Queenstown Beach

Queenstown Beach showing kayaking or canoeing, a lake or waterhole and bird life
Surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery, this urban beach on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu is a destination for swimming, water sports and jet boating.

Spend a day enjoying water sports and dining with unbeatable views at Queenstown Beach. This small beach is at the water’s edge of Queenstown’s town centre on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown Beach is a short strip of sand and shingle beach, framed by a lush green lawn that’s ideal for those that don’t want to get sand in their shoes.

The beach is perfect to enjoy on one of Queenstown’s long summer days, when the sun stays up until late in the evening. Lay down a towel and bask in the sunshine and take a swim in the cool, shallow water. Admire the views of jagged mountain peaks, such as Mount Nicholas and Walter Peak. In winter months, heavy snowfall on the mountains makes the views even more spectacular.

Go to the Main Pier, at the northern edge of the beach, to find tour operators and water sport centres. Rent aqua bikes, kayaks, paddleboats and stand-up paddleboards to explore the lake at your own pace. Half- and full-day guided kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours are also possible. While you are on the water, visit neighbourhoods on Lake Wakatipu, including Kelvin Heights and Sunshine Bay.

Sign up for one of the jet boat rides that depart from the pier. Zip across the lake and along the Kawarau and Shotover rivers at speeds of up to 85 kilometres (53 miles) per hour. Experience 360-degree spins and catch a glimpse of the surrounding mountain landscape. Change the pace and join fishing excursions to cast a line into the lake for salmon and trout.

Running behind the Main Pier is Beach Street, a commercial zone lined with bars, restaurants and shops. Eat and drink at Chinese and Indian restaurants, pubs and an ice bar. Browse the work of local artists at independent galleries. Nearby is The Mall where you will find a range of bars and restaurants.

Queenstown Beach is just a short walk from the accommodation options located in Queenstown’s town centre. Parking is available for a fee on the town centre streets. At the southern end of the beach is a path that connects to pretty Queenstown Gardens.

Popular places to visit


Top Queenstown Beach Hotel Deals

Pinewood Lodge
Pinewood Lodge
3 out of 5
48 Hamilton Road, Queenstown
Pinewood Lodge
Ramada Queenstown Central
Ramada Queenstown Central
4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Ramada Queenstown Central
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
4 out of 5
Corner of Earl and Marine Parade, Queenstown
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
LyLo Queenstown
LyLo Queenstown
5 out of 5
47 Camp Street, Queenstown
LyLo Queenstown
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
4.5 out of 5
34 Lake Esplanade, Queenstown
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Heritage Queenstown
Heritage Queenstown
4.5 out of 5
91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
Heritage Queenstown
Kamana Lakehouse
Kamana Lakehouse
4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
Kamana Lakehouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.