Queenstown

Queenstown is an international resort with an abundance of attractions and activities to entertain visitors year round. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the town is in a truly idyllic setting, framed by the Remarkable Ranges.

Take a walk around Queenstown to browse through the many souvenir shops and try the great selection of bars and restaurants, particularly at Steamer Wharf. A scenic balloon flight will provide magnificent views over the town, lake and mountains, as will a gondola ride 450 metres to the top of Bob's Peak. From here, luge down the slope for a fast, thrilling ride. The TSS Earnslaw is a 100-year-old steamboat, taking visitors across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak high country sheep station. The lake is also popular for trout fishing, windsurfing, waterskiing and yachting. For a scenic and relaxing day out, take the Wakatipu wine and arts trail. The vineyards themselves are spectacularly beautiful, perched on mountainsides or upon the shores of still lakes. Play a round of golf at Millbrook Golf Resort, visit the Kiwi and Birdlife Park, go horse trekking, or wander through the historic, goldmining settlement of Arrowtown.

Queenstown is also known as New Zealand's 'adventure capital' and you won't be disappointed. There is jetboating on the Shotover, Kawarau and Dart Rivers, white water rafting, a flying fox at Skippers Canyon, the highest bungy jump in the country and, of course, world class skiing, snowboarding, heliskiing, heliboarding and snow mobiles at The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona and Treble Cone.

The remote wilderness of Fiordland National Park is accessible from Queenstown. With deep fiords, dense rainforest and alpine tussock meadows, it has many famous walks including the Milford, Routeburn and Hollyford Tracks. Milford and Doubtful Sounds provide good day trips and the snow capped peaks and glacial valleys of Mt Aspiring National Park are also within driving distance.

The Landsborough River is also within reach of Queenstown. Fed by glaciers in Mt Cook National Park and flowing 70 kilometres, it runs parallel to the Southern Alps before escaping into the sea in South Westland. The scenic wilderness throughout the Landsborough Valley remains as nature intended, with many varieties of native birds enjoying the solitude. Rafting trips down the river begin in calm waters by the glaciers, before travelling downstream through rapids, tight gorges and inspiring scenery. The river is also suitable for kayaking and fishing, with many picturesque campsites and walks.

Special Events
January
Summerdaze Festival
Glenorchy Races
Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration
February
Shotover Sunshine Festival
Queenstown Homeshow
March
Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert
April
Southern Lakes Festival of Colour
Arrowtown Autumn Festival
August
100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games
September
Rugby World Cup