There is nowhere quite like to Queenstown, if there is extreme adventure or pure relaxation in a perfect setting. Queenstown, perhaps a small place by international standards ... but make no mistake, it is very, very big on charm!
Watch this Lake!
Lake Wakatipu and its magical shoreline will be one of the first things on your agenda, and you can see them in style from Earnslaw steamship s/s, there has been a part of the site since 1912! Launch, kayak and sailing trips are also available, and there is the shoreline walkways.
Views, wonderful views
Chances are you have a fantastic view from your hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand, but for the best panoramas, head to the hills. Take time to Walk Queenstown Hill (2-3 hours) or visit one of the two major skifields. For an airborne perspective, helicopter flights, sky-diving, and also an urban bungy.
Insider advice: Feeling lazy? Reach the Summit in Queenstown Hill with gondola and if dizzy heights is not your thing, try a gentle stroll at sunrise and sunset of the Lake Wakatipu: simply fantastic.
Winter black art
Queenstown is magical in the winter, when the mountains are snow covered and skifields is open for business (approximately June-October). Skiers and snowboarders pour from all over the world, heading for long days at Coronet Peak and the Remarkables. Further away, but not too far away for a day-trip, Cardrona and Treble Cone. Then there is the pure thrill of heli-skiing. Check out the options. Other winter activities include ice skating and ice hockey. Fantastic winter festival takes place annually in late June-early July.
Insider advice: Coronet Peak, night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays, beginning of July to mid september. Saturday nights are family friendly.
Golden hills & history
Queenstown is located in the heart of the old Otago gold fields: go to near Arrowtown and be enchanted by its history and atmosphere (don't miss the Chinese camp). Feeling intrepid? A trip on the Skipper Road you will scare the stupid and show you unforgettable scenery. Further away, but well worth the drive is tracks, tunnels and ghost towns of the Goldfields mining Centre conservation park-25 fascinating hectares.
Adventures of extremes!
Bungy began here, Queenstown's Shotover Bridge is the perfect place to take that first step of faith. Been there, done that? Try the bet and enjoy millions of dollars views as you hurtle through space. And there is much more to challenge you, including rafting, jet boating, extreme eco-adventures, parapenting, it, the River-boarding, river-surfing, hang-gliding, Nevis arc, sky-diving, Luge, Canyon swinging-the list goes on!
Not so frightening?
Want an adventure for less extreme kind? Options are the hill country horse tours, hot-air ballooning, rings, kayaking tours, nature walks, 4WD Safari, mountain biking, segway and quad Biking.
Sporting chances
Queenstown hotel is an ideal base for golf, fishing, horse riding, cycling, hiking, trekking, climbing, clay target shooting, abseiling and more.
Insider advice: Serious golfer should miss the Millbrook Resort 27-hole championship course near Arrowtown.
Kiwi, kea and country life
Place a kiwi and other New Zealand birds, including the world's cleverest creature-kea-Kiwi BirdLife Park, or work with a high country sheep station at historic Walter Peak (sails on Earnslaw).
Insider tips: see kea as free on The Remarkables carpark, but keep your things!
Fine, fine vines
Central Otago produces some of the world's finest wines at some of the world's most scenic vineyards! Vineyards practically to Queenstown includes Chard Farm, Amisfield, Brennan, Gibbston Valley and Coal Pit. Tours are available.
Around the city
Mingle with visitors from around the world as you explore Queenstowns shops, cafés, galleries, pubs, nightlife and restaurants. The city is not great, but it is large on style and atmosphere.
Insider advice: many shops are open late, and many will extract and post your purchases to you.
Take a walk
There are world famous walking trails near Queenstown, but they are not a walk in the Park. The Milford and Routeburn Track, for example, take several days and requires very careful planning. For something less serious are 6 hours Moonlight track or 5 hours of Ben Lomond climb. And there are easy walks around the Lake, close to town.
Relax, relax!
You can unwind after all these adventures, then take a cruise, book yourself in a day spa, linger over lunch at Lugano, visit Queenstown Gardens, Underwater observatory, or a vineyard.
Insider advice: for the ultimate in relaxation, check out the hot pools overlooking the Skipper's Canyon.
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