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🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: NZD 150/day🚶 Very Walkable☀️ Best: Jan, Feb, Mar

Our pick for backpackers

Stay in Frankton

Offers more affordable accommodation and is close to the airport and essential services.

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Queenstown

1

Frankton

Budget

A developing area focused on retail, amenities, and transport links, slightly outside the main bustle.

familiesbudgetdigital nomadsfirst-timers
  • +More affordable accommodation options
  • +Close proximity to the airport and major shopping
  • +Quieter than the city center
  • -Less charming and atmospheric
  • -Requires transport to access central Queenstown attractions
🏨 Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central🏨 Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road🏨 Quest Frankton
2

Fernhill

Budget

A residential area offering more space and tranquility with elevated views, a short drive from the center.

familiescouplesbudgetnature lovers
  • +Quieter and more relaxed atmosphere
  • +Often more affordable than the city center
  • +Access to walking tracks and nature
  • -Requires transportation to reach central Queenstown
  • -Fewer dining and shopping options within walking distance
🏨 Bella Vista Motel Queenstown🏨 Alpine Village🏨 The Dairy Private Hotel
3

Queenstown City Centre

Mid-range

The bustling heart of Queenstown, packed with shops, restaurants, and waterfront access.

first-timerscouplesfoodiesnightlife
  • +Central location with easy access to everything
  • +Abundant dining and entertainment options
  • +Stunning lake and mountain views
  • -Can be very crowded, especially during peak season
  • -Parking can be difficult and expensive
🏨 The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments🏨 Novotel Queenstown Lakeside🏨 QT Queenstown
4

Arthur's Point

Mid-range

A semi-rural area nestled along the Shotover River, known for adventure activities and stunning scenery.

adventure seekerscouplesnature lovers
  • +Spectacular natural scenery and river access
  • +Close to adventure activity operators
  • +More peaceful and less tourist-dense than the center
  • -Limited amenities and dining within walking distance
  • -Requires transport for most Queenstown activities and shopping
🏨 Eichardt's Private Hotel🏨 Sherwood Queenstown🏨 Shotover Lodge

Daily Budget (Budget)

NZD 150/day

Absoloot Queenstown Hostel dorm bedNZD 40
Sandwich and coffee from FergbakerNZD 15
Walking around town and to nearby trailsNZD 0
Hike Queenstown Hill for panoramic viewsNZD 0
Explore Queenstown Gardens and the waterfrontNZD 0
Fish and chips from Erik's Fish and ChipsNZD 25
Ride the Skyline Gondola (budget option: walk up)NZD 48
Budget-friendly meal from FergburgerNZD 22
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Queenstown

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🍜

Fergburger

Okay, this one is famous, but the *experience* of queuing with locals and getting your hands on one of these legendary burgers is a quintessential Queenstown ritual many tourists still miss out on due to the hype. Be prepared for a wait, but it's worth it.

foodQueenstown Central
⚠️

1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Queenstown

More Queenstown Guides

Full Queenstown guideAreas to avoid👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers