0%
Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown at sunset, South Island, New Zealand

Queenstown & the Lakes Holidays


new zealand & the pacific
Encompassing some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes, the Queenstown & Lakes region is a highlight of any South Island journey. From the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo to the dramatic peak of Mount Cook, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking.

Queenstown sits at the heart of this spectacular setting, offering a vibrant mix of adventure, relaxation, and world-class scenery. Nearby, the Gibbston Valley adds a refined contrast with its rolling vineyards, boutique wineries, and exceptional food and wine.

Just a short drive away, Wanaka delivers a more laidback alpine atmosphere. Set on the shores of Lake Wanaka and surrounded by mountains, it is ideal for lakeside walks, scenic hikes, and soaking in the peaceful beauty of the Southern Alps.

Trailfinders is the UK's No.1 for New Zealand holidays*

and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore New Zealand on a fly drive holiday, aboard the famous TranzAlpine railway, a sociable guided group tour, or are looking for advice on how to combine New Zealand with Australia or the Pacific– they are the perfect people to ask.

*by volume of clients to New Zealand as confirmed by the national tourist board, Tourism New Zealand, in September 2025.
Speak to a New Zealand Holidays Expert
020 7084 6500
Expert Travel Consultants

Order your New Zealand & the Pacific brochure

order a brochure
0

Sorry no address found, click here to enter manually

newsletter signup Offers and News

Enjoy access to our latest offers, travel inspiration and news

OUR HOLIDAYS TO QUEENSTOWN & THE LAKES

Nobody offers more ways to explore New Zealand than Trailfinders.

Here’s a snapshot of some of our most popular New Zealand holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
South Island Uncovered including Sydney Stopover
Multi Centre Holiday
18 days / 17 nights

Combine a stay in vibrant Sydney with the natural wonders of New Zealand’s South Island.

Guide Price: €5,729 £4,329 pp

VIEW MORE ❯
Best of New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
24 days / 23 nights

Covering both North and South Island highlights, this journey showcases the best of what this magnificent country has to offer.

Guide Price: €7,179 £5,599 pp

VIEW MORE ❯
South Island Discovery
Motorhome
18 days / 17 nights

The South Island is home to some of the world’s most dramatic scenery.

Guide Price: €3,699 £2,779 pp

VIEW MORE ❯
New Zealand by Rail
Rail
21 days / 20 nights

New Zealand’s well connected rail network combines comfort and convenience with stellar natural beauty.

Guide Price: €6,479 £5,049 pp

VIEW MORE ❯
Breathtaking New Zealand
Group Journey for Solo Travellers
18 days / 17 nights

Discover the stunning landscapes and thermal springs of the North Island, then journey to the South Island with its snow-capped mountains and shimmering glaciers on this holiday exclusively for solo travellers.

Guide Price: €Please contact us £7,799 pp

VIEW MORE ❯
Unique & Boutique New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
27 days / 26 nights

This exceptional holiday brings together a collection of New Zealand’s finest lodges and hotels.

Guide Price: €9,849 £8,049 pp

VIEW MORE ❯

WHERE TO GO IN QUEENSTOWN & THE LAKES

Each region of Queenstown and the lakes boasts its own attractions and merits a visit in its own right.

Take a look at tiles below the Queenstown and the lakes map for more details on each area. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants?
Queenstown
Queenstown
Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and encircled by the snow-tipped peaks of the Southern Alps, vibrant Queenstown offers fantastic dining options and a wealth of adventure tours.
Wanaka
Wanaka
Often overlooked in favour of its more cosmopolitan sister Queenstown, beautiful Wanaka offers a relaxed lakeside ambience and slower pace of life, with quaint cafés and boutiques lining its lakefront boulevard.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo
Stunning turquoise waters meet towering mountains at the beautiful Lake Tekapo, conveniently located near some of the region’s most famous attractions.
Mount Cook
Mount Cook
Boasting New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers, this breathtaking national park is abound with a variety of walking and cycling tracks.
Gibbston Valley
Gibbston Valley
Located in the heart of Central Otago wine country, Gibbston Valley is home to award winning wineries, restaurants, boutiques accommodation and the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge.
Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki
The largest lake of the Mackenzie district, the distinct blue glacial waters sit dramatically before the towering Mount Cook, allowing visitors to see two New Zealand icons in one.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN QUEENSTOWN & THE LAKES

We feature a great range of accommodation in Queenstown & the Lakes, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a mountain lodge with beautiful views or a lakeside luxury retreat.

What you won’t find here are thousands of Queenstown & the Lakes hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay in Queenstown & the Lakes and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Kinross Trading Post
4 star

Queenstown & The Lakes

Set amongst the vines of the spectacular Gibbston Valley, this gorgeous property with only 14 cottages offers a unique wine experience within easy reach of Queenstown.
Lakestone Lodge
5 star

Queenstown & The Lakes

Poised on a hillside above the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, this gorgeous eco lodge boasts understated luxury and breathtaking views of the magnificent snow-tipped peak of Mount Cook.
Edgewater
4 star

Queenstown & The Lakes

The only hotel situated on the edge of beautiful Lake Wânaka, this lovely resort-style property offers great facilities in an unbeatable location with scenic panoramas in every direction.
The Hermitage Hotel
4 star

Queenstown & The Lakes

An iconic hotel in an iconic destination, The Hermitage Hotel is the gateway to a quintessential New Zealand experience.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
4 star

Queenstown & The Lakes

Conveniently situated in the heart of town, just moments from Lake Wakatipu’s shores, this elegant and sophisticated hotel offers warm service and a fabulous location.
Alpine Resort Wanaka
3 plus star

Queenstown & The Lakes

These comfortable and modern apartments enjoy a central location, just a five minute drive from the centre of Wanaka and surrounded by mountain scenery.

WHAT TO DO IN QUEENSTOWN & THE LAKES

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, Queenstown & the Lakes are also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique way to experience the area’s natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

One day you might be navigating the Dart River on an exhilarating jet boat, the next admiring Queenstown from the dizzying heights of its cable car or even visiting the boutique wineries of Central Otago.Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your New Zealand holiday to life.
Skyline Queenstown Gondola
Attraction Ticket
Departs: Queenstown

Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola, the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, to revel in the ...

Routeburn Track Guided Hike
10 hours (7 hours walking)
Departs: Queenstown

The best way to experience New Zealand’s backcountry is on foot. Join a guided 10 mile hike along ...

Dart River Funyak Canoe & Jetboat Tour
8-9 hours
Departs: Queenstown

Embark on a spectacular wilderness jet boat, navigating the braided Dart River through iconic ...

Central Otago's Boutique Wineries
5½ hours
Departs: Queenstown

When you’ve had enough of jet boats, helicopters and bungee jumps, this premium small group wine ...

Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Nature Walk
3½ hours
Departs: Wanaka

Heading out with your guide to explore Lake Wānaka and its meandering bush walks, you will soon ...

Mount John Observatory Tour
2 hours
Departs: Lake Tekapo

Both beginners and keen astronomers will love this behind the scenes observatory adventure atop ...


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

Be inspired by our award winning team

Speak to a Travel Expert

We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 99% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.

Our travel centres are currently closed
Our phone lines are open at the following times:-

Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm (UK) : 9am-7pm (ROI)
Saturday & Bank Holidays: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm

For individual opening times please check your local travel centre

Submit an Enquiry

Request a call back from a Travel Expert at a time that suits you


Your travel plans on the go

Viewtrail phone example
  • View your up-to-date travel plans
  • Book online & manage your account
  • Flight details including baggage & seating
  • Update your contact information
  • Check visa & travel health requirements
  • Access to E-Vouchers
  • Trip Hub
Watch ViewTrail in Action viewtrail
ViewTrail - Your travel plans on the go

Additional Features in the App:

  • 365/24/7 emergency contact quick links
  • Location related features
  • Offline access to your travel plans
Order a Brochure

Our full range of brochures and the latest edition of the Trailfinder magazine are out now - get ahead of the rest and start planning your next escape.

Order Now
Get In Touch
Contact Us
uk.destination.new-zealand-and-the-pacific.new-zealand.queenstown-and-the-lakes