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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 August 2026.
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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: £4,579 pp

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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: £4,279 pp

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South Island Discovery
Motorhome
18 days / 17 nights

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

Guide Price: £2,599 pp

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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: £5,149 pp

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Highlights of New Zealand
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
15 days / 14 nights

Two weeks is barely enough time to thoroughly explore your hometown, let alone a place as fascinating as New Zealand.

Guide Price: £3,178 pp

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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: £8,179 pp

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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
Resting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps, New Zealand’s adventure capital makes for the ultimate base for outdoor adventure. It is also the gateway to a number of New Zealand icons such as Milford Sound and the surrounding Fiordland and lake region, making it an ideal base on a South Island stay.
Wanaka
Wanaka
Located just over an hour’s drive from its cosmopolitan sister Queenstown, beautiful Wānaka offers a relaxed lakeside ambience and slower pace of life, with quaint cafés and boutiques lining its lakefront boulevard. A genuine alpine town easily recognised by its iconic tree in the lake, this scenic area is not to be missed.
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, including Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, this small village offers a peaceful escape amongst breathtaking scenery. Come nightfall, the views remain spectacular with its incredible stargazing opportunities.
Aoraki /Mount Cook
Aoraki /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. Easily accessible by a stay in Aoraki/ Mount Cook Village overlooking Lake Pukaki or as a day trip from further afield, this national park is a must on a New Zealand itinerary.
Gibbston Valley
Gibbston Valley
Located in the heart of Central Otago wine country, Gibbston Valley is home to award winning wineries, restaurants, boutique accommodation and the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge. Often referred to as ‘Valley of the Vines’, the Gibbston Valley is one of the most scenic wine producing regions in New Zealand.
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.
voco Queenstown
4 star

Queenstown & The Lakes

Located just a short stroll from the lakefront and Queenstown’s lively town centre, this property is the ideal base for exploring the town and surrounding area.
Edgewater
4 star

Queenstown & The Lakes

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

Queenstown & The Lakes

This comfortable hotel provides a convenient base to explore nearby Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook National Park.
Crowne Plaza Queenstown
4 star

Queenstown & The Lakes

Nestled in the beauty of Queenstown’s mountains and lakes this hotel has a vibrant atmosphere and a fantastic central location.
QT Queenstown
4 plus star

Queenstown & The Lakes

Modern and stylish, the QT offers a playful vibe that perfectly reflects Queenstown’s fun atmosphere, as well as an epic location for admiring the surrounding scenery.
The Central Private Hotel
4 plus star

Queenstown & The Lakes

A unique hotel situated on the edge of central Queenstown, this boutique property is nearby many brilliant dining, shopping and entertainment experiences.

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 ...

Mount Aspiring Wilderness Adventure
4 hours
Departs: Wanaka

New Zealand is the home of jet boating and the Matukituki River shallows provide the longest jet ...

Central Otago's Boutique Wineries
5.5 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
3.5 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 ...


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