Where to Stay in Queenstown: Our Top Accommodation Picks
- Alice Neilson - Fiordland Enthusiast & Writer
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Queenstown has no shortage of accommodation options, but deciding on where to stay can be overwhelming. With everything from holiday parks and backpackers through to boutique luxury hotels, the choice depends on your budget, travel style, and what you want to be close to.
We regularly hear from guests about where they've stayed and what worked for them. This guide shares our top picks across four general price categories to help you narrow down your options.
Key Takeaways
Staying central means easy access to restaurants, activities, and tour pick-up points
Holiday parks offer great value and are a good option for campervans, families, and budget-conscious travellers
Properties outside the town centre (like Frankton or Arthur's Point) are often cheaper, but you may need transport to get to town or tour pick-up points
If you're planning a guided tour to Milford Sound, check with your tour provider about pick-up locations
Holiday Park Accommodation
Hampshire Holiday Parks — Queenstown Lakeview
Hampshire Holiday Park Lakeview is the most centrally located holiday park in Queenstown, just a few minutes' walk from the town centre and right next to the Skyline Gondola and Luge. The location makes it easy to access everything Queenstown has to offer.
Accommodation options range from powered campervan and tent sites through to studio rooms and two-bedroom units. Facilities include a shared kitchen, BBQ area, laundry, free WiFi, and free parking.
If you're taking a guided tour to Milford Sound, this park is about a 3–4 minute walk from where most tour operators pick up.
Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde
Set in a peaceful garden alongside Horne Creek, Creeksyde is about a 5-minute walk from the town centre. The park has been run by the same family for over 35 years and has a relaxed, welcoming feel.
Options include powered campervan sites, lodge rooms, ensuite studios, and self-contained motel apartments. Facilities include kitchens, BBQ areas, sauna, spa bath, laundry, free WiFi, and bike storage.
Most tour operators pick up directly from the front door of this park.
Arthur's Point Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park
If you'd prefer a quieter setting away from the town centre, Arthur's Point Top 10 is a good option. The park is located about 10 minutes' drive from central Queenstown along the Shotover River.
However, tour operators won't pick up from Arthur's Point, so if you're planning to take a tour, you'll need to make your own way into town first.
Budget Accommodation
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown
Located on Stanley Street, Holiday Inn Express & Suites is one of the more affordable hotel options in central Queenstown.
It's not the cheapest budget option available, but the central location means you're paying for convenience, as restaurants, shops, and tour pick-up points are all within easy walking distance.
The hotel is well-reviewed with a 4.6-star Google rating. Rooms are clean and modern, and breakfast is included.
It's a good option for travellers who want a comfortable, no-fuss hotel stay without the higher price tag of Queenstown's mid-range and luxury options.
LQ Queenstown by Wyndham
Located near Queenstown Airport in Frankton, LQ offers well-priced, tidy rooms that are good value for the Queenstown area, and is rated 3.9 stars on Google. The trade-off is location, as you're not within walking distance of town.
Tour operators don't pick up from this area, so you'd need to arrange transport into town if you're taking a tour. However, the money you save on accommodation could easily cover an Uber to a pick-up point in town.
LyLo Queenstown
LyLo is a modern hostel-style option with a central Queenstown location, close to the lakefront and within easy walking distance of tour pick-up points, with a 3.9-star rating on Google.
Room options include pod-style dorm rooms as well as private ensuite queen rooms for those wanting their own space.
Facilities include a rooftop hangout area with mountain views, a communal kitchen, laundry, and a bar. It's a good option for solo travellers, couples, or anyone wanting a clean, affordable, and well-located base.
Mid-Range Accommodation
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
Close to the town centre, Peppers Beacon offers apartment-style accommodation with kitchen facilities and comfortable living spaces.
With a 3.9-star rating on Google, it's a solid mid-range option for couples or families wanting more room than a standard hotel, and the location is convenient for walking to restaurants, shops, and activities.
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown
Located on Frankton Road with lake views, the Copthorne is a well-known hotel that has been a Queenstown staple for years. It offers both hotel rooms and apartment-style accommodation, with a 3.9-star rating on Google.
Located a 10-15-minute walk from the town centre, the hotel is a reliable option for travellers wanting a comfortable stay at a moderate price point.
Sherwood Queenstown
Sherwood is also on Frankton Road, and there are good bus stops right outside for getting into town, and tour operators can pick up from outside the property.
The hotel is rated 4.3 stars on Google and has a focus on sustainability and community, with an on-site restaurant and bar, gardens, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Luxury Accommodation
QT Queenstown
QT Queenstown is a boutique luxury hotel that has a convenient central location and offers high-quality rooms, dining, and service, with a 4.5-star Google rating.
Most tour operators can pick up directly from the door for Milford Sound tours.
Eichardt's Private Hotel
Eichardt's is one of Queenstown's most iconic properties, housed in a historic lakefront building right in the heart of town. It has a 4.6-star Google rating and is an intimate, high-end hotel with its own restaurant and bar.
The central location means everything in Queenstown is on your doorstep.
The Rees Hotel
Located on Frankton Road with views across Lake Wakatipu, The Rees offers spacious rooms and apartments in a quieter setting slightly removed from the town centre.
The Hotel has a 4.4-star Google rating and has its own restaurant and a focus on personalised service.
The location is a little further from town than the other luxury options, but the lake views and peaceful surroundings are part of the appeal. If you’re taking a tour, you may need to make your way to a pick-up point first, so confirm pick-up locations with your operator when booking.
Queenstown has accommodation to suit every budget and travel style. Whether you're after a well-located holiday park, an affordable hotel, a comfortable mid-range stay, or a luxury experience, Queenstown has accommodation options to suit your needs.
When choosing where to stay, consider how close you want to be to the town centre, whether tour pick-up locations matter to your plans, and what facilities are important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay in central Queenstown or further out?
Staying central means you can walk to most restaurants, shops, and activities, and tour pick-up points are nearby. Staying further out (like Frankton or Arthur's Point) is often cheaper, but you may need a car or bus to get around.
Do tour operators pick up from all accommodations in Queenstown?
No. Most tour operators have set pick-up points in central Queenstown. Properties in Frankton, Arthur's Point, or near the airport may not be covered. If you're planning on taking a tour, check with your provider about pick-up locations.
When should I book Queenstown accommodation?
Queenstown has two peak seasons, summer (December–February) and ski season (June–August). During these periods, popular places can book out well in advance. For the best choice and rates, book as early as you can.
