Home › Queenstown › Costs
Is Queenstown expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes, Queenstown is one of the most expensive places in New Zealand, mainly because adventure activities and scenic trips are pricey. A budget day is about NZ$155 per person, mid-range about NZ$430 and comfort about NZ$1,130. Activities are the biggest cost, followed by beds; prices include GST and tipping is not expected.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | NZ$60 | NZ$160 | NZ$450 |
| Food & drink | NZ$40 | NZ$80 | NZ$180 |
| Sights & tickets | NZ$40 | NZ$150 | NZ$400 |
| Local transport | NZ$15 | NZ$40 | NZ$100 |
| Per person, per day | NZ$155 | NZ$430 | NZ$1,130 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Queenstown day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Fergburger | about NZ$15-20 |
| Skyline Gondola | about NZ$60-80 |
| TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak, return | about NZ$80-100 |
| Shotover Jet | about NZ$150+ |
| Kawarau Bridge bungy | about NZ$200+ |
| Milford Sound coach and cruise | about NZ$200-250 |
| Hostel double in central Queenstown | NZ$120-200 |
| Mid-range double in town or Fernhill | NZ$250-400 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Adventure activities take the largest share: a bungy, a jet-boat ride and a Milford Sound trip can together cost NZ$550 or more per person. Accommodation is the second big cost, with hostels and simple doubles at about NZ$120-200 and lake-view hotels NZ$250-400, rising in peak summer and ski season. Eating out is pricey compared with Europe, though supermarkets and takeaways help.
When it is cheaper
Spring (October to November) and late autumn (May) are the quietest, with rooms and some activity packages noticeably cheaper than in December-February or the ski season (June to September).
How to spend less
- Climb Queenstown Hill or walk the Tiki Trail for free views instead of the gondola.
- Pick one or two signature adventures rather than many.
- Look for combo deals on gondola, luge and activity packages.
- Self-drive to Milford Sound and book only the cruise, if you are comfortable on mountain roads.
- Cook in hostel or apartment kitchens; supermarkets are much cheaper than restaurants.
- Book activities early in your stay so weather cancellations can be rebooked without extra nights.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
How much does a day in Queenstown cost?
About NZ$155 per person on a budget, NZ$430 mid-range and NZ$1,130 for comfort, with activities the biggest cost.
How much is a bungy jump in Queenstown?
The Kawarau Bridge bungy costs about NZ$200 or more; the higher Nevis Bungy costs more.
Do I need to tip in Queenstown?
No, tipping is not expected in New Zealand, and prices include GST.