Queenstown
South Island, New Zealand
Daily Budget
~NZ$213
~US$65 · per day
Best Months
Climate
Tropical / Summer
Vibe
Adventure base
Overview
Queenstown is the undisputed adventure capital of New Zealand and arguably the world. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables mountain range as a backdrop, it packs an almost absurd density of adrenaline activities into a compact lakeside town. Bungee jumping was commercialised here, and skydiving, jet boating, paragliding, and canyon swinging follow. Despite its tourist-heavy reputation, Queenstown has a genuine backpacker soul with excellent hostels, lively nightlife, and endless free hiking. It is the most expensive stop on the NZ backpacker circuit, but also the most unforgettable.
Editor's Pick
Queenstown stands out for: Birthplace of commercial bungee jumping (Kawarau Bridge, 1988); Skydiving over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables; Some of the best free hiking in NZ (Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill).
Things to Do
View all 11 activitiesBungee jump the Kawarau Bridgeor the Nevis
Bungee jump the Kawarau Bridge (43m, from $205 NZD) or the Nevis (134m, NZ's highest, from $275 NZD)
Day trip to Glenorchy and the start of the Routeburn Track
Day trip to Glenorchy and the start of the Routeburn Track (free drive/hike)
Top Hostels
View all 6 hostels
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Daily (NZD) | Daily (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | NZ$93 | $29 |
| Food | NZ$64 | $20 |
| Transport | NZ$15 | $5 |
| Activities | NZ$245 | $75 |
| Total | ~NZ$213 | ~$65 |
Hostels
6 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
11 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Queenstown?
- Budget around NZ$213 NZD (~US$65) per day in Queenstown, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Queenstown are Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Queenstown?
- Top-rated hostels in Queenstown include Base Queenstown, Adventure Queenstown Hostel, Nomads Queenstown. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from NZ$69 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Queenstown?
- Must-do activities in Queenstown include Bungee jump the Kawarau Bridgeor the Nevis, Day trip to Glenorchy and the start of the Routeburn Track, Eat a Fergburger. There are 11 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
