Queenstown Overview

Fast Facts

Main Languages: New Zealand English (U.K. spellings), Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages. 

When to Go: While not at a high altitude, Queenstown has an alpine climate. However, temperatures are pleasant all year long, never becoming too cold or too hot. The annual maximum temperature is in December-January, around 23°C (can reach about 30°C), and the minimum temperature is in June, at about 0°C (can drop to about –5°C). The best time to visit for winter sports is in the winter, from mid-May to August.

Local Transport: A small town, Queenstown can easily be walked around. While renting a car/campervan to reach Queenstown is good idea (very scenic journeys), you will have difficulty parking there during the day, especially in the skiing season. There are plenty of tour operators in town, which will organise adventure activities and transport. Apart from water taxis, other boats are great for a tour of the lake, and number of them can be found at the Queenstown Wharf. The most famous of these is the historic steamboat named TSS Earnslaw, which is also known as the Lady of the Lake. Bus services such as Connectabus exist, as well as some night buses.

Phone Code: +643

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD) 1 NZR is approximately 34 Indian Rupees (INR)

Voltage: 230-240 V / 50 Hz

Time Zone: GMT+12 hours. IST +6:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings - September to April): GMT+13 hours

Location: Around Lake Wakatipu in the Central Otago region in south-western South Island

Altitude: 520 metres above sea level