Can you see the aurora australis in Queenstown?

Yes — Queenstown has an aurora score of 6/10. The aurora australis (southern lights) burns most intensely during the polar winter (April–August), but the practical expedition season runs November–March during austral summer when most ships operate. Dedicated winter aurora cruises do visit for those seeking the southern lights directly.

What is the best month to visit Queenstown?

The best months to visit Queenstown are June, July, August. The austral summer (November–February) brings continuous daylight, peak wildlife activity, and the most accessible conditions for expedition ships.

How much does it cost to visit Queenstown per day?

The average daily budget for Queenstown is around $140 USD per person, covering mid-range accommodation, meals, and standard activities. Budget travellers can reduce costs by self-catering and booking tours in advance, while premium aurora lodges and private guided experiences push costs higher. Note: Antarctica expedition cruises are all-inclusive and typically range from $5,000 to $15,000+ for the full voyage.

What activities are available in Queenstown?

Queenstown offers a wide range of polar experiences including Southern Lights Tours, Bungee Jumping, Skiing, Jet Boating, Hiking, Wine Tours, and more. Zodiac landings, penguin colony visits, and glacier hikes are the standout highlights of any Antarctic expedition.

Is Queenstown a good destination for first-time polar travellers?

Queenstown is an excellent choice for first-time polar visitors. Its easy accessibility — with direct international flights and well-developed tourism infrastructure — removes the logistical challenges of remote Arctic travel. A large network of guided tours, warm clothing rental, and experienced operators make it straightforward even for complete beginners.

🇳🇿New Zealand

Queenstown

✦6/10

Adventure and ski travellers in the Southern Hemisphere who want Southern Lights as a bonus experience

Aurora Score

6/10 ✦

Daily Budget

$140/day

Access

✈️ Easy access

Dark Hours (Winter)

14h

About Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, sits at 45°S in Otago at the foot of the Remarkables mountain range on Lake Wakatipu. The Southern Lights are visible several times a year during periods of elevated solar activity — typically best from the dark lake shores of nearby Lake Tekapo (a designated Dark Sky Reserve) rather than from Queenstown itself. Dedicated stargazing tours to the Mackenzie Basin, designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, give the best viewing opportunities. Queenstown's primary draw remains world-class skiing at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, extreme adventure sports (bungee jumping was invented here at Kawarau Bridge), and proximity to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. The surrounding Otago wine region produces world-renowned Pinot Noir.

Best Time to Visit

Jun Jul Aug

Monthly Weather & Aurora

Month	Avg Temp	Dark Hours	Aurora Chance
Jan	+18°C	3h	—
Feb	+18°C	5h	—
Mar	+14°C	8h	Low
Apr	+10°C	11h	Low
May	+7°C	13h	Med
Jun★ Best	+4°C	14h	Med
Jul★ Best	+3°C	14h	Med
Aug★ Best	+5°C	12h	Med
Sep	+9°C	10h	Low
Oct	+12°C	7h	Low
Nov	+15°C	5h	—
Dec	+18°C	3h	—

Activities

Southern Lights Tours Bungee Jumping Skiing Jet Boating Hiking Wine Tours Milford Sound Tours Stargazing Kayaking Wildlife Watching Photography Tours Wildlife Photography

Getting There

Queenstown Airport is well-served from Auckland (1.5h), Sydney (3h), and Melbourne (3h). Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Qantas operate routes.

Cost Breakdown

Show prices in

Accommodation Highlights

✓Luxury Lodges
✓Boutique Hotels
✓Vineyard Stays

Location

Budget Estimator

Trip length: 7 nights

3 nights21 nights

Budget

$735

Typical

$980

Comfort

$1,372

Based on avg $140/day in Queenstown. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.

Quick Info

LanguageEnglish and Māori

Regionantarctic

Coordinates-45.03°N, 168.66°E

Official Channels

@queenstownnz queenstownNZ @QueenstownNZ Website

📦

Packing List for Queenstown

Interactive checklist with clothing layers, gear, and activity-specific items — based on real weather data.

View packing list →

Compare Destinations

See how Queenstown stacks up against other top aurora destinations.

Compare Now →

Plan by Month

Jun Jul Aug

🏨Where to Stay(10)

View all on Google Maps →

Pencarrow Boutique Lodge

⭐ 5.0

Pencarrow Lane, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

hotel

Queenstown House Boutique B&B

⭐ 4.8

69 Hallenstein Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

bed and breakfast

@queenstownhouse Website

Adventure Queenstown Hostel

⭐ 4.7

36 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

hostel

@adventurehostelsnz Website

The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences

⭐ 4.5

377 Frankton Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

hotel

@thereeshotel Website

Kamana Lakehouse

⭐ 4.4

139 Fernhill Road, Fernhill, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

hotel

@kamanaqt kamanaqt Website

Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery Collection

⭐ 4.4

10/18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

hotel

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

⭐ 4.3

Cnr Earl St, Marine Parade, And, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

hotel

Crowne Plaza Queenstown by IHG

⭐ 4.3

93 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

hotel

Melbourne Lodge Queenstown

⭐ 4.1

35 Melbourne Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

lodging

Four Seasons Motel Queenstown

⭐ 3.9

12 Stanley Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

motel

🍽️Where to Eat(10)

View all on Google Maps →

TOAST & OAK

⭐ 4.8

15 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

restaurant

@toast_and_oak 2008 Website

Sunfire Queenstown

⭐ 4.7

Steamer Wharf Ground Floor/88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

restaurant

@sunfirequeenstown Website

odd saint

⭐ 4.7$$

1 Earl Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

restaurant

@oddsaint_qt Website

Public Italian Kitchen

⭐ 4.7$$

Steamer Wharf/Beach, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

restaurant

@vp 2008 Website

Bella Cucina

⭐ 4.7$$

6 Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

italian restaurant

@vp 2008 Website

SODA

⭐ 4.6

2 Rees Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

restaurant

Rātā Restaurant

⭐ 4.6$$$$

43 Ballarat Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

restaurant

Momentos By The Lake Restaurant

⭐ 4.5

50 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

restaurant

NEST

⭐ 4.5$$

139 Fernhill Road, Fernhill, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

restaurant

The Bunker Restaurant

⭐ 4.5$$$

14 Cow Lane, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

restaurant

🎯Things to Do(10)

View all on Google Maps →

Altitude Tours

⭐ 5.0

75/83 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

tourist attraction

@altitudetoursnz altitudetoursnz Website

Queenstown Heritage Tours Ltd.

⭐ 5.0

174 Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand

tour agency

@queenstownheritagetours Website

Off Road Adventures Queenstown

⭐ 4.9

61a Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

tour agency

@offroadqt Website

Nomad Safaris

⭐ 4.9

37 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

tourist information center

@nomadsafaris Website

Canyon Explorers

⭐ 4.9

39 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

adventure sports center

@canyon.explorers canyoning.co.nz Website

Queenstown Expeditions

⭐ 4.9

161 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

taxi service

Off Road Expeditions Queenstown

⭐ 4.9

61A Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

tour agency

Family Adventures

⭐ 4.9

4 Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

tourist attraction

Ziptrek Ecotours

⭐ 4.9

45 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

tourist attraction

Cheeky Kiwi Travel Queenstown

⭐ 4.9

160 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

transportation service

How Does Queenstown Compare?

Side-by-side breakdowns featuring Queenstown

Comparison

Queenstown vs Stewart Island for Southern Lights

New Zealand's adventure capital versus its southernmost inhabited island — Stewart Island is far better positioned for aurora australis viewing but Queenstown is vastly more accessible and developed. This is the quintessential New Zealand southern lights dilemma.

vs Stewart Island NewSee comparison →

Comparison

Hobart vs Queenstown for Southern Lights

Tasmania's capital versus New Zealand's adventure hub — both are accessible Southern Hemisphere cities in the aurora australis zone. Hobart sits at 43°S and Queenstown at 45°S, putting both within range during strong geomagnetic events.

vs HobartSee comparison →