Map of Queenstown Accommodation Zones
Click here to download a printable map
Choose an Atmosphere that Fits Your Trip Goals
There are many ways to enjoy a holiday here, however your Queenstown accommodation should be tailored to your type of trip. What kind of atmosphere do you want? How close do you want to be to the urban areas? Below are a few of the most common characteristics to keep an eye out for when choosing surroundings.
An Active, Busy Atmosphere
Although it is small, the city of Queenstown, New Zealand is often a vibrant and busy with tourists from across the globe. With a walking friendly downtown mall, a popular night life scene and scores of activity options, the streets are often full of people. At night, partiers keep the noise level up for many hours. If this type of setting is what you have in mind for your trip then hotels and hostels in the Queenstown Central Business District and Esplanade Wharf area put you closest to the action.Recommended Accommodation Zones:
CBD, Wharf
This video shows a few examples of active and busy atmospheres in two Queenstown Accommodation zones (CBD and Wharf)
A Quiet and Relaxed Setting
Quickly accessible from the busy downtown district, less urban surroundings border every edge of town. Water is a common feature in most zones and many lodging options sit near pathways that walk along the water’s edge and feature rooms that overlook Lake Wakatipu. The Frankton Road area sits adjacent to the water and the Frankton Trail which allows pedestrians and cyclists to travel between downtown Queenstown and Frankton. Fernhill and Sunshine Bay border the lake as well and feature stunning views and seclusion from the main road noise. Q.T. Hill sits above it all and benefits from wide vistas and low traffic noise.Recommended Accommodation Zones:
Frankton Road, Frankton, Kelvin Heights, Q.T. Hill, Fernhill and Sunshine Bay, Arthurs Point and Arrowtown
This video provides a peek into some of the area’s quiet and relaxed settings in our recommended lodging zones
Amazing Views
The Otago region of New Zealand features some of the most dramatic terrain in the world and this town is a great place to experience some of it. With steep mountains all around, hotels in the Queenstown Hill zone benefit from a quickly-rising slope that provides fantastic overlooks of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Further from downtown, Fernhill and Sunshine Bay lodging benefit from a similar slope and a view that looks back onto Queenstown, The Remarkables Mountains and the lake area.Recommended Accommodation Zones:
Q.T. Hill, Fernhill and Sunshine Bay
This slideshow includes views from Queenstown Hill, Fernhill & Sunshine Bay
Choose a Price that Fits Your Budget
An abundant availability of Queenstown hotels, Queenstown apartments, motels, backpackers and luxury villas/resorts mean that there is something for every budget. As expected, higher quality lodging providers cost more and quality ratings are easy to find using online reviews or using the industry rating system that categorizes low and high star hotels. However, in Queenstown, location significantly affects price as well. Although not always true, the closer you book a room to downtown and the lakefront, the higher the rates will be. Prices aren't just about how many bedrooms and bathrooms or how many guests are staying. The following categories give a brief overview of what you might come to expect from lodging options in each district:
Most Expensive: CBD, Wharf
Above Average: Q.T. Hill, Q.T. South, Q.T. East, Q.T. North
Average: Frankton Road, Fernhill
Least Expensive: Frankton, Kelvin Heights, Arthur’s Point, Arrowtown
Choose a Location that Meets Your Needs
Everyone has a different itinerary, so be sure that your hotel booking helps instead of hinders your ability to do what you want. Here are a few of the most common practical requirements that visitors have and which type of lodging reservation will assist in meeting these needs.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Equipment is always a significant issue with winter sports. Are you bringing your equipment? Consider the issue of getting to and from the mountain with that equipment. Booking a room along your preferred mountain’s shuttle route or even hiring a vehicle with 4 wheel drive will help ease the burden of moving the stuff back and forth every day. Are you hiring equipment? Consider booking a hotel within walking distance to the Snowcentre, where equipment can be hired and returned at the same place that the mountain shuttles pickup and drop-off. This way, there is no need to walk across town in ski boots while carrying skis.Recommendations:
If you have your own vehicle: Any accommodations zone will due.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, but have your own equipment: An accommodation zone along your preferred mountain’s shuttle is recommended.
If you don’t have your own vehicle or your own equipment: The CBD and Wharf zones are recommended.
Click for a gallery of images from The Remarkables and Coronet Peak
Families
Close proximity to interesting public spaces offer families quick and easy ways to entertain children. Many outdoor parks and waterfront walkways are scattered throughout Queenstown. However, some families might want to consider making reservations outside the central business district due to the active noise level at night.Recommended Zones:
Q.T. East: Located within walking distance to the esplanade beach, wharf area, Queenstown Gardens, Park Lane waterfront walkway and Frankton Trail access point.
Q.T. Hill: The top of this zone has access to the Queenstown Hill Walkway.
Q.T. West: Rotary Park is located in the middle of the neighborhood. The top of this zone accesses Ben Lomond Reserve, which has many walking trails.
Fernhill and Sunshine Bay: Also access Ben Lomond Reserve along with a variety of walking tracks.
Frankton Road: Located within walking distance to the Frankton Trail.
Frankton: Frankton Beach is nearby along with the Frankton Trail.
Party Goers
If you are coming here to party, the CBD is the place to stay. This will put you within walking distance to all of the bars and help you avoid taking an unnecessary taxi ride.Recommended Zone:
Central Business District or Wharf
Walk to Downtown Attractions
Without a vehicle of your own, everything you need can be accessed easily if you book a room in the CBD or Wharf area. The zones that border these areas are walk-able, however, but with winter conditions it might be quite uncomfortable. Taxis and buses do service all parts of town. Buses also run to many parts of town (click here for a route map).Recommended Zone:
Central Business District or Wharf
Convenient Shopping and Dining
Albeit more expensive than zones outside of town, the CBD and Wharf areas have an abundance of shopping and dining options. All located within walking distance to one another, there is no other place to be for this purpose.Recommended Zone:
Central Business District or Wharf
Click for an image gallery of shops and restaurants in the CBD and Wharf areas
Cheap Shopping
Shopping downtown is the most expensive option around. Without your own vehicle or extra time to spend on public transport, budget minded travelers can find savings by staying in the Q.T. North or Frankton zones. Frankton offers the most options in this regard, with large grocery and retail options located adjacent to one another. Q.T. North features grocery and more industrial focused retail offerings.Recommended Zone:
Frankton or Q.T. North
Long Term Accommodations
If you plan on staying for more than the typical tourist, you might want to consider avenues other than hotels and hostels. However, the demand for such options is high so be sure to do your homework, arrive in town on the right dates and prepare to spend some time finding the right fit. Seasonal workers have stayed in town before and know the details that you need to know about finding the right housing for you. Learn more about this by reading our guide on long term housing here.
RECENT ARTICLES
Choosing Lodging in the Central Business DistrictThis article provides an overview of the top six characteristics to look for when considering whether or not to stay in the CBD zone. This zone has visual diversity and contrast, compact spaces, unexpectedness and randomness, surprise, convenience, grittiness and rowdiness. Hotels in this district could be a fit for holiday itineraries that include night life activities, eating out at downtown restaurants, retail shopping and/or other downtown attractions. Travelers looking for quiet surroundings (especially late at night) or those looking for quick access to hiking trails might want to consider other accommodation options. Continue reading to learn about this area.
Queenstown Wharf Zone: What to Know Before You Make a ReservationThe esplanade/wharf district is one of the most popular options for Queenstown Hotel bookings. It benefits from some of the best public spaces around, comfortable places to sit, a wide variety of sensory experiences, many restaurants on the water and much more. Choosing a luxury villa might be hard to find here, however many hotels and hostels are available. This zone could be a good fit for travelers who like busy, noisy atmospheres and want to be close to all of the conveniences of the downtown district. It probably won’t suit those who wish to be away from the crowds. Continue to the full article to learn more.
Should You Reserve Lodging in Queenstown West?Adjacent to the water and the downtown area, this zone offers the option of escaping the busy life of the center of town while still having the convenience of walking to and from it. Renting apartments or vacation rentals is a more common option here, as a portion of this district is residential. There are many large hotels and although it can be hilly in parts, it is surprisingly quiet. The atmosphere has a mixed visual appeal that includes access to walking trails, urban parks and the waterfront pathways. Excellent panoramic vistas are common, although the area does get shaded quickly in the winter time. This zone is a good fit for many types of travelers; however the party crowd might want to stay closer to the CBD.
Top 10 Considerations for Booking a Room in QT EastLocated slightly uphill from the center of town, the main road that passes through this zone is fairly busy and noisy. However, there are good views from many locations and the vehicle noise can be avoided by staying at a hotel (or at least choosing a room) away from the main road. This road provides an easy route to walk quickly into town. It is also an easy walk to Park Lane, a surprisingly comfortable place to enjoy the waterfront and avoid the crowds. Also nearby is the Frankton Walkway, Queenstown Gardens and access to the bus line that services many important destinations. Read our comprehensive article for details and photographs.
9 Characteristics You Need to Know About QT HillRising steeply above town from the edge of downtown, this mostly residential area offers some of the best views of any accommodations zone. An array of luxury Queenstown apartments, villas, bed & breakfasts and vacation rentals can be found here. However, a car might be a necessary addition to booking a room here due to the relatively steep road incline. Buses don’t service this area and passing traffic often avoids the hilly roads here, resulting in relatively calm and quiet surroundings. Check out the full article for more information.
Is North Queenstown the Right Fit for Your Holiday?It’s less expensive, but a lack of lake views and the early appearance of shade in the winter afternoon dissuade some from making reservations here. However, it is within walking distance to downtown and the Snowcentre (10-20 minutes each direction), the Gondola and city bus stops. In addition, one can find many budget-friendly retail and grocery stores and the main route to Coronet Peak ski field passes through the area. If quiet surroundings or budget travel is what you’re looking for, this zone could be a good match. Continue reading the full post for more information.
Ten Things to Consider Before Reserving a Room in Fernhill & Sunshine BayThose who want to enjoy Queenstown but aren’t interested in dense urban atmospheres often choose this zone. It requires a vehicle (or bus services) to travel to town, however the expansive views, cheaper pricing options and calm atmosphere make up for it. This zone is quite large but doesn’t offer as many hotels, motels or shopping options as the downtown area. However, budget and luxury offerings are available and some hoteliers provide airport pickup and in-town transport services for guests. For photographs of the views and more information about this zone, take a look at the full article.
Top Nine Factors in Choosing Frankton Road LodgingClose to the waterfront, the CBD and on the route to The Remarkables ski field, this zone has a little bit of everything. It has stunning views of The Remarkables mountain range and quick access to the beautiful Frankton Walking Trail. Although the shade arrives earlier in the afternoon than Frankton or Kelvin Heights, the atmosphere here is relaxing and expansive. Travelers wishing to enjoy the water and be close to The Remarkables might find a good fit here. For pictures and more info, click on the link above to read the full article.
Frankton Accommodation; Is it the Right Fit for Your New Zealand Holiday?With cheaper pricing, more sun in the afternoon and close proximity to a few important places, Frankton is surprisingly less popular than other lodging zones. The area’s primary downside, a longer drive to the downtown district, is offset by its short drive to The Remarkables ski field and many cheap shopping options. It is also located just a few minutes from the Queenstown Airport (which is located in Frankton). The nearby Frankton Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. For more information on these and more important characteristics, check out our full report above.
Staying in Arthur’s Point, Arrowtown, Peninsula Road or Kelvin HeightsAway from the primary urban atmospheres of Queenstown, these four areas offer solitude and a taste of the New Zealand hillsides that characterize the region. Arthur’s Point is a small town with a few hotels and motels that offer a secluded setting. It is also located closer than any other zone to Coronet Peak ski field and a popular Jet Boating provider. Arrowtown is quite larger and has a popular downtown area. A common backdrop for many feature films, this bedroom community is often a separate destination all together for many travelers. Kelvin Heights and Peninsula Road sit directly across Lake Wakatipu from Frankton Road. With the most sun of all zones and a wide variety of large homes, these two zones offer great views and a low urban density. For photos and more details, see our location report above.
How to Find Ski-friendly Lodges in Q’TownOne of the most popular attractions in Otago, New Zealand during the winter time, skiing and snowboarding brings a couple of unique challenges that affect one’s overnight stay choices. The first factor is distance to the ski field. As most fields do not have on-mountain beds, staying close to your field of choice can save time and money. Secondly, if you plan on traveling by bus then staying close to a bus station will help out a great deal. The same goes for equipment, where staying near a rental shop will make things easier. For more details on this topic, read our full article using the link above.
Finding Budget, Family or Party Lodging in Q’TownAs each travel itinerary is different, so is each housing requirement. Budget travelers visiting this region benefit from a number of hostels, motels, holiday parks, vacation rentals and even temporary home shares to choose from. Party-focused travelers have an array of hostels to pick from that have special deals with local bars and cater to the hundreds of similar-minded travelers that like to stay and socialize in hostels. Families have quiet neighborhoods to choose from that are located close to many comfortable and kid-friendly public spaces. Whatever your needs be, this town probably has a good fit for your trip. Check out the full synopsis by clicking the link above.