With the glacial depths of Lake Wakatipu and the soaring Remarkables, you could be forgiven for thinking Queenstown is a peaceful, natural paradise. It can be, of course, except there are so many adrenalin-based activities on offer, you’ll find it hard to sit still. In terms of where to stay in Queenstown, you can jump off a bridge, hit the slopes or bar hop in town easily, from a range of central accommodation options.
Places to stay in Queenstown
Whether you’re a night owl or crave peace and quiet in nature, New Zealand’s adventure capital is practically custom-made for tourists. The city centre has a thriving bar and restaurant scene, therefore it’s where to stay in Queenstown, for party-animals.
Arthur’s Point is a short drive away from the hub, with family-friendly apartments and a rural vibe for relaxation. A former gold mining town, Arrowtown is a charming spot, with golf courses, access to walking tracks and historical buildings. For ski bunnies, you’ll have your pick of four snow fields nearby and you can either drive, take a bus or a shuttle from your hotel or hostel.
Budget Accommodation Queenstown
Base Backpackers Queenstown
You can’t get more central than Base, just steps from Lake Wakatipu, shops, restaurants and bars. The hostel is modern, fun and fully equipped with everything you need, including a travel desk for activities, ski storage, 24-hour reception, kitchen, laundry and TV lounge. Best of all, if you’re a guest you get $6 house drinks at the popular Mexican Loco bar.
Where: 47-49 Shotover St
Phone: +64 3 441 1185
Website: Base
Bella Vista Motel
If there’s one thing you want when searching for where to stay in Queenstown on a budget, it’s mountain views. Bella Vista’s rooms offer just that, within walking distance of the Skyline Gondola and CBD. Choose from studios and apartments with kitchenettes, in-room movies and connecting rooms for groups. There’s even an onsite booking service, so you can easily arrange activities.
Where: 36 Robins Rd
Phone: +64 3 442 4468
Website: Bella Vista Motel
Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel
Quirky, colourful and cultural, Tahuna Pod Hostel is backpacking fun with a difference. Maori heritage flavours the design and the cosy pod-style dorms are perfect for chilly nights. You’ll also find private rooms, a barbeque area that overlooks the city and heaps of free stuff, including breakfast, tea and coffee, towels, homemade soup and entry to the Queenstown Ice Bar.
Where: 11 Henry St
Phone: +64 3 442 7052
Website: Tahuna Pod Hostel
Shotover Lodge
When you’re heading to Queenstown for ski season, Shotover Lodge sits at the base of Coronet Peak ski field, just a short drive away. Plus, the Onsen Hot Pools are close by for relaxation after a long day on the slopes. You’ll enjoy your own balcony with native forest for company, a guest lounge and handy laundry facilities.
Where: 157 Arthurs Point Rd
Phone: +64 3 441 3318
Website: Shotover Lodge
Nomads Queenstown Backpackers
You’ll need to get in quick to book a bed at the award-winning Nomads Queenstown in popular Church Street, especially during ski season as one of the best budget places to stay in Queenstown. There’s something for every budget traveller, from large dorms to rooms with private ensuites, plasma TVs and fridges. With a cinema, lounge, fireplace, pool table and sauna, your entertainment needs are met, without having to go offsite – which means you’ll be able to save more for adventure activities.
Where: 5-11 Church St
Phone: 1800 666 237
Website: Nomads Queenstown
Luxury Accommodation Queenstown
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Luxuriate right on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa. Every room features the all-important fire place and you’ll feel spoilt with five-star facilities, including restaurants, a pool, fitness centre and day spa. The hotel is near the airport and about a 20 minute drive from town, or, you can hop in a water taxi to make the most of the pristine lake.
Where: Kawarau Village
Phone: +64 3 4509 400
Website: Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Matakauri Lodge
The ultimate Wakatipu lakeside retreat awaits at Matakauri Lodge, just a short drive from the centre of town. Incredible alpine views combine with stylish décor, in a choice of rooms, suites, cottages and even a freestanding residence with a private Jacuzzi. With a full service spa, indoor and outdoor dining and infinity pool, this is one luxurious retreat you may never want to leave.
Where: 569 Glenorchy Rd
Phone: +64 3 441 1008
Website: Matakauri Lodge
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown – MGallery Collection
Holiday in style, with the Remarkables mountain range as your backdrop. Hotel St Moritz sits along the lakefront Esplanade, offering elegant rooms with all the mod-cons, like Smart TVs and Nespresso machines. You’ll be able to walk to town for a night out, but you may not want to with the award-winning Lombardi Restaurant onsite.
Where: 10/18 Brunswick St
Phone: +64 3 442 4990
Website: Hotel St Moritz
Find a room at Hotel St Mortiz
The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
What more could you want with your alpine vistas, than a wine cellar, library and private wharf? The Rees Hotel is sophistication personified, with apartments, hotel rooms and five glamorous lakeside residences. The hotel is also home to the True South Dining Room, renowned for mouth-watering dishes with fresh produce from the Central Otago region.
Where: 377 Frankton Rd
Phone: +64 3 450 1100
Website: The Rees Hotel
Peppers Beacon
Splash out on a penthouse room at Peppers Beacon, for wrap-around balconies with panoramic lake, township and mountain views. The five-star hotel is just a hop, skip and jump from the town centre and offers a barbeque area, bubbling spa bath, fitness centre and in-room massager service to soothe your muscles after skiing.
Where: 93 Beach St
Phone: +64 3 441 0095
Website: Peppers Beacon
Find flights to Queenstown
If you love cosy fires, romantic vistas and a good helping of action on hand, check out romantic getaways Melbourne or romantic getaways Sydney
