Queenstown International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Queenstown Airport is in Frankton, about 9 km north-east of the city's lakefront: by taxi the transfer takes about 15 minutes for 45 New Zealand dollars, while buses and shuttles take 20-30 minutes for about 10 dollars per person. Queenstown is a multi-layered tourist town: the lakefront in the centre, among restaurants and the boarding point for boats on Lake Wakatipu, is the right choice for those who want evening life on foot; Frankton and the Remarkables Park shopping centre, next to the airport, is better for dawn departures; the more isolated properties, such as those at Kawarau Falls, offer relaxation and lake views at the cost of an extra taxi ride to reach both the airport and the centre.

Frankton and Remarkables Park

Airport area · The Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park is about 350 metres from the terminal, 5 minutes on foot or by shuttle.

Best for: Departures before 7 and those travelling with family, with the supermarket, cinema and shops of the Remarkables Park shopping centre just steps away.

Pros

The closest of all to check-in: just a few minutes even on foot
Supermarket, cinema and shops of the Remarkables Park shopping centre right at hand

Cons

It's not the centre: for the lakefront and the city's restaurants you need 10-15 minutes by car or bus
Not to be confused with The Remarkables ski area, which is on a mountain 20-25 minutes along an unsealed road from the airport

Recommended hotels in this area

Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park: At 28 Red Oaks Drive, about 350 metres from the terminal; 182 rooms, the Giants restaurant and a lounge area with power outlets and Wi-Fi for those working during a layover.

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The lakefront and Queenstown's centre

City centre · 9 km from the airport: taxi about 15 minutes (45 NZD), bus or shuttle 20-30 minutes (10 NZD).

Best for: Those who want restaurants, bars and the boarding point for the historic TSS Earnslaw steamboat within walking distance, accepting 15-20 minutes from the airport.

Pros

Steamer Wharf, the lakeside promenade and Shotover Street within walking distance of the centre's hotels
Views of The Remarkables mountains and Lake Wakatipu directly from the rooms

Cons

A touristy area with higher prices and pedestrian streets crowded in high season
No fast direct link to the airport: a car, taxi or bus is always needed

Recommended hotels in this area

Crowne Plaza Queenstown by IHG: At 93 Beach Street, right opposite Steamer Wharf; 139 rooms with views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, a few minutes' walk from the centre.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside: On the corner of Earl Street and Marine Parade, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu about 100 metres from the city's shopping centre; 273 rooms with lake or garden views.

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Kawarau Falls

Neighbourhood · About 3.3 km from the airport (5-10 minutes by car) but 15-20 minutes from Queenstown's centre; no walking link to either one.

Best for: Those looking for a quiet lakeside resort, away from the centre's foot traffic, with no problem getting around by car or taxi.

Pros

Closer to the airport than to the city centre, but with the atmosphere of a lakeside resort
Spa, indoor pool and rooms all with a fireplace, designed for a relaxing stay rather than nightlife

Cons

Neither the centre nor the airport can be reached on foot: every trip requires a car
More isolated than the other two areas, so less suited to those who want to go out in the evening

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa: In the Kawarau Village complex, 79 Peninsula Road, with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu; 178 rooms all with a fireplace and the eforea spa with a 25-metre indoor pool.

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