Queenstown (New Zealand)
From MaxTravelz
Queenstown is a scenic town in the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the most beautiful regions of Otago and offers year round attractions. The town sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Southern Alps. The most remarkable sight is the Remarkables, which is a saw-toothed range of mountains on the opposite side of the lake from the town.
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Understand
Queenstown lies at the outlet to Lake Wakatipu, one of New Zealand's Southern Lakes. It caters for tourists on a wide range of budgets, from backpackers to luxury tourists. In many respects Queenstown can be a tourist trap. However, reasonable prices and bargains can be found for those prepared to look for them.
History
The town and surrounding area was originally settled by Europeans for gold mining and farming in 1860s. After the decline of goldmining, Queenstown became a sleepy rural town, popular as a summer getaway.
In 1947, New Zealand's first commercial skifield, Coronet Peak, opened and since then the town has grown into a world class tourist resort. There are now 4 commercial skifields within easy driving of Queenstown.
Get in
By plane
Queenstown has an international airport and there are connecting flights from all New Zealand's major centres and direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane in Australia.
By bus
Daily services from Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau, Wanaka and the West Coast.
By car
Allow a full day from Christchurch (about 6 hours driving). The drive is uncomfortable and slow through winding roads as you cross mountain ranges. Major international and all national rental car and campervan companies have offices in Queenstown.
Get around
The Queenstown town centre itself is small enough to walk around. Parking is at a premium and can be hard to find during the day. For more distant travel wheeled transport such as a bus or car is necessary.
There are a number of tour operators to be found in downtown Queenstown. Transport from downtown Queenstown to adventure activities is often part of the tour package. Some operators may even pick up from your tourist accommodation.
A number of boat tours depart from the Queenstown Wharf at the bottom of the Mall..
See
Do
- skiing - 4 world class ski fields
- snowboarding
- bungy-jumping - the first commercial bungy jump was established on the Kawarau bridge just outside Queenstown
- jet boats - the Shotover River jet boat trip is a hair raising experience
- parasailing
- mountaineering
- parapenting - launching yourself off a hill with a parachute to ride the "thermals"
- white water rafting
- flyfishing
- hiking
- wine tasting. The most southerly vineyards in New Zealand are close to Queenstown.
- cycling - hire a bike for the day and use your legs
- luging
Buy
The town centre contains many tourist and souvenir stores, and bargains can be hard to come by.
Top quality knitwear, Sheepskin and Possum Fur products, Greenstone (Jade) and bone carvings, and fine New Zealand wine is available for a price.
Outdoor suppliers are plentiful, with equipment for trampers (hikers), mountain bikers, skiiers and snowboarders, and many others who use Queenstown as the launching-pad for expeditions into the nearby National Parks.
There are a handful of convenience food stores in the town centre, most open until midnight and beyond. Two large supermakets are on the outskirts of town.
Most of the stores in Queenstown are open until 8pm or 9pm, 7 days a week.
Eat
There are numerous eating establishments to be found in downtown Queenstown.
- The Cow Pizza & Spaghetti House, Cow Lane (03) 442-8588
- The Bathhouse Fine Restaurant, Esplanade (03) 442-5625
- Fergburger Takeaways, Shotover Street (03) 441 1232
- Wai Waterfront Seafood Restaurant, Steamer Wharf (03) 442 5969
Drink
There are around a hundred licenced premises in Queenstown. Most are in the downtown area, a number open 24 hours.
Winnie Bago's - In the mall. Be there to catch the roof opening as they let out built-up heat from the round fireplace in the centre of the bar.
Sleep
Accommodation ranges from camping and backpackers through to luxury hotels and apartments.
- Scallywags Travellers Guesthouse, 27 Lomond Cres, Queenstown. The fact is bit of a walk from the town center means that it is quieter than other hostels.
Contact
There are several internet cafes to be found in Queenstown.
Stay Safe
Queenstown is a relatively safe town. However, visitors should still take care to ensure their own personal safety. Many of the other people in town are also visitors. Even the criminals take holidays in Queenstown!
Although limited in number, the police in the Queenstown area are intolerant of disorderly behaviour and are prepared to arrest for quite minor offences.
Other emergency services in the area operate on a volunteer basis.
A number of roads in this area are not suitable for cars as they are unsealed, very narrow and have steep drops. Rental car companies have restrictions in their rental agreements to prevent their vehicles being operated on these roads.
Get out
Queenstown can be used as a base to see the surrounding country, including Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Kingston, the Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell and Wanaka.
More distant tourist destinations such as Te Anau and Milford Sound are a day trip away, with many tour operators providing bus tours and flights.
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