QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

The town sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic ranges. The lake and mountain landscape make it suited to all kinds of adventure. There’s skiing in the winter and activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round. If hardcore adventure isn't your thing, there are plenty of mellow options available. Experience one of the many walking & hiking trails, sightseeing tours or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine.

Head out of Queenstown and the drama of the Central Otago landscape unfolds around you. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan you’ll recognize many of the locations of Middle-earth here. Twenty minutes from Queenstown, Arrowtown’s gold-mining history is alive and vibrant. Visit the Lakes District Museum or go gold panning. Forty minutes from Queenstown at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu is rural Glenorchy and Paradise Valley. From here it’s a short drive into the Mt Aspiring National Park and the start of some of New Zealand’s great walks.
 

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS OF QUEENSTOWN

 

National Parks

Mount Aspiring, stretch your legs and feed your soul in this beautiful wilderness of native forests, towering mountains and long river valleys.

Milford Sound

Queenstown to Milford Sound via Te Anau is a beautiful scenic drive.

Doubtful Sound

From Manapouri you can arrange transport to Doubtful Sound, the deepest and second longest of New Zealand's fiords.

Lake Wakatipu

Cruising across Lake Wakatipu on a restored paddlesteamer is a blissful way to appreciate the magnificent alpine scenery.

The Crown Range

There are two ways to drive between Queenstown and Wanaka, and this one is the most memorable. It's the highest main road in New Zealand.

Scenery of Glenorchy

The only thing better than the drive to Glenorchy is the road to Paradise. How much scenery can your camera cope with?

Nugget Point Lighthouse - If you want a camera full of amazing wildlife pictures, make sure you visit Nugget Point.

Rees and Dart Track

Hike along two magnificent river valleys enclosed by towering mountains. A glacier side trip adds to the adventure.

Lakeside Trail

Walk, run or ride along a scenic lakeside trail on the front porch of downtown Rotorua. Learn about the local birdlife and geothermal activity.

Bannockburn

Around Bannockburn you can walk or bike to see old gold workings and crumbling stone houses. The sub-alpine landscapes are harshly beautiful.

Cardrona Valley - The road along Cardrona Valley can take you to all kinds of active adventures or a great meal at the historic hotel.

Nevis Valley

Enter a remote back-country valley and follow the river through dramatic landscapes scattered with gold mining relics. Picnic beside the river or fly fish for trout.

Skippers Road

High above the raging Shotover River, Skippers Road creeps along the face of Skippers Canyon. Don't look down!

Sam Summers' Hut Track

Exercise your mind as well as your legs on this three hour loop track. There's a lot to be learned about gold mining here.

Arrowtown

is a living historic settlement with many stories to tell. Wander the tree-lined streets of restored cottages and explore gold mining sites.

Gibbston Valley Vineyards

Raising grapes this far south is hard work, but one sip of the local pinot noir will tell you the effort is totally worthwhile.
 

TOWNS IN QUEENSTOWN

Bubbling with activity, Queenstown is the region for adventure. Stay in Queenstown, central to the action, or quaint Arrowtown with it's gold-mining past.  Townships include Queenstown Central, Arrowtown and Glenorchy.