10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Queenstown 🍽️ [2024]

Where to Find Self-Contained Accommodations and Stays with Kitchens in Queenstown

Any savvy traveller knows that a surefire way to save the dough on a getaway is to cook their own meals, especially in a place like Queenstown. On the other hand, you might like the peace of mind that comes with being in charge of your own meals. Either way, we’ll hook you up with a range of self-contained and alternative stays with kitchens in this list of the best self-catering accommodations in Queenstown.

While you’re here, don’t miss the 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown and The Complete Guide to Queenstown.

1. Garden Court Suites & Apartments

Offering a variety of studios and apartments at an affordable price, Garden Court Suites & Apartments is an excellent choice for the budget-conscious traveller. All rooms have a fully-equipped kitchen and a choice of balcony or courtyard. What’s more, you’re only a short stroll from town so you won’t have to carry your groceries far, as well as have access to Queenstown’s array of eateries.

Check Garden Court Suites & Apartments out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Queenstown

2. Villa Del Lago

For travellers wishing to have full access to a private kitchen, it doesn’t get much better than Villa Del Lago. The serviced luxury apartments have an elevated location on Frankton Road, about a 25-minute walk from the town centre. Each apartment has a full kitchen where guests can pick fresh herbs from the herb garden to accompany their homemade dishes. Enjoy warm nights in by the real-flame gas fires or summer evenings with a glass of wine on your balcony or patio. Note that apartments are on multiple levels and only accessible by stairs, but there is free parking, WiFi and ski storage lockers included in your stay.

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3. Whistler Holiday Apartments

Another fantastic home-away-from-home experience awaits at Whistler Holiday Apartments. Although the apartment accommodation is on the edge of town, it’s only 10 minutes’ walk to the town centre. The one-bedroom apartments are suitable for three guests with a bedroom and sofa bed in the lounge, while the two-bedroom apartments will suit a group of four or five with a queen bed, two singles and a sofa bed. Each apartment has modern decor, a kitchen, a bathroom and a balcony with outdoor furniture. Compare plenty more self-catering apartments in the 15 BEST Holiday Apartments in Queenstown.

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4. Heritage Queenstown

Crafted from schist stone and cedar, Heritage Queenstown embraces the alpine theme. Experience the best of both worlds by staying in one of the “Suites” with a full and functional kitchen, lounge and separate bedrooms, as well as the choice of cosy dining by the fire in the Mackenzies Restaurant. The restaurant serves up cuisine to suit all tastes, including an innovative kids’ menu supported by the Heart Foundation with healthy meals and a sugar-free dessert. See more hotels like this in the 15 Best Family Accommodations in Queenstown.

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5. Absoloot Hostel QT

You can’t do any more central or a better price than Absoloot! Positioned on the lakefront in downtown Queenstown, it could be argued that this hostel has the best views in town. What’s more, Absoloot comes with free WiFi, well-maintained facilities (including a large communal kitchen with lake views) and friendly staff to help you get the most from your stay. Choose between staying in shared dorms with privacy curtains or opt for one of the private double or family rooms. For more hostels, all of which have communal kitchens, check out the 14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown.

Check Absoloot Hostel QT out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Queenstown 🍽️ [2023]

6. The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments

Treat your loved one or family to five-star luxury and an amazing lakefront location at The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments. While hotel rooms are available for solo travellers or couples, most of the accommodation options at The Rees consist of luxury apartments with separate bedrooms, a lounge, a full kitchen and multiple bathrooms. Although guests can enjoy nights in thanks to the high-quality kitchens available in most rooms, don’t miss the award-winning cuisine served at the True South Dining Room. Discover more hotel-style stays in the 25 Best Hotels in Queenstown.

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7. Peppers Beacon Queenstown

An idyllic lakeside location and only five minutes walk from town, Peppers Beacon is a dreamy choice for just about any traveller including foodies looking for a space to entertain. However large your tribe, you’ll find the right fit with a wealth of two to five-bedroom apartments available. Many of the apartments and penthouses have schist stone fireplaces and a full kitchen complete with an espresso machine and more. For more upscale stays like this, also check out the 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Queenstown.

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8. Amity Serviced Apartments

Enjoy your own space and your own kitchen facilities at the affordably-priced at Amity Serviced Apartments. The budget apartments offer one and two-bedroom apartments with the option of with or without a mountain view. The apartments offer free on-site parking, not that you’ll need to use your car too often with free bike hire available and the town being a short stroll away.

Check Amity Serviced Apartments out:

9. Melbourne Lodge Bed & Breakfast

Fantastic location, spectacular views and all for an affordable price, Melbourne Lodge offers rooms that are especially good value for money. Although breakfast is included in your stay, there’s a communal kitchen for sprucing up your remaining meals. There’s also free WiFi and free off-street parking available plus shared bathroom, lounge and sundeck facilities. Book well ahead to get the best rates. For more B&B options ideal for couples, take a look at the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Queenstown.

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10. Driftaway Queenstown

A flashy new holiday park on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Driftaway Queenstown offers cheap cabins, self-contained units and camping facilities for campervans and tents. The cabins sleep up to three and have their own breakfast-making facilities and ensuite bathroom, while the communal kitchen, laundry and games rooms will handle all of your other needs. Otherwise, have at least some of those needs at your fingertips with the self-contained studios and villas also available. Note that this cheap accommodation is located in the Frankton suburb, a short drive (or bus ride) from Queenstown town centre – but closer to the largest supermarkets compared to many on this list of the best self-catering accommodations in Queenstown. Check out alternative yet affordable stays like this in the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Queenstown.

Check Driftaway Queenstown out:

Driftaway Queenstown on Booking.com

More About Self-Catering Accommodations Queenstown

That’s it for our list of the best self-catering accommodations in Queenstown, but it’s by no means the end of our expert travel advice! Check out these articles for more inspiration for your trip:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Queenstown.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin C.

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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