Useful Information
Exploring the adventure capital of Queenstown doesn't have to break the bank. Discover the unreal scenery and experience the lively and friendly hospitality scene with our list below of the best free or cheap things to incorporate into your camper adventure.
- Play a game of frisbee golf in the Queenstown Gardens
- Hike the Ben Lomond Track
- Satisfy the appetite you've earnt with a Fergburger feast
- Explore Arrowtown
- Take a scenic drive to Glenorchy
- Visit Moke Lake
- Witness sunset over Lake Wakatipu
- Peruse the markets
- Spend a night stargazing
Lake Wanaka
An epic day trip destination from Queenstown, Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand. Located in the alps of the South Island, visitors from all over are drawn to Wanaka because of its incredible, raw beauty. Get out on the water and have a go at the range of water sports available, or stroll the streets of the charming town and discover galleries, shops, and a wide range of cosy cafes, craft breweries, and award-winning wineries.
Arrowtown
A living historic settlement with a rich history, Arrowtown is a great place to spend a day exploring and is only 20 minutes out of Queenstown. An incredible picturesque destination, Arrowtown sits along the gold-bearing Arrow River. Spend your time here sampling some great food at one of the many cafes, restaurants, and bars and perusing the shops for homeware, designer clothing, souvenirs, and wool.
Milford Sound
Just under a 4 hour drive from Queenstown on the west coast of the South Island, Milford Sound will transport you to a world where plunging cliffs and raging waterfalls meet dark blue waters. See New Zealand's wild west at its absolute best. Explore this incredible destination on a coach and cruise tour, go kayaking or lace up your boots and tackle an incredible hike to reach epic views.
Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond track is a challenging hike that will provide you with incredible lake and mountain views as you trek up the saddle. The summit return hike takes a total of 6-8 hours and requires a good level of fitness. Alternatively, the saddle walk is 3-4 hours return. The reward for reaching the top is magnificent panoramic views.
Mount Aspiring National Park
One of the highest peaks in New Zealand, Mount Aspiring is a haven of mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes and river valleys. Offering an abundance of short walks, pack your hiking shoes and explore this epic location by foot.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. With sky-scraping peaks, glaciers, and snowfields under a starry night sky, this national park is not one to miss. Enjoy your time here with a range of activities, from scenic walks to helicopter rides and delicious meals with a view. With so many activities to be enjoyed, we recommend spending a few days here.
Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand's treasured natural icons and is internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to glaciers, mountain ranges, dense forests, and alpine lakes – this location is unique to New Zealand and draws in travellers from all walks of life. New Zealand is one of the only places in the world where you can admire the sight of glacial carved fiords so, be sure to include Fiordland National Park on your itinerary.
Queenstown is an epic spot to explore by campervan. With holiday parks located in scenic spots and nearby to an abundance of South Island icons, you will be spoilt for choice when choosing somewhere to park up for the night.
We recommend downloading thl Roadtrip app (Powered by Campermate) before you hit the road. The ultimate travel companion; the thl Roadtrip app provides everything you need to help find places to stay and play across New Zealand, including the closest campgrounds for campervans on your route.
As a popular holiday destination all year round, Queenstown is well known for its distinctive seasons.
Summer in Queenstown (December – February)
Summer brings warm sunshine and long evenings. Temperatures range from 20 - 30 degrees, and the hot summer sun is combatted with a fresh alpine breeze.
Autumn in Queenstown (March - May)
Autumn brings a beautiful burst of red and gold as the trees shed their leaves. These golden hues dominate the region and make for a striking backdrop for your trip. Temperatures in Autumn fall between 5 - 25 degrees.
Winter in Queenstown (June – August)
Winter in Queenstown brings crisp days with blue skies. From early June onwards every year, Queenstown transforms into a winter wonderland and welcomes snow sports enthusiasts from all over. Temperatures fall between –4 - 8 degrees.
Spring in Queenstown (September – November)
Spring in Queenstown retains the snow from winter but brings longer and warmer days. Temperatures range between 8 - 22 degrees. Spring is a special season in Queenstown where ski fields often stay open until early October.
- Taking place annually in February, the Shotover Moonlight Marathon will challenge you to traverse the terrain of Ben Lomond station on a 10km, 30km, 32km or 56km journey.
- Set against the golden backdrop of the Gibbston Valley, enjoy the vibes and sunshine at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert, with an exciting new line-up every year.
- Every Autumn, Arrowtown's beautiful colours are celebrated with a feast of local cuisine, a parade, and native tree planting at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival. This four-day festival is perfect for the whole family.
- Held every year over the Queens Birthday weekend, LUMA Southern Light Project is a sensory experience offering illuminated art, light sculpture, performance, and community in the Queenstown Gardens.
Exploring the adventure capital of Queenstown doesn't have to break the bank. Discover the unreal scenery and experience the lively and friendly hospitality scene with our list below of the best free or cheap things to incorporate into your camper adventure.
- Play a game of frisbee golf in the Queenstown Gardens
- Hike the Ben Lomond Track
- Satisfy the appetite you've earnt with a Fergburger feast
- Explore Arrowtown
- Take a scenic drive to Glenorchy
- Visit Moke Lake
- Witness sunset over Lake Wakatipu
- Peruse the markets
- Spend a night stargazing
Lake Wanaka
An epic day trip destination from Queenstown, Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand. Located in the alps of the South Island, visitors from all over are drawn to Wanaka because of its incredible, raw beauty. Get out on the water and have a go at the range of water sports available, or stroll the streets of the charming town and discover galleries, shops, and a wide range of cosy cafes, craft breweries, and award-winning wineries.
Arrowtown
A living historic settlement with a rich history, Arrowtown is a great place to spend a day exploring and is only 20 minutes out of Queenstown. An incredible picturesque destination, Arrowtown sits along the gold-bearing Arrow River. Spend your time here sampling some great food at one of the many cafes, restaurants, and bars and perusing the shops for homeware, designer clothing, souvenirs, and wool.
Milford Sound
Just under a 4 hour drive from Queenstown on the west coast of the South Island, Milford Sound will transport you to a world where plunging cliffs and raging waterfalls meet dark blue waters. See New Zealand's wild west at its absolute best. Explore this incredible destination on a coach and cruise tour, go kayaking or lace up your boots and tackle an incredible hike to reach epic views.
Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond track is a challenging hike that will provide you with incredible lake and mountain views as you trek up the saddle. The summit return hike takes a total of 6-8 hours and requires a good level of fitness. Alternatively, the saddle walk is 3-4 hours return. The reward for reaching the top is magnificent panoramic views.
Mount Aspiring National Park
One of the highest peaks in New Zealand, Mount Aspiring is a haven of mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes and river valleys. Offering an abundance of short walks, pack your hiking shoes and explore this epic location by foot.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. With sky-scraping peaks, glaciers, and snowfields under a starry night sky, this national park is not one to miss. Enjoy your time here with a range of activities, from scenic walks to helicopter rides and delicious meals with a view. With so many activities to be enjoyed, we recommend spending a few days here.
Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand's treasured natural icons and is internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to glaciers, mountain ranges, dense forests, and alpine lakes – this location is unique to New Zealand and draws in travellers from all walks of life. New Zealand is one of the only places in the world where you can admire the sight of glacial carved fiords so, be sure to include Fiordland National Park on your itinerary.
Queenstown is an epic spot to explore by campervan. With holiday parks located in scenic spots and nearby to an abundance of South Island icons, you will be spoilt for choice when choosing somewhere to park up for the night.
We recommend downloading thl Roadtrip app (Powered by Campermate) before you hit the road. The ultimate travel companion; the thl Roadtrip app provides everything you need to help find places to stay and play across New Zealand, including the closest campgrounds for campervans on your route.
As a popular holiday destination all year round, Queenstown is well known for its distinctive seasons.
Summer in Queenstown (December – February)
Summer brings warm sunshine and long evenings. Temperatures range from 20 - 30 degrees, and the hot summer sun is combatted with a fresh alpine breeze.
Autumn in Queenstown (March - May)
Autumn brings a beautiful burst of red and gold as the trees shed their leaves. These golden hues dominate the region and make for a striking backdrop for your trip. Temperatures in Autumn fall between 5 - 25 degrees.
Winter in Queenstown (June – August)
Winter in Queenstown brings crisp days with blue skies. From early June onwards every year, Queenstown transforms into a winter wonderland and welcomes snow sports enthusiasts from all over. Temperatures fall between –4 - 8 degrees.
Spring in Queenstown (September – November)
Spring in Queenstown retains the snow from winter but brings longer and warmer days. Temperatures range between 8 - 22 degrees. Spring is a special season in Queenstown where ski fields often stay open until early October.
- Taking place annually in February, the Shotover Moonlight Marathon will challenge you to traverse the terrain of Ben Lomond station on a 10km, 30km, 32km or 56km journey.
- Set against the golden backdrop of the Gibbston Valley, enjoy the vibes and sunshine at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert, with an exciting new line-up every year.
- Every Autumn, Arrowtown's beautiful colours are celebrated with a feast of local cuisine, a parade, and native tree planting at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival. This four-day festival is perfect for the whole family.
- Held every year over the Queens Birthday weekend, LUMA Southern Light Project is a sensory experience offering illuminated art, light sculpture, performance, and community in the Queenstown Gardens.
