South Island · Explorer’s field notes

How to Queenstown

Alpine lakes and mountains — the adventure capital, and the gateway to Milford Sound.

Queenstown videos from the Hôtel du Van founders are coming soon to the Stay Scene channel.

AVOID · Queenstown

What to avoid in Queenstown

Driving the van into central Queenstown — park at Frankton and take the bus or ferry.
Frankton Road between 4 and 6pm.
Skippers Canyon Road — rental vehicles are not permitted.

The top ten

Places to explore, eat and stock up along the way.

1See & do
Skyline Queenstown
Gondola to Bob's Peak for the view over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.
Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300
2See & do
Shotover Jet
Spin through the narrow Shotover canyons at full throttle.
3 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point 9371
3See & do
Milford Sound
Cruise beneath waterfalls and sheer cliffs — the eighth wonder of the world, said Kipling.
Via State Highway 94 from Te Anau, Fiordland 9679
4See & do
Glenorchy drive
Forty-five minutes along the lake to the landscapes of Middle-earth.
Glenorchy–Queenstown Road, Glenorchy 9372
5See & do
Arrowtown
A gold-rush village glowing gold itself in autumn.
Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302
6See & do
Onsen Hot Pools
Private cedar tubs hanging over the Shotover River.
160 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point 9371
7Eat
Fergburger
The famous burger — order ahead online and eat on the beach.
42 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300
8Eat
Botswana Butchery
Lakefront dining in a historic cottage; book for sunset.
17 Marine Parade, Queenstown 9300
9Coffee
Vudu Café & Larder
Seasonal plates and cabinet baking with lake views out the back.
16 Rees Street, Queenstown 9300
10Coffee
Patagonia Chocolates
Hot chocolate and handmade ice cream on the waterfront.
2 Rees Street, Queenstown 9300

Do not make these mistakes!

1. Leaving Te Anau without fuel
There is no fuel on the 120 km Milford Road. Fill up in Te Anau, and carry chains in winter.
2. Freedom camping around the lake
It's heavily restricted with instant fines. Book a holiday park — Queenstown has great ones.
3. Waiting in the Fergburger queue
It can be an hour. Order online and collect instead.

Continue the voyage

Photos are AI-generated illustrations. Opening hours and rules change — check before you go.