Best areas at a glance
| Area | Best for | Mid-range per night |
|---|---|---|
| Town centre | First visit, nightlife, tours | NZD 250–450 |
| Fernhill / Queenstown Hill | Lake views, quieter | NZD 220–400 |
| Frankton | Airport, value, families | NZD 180–320 |
| Kelvin Heights | Lakefront resorts | NZD 250–450 |
| Arrowtown | Heritage, wineries, golf | NZD 220–400 |
Town centre
Everything on your doorstep: the lakefront, Fergburger, bars and the gondola. Streets are steep in places, and it’s lively at night.
- Luxury: Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Sofitel Queenstown
- Upscale: Hotel St Moritz, QT Queenstown
Fernhill and Queenstown Hill
Hillside apartments and lodges with views over Lake Wakatipu, a short drive or steep walk from town.
Frankton
By the airport and shopping centres, with good bus links and lower prices. Handy for early flights and families.
Kelvin Heights
A peaceful peninsula across the lake with resorts, golf and a water taxi to town.
- Upscale: Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Arrowtown
A historic gold-rush village 20 minutes away, close to wineries and Coronet Peak.
- Resort: Millbrook Resort
Which area is right for you?
- First visit: town centre.
- Families or budget: Frankton.
- Couples: Kelvin Heights or Arrowtown.
- Skiers: town centre or Arrowtown for Coronet Peak.
Plan your days with our Queenstown itinerary.
More Queenstown guides
- Queenstown travel guide
- 15 best things to do in Queenstown
- Queenstown itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Best time to visit Queenstown
- Milford Sound day trip
- Queenstown Airport to town
- New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) and visitor levy
FAQ: where to stay in Queenstown
Is it better to stay in Queenstown or Frankton?
Queenstown town for walkability and atmosphere; Frankton for value and airport convenience.
How far ahead should I book?
Several months ahead for December–February and the ski season (July–August).
Is parking easy in Queenstown?
Not in the centre. Choose accommodation with parking if you’re driving.
Plan your trip to Queenstown
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
