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Solo Travel in Queenstown – Our Top Tips

3 September 2023

Queenstown

What are the best activities to do in Queenstown by yourself?

Travel to Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand to breathe in the fresh alpine air, dive into first-class local shopping, and enjoy award-winning restaurant dining. These combined with some of the world’s best adrenaline activities make New Zealand one of the most amazing destinations for solo travel. Read on to see what you can discover alone in this incredible location.


Explore Queenstown’s natural wonderland

Image credit: Rad Car Hire

To fully appreciate the relaxing solitude of solo travel, Queenstown visitors can’t go wrong with the many options on offer. Meander along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, check out the Kiwi bird and over 20 more species of wildlife at the Kiwi Birdlife Park or explore the breathtaking scenery of Milford Sound with waterfalls and mountain peaks that reach for the heavens.

Enjoy a scenic ride high up on the Skyline Gondola for sweeping views over Queenstown. Continue on the Ben Lomond trail for a challenging hike with striking vistas over the town and Lake Wakatipu.
While you’re up here, why not take the fast way down the hill and try the Skyline Luge? Don’t let anyone hold you back as you race down two different tracks that overlook the Wakatipu basin.

Image credit: Skyline Queenstown

After a day of hiking, soothe your tired muscles and recharge your batteries with a soak in the Onsen Hot Pools. Enjoy private rooms with jaw-dropping views of New Zealand nature at its finest.


Enjoy shopping in Queenstown

Image credit: The Culture Trip

A trip to this incredible town isn’t complete without exploring the local craft markets – plus your favourite world-class brands. You’ll find plenty of high-end names, exclusive Kiwi labels, arts and crafts, markets, and shopping centres here. You can find the local Queenstown Markets on the lakefront at Earnslaw Park every Saturday.


Check out the nightlife

Image credit: Destinationless Travel

Queenstown has over 150 bars, restaurants, and cafes! As a solo traveller, you’ll find it easy to meet people while mingling around at night with a bit of liquid courage. Why not add a unique experience with amazing Instagram worthy shots to your itinerary? Grab a drink at one of Queenstown’s two Ice Bars – the Minus 5° Ice Bar and the Below Zero Ice Bar.

If you’re interested in craft beer and breweries and don’t want the hard work of choosing where to go, let someone else do all the work! Escape central Queenstown for an afternoon exploring the district’s unique craft breweries with Queenstown Beer Tours.


Great options for adventure seekers!

Image credit: QueenstownNZ

A trip to the Adventure Capital of the World wouldn’t be complete without ticking off at least one truly adrenaline-pumping experience! Here are just a few of our top picks to get the heart rate up.

  • Test your nerves at the Ledge’s Bungy or Swing from the top of Bob’s Peak.
  • Soar above Queenstown in a tandem paraglide from GForce Paragliding.
  • Take charge of a gravity-filled cart on the Skyline Luge.
  • Take an exhilarating jet boat ride over the Dart River, Shotover River, or Kawarau River.
  • Skydive amidst the Southern Alps.
  • Ski or snowboard at Coronet Peak or Remarkables.

Solo accommodation options in Queenstown

Image credit: YHA

Booking places to stay in Queenstown is easy. Search for a dorm bed, a shared room, or a single hotel room at the touch of a button. An easy way to compare accommodation by price per night and room style is to use a booking website, such as booking.com, or a travel booking app.

Some popular budget hotels in Queenstown are:

  • JUCY Snooze Queenstown
  • YHA Queenstown Lakefront
  • Hippo Lodge Backpackers
  • Haka Lodge Queenstown
  • Base Backpackers Queenstown
  • Nomads Queenstown Hostel

Travelling alone – transport options in Queenstown

Travelling to and from the airport or navigating Queenstown is as easy as ever. Hire a car, grab a taxi (or water taxi), hop on public transport (a bus or shuttle), order an Uber, or the cheap option – walk!

Once you’re in the city, you’ll find everything within walking distance. If you decide to book activities or tours outside the city limits, the tour company usually provide transport to the activity location.

Image credit: Trip.com

More tips for solo travellers

Budgeting and bookings for one person

For solo travellers sticking to a budget, you can get by on about $80NZD per day including food, and accommodation. To save money, utilise any cooking facilities at your accommodation or if you want a good deal on a restaurant, check out First Table’s website for 50% off select dining experiences at all the best restaurants around town!

Safety and communications

Queenstown is a safe destination for the lone traveller. The New Zealand police force maintains an active presence in the streets. Tourist-related theft can occasionally occur from break-ins of parked vehicles, so if you have hired a car, make sure to keep any valuables or important documents with you.

It’s good practice to let someone know the timeframe of your travel plans before you go. If you wish, accommodation staff or a trusted friend are a great point of contact if you expect to be out for a long time and you want someone to check up on you.

For emergencies, contact the New Zealand Police country-wide on 111 or visit the station in Queenstown at 11 Camp Street.

Image credit: Skyline Queenstown

Get excited about your trip to Queenstown!

Sign up to our email newsletter. We’ll send you local tips on what to do and see and what tours to take while you’re in the Queenstown and Otago region. We even have a list of the best things to do in Queenstown when the sun goes down. Browse for more incredible Queenstown, New Zealand holiday ideas on our Skyline blog. We’ll see you soon!

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