Queenstown
Queenstown the main centre on Lake Wakatipu, is a beautiful little town
set among the mountains that surround the lake. It is one of the most
popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. There are many places for
visitors to stay but in the peak of the winter or summer season it is
difficult to get accommodation, especially in the school holidays, unless
you have booked well in advance.
Queenstown - Credit- Peter Hunt
Skiing and the winter festival attract many visitors in the winter. There
are two main skifields - Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, both within easy
distance of Queenstown. There are many apres-ski restaurants and bars in
the town and it has a caarnival atmosphere.
Water activities draw the crowds in summer - swimming, boating, water
skiing, and cruising on the lake. One of the most famous trips is on the
beautifully restored steamship TSS Earnslaw, which has sailed Lake Wakatipu
since 1912 providing transport before roads were built around the lake. Of
course there are modern boats offering sight seeing as well.
Queenstown - Shoreline - Credit- Peter Hunt
You can get wonderful views from the Skyline Gondola.
On the Shotover and Kawarau rivers jetboating and whitewater rafting are
popular with adventure seekers, and other river sports have been
introduced.
The Kawarau Suspension Bridge was the site of the original bungy jump
developed by A. J. Hackett. Other bungy jumping sites have been developed
in the area, including the Nevis Highwire Bungy, the highest in New Zealand
and the Skippers Canyon Bridge.
In the air there is the choice of paragliding, hang-gliding, sky-diving,
and scenic flights.
On foot you can explore the historic buildings in the town, wander through
the shops, walk up Queenstown Hill - the possibilities are endless.
By bus or car you can visit Arrowtown, Glenorchy, or Skippers Canyon (best
in a 4WD),Kingston or visit the excellent wineries in the area.
From Queenstown you can travel to Lake Te Anau, Lake Manapouri, Milford Sound,
and Lake Wanaka for further exploration of the Lakes District.
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