Can You Visit Queenstown On A Budget?

Queenstown is the undisputed adventure capital of New Zealand, and the country’s top destination for tourists. This stunning lakeside town and ski resort destination is located in the foothills of the Southern Alps, with an incredible selection of activities, ranging from bungy jumping and skiing to hiking, cycling and more. With its vibrant nightlife, gorgeous mountain views and eclectic restaurants and cafes, Queenstown has something for everyone.

While there are plenty of expensive activities on offer in Queenstown, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to experience the beauty of this special part of the world. Here we outline some great ways to explore Queenstown on a budget.

Take a Free Tour

One of the best ways to explore Queenstown on a budget is to take a free tour. The Queenstown Free Walking Tour runs daily from 11am – 12:30pm and takes you through the idyllic downtown core and lakeside area, giving you a great overview of Queenstown’s history & culture as well as revealing its hidden gems. The tour discusses the past, present & future of Queenstown, from Maori settlement to its status as one of New Zealand’s top adventure destinations.

Explore on Foot or by Bike

Queenstown is set amongst breathtaking lakes and majestic mountains, so why not take a walk or hire a bike to explore? The water’s edge provides great opportunities for leisurely strolls, and you can even take a longer route and soak up the views of Lake Wakatipu, Mt Stbatha, the Remarkables Range and Queenstown Hill. If you don’t feel like walking, then hop onto some wheels – hire a bike from one of the many rental outlets in the area and cruise around town.

Visit the Local Markets

Queenstown’s local markets offer a great opportunity to take in the local culture at a budget price tag. Head down every Saturday morning to Earnslaw Park or enjoy what’s on offer during Twilight Market in The Mall every Wednesday during summer. Here you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and art to artisan cheeses, soups, street food and more! Make sure you get there early to grab a good variety of food, souvenirs and unique local items.

Hunt for a Bargain on Beach Street

Beach Street is an ideal area for shopping with its array of clothing stores, second-hand boutiques, retro furniture stores and souvenir shops. Here you will surely find just about anything for an affordable price. Plus, if you come during winter you may spot the occasional street performer who adds to the atmosphere of this historic little street.

Catch Public Transport

If you plan on travelling around Queenstown and its surrounds, then taking public transport is one of the cheapest options available. Hop on one of the frequent connections between Glenorchy and Queenstown on either the local bus or water taxi. The buses are also an easy way to get to surrounding ski resorts during winter, so it’s definitely worth considering when you plan your trip!

Take Part in Free Activities

Queenstown offers plenty of free activities that allow visitors to explore the gorgeous scenery without spending a penny. Take your pick from hiking trails around Lake Wakatipu, walking along Bob’s Cove beach or simply exploring the many scenic lookouts around town. Of course, there are also plenty of activities outside of town that are within easy reach if you have your own vehicle or are willing to take bespoke tours for a fee. For example, head out towards Coronet Peak for some winter snow fun or Wainui Falls for some summer excitement!

Explore Queenstown on a Hosted Bar Crawl

Take your Queenstown nightlife experience to another level and explore some of Queenstown’s best bars with Queenstown: Hosted Bar Crawl with Games and Drink Discounts. Enjoy exclusive travel games with your fellow travellers as well as drink specials in some of Queenstown’s top bar and pub locations. The hosted bar crawl is the perfect way to wrap up your day in the stunning Lakes District while still keeping within your budget!

So as you can see, there are plenty of ways to enjoy what Queenstown has to offer without breaking the bank – from free activities like walking and biking to bargain shopping and hosted bar crawls. With so much on offer in this stunning part of the world, you can be sure to find plenty ways of enjoying Queenstown on a budget!