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Queenstown is nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the
majestic peaks of the Southern Alps. So named because
"it was fit for Queen Victoria". Today Queenstown is recognised
as New Zealand's premier visitor destination and as one of the
friendliest cities in the world. Queenstown's reputation as the
Adventure Capital of the world is well earned. Earth, water and
air, there is something to thrill any adventure seeker as you
will find out on our local activities page.
Conference facilities and accommodation are equal to anywhere in the world.
Queenstown is equally well-endowed with a great variety of
relaxing activities including wine trails, art trails, museums,
shopping (the town centre is easily navigated by foot) and much
more. Centrally located, Queenstown serves as a gateway to
Fiordland and destinations such as
Te Anau, Wanaka,
Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Other destination spots such as Glenorchy
and Arrowtown are all within an easy drive.
The activity options in and around here are almost endless,
whatever the weather or time of year. You can throw yourself into
the many tours and adventure trips available; enjoy shopping and
the constant day and night-time entertainment provided by the
restaurants, pubs and nightclubs; try any one of several dozen or more
sports and activities, from tramping to bungy jumping or simply pack a picnic
lunch and find a quiet spot to take in the beautiful
surroundings.
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With the backdrop of the magnificent Remarkables Ranges and Lake
Wakatipu, you can familiarise yourself with the Queenstown area
by taking a trip on the Lady of the Lake the
steamer TSS Earnslaw, or ride the
Skyline Gondola, which rises 446 metres up the steep slopes of
Bob's Peak to a restaurant near the summit. From here, there are
magnificent views over the town and across the lake to the
surrounding mountains. While you are in town, enjoy the
movie Kiwi Magic, at the local cinema, an amusing story using New Zealand's
spectacular scenery as a backdrop, shown on the ultra-wide
'Showscan' screen. This action packed film stars American Ned
Beatty and New Zealand's own (the late) Billy T. James. |
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An unusual feature of Lake Wakatipu is the regular rise and fall of
the water level - as much as 12 centimetres every 5 minutes or
so. This oscillation is caused by wind, or variations in
atmospheric pressure. The Maori however, have a different
explanation, based on the full name they gave the lake,
Waka-tipua-wai-maori, meaning 'the freshwater trough where
the giant lies'. On the wooded peninsula which forms the west
side of the town is Queenstown Bay, which has a garden reserve,
rimmed with fir trees, roses, lily ponds, a skating rink and
tennis courts, amusement park, lawn bowls and a fitness
trail.
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Queenstown is suited to wandering. Stroll through the narrow
streets, or to the compact town centre of shops, boutiques,
courtyards, restaurants and century old buildings of timber and
stone.
Most shops are open every day until late each evening, and
will mail goods to wherever you wish. Also in town are a kiwi and bird-life park and a
motor museum displaying old cars back to 1861.
Like many other towns in this part of the South Island, it was originally a gold-mining centre. |
Gold was discovered on the Shotover River in 1862, and it became the
second richest gold-bearing river in the world. Makeshift towns
of tents, stores, bars and grog shops sprang up almost overnight,
establishing not only Queenstown, but also
Arrowtown, 21 kilometres to the north east
beside the Arrow River, and many other small encampments.
Arrowtown retains its old world charm today. Its main street is
lined with tall mature trees planted by the early settlers, which
carpet the streets in scarlet during autumn. Many of the original
stone and wooden buildings still stand, and within them are
delightful shops, restaurants and cafes. There is also the Lakes
District Museum and Granny's Cottage.
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