You’ve seen the photos of Queenstown. The Remarkables look like a CGI backdrop, and Lake Wakatipu is that deep, impossible blue that makes you wonder if your phone's saturation is turned up too high. But then you start looking for a place to stay. It’s expensive. Like, "maybe I’ll just sleep in my rental car" expensive. Or, you find a spot that’s cheap but it’s halfway to Wanaka. This is exactly where Garden Court Apartments Queenstown fits into the puzzle, and honestly, it’s one of those places that people either swear by or completely overlook because it doesn't have a flashy neon sign on Rees Street.
Location is everything here. If you’re tucked away in a high-rise in the middle of town, you get the noise. If you’re too far out, you’re paying $40 for an Uber every time you want a Fergburger. Garden Court sits on Adelaide Street. It’s about a five-to-seven-minute walk into the heart of the action. Close. But not too close.
The Layout Situation
Most people booking a trip to Central Otago think they want a tiny hotel room. Why? You’re going to have ski gear, or hiking boots, or three bags of souvenirs from the Saturday Market. You need space. The setup at Garden Court is basically divided into studio apartments and one or two-bedroom suites.
The studios are fine for a couple of nights, but if you're staying a week, the one-bedroom apartments are the way to go. You get a kitchen. A real one. Not just a kettle and a lonely mug. We're talking a stovetop, microwave, and enough counter space to actually make a sandwich without getting mayo on the duvet.
It’s about the vibe. The property has this courtyard feel—hence the name—with a lot of greenery. It feels more like a small community than a sterile hotel corridor. Some of the upper-floor units have these balconies that peek out toward the mountains. It’s not a 360-degree unobstructed panorama of the lake, let's be real, but you can see the peaks. That’s usually enough to remind you that you’re in the adventure capital of the world and not back at your desk in Sydney or Auckland.
💡 You might also like: Why Conventions in New Orleans Are Basically a Cheat Code for Attendance
What Nobody Tells You About Queenstown Parking
Let’s talk about the nightmare that is Queenstown parking. If you stay in the CBD, you’ll likely pay $30 a day to park in a cramped basement, or worse, you’ll be circling the blocks like a vulture.
Garden Court has off-street parking.
Usually, it’s free. This sounds like a boring detail until you’re tired, it’s raining, and you just want to get your groceries inside. Being able to park right near your door is a massive win that most luxury hotels in the center simply cannot offer because they don't have the land.
Does It Feel "Luxury"?
Depends on your definition. If luxury means gold-plated faucets and a pillow menu, no. This isn't the Eichardt's Private Hotel. But if luxury means high-speed Wi-Fi that actually works, a super-king bed that doesn't hurt your back, and a spa pool to soak in after hiking the Ben Lomond track, then yeah, it hits the mark.
The interiors are clean. They’re modern-ish. They aren't trying to be an art gallery. They’re functional. It’s the kind of place where you can actually kick off your boots and not feel like you’re going to ruin a $5,000 rug.
Eating Near Adelaide Street
Since you’ve got a kitchen, you’ll probably hit the FreshChoice supermarket nearby. It’s one of the better-stocked ones in town. But you’re on holiday. You aren't cooking every night.
Because you’re on the edge of the center, you’re actually closer to some of the local favorites than the tourists staying at the Hilton across the water. You can wander down to the lakefront in minutes. If you want a tip, skip the massive queue at the obvious burger spots and head toward the gardens. There are some quiet benches there where you can eat your takeaway in peace while watching the TSS Earnslaw steam past.
Why Families Dig It
Traveling with kids in Queenstown is a logistical challenge. Most hotel rooms won't take two adults and two kids without charging you for two separate rooms.
The two-bedroom apartments here are a lifesaver. You get a separate living area. That means when the kids go to bed, you don't have to sit in the dark and whisper. You can sit on the couch, have a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir, and watch the news. It’s these small "home-away-from-home" elements that make Garden Court Apartments Queenstown a recurring choice for families who know the area.
Dealing With The Hills
Okay, a bit of honesty: Queenstown is hilly. Adelaide Street is at a bit of an incline from the lake. If you have mobility issues, the walk back from dinner might feel a bit like a workout. It’s not a mountain climb, but you’ll feel it in your calves.
Most people use it as an excuse to eat more gelato.
📖 Related: Helen Putnam Regional Park: Why This Petaluma Spot Is Actually Worth the Hype
The flip side of being slightly elevated is the quiet. You don't hear the revving engines of the boy racers on the main drag at 2:00 AM. You hear... birds? Maybe the wind in the trees? It’s a trade-off that’s almost always worth it.
Practical Tips For Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip, keep these things in mind to make the most of the spot:
- Request a High Floor: If you want any chance of a mountain view, the ground floor units won't cut it. Ask for something higher up in the complex.
- The Grocery Run: Don't buy everything at the small convenience stores in the CBD. They’ll charge you double. Walk the extra five minutes to the proper supermarket.
- The Spa Pool: It’s communal. If you want it to yourself, try going during "prime dinner time" around 7:00 PM when everyone else is out at the restaurants.
- Ski Storage: If you're there in winter, ask about their drying rooms. Don't leave your wet gear in the middle of the living room; it'll never dry out in the mountain humidity.
The Reality Of Seasonality
Queenstown changes completely between July and January. In the winter, this place is a hub for skiers. The vibe is energetic. People are clumping around in plastic boots. In the summer, it’s all about the hikers and the mountain bikers.
The staff here are locals. They know which tour operators are actually good and which ones are just flashy marketing. Use that. Ask them which jet boat is the best or if the weather is actually looking okay for a Milford Sound flyover. They won't steer you wrong because they want you to come back next year.
Final Take On Value
Is it the cheapest place in town? No. You can find backpacker hostels for less. Is it the most expensive? Not even close. It sits in that "Goldilocks" zone of value. You pay for the convenience of a kitchen, the luxury of space, and the ability to walk to the bar without needing a car.
When you factor in the money you save on parking and eating out (because you can actually cook breakfast), the price point starts looking very smart. It’s a pragmatic choice for people who want to spend their money on experiences—like bungy jumping or winery tours—rather than just a fancy lobby they’ll spend five minutes in.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check their direct website before booking on a major travel portal; sometimes they offer "stay longer, pay less" deals that don't show up on the big search engines.
- If you're arriving by plane, look into the Orbus (the local bus system). It’s incredibly cheap, and there’s a stop not far from the apartments, saving you a pricey taxi fare.
- Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Even though you’re close to town, you’ll end up walking more than you think because the scenery is just too good to see from a car window.
- Book your "Big Three" activities (Milford Sound, a jet boat, and a high-end dinner) at least two weeks out if you're visiting in peak season. Queenstown fills up fast, and even "hidden gems" like this apartment complex can book out months in advance during the school holidays.