Comparison · Interlaken vs Queenstown · Switzerland / New Zealand
Interlaken 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: Rectilinium, CC0
Quick answer
Choose Interlaken for Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen valley; choose Queenstown for Bungy jumping, Lake Wakatipu and lower day-to-day costs. Queenstown is generally less expensive, and the two are about 18,521 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 18,521 km
- Less expensive
- Queenstown
- Best time for Interlaken
- June–September
- Best time for Queenstown
- July–August and December–March
Side by side
| Interlaken | Queenstown | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Switzerland | New Zealand |
| Known for | Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen valley and Paragliding | Bungy jumping, Lake Wakatipu and Skiing |
| Best time to visit | June–September | July–August and December–March |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $260–$450 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 23°C (73°F) | January, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 2°C (36°F) | July, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | ZRH, GVA, BSL | ZQN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Interlaken for…
Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen valley. Interlaken is a small resort town on the flat strip of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger rising directly to the south. Most visitors use it as a base: mountain railways from Interlaken Ost reach Grindelwald and…
.jpg){kind=link}
Choose Queenstown for…
Bungy jumping, Lake Wakatipu and lower day-to-day costs. 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
| # | Interlaken | Queenstown |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe | Skyline Gondola and Luge |
| 2 | Harder Kulm | TSS Earnslaw cruise |
| 3 | Höhematte | Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge bungy |
| 4 | Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach Falls | Shotover Jet |
| 5 | Trümmelbach Falls | Queenstown Gardens |
Food compared
| Interlaken | Queenstown |
|---|---|
| Rösti | Gourmet burgers |
| Cheese fondue | Central Otago pinot noir |
| Cheese toast | Lamb |
| Bernese platter | 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 $260–$450 in Interlaken (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Queenstown on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 18,521 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Interlaken or Queenstown cheaper?
Queenstown is usually less expensive: about $180–$320 a day mid-range against $260–$450 (estimates).
+Is Interlaken or Queenstown better for a first trip?
Pick Interlaken for Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen valley, or Queenstown for Bungy jumping, Lake Wakatipu and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Interlaken from Queenstown?
About 18,521 km in a straight line.