the stars in and around Queenstown, even without high-tech equipment. I usually go on a short drive from Queenstown on the way to Glenorchy and find a spot on the side of the road to stargaze. There’s no light pollution here and it’s so quiet, so it’s a great place.

Another favorite of mine is Moke Lake. You can camp here for a small fee as well, but sometimes I just like to stay for an hour or so to sit under the stars. If you decide to camp, check out my guide to visiting Moke Lake before you go.

If you want a really cool experience, this stargazing photography tour is a great way to capture the awe of the night sky with the help of a professional photographer. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to improve their photography skills, but it’s also a fun group activity for those who want some memorable keepsakes. It costs $775 NZD for groups of up to 4 people including transport and the unreal pictures you’ll get!

15. Drink at an Ice Bar

Bailey enjoys a drink at minus 5 Ice Bar in Queenstown, New Zealand
You have to do it at least once!

Ok, so I already talked about some of my favorite bars to visit in Queenstown, but having a drink at one of the ice bars is a must-do for tourists.

Ice bars are exactly that – bars made out of ice. Even the “glasses” are made out of ice, so the drinks are nice and cold. And if you’re asking, “But Bailey, what if I don’t have enough layers?” Not to worry my friends! The bars offer warm clothing before you enter the freezing room so you’ll be taken care of.

There are two ice bars in Queenstown, Minus 5° ICE BAR and Below Zero Ice Bar. Both offer similar experiences, but my personal favorite is Minus 5°. It costs $35-$45 NZD depending on if you want cocktails or mocktails, and tickets are available here. I usually stay around a half hour so this is a quick activity in my books.

If you’re looking to get your money’s worth, this bar crawl stops at an ice bar along with 5 other bars, and includes free shots, pizza, and discounts on drinks as well! It’s only $40 NZD so it’s quite the steal. The only catch is that this bar crawl is only on Fridays at 9 pm.

16. Go ice-skating

Queenstown Ice Arena
Can you ice skate?

Queenstown is home to its very own ice rink, the Queenstown Ice Arena. It’s open to the public during the week, and it’s a great place to learn how to skate or to show off your skills.

Public ice skating sessions are only $24 NZD and include a helmet and skates. But it’s only $18 NZD if you bring your own skates. They also have a new activity I haven’t tried yet called Ice Bumper Cars, which is just like the fair ride, but on ice! A bumper car ride costs $20 NZD for 10 minutes. But if you want to try both, I suggest getting the Bump and Skate combo which is $39.50 NZD each.

But hold on to your helmets, there’s a new option called Night Skate which is two hours of disco-music skating fun with games and prizes available to win. Check their website for more details!

This arena also has a bar which helps take the sting out of falling (at least for me). Public skating isn’t open year-round, but the season typically runs from mid-April to January. It’s located in central Queenstown so it’s convenient to get to.

17. Check out some of Queenstown’s best restaurants

Steak and side from Jervois Steak House in Queenstown
We ordered a ton of food!
Bailey with a cocktail at Blue Kanu in Queenstown
Blue Kanu has always been my favorite restaurant in Queenstown!

There are some incredible places to eat in Queenstown, so much so that it can be hard to decide where to go. I’m going to highlight a few of my favorites that I think make for an unforgettable meal.

To start, Jervois Steak House is classy yet comfortable, and they definitely know how to prepare a steak. It’s conveniently located in the Sofitel Hotel and has been ranked as one of the best restaurants in Queenstown multiple times. I love coming here for special celebrations, and while this isn’t the cheapest dinner, it’s definitely one of the most memorable. They close at 10 pm and I highly encourage you to make a reservation.

My absolutely favorite restaurant is Blue Kanu on Church Street. Honestly, anytime someone visits me, this is where I take them. They specialize in Polynesian/Asian food and I come here for the seafood and duck nachos. The food here is so delicious and the flavors are unique, which adds to the fun, quirky ambiance in the restaurant.

Even though the food looks and tastes quite fancy, Blue Kanu is more of a laid-back spot and the prices are very affordable given the quality of the meal. They are open until 11 pm and it’s worth making a reservation to eat here – trust me!

If you want even more options for dinner, I’ve written all about my favorite restaurants in Queenstown.

18. Test your skills with an outdoor escape room

If you enjoy puzzles and playing detective, then you’re in for a treat. This escape room meets scavenger hunt experience is a blast!

This is an outdoor adventure that involves completing puzzles, using geolocation tech, AR (augmented reality), and your own wits to crack codes. I think this is so neat because most escape rooms are indoors, so this was the first one I’ve seen that has you actually exploring the city. I think it kind of feels like you’re in a spy movie!

If you have kids along there are versions of this adventure that are suitable for ages 5 and up with challenges lasting between 1 to 2 hours. It might sound like enough time, but take it from me, it goes by SO fast.

19. Visit Arrowtown

Live music at The Blue Door Arrowtown
The Blue Door in Arrowtown!
Cocktails from The Blue Door Arrowtown
The cocktails are amazing!

Oh, Arrowtown. I can never get enough of this cute former gold-mining town. And as much as I love exploring the boutique shops and cafes during the day, it’s also such a fun place to visit during the evening. 

On a rainy day, you can’t beat catching a movie at the Dorothy Browns Cinema. It’s sooo much better than going to a big chain cinema because this place delivers a luxurious experience. You can even take a glass of wine into the movie or make a night of it by grabbing a drink at the gin bar before or after your showing. I like that they show new and old films here, because sometimes nothing beats watching a comforting classic, and I love that they have a bookshop on site! 

Meanwhile, for dinner, I love the beers and burgers at The Fork and Tap. Arrowtown may not seem like party central, but it actually has a really fun vibe for nights out, so why not head to the Blue Door afterward? It’s a cozy hidden bar tucked away down a side alley, and in my opinion, they have some of the best cocktails in Queenstown, as well as a lovely fireplace to relax in front of – bliss! 

Arrowtown is about a 20-minute drive from central Queenstown, so it’s super easy to get to. You can drive, but if you want to enjoy a few drinks I would recommend either using a ride-hailing app or taxi service or taking the bus. The Arthurs Point to Arrowtown Route Orbus service only costs $2 NZD if you have a Go Card, and the last bus back to Queenstown leaves Arrowtown at 9:55 pm. If I want to stay out late, sometimes I take the bus one way and get a taxi back home.

Related Read: If you fall in love with Arrowtown (I don’t blame you), I’ve got recommendations for my favorite things to do in Arrowtown from amazing hikes to panning for gold!

20. Have a round of Glow Mini Golf at Thrillzone

Sure, mini golf is fun, but Putt n Glow at the Thrillzone takes it to the next level! This crazy course is so much fun to play, and I love the fact that it was created by local artists. You can even rearrange the obstacles to make the course as easy or as challenging as you want. 

This is a fantastic activity for families, but honestly, I think it’s just as much fun for groups of friends. The challenge spinners on the way keep things interesting, and I recommend embracing the theme and dressing up in bright colors – because hey, why not?

I also think that the course is pretty good value for money. It costs $22 NZD to play and you get unlimited games, so you can stay as long as you like! It’s open until 9 pm with the last tee off at 8:30 pm, but I’d say that you should get here earlier than that to make the most of it. 

21. Enjoy a late-night happy hour 

Morrison's Irish Pub in Queenstown
Morrison’s Irish Pub in Queenstown
Bailey enjoys a drink in Queenstown at night
Cheers!

Because Queenstown is quite a touristy area, I’ll admit some things are relatively expensive here. But, there are some good happy hours if you know where to look, and some bars offer happy hours at night.

Morrison’s Irish Pub has happy hour from 5-7 pm every Friday, on Sunday they have $8 NZD pints, and on Monday they have a late-night happy hour from 8-10 pm. This is a typical Irish pub setting with pool tables, and I like popping in here for a beer on occasion. The bartenders are super friendly and it’s usually less crowded than some of the other spots on this list, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a local spot with a good selection of beer.

Close by is The World Bar. There’s an outdoor beer garden when the weather’s nice, and a huge fire when it’s cold out, so it’s a great spot for any season. They also have happy hour from 4-5 pm and 9-11 pm every day. This is a more popular spot, but if you’re coming later at night, I don’t think there will be an issue getting in. Plus, they’re open until 2:30 am so it’s a nice place to hang out with friends after hours.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Hot Tub over looking the river and mountains at Kamana Soak in Queenstown, New Zealand
Photo credit: Kamana Lakehouse

Finding the right place to stay in Queenstown can be hard. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of awesome choices, but things book up fast! For that reason, I highly suggest booking your accommodation well in advance.

Honestly, during peak times, any of the best hotels in Queenstown will be fully booked several weeks in advance…you have been warned! To help you plan ahead, here are a few places I personally love and that would make an awesome place to stay in Queenstown.

Kamana Lakehouse – $$$

For a luxurious stay, I highly recommend Kamana Lakehouse. This hotel is located just on the outskirts of town. Although it’s super peaceful, it’s just a 5-minute drive into the center of town. The place overlooks both the lake and the mountains, and the onsite restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients to create the freshest meals. To top it off, many of the rooms boast lake views, and some even have outdoor baths!

The trick will be snagging this for your dates (it’s a popular place!). Rooms start around the $400 NZD mark, and you can check availability and book online here.

La Quinta Queenstown – $$

If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel, then you should seriously consider La Quinta Queenstown. This beautiful hotel is right by the airport but still very quiet. Plus, the views are amazing (although you won’t find me recommending a place without great views!). The rooms are all studio or one-bedroom apartments, which is really handy if you want to cook or even just have breakfast in your room.

Prices start at $200 NZD and you can book online here.

Absoloot Hostel Queenstown – $

My top choice for budget travelers is the Absoloot Hostel Queenstown. This small hostel has dorm rooms and budget private rooms, and it’s really clean and comfortable. The location is in the heart of Queenstown – the window from the kitchen looks out over Lake Wakatipu!

Dorms are around $55 NZD, and private rooms begin around $210 NZD. The Absoloot Hostel is easily one of the top cheap hostels in Queenstown and can be booked on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Bailey stands in front of a right green JUCY campervan
JUCY is one of my favorite campervan rental companies (read below for a discount code!)
Bailey stands behind her Mad Campers campervan cooking in the kitchen at Piha Beach
I also really like Mad Campers!

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

  • Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
  • Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

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Bailey from My Queenstown Diary at the Queenstown Winter festival in Queentown
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Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of nighttime activities in Queenstown! I’ve been living here since 2018, and I’m always looking for new attractions. Luckily, there are plenty of options for night owls!

I hope this blog has helped provide some fun ideas for your visit! In the meantime, I think you’ll enjoy some of my other articles about Queenstown and the South Island. For now, here are some other articles you might find useful below:

The BEST time to visit Queenstown – Comparing the Four Seasons

10 Hidden Gems in Queenstown (Suggested by a Local!)

8 Absolute BEST Day Trips from Queenstown