Queenstown Hotels

Whether you’re interested or not in the significance of this region to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, you’ll be amazed by the mountainous scenery that towers over you as you explore by Jet Boat, Kayak Tour or Helicopter.

Queenstown is also a haven for adventure with White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping (the original and still the best – over and into the Shotover River) and Skydiving. And if that doesn’t get your heart racing, there’s always the bustling nightlife to kick your pulse into gear.

If it’s culture you’re after, a trip to the Haka Pa Maori Village is not to be missed. Then, finally, when you’ve put your back out from all the risk-taking, trekking, sightseeing and pretty much nonstop partying, it’s time to relax in the Hot Pools, a natural wonder that are a must-see for any savvy traveller.

So buckle down, ’cos this really is the adventure capital of the world.

QUEENSTOWN’S TOP 10

QUEENSTOWN LOCAL

Glenorchy

Glenorchy provides the opportunity for a nice scenic drive out to the country. About 45 minutes along Lake Wakatipu from central Queenstown, Glenorchy offers a quieter, country feel, as well as some mandatory adventure sports (it’s New Zealand, after all). There are a few short walks you can explore such as the Mount Creighton loop walk, before you arrive.

Make sure you visit the National Park, which is home to some beautiful rivers such as the Rees River and the Rees Valley.

To get your heart started again we recommend the Dart Safari Jetboat ride, which speeds through the National Park and includes a 4WD ride through the setting of the famous Lord of the RingsTrilogy.(That’s the movie, just to be clear… we wouldn’t want you to get all excited about the prospect of visiting Middle Earth for real…)

Glenorchy is also a great place to Skydive over the beautiful Paradise area or jump on a horse at the Dart Stables and take a ride through Beech Forest.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is Queenstown’s quieter little sister. It’s a good place to get out and explore the mix of cultures that New Zealand is famous for. Visit the Chinese Settlement, a great example of how settlers lived during the goldmining times. There are restored huts that now house cafés and shops, and you can even buy a piece of gold to take home.

If you want to keep really informed, check out the Lake District Museum and Gallery.There are a few interesting finds here, as well as a wealth of information on New Zealand’s Gold Rush.

Arrowtown is also home to some great restaurants and pubs, which are perfect for relaxing with an ice-cold Steinlager in hand. We recommend sitting outside at Tap, the best bar in the region, with wine, beer, pool tables and great pub food. Food-lovers should check out Pesto, Bonjour Café and particularly Stables, where you’ll find local beers from Wanaka.

The Remarkables

This mountain range is home to one of New Zealand’s best ski fields. As well as being a popular hub for young adventurers, it is also the home of some of the best views around Queenstown. Lake Wakatipu is also located here, and you can reach the highest points around at Single Cone and Ben Nevis.

Other popular skiing destinations include Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak and Treble Cone.

QUEENSTOWN EAT & DRINK

QUEENSTOWN EVENTS

Peak Festival bumps up in January. Catch live music at the Queenstown Events Centre and other venues across town.

Summer Camp NZ comes by in early January. An LGBT event with music, dancing and parties. It’s ‘camp’ – get it?

Queenstown Winter Festival comesbursting into town in June and July. Fun-loving Kiwis take part in frisbee and golf tournaments, swimming in freezing lakes and crazy partying.

August and September play host to the famous Gay Ski Week.A range of winter-related events, parties and live entertainment are staged around the Remarkables mountains and the Coronet Peak

42 Below Cocktail World Cup unites heavy drinkers in September. International bartenders show off their cocktail-making skills. Best. Sport. Ever!

December brings with it the Christmas Markets on the Grand Place. Fifty markets offer a wide selection of arts and crafts, as well as local delicacies.

Summerdaze encompasses QT’s New Year celebrations and spreads to Arrowtown and Wanaka, with picnics, stalls and fireworks.

WHEN TO GO

Although Queenstown has a typical alpine climate, the summers are still beautiful and, on the whole, quite warm. Depending on whether you’re interested in getting some skiing done, we recommend the summer months for sightseeing and the winter for the best snow.

• Winter (June to August) temperatures range from 0 to 10°C (32-50°F)

• Spring (September to October) temps are from 3.5 to 16°C (38-61°F)

• Summer (November to March) temps go from 7.5 to 23°C (46-73°F)

• Autumn (April to May) temperatures range between 3 and 16°C (37-61°F)

GETTING AROUND

• Walking: Queenstown can be easily explored on foot. It’s small enough that if the weather holds out, you’ll be happy strolling around and taking in the sights.

• Bus: There are three bus lines, all of which leave from outside O’Connell’s Shopping Centre. These will get you to Fernhill, Arrowtown or the airport.

• Taxis: Are plentiful around the town centre, but it’s not really necessary unless you’re making a trip back to the airport or need to get somewhere late at night.

• Driving: Give it a miss. There’s no parking and you’ll waste half a day wondering whether or not you’ve been given a ticket.

WHAT TO MISS

• If you’re going adventuring, you need to keep your smarts about you. There are a few different bungee, skydive and jetboat companies, so make sure you read some reviews and pick the ones that suit.

• If you’re taking a trip by car, be very careful on the Mountain Roads. They can be winding, narrow and icy. If you can’t get insurance, then consider booking a tour and letting someone else do the risk-taking for once!