How We Save Money in Queenstown (From a Local's Perspective)
If you've never visited Queenstown before, it's easy to think everything here comes with a premium price tag. While there are certainly plenty of luxury experiences, living here for over 23 years has taught us where you can enjoy the very best of Queenstown without spending a fortune.
At Inside Out Property Management, we're not just here to provide beautiful Queenstown accommodation—we love helping our guests experience Queenstown like a local.
Here are a few of our favourite money-saving tips that we share with friends, family and guests.
🍽️ Save on Dining with First Table
One of the best-kept secrets for visitors is First Table.
Many of Queenstown's most popular restaurants offer up to 50% off food when you book the first table of the evening (or sometimes lunch). You simply pay a small booking fee, and the savings on your meal can be significant—especially if you're travelling as a family or group.
We've personally used First Table many times, and it's a fantastic way to experience restaurants that might otherwise be outside your budget.
Some of our favourite participating restaurants often include everything from casual local favourites to premium dining experiences, but availability changes regularly, so it's always worth checking.
Local tip: If you're staying for a few nights, book your First Table reservations before you arrive, particularly during winter and school holidays.
🎿 Book Your Activities Through Bookme
This is probably the tip we recommend most often.
Before booking any Queenstown activity, check Bookme first.
You'll often find discounts on some of Queenstown's most popular experiences, including:
Skyline Gondola & Luge
Jet boating
Scenic cruises
Wildlife experiences
Wine tours
Family attractions
Adventure activities
Hot pools
Day trips
The discounts change daily, so flexibility can really pay off.
We've seen guests save hundreds of dollars simply by checking Bookme before booking.
❄️ Visit Ayrburn
One place we always recommend is Ayrburn.
Whether you're visiting in summer or winter, it's become one of our favourite places to spend an afternoon or evening.
During winter, Ayrburn transforms into a beautiful alpine destination with:
Winter lights
Ice skating
Outdoor fires
Great restaurants
Beautiful gardens
Mountain views
Even if you don't dine there, it's worth visiting simply to soak up the atmosphere.
☕ Have Breakfast at Your Holiday Home
One of the biggest advantages of booking a Queenstown holiday home instead of a hotel is having your own kitchen.
We usually recommend grabbing supplies from the supermarket when you arrive and enjoying breakfast at your accommodation before heading out for the day.
Not only does it save money, but it's also a much more relaxed way to start your morning—especially when you're travelling with kids.
🚶 Explore Queenstown on Foot
Some of Queenstown's best experiences don't cost anything at all.
Our favourites include:
Queenstown Gardens
Bob's Cove
Lake Hayes Walkway
Sunshine Bay
Arrowtown River Trail
Kelvin Heights Peninsula Walk
Moke Lake
These are the places locals enjoy just as much as visitors.
Stay Somewhere That Feels Like Home
After a busy day exploring Queenstown, there's nothing better than returning to your own holiday home.
Inside Out Property Management offers professionally managed Queenstown holiday homes, apartments and family accommodation throughout Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown.
Our homes give you the flexibility to cook meals, do your washing, relax with family and enjoy a more comfortable stay than a traditional hotel room.
Our Favourite Local Winter Day
If we were planning the perfect affordable winter day, it would look something like this:
☕ Breakfast at your holiday home
🚠 Book a discounted activity through Bookme
🚶 Walk through Queenstown Gardens or Arrowtown
⛸️ Visit Ayrburn for ice skating and the winter lights
🍽️ Finish the evening with a First Table booking at one of Queenstown's fantastic restaurants
It's a simple itinerary that lets you experience some of the best of Queenstown while making your holiday budget go further.
Book Your Queenstown Holiday Direct
Whether you're visiting for skiing, sightseeing, a family holiday or simply a relaxing escape, we'd love to help you experience Queenstown like a local.
Browse our collection of professionally managed Queenstown holiday homes and apartments, enjoy genuine local recommendations and book direct with Inside Out Property Management.
Stay local. Save on fees. Experience Queenstown Inside & Out.