Overview
Queenstown is New Zealand's undisputed adventure capital, a small resort town wrapped around the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu and shadowed by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables. For UK travellers, it's a genuine bucket-list destination — think bungy jumping, jet boating and world-class hiking by day, and lakeside wine bars and fine dining by night. It's a long way from home, but for many the journey is entirely worth it.
Best time to fly to Queenstown
Remember New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the UK's. Queenstown's winter (June to August) is peak ski season, with Coronet Peak and The Remarkables drawing skiers and snowboarders from across the globe — book well ahead if you're flying to Queenstown for the slopes. Summer (December to February) brings long daylight hours and warm days, ideal for hiking, watersports and the town's famously lively après scene. Many seasoned travellers rate spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) as the sweet spot: fewer crowds, better value fares, and Queenstown's scenery at its most photogenic, with either blossom or golden vineyard colours across Gibbston Valley.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Queenstown from the UK — the journey is always a two-leg affair. Most travellers fly with a major international carrier such as Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates or Qatar Airways from London (and other UK hubs) via a stopover city like Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai or Los Angeles, landing first in Auckland or Christchurch. From there, a domestic connection — typically with Air New Zealand or Jetstar — completes the journey into Queenstown Airport (ZQN). All told, expect a total travel time of around 24–30 hours including connections, so check the price charts on this page to compare routings and layovers, as your choice of stopover can make a real difference to both cost and comfort.
Things to do in Queenstown
Queenstown packs an extraordinary amount into a small footprint. Highlights include:
- Skyline Gondola: Ride high above the lake for panoramic views, a luge track and a highly rated restaurant.
- Shotover Jet: A high-speed jet boat ride through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River.
- Milford Sound day trip: A dramatic, must-see fiord reachable by coach or scenic flight from Queenstown.
- TSS Earnslaw steamship: A century-old coal-fired steamer cruising Lake Wakatipu to a working high-country farm.
- Kawarau Gorge Bridge: The birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, still one of the most iconic jumps in the world.
At Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Queenstown Airport is unusually convenient, sitting just under 10km (around 15 minutes) from the town centre, with the Remarkables as a dramatic backdrop to the runway. Regular shuttle buses and public buses run into town, taxis and rideshares are readily available, and most major car hire firms have desks on site — handy if you're planning to explore the wider Otago region or drive to Milford Sound.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Queenstown
- Book ahead for peak periods: Ski season and the summer holidays sell out fast — booking three to six months out generally secures better fares.
- Fly shoulder season: Spring and autumn combine lower fares with quieter attractions and pleasant weather.
- Stay flexible on dates and stopovers: Shifting your departure by a day or two, or choosing a different transit hub, can unlock significant savings — the When to book chart above shows how fares move through the year.
- Compare airlines and routings: With no direct UK route, comparing carriers and connection cities is essential — a longer layover can sometimes mean a noticeably cheaper fare.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for short tourist visits to New Zealand, but you must apply online for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before departure, along with paying the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. New Zealand's currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), so budget in GBP and factor in exchange rates when planning. No mandatory vaccinations are required for UK travellers, but given Queenstown's adventure-sports reputation, comprehensive travel insurance covering activities like bungy jumping, skiing and jet boating is strongly recommended.
