Best Things to Do on Weekends with Cheap Flights to Queenstown
Hike Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill is located on the edge of the city centre and is one of the top attractions for visitors with return flights to Queenstown. The hill has a gentle slope, making the hike up to the summit a pleasant and easy walk. The full hike takes about an hour and a half and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area. Along the way, visitors with flights to Queenstown can see a variety of local flora and fauna, as well as the Basket of Dreams sculpture. The view from the top of Queenstown Hill is excellent, offering a panoramic view over the city and surrounding area to visitors with airfare to Queenstown.
Lake Wakatipu
This lake is easily recognised for its unique lightning bolt shape. It is also the third largest lake in New Zealand and stretches for about 75 kilometres (46.5 miles). Lake Wakatipu is also bordered by the impressive Remarkables mountain range. When you have return flights to Queenstown, spend some time at Lake Wakatipu to take in its beauty and serene atmosphere. The beautiful walk along the shores of Lake Wakatipu can be enjoyed no matter the time of year you have booked flights to Queenstown for. You could also experience the lake from another perspective by renting a paddle board or kayak or by taking a scenic cruise with views of Queenstown and the Southern Alps.
Skippers Canyon
Skippers Canyon is located about an hours’ drive from the CBD and makes for a great day excursion when you have plane tickets to Queenstown. The canyon is 22 kilometres (13.6 miles) long and surrounds the famous Shotover River. Historically, the region was one of the most prosperous gold mining locations in New Zealand. Today, visitors with cheap flights to Queenstown can visit Skippers Canyon to learn more about its history, go mountain biking along the challenging Skippers Road, or go white-water rafting along the Shotover River. All throughout Skippers Canyon, there are gorgeous views to enjoy when you have airfare to Queenstown.
Major Events and Festivals
Queenstown Winter Festival
For a long weekend each June, the city is captivated by the Queenstown Winter Festival. The event celebrates the diversity of the city and unofficially marks the beginning of winter in Queenstown. Visitors with flights to Queenstown can enjoy a varied programme of events, including fireworks, live music, comedy shows, and markets showcasing some of the local food. Visitors with return flights to Queenstown can even head to Cardona Alpine Resort, which joins in on the Winter Festival fun with snow tubing, a dog derby, and other winter-inspired activities.
Remarkables Market
If you plan flights to Queenstown between October and April, be sure to check out the Remarkables Market. It is held every Saturday during these months in Frankton’s Remarkables Park. The market features a variety of local vendors selling fresh produce and crafts, as well as made-to-order food and coffees. While wandering through Remarkables Market, you’ll also get to hear music from local artists and catch a stunning view of the mountains.
Winter Games NZ
If you are a fan of winter sports, plan your cheap flights to Queenstown for travel in late August or early September. During this time, Winter Games NZ takes over several of the mountains surrounding Queenstown. Events are held in a variety of sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, slalom, and ice hockey. Watch as some of the top winter sport athletes from around the world compete for top podium finishes.
Public Transport and How to Get Around after Flights to Queenstown
After you have arrived into Queenstown Airport (ZQN), you can catch a public bus into the city centre. The Orbus offers four routes from the airport and operates regularly throughout the day. If you’re heading into the CBD, catch bus route 1 toward Fernhill. Paper tickets to ride the Orbus cost $5 NZD; however, if you plan to take the bus several times, you’ll save money by purchasing a GoCard. This card costs $5 NZD and gives you $2 NZD fare on all of the Queenstown public buses. After arriving into central Queenstown, you can continue to travel by bus. Bus routes 1 and 2 offer service throughout the city and inner suburbs.
If you plan to explore the Queenstown region beyond the city, you could benefit by renting a car for your trip. With a rental car, you’ll have extra freedom to explore the national parks and mountains nearby. Rental cars can be booked through Webjet and are available to pick up from Queenstown Airport (ZQN).
