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| Otago, South Island, New Zealand |
The beautiful city of Queenstown is the ‘Adventure Capital’ of New Zealand. Standing on the banks of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the magnificent snow-capped Remarkable Mountains, this picturesque city is New Zealand’s premier holiday destination and offers an unlimited variety of outdoor adventure sports and several skiing opportunities. Queenstown is a unique and busy tourist centre and exudes a feeling of expectancy and anticipation as most people are either going to, or returning from one of many exciting activities or have been to astonishingly beautiful and serene wilderness areas. The city caters for large influxes of visitors with an estimated 1.4 million drawn to Queenstown each year, and offers a huge range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars and retail outlets. It is a delight to walk around this welcoming and friendly city which has many outdoor sports shops for walkers, bikers, snowboarders and skiers, and many locations offering activities ranging from bungy-jumping, jet boating, wild river rafting, fly fishing and sky diving, to scenic flights, helicopter rides and tours to outlying areas of note such as Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Queenstown also provides a Department of Conservation Regional Visitors Centre where information on walking tracks, hut passes, permit requirements, accessibility and weather forecasts for the surrounding alpine areas is available.
Originally settled by William G. Rees as a sheep farm in 1861, Queenstown soon became an important centre which provided shelter, food and entertainment to the large number of people drawn to the area in search of gold which was found in 1862 as close as the Shotover River, and a little later in the Arrow River. From this point in time the town grew steadily and was soon bought by the government, who revoked Rees’ rights to use the land for pastoral purposes as it was seen as being more importantly, a gold mining district. Queenstown and the surrounding areas remained a gold mining centre until 1900, although by this time mining activity had lost most of its importance and large numbers of gold prospectors had gradually withdrawn, leaving the town as a small rural community of only 200 residents. For many years Queenstown remained much as it was, until the 1940’s when the first commercial ski field was opened at Coronet Peak and tourism began to grow, with the city now being recognised as the most popular tourist and ski resort in New Zealand. Today the local community exceeds 8,000 residents, the majority of which are employed within the tourism industry, and the ski areas include the Remarkables Alpine Park, Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, Treble Cone, Snow Farm and Snow Park. Tourism has also developed into other areas and has become a four seasons destination, with visitors attracted by the heritage and culture of the local communities, the beautiful scenery of the Southern Lakes District and the wilderness of the South West New Zealand U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Area. Plus the local attractions such as the TSS Earnslaw that still plies the waters of Lake Wakatipu, the extensive vineyards and wine cellars, and for the thrillseekers the added bonus of the extreme activities such as jet boating which began in the 1970’s, bungy jumping which commenced in 1988, hang-gliding, skydiving, paragliding, canyon swinging, heli-skiing and white water rafting. Of course there is also the well known Skyline Gondola which carries visitors to Bob’s Peak high above the city for perfect views and offers a restaurant and a fun ride on a luge!!
It is worth noting that Queenstown provides easy access to many walking tracks and several of New Zealand’s Great Walks which are some of the most spectacular walks in the country such as the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks, and is centrally located enabling easy touring to most of the southern regions of the island.
Queenstown is a ‘must see’ destination in New Zealand and offers the perfect location to have a fun filled and exciting holiday which will remain alive in your memory for years to come. If you are in town during the winter don’t forget the Queenstown Winter Festival, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter party!!
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Hotel Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Queenstown
 |  Hotel Novotel is centrally located in Queenstown close to all the shops and restaurants and nestled in next to Lake Wakatipu. Although in the centre, it is actually at the end of the street so traffic noise is at a minimum. The hotel faces onto Earl Street and if you want a lake view room, make su... |
Remarkables Lodge
Queenstown
|  In a stunning rural setting at the base of the Remarkables Mountains, with uninterrupted views, this delightful owner-managed country estate luxury lodge has a great location and a warm and welcoming style.
Luxurious bedrooms, stylish bathrooms and spacious seating areas create a comfortable relaxi... |
The Heritage Queenstown
Queenstown
 |  The Heritage is nestled amongst native bush and captures the ambience of a European style alpine lodge. It is a little way out of town, approximately a five to ten minute walk downhill. Could be a bit steep on the way back to the resort. Business amenities consist of a 24-hour business centre, se... |
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa
Queenstown
|  Centrally located, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa combines local spirit with French tradition for the most sophisticated sense of luxury. In addition to 82 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, all with private double spa bath, the hotel features Vie Brasserie, Nue Lounge, a technically impressive B... |
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
Queenstown
|  Hotel St Moritz is well located in Queenstown and offers amazing views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Recently refurbished with chic design, the hotel boasts floor to ceiling windows, making the most of the spectacular panoramic views. The decor is elegant and comfortable offering a quiet... |
Millbrook Queenstown
Queenstown
 |  Millbrook Resort is a secluded, luxurious, internationally renowned property surrounded by majestic alpine scenery with year round appeal. Whether you want to go skiing in winter or test your skills on the golf course or enjoy the award winning day spa this resort is sure to please. It is approxim... |
Blanket Bay Luxury Lodge
Queenstown
|  Blanket Bay Luxury Lodge is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and deservedly so. Firstly it is situated on Lake Wakatipu in one of the worlds most beautiful areas. The Lodge sits on the north end of the Lake and surrounded by the stunning Southern Alps. Whether you want to enjoy th... |
Peppers Beacon, Queenstown
Queenstown
|  Peppers Beacon is situated on the pristine shores of Lake Wakatip, with superb lake and mountian views. It is a 10 minute drive from the Airport and a good five minue walk from the heart of Queenstown. There are four luxury accommodation styles to choose from including hotel rooms, two and three b... |
Mercure Queenstown Resort
Queenstown
 |  The Mercure Hotel is a little out of Queenstown and up on the hill overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. As you would imagine the views are spectacular! The hotel offers 1/2 hour WiFi access per guest per day, great for keeping in touch with business or family. The swimming pool is seaso... |
The Dairy Private Hotel
Queenstown
|  The Dairy Private Luxury hotel is a perfect escape in Queenstown. Just a short walk to the centre of town, this property is renowned for its excellent service from the minute that you walk through the door. From a cooked breakfast served in the old Dairy or corner store to home made afternoon teas... |
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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and Coach
Cruise
Queenstown |  Coach transfers have been arranged to take you from the Real Journeys downtown office to Lake Manapouri. Following a short cruise across island-studded Lake Manapouri and a coach trip on the remote sub-alpine route over Wilmot Pass you will board the Fiordland Navigator at Deep Cove.
There is ple... |
The Ledge Bungy
Bungy Jump and/or Swing
Queenstown | As the only urban Bungy in Queenstown, it was clearly our duty to make it as crazy as possible. The Ledge Bungy is like no other, in that it comes equipped with a 'runway' to launch you out 400 metres over Queenstown.
What makes this special is the Bungy harness which allows you to vary your Bungy ... |
TSS Earnslaw and Horse Trek
Cruise
Queenstown |  Cruise across the beautiful Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm. This trip is for those who would like to experience a working farm on horseback. The Earnslaw is a lovely steam ship and the cruise is delightful and gives customers an insight into what like was like f... |
Dart River Jet Boat Safari
Boating
Queenstown |  This journey offers you three full hours of classic Jet boat action as your expert driver negotiates the shifting shallow braided channels of the magnificent glacier-fed Dart River and adds to the excitement with thrilling jet spins. This is a great trip and as well as the thrills of jet boating th... |
Dart River Funyak Safari
Boating
Queenstown |  The Funyak Safari is truly unique - it's the only experience of its type in the Queenstown region and is the most fun way to explore and experience every aspect of this amazing area.
First of all you’ll travel an exciting 1 1/4 hours up the Dart River by Jet Boat with all the thrills of braided sha... |
Shotover Jet
Boating
Queenstown |  The Shotover Jet is a must do in Queenstown whatever the season. Nothing will prepare you for the sheer excitement, exhilaration, the very cold water in your face, and the adrenaline rush you will never forget. The boats are very fast, the jet pilots totally in control and although you skim around... |
Dart River Wilderness Safari
Boating
Queenstown | The Wilderness Safari takes you on a spectacular 1 & 1/2 hour Jet Boat journey through the Dart’s ever-changing braided river system, where you’ll be thrilled by our Jet Boat's capabilities including jet spins and awed by your surroundings of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, ancient native forest... |
Segway on Q - Queenstown Tour
Tour
Queenstown |  First you will be introduced to the wonderful world of the Segway Personal Transporter and Kevin or Adam will teach you the fundamentals or stop, start and having fun! The trip allows you time to really get comfortabel with the Segway so you can experience a whole lot more. The guide will show you ... |
TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak High Farm - Lunch
Cruise
Queenstown | What a great way to spend a beautiful sunny day in Queenstown than to cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm and experience what life must have been like for the early settlers in this beautiful and remote region of New Zealand. On arrival at Walter Peak th... |
The Ledge Sky Swing
Bungy Jump and/or Swing
Queenstown | And now for something completely different... Remember the swing you had in your back yard? Well, The Ledge Sky Swing takes that to a whole new level. In fact a level 400 metres over Queenstown.
Once harnessed your lowered to the release 'station'. Let the thrill take over!
As you swing away the bi... |
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Great New Zealand Experience
18 days |  This tour is a shorter version of the 21 day tour of the same name and travellers will arrive in Auckland and travel straight up to the beautiful Bay of Islands where you will be delighted with a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous 'Hole in the Rock' weather permitting. From there back to Auckland ... |
Southern Experience
10 days |  This ten day trip of the South Island of New Zealand is a great way to see all the major attractions and stunning scenery in this beautiful part of the world. On arrival in Christchurch you will be delighted to find your hotel right on Cathedral Square, close to all major attractions. From there yo... |
New Zealand Highlighter
14 days |  Beginning in the North Island, this tour winds its way south, taking in New Zealand's premier attractions along the way. After arriving in Auckland and meeting fellow travellers and your Tour Director, you travel to Rotorua to see the amazing geothermal reserves and also take in some Maori culture ... |
New Zealand Experience
14 days |  This fourteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights and attractions here. After arriving and spending your first night in Christchurch you travel across the Southern Alps to the West Coast and visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki before heading to Fox G... |
Contrasts of New Zealand
9 days |  This is a great trip for those that are short of time and want a quick tour of some of the major attractions in New Zealand. Firstly by flying into Auckland and out of Christchurch it saves time and allows you to see more. Auckland is a lovely city and there is plenty to see and do there, great re... |
New Zealand Encounter
18 days |  This great tour of New Zealand starts in the pretty city of Christchurch where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Next day you will catch the TranzAlpine train to Arthu's Pass and cross the amazing Southern Alps. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before spending the n... |
Southern Sensation
9 days | This tour is perfect for those who want to see the major attractions of the South Island in the comfort of a luxury coach, with a small group of like-minded travellers. Some of the accommodation is more exclusive and you will feel special on this trip. After arriving in Christchurch there is time ... |
Great New Zealand Experience
21 days |  This tour certainly is an indepth look at New Zealand and will show you many of the best attractions and sights. From the moment you arrive in Auckland until the day you say farewell, this trip is sure to impress. There are two days in Auckland to enjoy this 'city of sails' before heading to the b... |
Southern Explorer
10 days | This ten day trip of the South Island of New Zealand is a great way to see all the major attractions and stunning scenery in this beautiful part of the world. On arrival in Christchurch you will be delighted to find your hotel right on Cathedral Square, close to all major attractions. Next morning ... |
Southern Spectacular
10 days |  This tour is a really good introduction to the South Island of New Zealand and and guests will enjoy the spectacular scenery, friendly people and great food. On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel and meet your Tour Director for a welcome briefing. The next day this wonde... |
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