Lake Wakatipu, Otago, South Island
Queenstown
Queenstown is a lake and mountain resort town on Lake Wakatipu with its own airport, and the South Island's busiest base for adventure. It runs two seasons: summer for the lake, walking, wine and jet boats, and winter for skiing. It is also the starting point for Milford Sound, Glenorchy and Wānaka.
What creators film here
- Jet boating through river canyons, and the gondola above the town.
- Lake Wakatipu, with The Remarkables behind it.
- Arrowtown's gold-rush main street and the Gibbston Valley wineries.
- Skiing at the nearby ski areas in winter, and the lakeside road to Glenorchy.
When to come
December to March brings long summer evenings and the busiest lake season. The ski season runs roughly from mid-June to early October, depending on the ski area and the snow. Autumn colour around Arrowtown, usually in April, is quieter and very photogenic. Rooms run short in both peaks, so apply early.
Getting around on a hosted trip
Some creators fly into Queenstown directly from Australia or on a domestic flight from Auckland. Those flights are yours to book. We meet you at the airport with a private licensed vehicle, and activity days use private transport where agreed.
Filming notes
- Queenstown Airport sits in the middle of the basin. Assume no drone shots unless agreed in writing.
- Adventure operators set the rules for cameras and mounts. Ask before you strap anything on.
- Conservation land around the lakes is managed by DOC, and commercial filming there may need a concession.
On the ground