Visiting Queenstown

A. For tourists looking to experience adventure, beauty and one of the most beautiful places in the world, then Queenstown, New Zealand is an ideal destination. Queenstown, surrounded by magnificent mountains and nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, boasts gorgeous snow capped mountains, a crystal clear lake and endless blue skies overhead. It is the perfect location for an unforgettable winter escape, a snow lovers’ paradise offering a variety of ski fields to suit skiers of all abilities. Its ski culture is addictive with every slope on the visitors’ doorstep and easy access for all.

B. Queenstown, situated on the south island of New Zealand, offers its visitors a memorable vacation all year round, and attracts around 1.4 million visitors each year, whether it is to experience its adventurous side and adrenaline rush activities or to simply breathe in the clean alpine air. One of the best times to visit and experience Queenstown at its most vibrant is during its annual Winter Festival. The Winter Festival runs through the months of June and July and promises ten whole days of entertainment and events.

C. Off the slopes Queenstown offers copious amounts of activities for dare devils and thrill seekers. Bungy jumping, jet boating and mountain biking to name a few. Alternatively, if visitors prefer a slower paced holiday, then the inspiring scenery and majestic surroundings offer plenty of restful and relaxing places to unwind and take it easy. Vineyards, luxury spas, galleries, bars and restaurants will insure visitors seeking a haven for relaxation have a holiday to remember.

D. People have always been drawn to Queenstown, and it began with the early Maori who came in search of ‘Pounamu’( New Zealand’s native greenstone). Then the European settlers followed and discovered shining gold in Queenstown’s waterways. The gold rush sprang up in the 1860s and today tourists are still able to go in search of their own little gold gems in its waters. Lake Wakatipu, the inlet that Queenstown is built around, was formed by glacial processes. The Lake has spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges called ‘The Remarkables’ and this is where tourists will find a large portion of Queenstown’s accommodation.

E. If visitors are looking to experience Queenstown’s impressive surroundings, it is recommended that they hire a car for the day or book onto one of the many bus tours, to visit Wanaka, historic Arrowtown or Glenorchy, the ‘Gateway to Paradise’. Glenorchy, nested in the mountains has a population of just 200 and is the gateway for some of the world’s finest tramping and a ‘must not miss’ destination for walking enthusiasts. This small village gained international attention when it was used as one of the locations for filming the well known series ‘Lord of the Rings’, directed by New Zealander Peter Jackson and based upon the fantasy novels written by philologist and Oxford University Professor J.R.R. Tolkien.

F. Although known to many readers as a trilogy, the Lord of the Rings was initially intended by Tolkien to be one volume of a two-volume set; however, for economic reasons, the publisher decided to omit the second volume and instead published The Lord of the Rings in 1954–55 as three volumes containing a total of six books, rather than one. The work has since been reprinted numerous times and translated into many languages, and is one of the most popular and influential works in 20th-century literature. Glenorchy posed as Middle Earth, and displayed its true natural beauty for the world to see. Even for non-Lord of the Rings enthusiasts, it is a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown.

G. Neighboring historic Arrowtown is located beside the Arrow river and is a very unique and special place to visit. New Zealand’s first Chinese miners settled in Arrowtown, and the settlement has become a popular tourist attraction. Also on offer to visitors are its many historic buildings and numerous walking trails or opportunities for tourists to try their luck at a spot of gold panning. Wanaka, situated on Lake Wanaka, boasts alpine panorama beyond compare. The town is perfect for those who enjoy swimming, water skiing, fishing or boating. Holidaymakers flock to Lake Wanaka to enjoy its far-reaching, open lake frontage. Mount Cardrona and Treble Cone are Wanaka’s world renowned ski resorts and entice international visitors during the winter months.

H. Queenstown is a one and a half hour flight from Auckland’s International Airport or just one hour from New Zealand’s Christchurch airport. An unforgettable place to visit, Queenstown is one of the world’s most beautiful places and certainly offers ample opportunity to entertain both the thrill seeker and those in search of relaxation and tranquility.