Comparison · Banff vs Queenstown · Canada / New Zealand
Banff vs Queenstown
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ethan Sahagun, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Banff for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake; choose Queenstown for Bungy jumping, Lake Wakatipu, lower day-to-day costs and a milder winter. Queenstown is generally less expensive, and the two are about 12,926 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 12,926 km
- Less expensive
- Queenstown
- Best time for Banff
- June–September
- Best time for Queenstown
- July–August and December–March
Side by side
| Banff | Queenstown | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Canada | New Zealand |
| Known for | Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Banff Gondola | Bungy jumping, Lake Wakatipu and Skiing |
| Best time to visit | June–September | July–August and December–March |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$450 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | January, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | January, -5°C (23°F) | July, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | YYC | ZQN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Banff for…
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Banff is a small town inside Banff National Park, Canada's first national park, about 130 km west of Calgary in the Rocky Mountains. Banff Avenue's hotels, restaurants and outfitters sit beneath Cascade Mountain, with the Banff Gondola, Upper Hot Springs and…
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Choose Queenstown for…
Bungy jumping, Lake Wakatipu, lower day-to-day costs and a milder winter. Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in Central Otago, ringed by the jagged Remarkables and other peaks of the Southern Alps. The compact town centre is packed with tour shops, restaurants and bars, and it is the base for bungy jumps, jetboats, the…
Top sights compared
| # | Banff | Queenstown |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Louise | Skyline Gondola and Luge |
| 2 | Moraine Lake | TSS Earnslaw cruise |
| 3 | Banff Gondola | Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge bungy |
| 4 | Banff Upper Hot Springs | Shotover Jet |
| 5 | Johnston Canyon | Queenstown Gardens |
Food compared
| Banff | Queenstown |
|---|---|
| Alberta beef | Gourmet burgers |
| Bison and elk | Central Otago pinot noir |
| Cheese fondue | Lamb |
| Poutine | Venison |
Which is cheaper?
Queenstown is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 per person there, against $250–$450 in Banff (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Queenstown on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 12,926 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 11 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Banff or Queenstown cheaper?
Queenstown is usually less expensive: about $180–$320 a day mid-range against $250–$450 (estimates).
+Is Banff or Queenstown better for a first trip?
Pick Banff for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, or Queenstown for Bungy jumping, Lake Wakatipu, lower day-to-day costs and a milder winter.
+How far is Banff from Queenstown?
About 12,926 km in a straight line.