‘Adventure Capital of New Zealand’

Surrounded by no less than four world class ski fields the lakeside resort of Queenstown with approximately 9000 people lies at the centre of the Otago region and has an abundance of activities for visitors and locals to enjoy all year round.

This region was settled in the 1860’s during the Otago Gold Rush which brought thousands of gold hungry miners into the area mainly to nearby Arrowtown. Queenstown was named around this time as it was "fit for Queen Victoria".

Being mostly a resort town you will find some fantastic accommodation with unbelievable views of the Remarkables Mountain Ranges and Lake Wakatipu. Adventure tourism is the main game in town specialising in skiing, jet boating, bungy jumping, mountain biking, helicopter rides, white water rafting and tramping through the wilderness. Fly by Wire is the latest extreme challenge to thrill the adventurous.

The four main ski fields are: Coronet Peak, Cardrona, Treble Cone, and The Remarkables, together covering an area of over 540 square kilometres. The Remarkables is one of only two ranges in the world to run directly north south. The ski season runs from July to October each year and is kicked off by the 10 day Winter Festival beginning on 1 July, one of New Zealand’s most exciting festivals.

Queenstown boasts many designer shops, souvenir specialists, unique jewellery boutiques, international labels and much more, open every day with many into the evenings as well. The town boasts several dozen bars, cafes and eateries where you can party long into the night with other tourists and locals in search of a good time!

If extreme sports are beyond you, then a trip on the TSS Earnslaw, the ‘Princess of the Lake’ is a must. 90 minute cruises of Lake Wakatipu are provided by Real Journeys or you can incorporate a cruise in with a longer day tour to the other side of the lake at Walter Peak High Country Farm where you will imagine you have stepped through a time warp into 1870! Another living relic from New Zealand’s transport past is the country’s most adorable steam train dating back to the 1890’s, The Kingston Flyer. At the southern end of Lake Wakatipu is the quant village of Kingston where the train departs at 10am and 1.30pm daily for an unforgettable joyride. The perfectly preserved gold rush town of Arrowtown, only 30 minutes away is great for a day trip. Many visitors actually stay there as its often cheaper than Queenstown.

Arriving by plane is like enjoying a scenic flight as the plane comes in over the magnificent lake with mountain views on either side. When planning your New Zealand holiday try to fly in or out of Queenstown if you can. Air New Zealand fly year round from Sydney and Brisbane and Qantas flies during winter. All coach companies service Queenstown from Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

Queenstown has the South Island’s best and most varied accommodation. Great prices can be had by booking early or at the last minute. The visual and adventurous splendour of this magnificent area provides for the perfect vacation and no New Zealand holiday is complete without a stay in Queenstown.

For New Zealand Queenstown accommodation. In addition to our online travel guide info, contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for more attractions, tours, local maps and other information.