Question 1

How are the Queenstown Top 10 lists ranked?

Accepted Answer

Each list is ranked independently using real Google review ratings and review volume, sense-checked by people on the ground in the Wakatipu basin. We are not pay-to-rank — businesses can't buy a higher position. Lists are kept current for 2026.

Question 2

What's the number one thing to do in Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

The Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak is the iconic first stop for its panoramic Lake Wakatipu and Remarkables views, the luge and the Stratosfare buffet. For adventure, the original AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge bungy and the Shotover Jet are the bucket-list classics.

Question 3

How do I get around Queenstown without a rental car?

Accepted Answer

Use the $4 flat-fare Orbus network (tap on with a Bee Card), Super Shuttle for airport transfers from Queenstown Airport (ZQN), the Snowline ski buses in winter, lake water taxis, and rideshare apps. Queenstown's town centre is also very walkable.

Question 4

What are the best free things to do in Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

The lakefront walk, Queenstown Gardens, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, Bob's Cove, the Lake Hayes loop and the Arrowtown heritage trail are all free. You can also watch the bungy jumpers off Kawarau Bridge for nothing.

Question 5

When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

Winter (June–October) is ski season for Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona. Summer (December–February) is best for hiking, biking, lake swimming and Central Otago wine. Autumn brings golden Arrowtown colours; spring is quieter and great value.

Question 6

Can I advertise my Queenstown business on Best Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Local businesses can take a featured placement at the top of their category, a sponsored slot on the homepage, or a network-wide campaign across all four NZ City Guides cities (Queenstown, Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua). Sponsorships are flexible and monthly, and everything is enquiry-based — send the form on our Advertise page and we'll share current availability for your category.

Question 7

How do I get featured or listed higher in the rankings?

Accepted Answer

The editorial Top 10 rankings can't be bought — positions are earned on editorial judgement and on-the-ground checks. We publish no star ratings or review counts of our own. Advertising is kept separate and clearly labelled: featured and sponsored placements sit alongside the independent lists so readers always know what's paid. To enquire about a featured spot, visit our Advertise page.

Question 8

Who is behind these Best Queenstown guides?

Accepted Answer

Best Queenstown is part of the independent NZ City Guides network, curated by Amit Sharma — an award-winning New Zealand marketer. The network is supported by genuine partners and Amit's free tools, which keeps the guides free and independent.

Best of Arrowtown, Queenstown 2026

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