--- description: Find out why Queenstown, New Zealand is on TIME's list of the world's greatest places of 2022. title: Queenstown, New Zealand: World's Greatest Places 2022 image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt15ed3bb597ac0a9b/698a338316d8847815c3acf6/Worlds-Greatest-Places-2022-QueenstownNewZealand.jpeg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 --- Jul 12, 2022 # Queenstown, New Zealand High-flying adventure by Yulia Denisyuk  Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand.Lisa Wiltse—The New York Times/Redux Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on South Island, Queens­town is both a destination in its own right and a fantastic base to explore the region’s diverse landscapes. With the resumption of flights from Qantas and Air New Zealand, travelers coming to Queens­town can finally check in to a new luxury boutique hotel, [the Carlin](https://thecarlinhotel.com/ "undefined"), with extraordinary views of the lake and city below. High rollers can opt for the Skyhome suite—its seven bedrooms make up the largest penthouse in the southern hemisphere. For groups, [Homes & Villas by Marriott](https://news.marriott.com/news/2022/06/14/homes-villas-by-marriott-international-lands-in-australia-and-new-zealand "undefined") launched in June, offering stylish multi­bedroom apartments and houses. [Kingpin Queenstown](https://www.kingpinplay.com/en-nz/venues/new-zealand/queenstown "undefined"), a new entertainment complex with a restaurant and bar, bowling, and escape rooms, will greet tourists returning after a two-year pandemic hiatus. Three premier hikes of the [Great Walks](https://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/great-walks-of-new-zealand/ "undefined") system—including New Zealand’s most famous walk, the [Milford Track](https://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/milford-track/ "undefined")—are within a couple of hours’ driving distance. The system of trails turns 30 this year, leading hikers through the mountain peaks, valleys, and waterfalls of the Fiordland National Park. And for oenophiles, ­Invivo (the winemakers behind [Sarah Jessica Parker’s sauvignon blanc and rosé](https://invivowines.com/product-category/sjp-range/ "undefined")) is launching the [world’s first winery airline](https://invivowines.com/invivo-launches-invivo-air/ "undefined"): a two-hour charter service from Auckland to Queens­town later this year, with a visit to South Island’s wine growers included in the fare. 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