Flying
Queenstown is a 45-minute flight from Christchurch International Airport with flights operating several times a day between these two destinations. There are also regular domestic flights from other New Zealand cities into Queenstown.

Some international flights from Australia arrive directly into Queenstown.

Eichardt's can organise helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft charters from Christchurch. E-mail us for more information or to make a booking.

Driving
It is a comfortable five to six hour drive from Christchurch by limousine or hire car. You may choose to take a day to travel at a relaxed pace. The route takes in the Canterbury Plains; mountain passes; views of Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak; and through the plains of the Mackenzie Country in the hinterland.

Driving instructions

Transfers
Queenstown Airport. Hire cars and taxis are available at the airport. The airport is around 10 minutes from Eichardt's.

What to bring
Eichardt's is an elegant, upscale establishment where guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy their surroundings without the restrictions of a formal dress code. Queenstown is a four-season resort so include sunscreen, sunglasses and bathing costumes in the summer and warm clothing for the winter. The weather can vary at any time of the year, so it is a good idea to have warm and wet weather gear on hand. We recommended that guests bring walking shoes for bush walks and remember that it is a mountain climate, which means that temperatures can vary during the day, so be ready to pull on a jersey if a sou'wester blows up one afternoon in January!

Climate
Summer (December to February) is characterised by long, hot and dry days varying from 19-29°C (66-84°F), with warm lingering evenings which don't fade until after 10pm. Ideal for outdoor dining and twilight boating.

Autumn (March to May) offers warm days of 15-25°C (59-77°F) and cooler nights as the hillsides turn deep golden with the changing of the trees' foliage.

Winter (June to August) sees crisp clear days of 5-10°C (41-50°F) with powder snow on the five local resorts, followed by cold nights where open log fires beckon.

Spring (September to November) days are delightful, with temperatures 9-15°C (48-59°F) to accompany the late season skiing and flush of new growth in alpine valleys.

Electricity
230/240 volts, 50 hertz. International adaptors are available.

Health
Queenstown has a full range of health services for medical and pharmacy requirements, alongside all the other resort facilities.

Time difference
Queenstown is ahead of these locations by around (this) many hours. US west coast (20), US east coast (17), UK (12), Europe (11), South Africa (10), Australia east coast (2), Hong Kong (4). Please click here to find out your exact time difference.