---
title: "Queenstown, New Zealand"
description: "Alpine adventure amidst spectacular peaks and pristine Lake Wakatipu"
url: "https://weddings.help/en/luna-de-miel/queenstown"
canonical: "https://weddings.help/en/luna-de-miel/queenstown"
lang: "en"
type: "honeymoon"
destination: "Queenstown, New Zealand"
source: "weddings.help"
---

# Queenstown, New Zealand

> Alpine adventure amidst spectacular peaks and pristine Lake Wakatipu

## About the destination

Queenstown is the premier alpine honeymoon destination of the Southern Hemisphere. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the soaring peaks of The Remarkables, it offers pure romance mixed with majestic nature. Landing by helicopter on snow-capped glaciers, soaking in private outdoor cedar hot tubs, and sipping world-class Pinot Noir wines make Queenstown unforgettable.

## Scores (0-10)

- **Overall**: 9.6
- **Romance**: 9
- **Adventure**: 10
- **Nature**: 10
- **Culture**: 8
- **Food**: 9

## Indicative budget

- **Average return flight**: 1200 € per person
- **Accommodation per night**: 190 €
- **Daily expenses**: 70 € per person

## When to go

- **Best months**: December to March (Southern summer with long warm days) or June to August (Snow & skiing)

### Pros

- Stunning alpine environment featuring fjords, snow-capped peaks, and ancient beech forests
- Super luxury mountain lodges with private outdoor hot tubs overlooking the lake
- Diverse activities ranging from glacier helicopter flights and wine tours to tranquil lakeside walks

### Cons

- Long long-haul flight times with layovers from Europe and North America
- Higher activity and transport costs reflecting the destination's premium nature

## 15-day itinerary

### Day 1 — Arrival in Queenstown

Arrival at Queenstown airport surrounded by The Remarkables mountain range. Transfer to a lakefront alpine lodge.

### Day 2 — Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak

Scenic gondola ride offering 360-degree views over Lake Wakatipu and the city, followed by a panoramic lunch.

### Day 3 — Historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise

Romantic vintage steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ dinner.

### Day 4 — Glacier Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

Private helicopter flight over the Southern Alps with an exclusive glacier snow landing and champagne toast.

### Day 5 — Central Otago Wine Trail

Private wine tour tasting world-famous Gibbston Valley Pinot Noirs, followed by a winery lunch.

### Day 6 — Historic Arrowtown Exploration

Charming stroll through 19th-century gold rush miner cottages and boutique artisanal cafes.

### Day 7 — Onsen Hot Pools Experience

Soaking in a private cedar hot tub perched high on a cliffside overlooking the dramatic Shotover River canyon.

### Day 8 — Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Excursion

Scenic flight over alpine peaks into Milford Sound followed by a nature cruise beneath giant waterfalls and cliff walls.

### Day 9 — Glenorchy & Paradise Valley Scenic Drive

Road trip along the breathtaking lake route to Glenorchy for walks through Middle-earth landscapes.

### Day 10 — Shotover Jet Boat Adventure

Thrilling yet smooth jet boat ride skimming past towering rock walls along the Shotover River canyon.

### Day 11 — Moke Lake Relaxation & Picnic

Peaceful afternoon at a hidden glacial lake reflecting snow-capped peaks in tranquil surroundings.

### Day 12 — Day Trip to Wanaka & That Wanaka Tree

Scenic drive over Crown Range Road to Wanaka town and photographing the famous lone willow tree in the lake.

### Day 13 — Alpine Horse Trekking

Guided horseback ride crossing pristine glacial rivers and meadows at the base of alpine peaks.

### Day 14 — Farewell Fine Dining Dinner

High-end culinary evening featuring tender New Zealand lamb paired with local reserve wines.

### Day 15 — Farewell to New Zealand

Final lakeside walks, local merino wool shopping, and airport transfer for your flight home.

## Good to know

- Lake Wakatipu is shaped like a lightning bolt and features a unique rhythmic internal 'tide' (seiche) raising and lowering water levels by 12 cm every 27 minutes.
- Queenstown is globally recognized as the adventure capital of the world and gateway to the majestic fiords of Milford Sound.

## Links

- [Web version of this guide](https://weddings.help/en/luna-de-miel/queenstown)