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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Queenstown And Wanaka, New Zealand

Queenstown presents a diverse array of choices. Whether you seek a lively social atmosphere, quiet lakeside serenity, or easy access to adventure activities, a suitable option awaits.

Accommodation Types

Queenstown presents a diverse range of lodging choices, suitable for various budgets and preferences.

Hostels: Budget-Friendly & Social

  • Nomads Queenstown

    Clean, simple lodging with a social atmosphere.

  • Haka Lodge Queenstown

    Shared dorms and private rooms often include communal kitchens.

  • Adventure Queenstown Hostel

    Popular for meeting other travelers and organized events.

  • Budget-Conscious Travel

    Ideal for backpackers, solo travelers, and those on a tight budget.

Motels: Independent Stays

  • Self-Contained Units

    Many with kitchenettes, good for independent travelers.

  • Value with Parking

    Often located slightly outside the CBD, with better value and parking.

  • Private Facilities

    Usually include a private bathroom and television.

  • Basic Cooking

    Sometimes provide basic cooking facilities like a microwave or hot plate.

Hotels: From Standard to Luxury

  • Budget/Mid-range

    Holiday Inn Express, Ramada Remarkables Park present standard amenities.

  • Luxury Properties

    The Rees, Hotel St Moritz, QT Queenstown, Kamana Lakehouse.

  • High-End Service

    Luxury properties boast high-end service, amenities like spas, fine dining.

  • Stunning Views

    Often include stunning lake or mountain views for indulgence.

Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Space for Groups

  • Vrbo

    Wide selection of private homes, apartments, holiday houses.

  • Ideal for Groups

    Good for longer stays, groups, or families.

  • Self-Catering

    More space, multiple bedrooms, full kitchen facilities for self-catering.

  • Home Away from Home

    Offers a comforting 'home away from home' feel and can be cost-effective.

Neighborhood Guide

Queenstown’s neighborhoods present diverse characteristics. Each offers an unique atmosphere and access to attractions, dining, and activities.

Queenstown CBD: The Heart of the Action

Advantages
  • Ultimate ease for dining, nightlife, and direct access to the lake and Skyline Gondola.
  • Most tours and activities depart from this area.
  • Walkable to most places.
  • atmosphere.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, especially at night.
  • Parking is limited and expensive.
  • Accommodation generally carries a higher price.
  • Crowded during peak seasons.

Frankton: Practical & Peaceful

Advantages
  • Good for budget travelers, with more motels and holiday parks.
  • Easy access to Queenstown Airport and major shopping centers for self-catering.
  • Well-connected to the CBD by public bus (Orbus).
  • Generally quieter than the CBD.
Considerations
  • Lacks the "Queenstown vibe" and scenic charm of the CBD.
  • Requires bus or car to reach central attractions and nightlife.
  • Dining options are more limited compared to the CBD.
  • More suburban feel.

Fernhill & Sunshine Bay: Views & Quiet

Advantages
  • Quieter environment away from the town's hustle.
  • Often better value accommodation, especially apartments with great views.
  • Stunning lake and mountain views.
  • Connected to the CBD by Orbus bus services.
Considerations
  • Requires a bus, taxi, or a significant uphill walk to get to the CBD.
  • Dining options are limited within these areas.
  • Less immediate access to amenities.
  • Less central location.

Arthurs Point: Adventure Outpost

Advantages
  • Close to specific attractions like Shotover Jet and Onsen Hot Pools.
  • Peaceful and surrounded by natural beauty.
  • Includes unique accommodation options.
  • More rural and adventurous feel.
Considerations
  • Requires regular transport (bus or car) to access the CBD.
  • Limited dining options within the immediate area.
  • Less general accessibility.
  • Further from town amenities.

Kelvin Heights / Remarkables Park: Lakeside Serenity

Advantages
  • Often very quiet and scenic, presenting beautiful views across the lake.
  • Good for families or those seeking a relaxed and spacious stay.
  • Includes larger holiday homes.
  • Close to The Remarkables golf course.
Considerations
  • Requires a car or bus for all activities, dining, and shopping in the CBD.
  • Less immediate access to general amenities.
  • More resort-focused and residential.
  • Further from town center.

Safety Considerations

General Safety

Queenstown is generally a safe town. As with any busy destination, awareness of your surroundings is always a good practice, especially during late-night hours in the CBD.

Local Transport

Public buses (Orbus) are reliable. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber) are also available. Consider designated drivers if consuming alcohol.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • Book early for peak summer (Dec-Feb) and winter ski season (Jun-Aug). Popular options sell out months ahead.
  • Shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) allow more flexibility, but booking weeks ahead is still a good choice.
  • Early booking secures better options and prices.
  • Best Rates are often available with early reservations.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Global OTAs like Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia.
  • Hotel Specific platforms like IHG Hotels and Hotels.com.
  • Vacation rental platforms like Vrbo.
  • Budget focused platforms like Hostelworld for budget accommodation.

Booking Tip

Advance Planning
  • For the best selection and rates, secure your Queenstown accommodation at least 3-6 months in advance.
  • This is especially true when traveling during summer or winter peak seasons.
  • Earlier booking typically yields more options.
  • Better prices often result from early reservations.
Direct vs. Platform
  • Sometimes, booking directly with the accommodation provider's website may yield better rates.
  • Direct booking can also present special packages.
  • More flexible cancellation policies sometimes exist through direct booking.
  • Always compare direct rates after checking OTA prices.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Peak Season Surges

Prices are significantly higher during peak seasons (winter ski, summer holidays) and can double or triple for popular properties.

Shoulder Season Value

Shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) often present the best value, combining pleasant weather with lower demand and prices.

Fixed Pricing

Negotiation is not common in New Zealand. Prices are generally fixed and non-negotiable, especially in a popular tourist destination like Queenstown.

Accommodation Recommendations

This table lists recommendations for diverse traveler types and budget levels, making for a fitting stay in Queenstown.

Tailored Stays for Individuals & Pairs

Solo Traveler: Social & Private

Queenstown welcomes solo adventurers with options from hostels to quiet boutique motels.

  • Hostel dorm bed (Nomads Queenstown)
  • Private hostel room (Adventure Queenstown Hostel)
  • Boutique Motel (Turner Lodge)
  • Smaller boutique hotel (Hulbert House)
Couples: Romantic & Modern

For couples, choices range from intimate private rooms to luxurious lakefront hotels.

  • Private hostel room (Adventure Queenstown Hostel)
  • Modern hotel (Holiday Inn Express Queenstown)
  • Lakefront hotel (The Rees, Hotel St Moritz)
  • Boutique hotel with amenities.

Ideal for Groups & Enthusiasts

Families: Space & Activities

Family-friendly options prioritize space, amenities, and activities for all ages.

  • Holiday Park cabin (Queenstown TOP 10)
  • Apartment rental (Vrbo, local sites)
  • Spacious hotel suite (QT Queenstown, Hilton Queenstown)
  • Hotels with indoor pools.
Adventure Focus: Close to the Thrills

Lodging for adventure seekers often prioritizes access to activities and guides.

  • Hostel with activity desk (Haka Lodge)
  • Motel near ski bus stops (Alpine Suites)
  • Hotel with adventure concierges (Sofitel Queenstown)
  • Convenient access to tour departures.

Serene Escapes & Extended Comfort

  • B&B slightly out of town

    (Chalets at Queenstown)

  • Lake view hotel

    (Kamana Lakehouse)

  • Spa resort

    (Millbrook Resort, Blanket Bay - near Glenorchy)

  • Quiet atmosphere

    For unwinding.

Properties with Heritage Charm

  • Hulbert House

    A beautifully restored Victorian villa reflecting Queenstown's heritage.

  • Eichardt's Private Hotel

    A historic lakefront landmark since the gold rush era.

  • Unique Design

    Personalized service and distinctive character.

  • Historical Insight

    These properties provide a look into local history.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget Choices

Nomads Queenstown (lively hostel), Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park (various cabin and site options), or basic motels in Frankton.

  • Cost-effective lodging for travelers.
  • Good for backpackers and those on a tight budget.
  • Often include communal facilities.
  • Found across different neighborhoods.
Mid-Range Comfort

Holiday Inn Express Queenstown, Ramada Remarkables Park (modern, comfortable), or The Black Sheep Backpackers (private rooms, good facilities).

  • Modern and comfortable stays.
  • Balancing cost with amenities.
  • Good for couples and small families.
  • Wider range of locations.

Additional Accommodation Tips

Family-Friendly Options

Holiday Parks are excellent for families, including amenities like playgrounds, communal kitchens, and various cabin sizes. Apartment Rentals feature more space and full kitchen facilities. Hotels with Pools (e.g., Hilton Queenstown) offer year-round activity for children.

Solo Traveler Insights

Hostels are ideal for meeting other travelers and organized activities, having a social environment. Boutique Motels/B&Bs present privacy and comfort if a quieter stay is preferred.

Long-Stay Suggestions

Vacation Rentals are ideal for stays of a week or more, featuring home comforts and often better weekly rates. Serviced Apartments merge hotel services with apartment living. Holiday Parks are good for campervan travelers or affordable cabin stays for extended periods.