Queenstown Airport Mini Guide
Why Come to Queenstown?
If you are looking for scenery befitting a Tolkien trilogy, outdoor adventures by day and a vibrant night life, or somewhere to relax and enjoy local culture, wine and cuisine in fabulous surroundings, then Queenstown is the place to visit.
How Best to get Around?
You are most likely to fly into Queenstown Airport, from another city in New Zealand or internationally from
Australia. From there, public transport serves up several bus services to local areas and other South Island cities such as
Dunedin, Invercargill and
Christchurch; shuttles and taxis are also available. Car hire is a great option for thoroughly enjoyable exploration, with good onward road routes. If you have hired with Rhino, collect your car from the desks in the airport terminal. Don't forget to pre-arrange a convenient snow package in the winter! To indulge in sightseeing from the air, take a helicopter trip or a scenic charter flight to the stunning Milford Sound Fjord or Mount Cook (Aoraki) - highest mountain in New Zealand.
Tell me More About the Airport
It's a great place to begin and end your adventures. A recent multi-million dollar upgrade serves up excellent, modern facilities for both aircraft and passengers. It has all of the typical facilities you would expect, including good disabled access and modified equipment. Several outlets offer a variety of clothes and outdoor wear, local handmade gifts or souvenirs including 100% woollen products and New Zealand greenstone, as well as various travel essentials and duty free. There is a café, a bar and - perhaps for dessert? - sweet treats from Patagonia Chocolate. The airport is very busy, both on the ground and in the air with a continuing explosion in passenger numbers brought about by increasing number of flights from operators to Queenstown.
What's to See & Do?
Adventurous types are spoiled for choice of outdoor activities, from biking or skiing in the rugged glacial mountains, to rafting or fishing in the crystal blue waters; or even a daring bungee jump to get the adrenaline pumping. If you prefer vino to high-velocity, there's plenty for you too: the local annual jazz festival, a leisurely lake trip by steamboat, or sampling delicious cuisine at a restaurant in neighbouring Arrowtown. Each day of fun is readily washed down with a glass or two of locally-grown premium Pinot Noir.
Fabulous for Film-Makers
Remember the stunning and dramatic backdrops from films such as "Willow" and "Lord of the Rings"?... Queenstown and surrounding areas serve up these locations of film-maker's dreams. Why not fly in and see it for yourself?!
Queenstown Airport is a favourite for skiers heading to New Zealand’s ski resorts in the Southern Alps. There in winter the snow is perfect for skiing and several resorts have sprung up in Otago Province to cater for the needs of winter sports enthusiasts.
Don’t forget to ask for a ski rack on your hire car if getting to your resort this way. The area is stunningly beautiful in the early summer too as the snow still caps the peaks whilst the air is full of the scent of flowers and fresh grass.