Queenstown

Magic in Middle-earth:

Dive into J.R.R. Tolkien’s exceptional fantasy universe, Middle-earth, or walk through worlds to reach C.S Lewis’ exquisite Narnia! Queenstown is home to a cauldron of magic, folklore, imagination and wonder. Astonishing landscapes blend into awe-inspiring backdrops, cradling adventure within nature. Queenstown tourism is a quest to another realm, one that unveils history, culture, recreation and cuisine. So, step aboard this fairy-tale ship and navigate through the tides of experiences. 

Highlights of Queenstown:

Queenstown Sky Gondola:

In order to truly admire the majestic beauty of Queenstown, one must take a Gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak. Situated 450 metres above the delightful resort town, is Skyline complex - the steepest cable car ride in the Southern Hemisphere! Once at the top, there are a plethora of thrilling family-friendly activities to enjoy. One can get their fix of adrenaline pumping fun with the Skyline Luge, after which Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar will provide an insight into New Zealand’s delicious cuisine. One of the most special attractions is the star gazing tour, which is a portal into the Southern night sky and its twinkling diamonds.  

Queenstown Trail:

For all you sports enthusiasts out there, Queenstown Cycle Trail is the perfect path to traverse and explore. It is easy-going, allowing for anyone who can ride a bike to participate. It offers the chance to discover some of the most interesting sights. Meandering through exquisite sceneries, you will have the opportunity to visit gold rush era Arrowtown, the world home of Bungy - Kawarau bridge bungy jump, as well as a number of cafes and wineries in the Gibbston region. Survey and marvel at New Zealand’s largest wine cave, while you taste award winning Pinot Noir! Within the long list of New Zealand famous places, this one stands out! 

Arrowtown:

Sitting on the banks of tranquil Arrow River is the quaint and charming Arrowtown, a heritage village founded during 1860’s gold rush. A living breathing historic settlement, with many a story to tell, one can wander through its country rustic backdrops. Old-fashioned hotels, cottages, cafes, boutiques and churches dot its streets. Amongst infinite places to visit In Queenstown, we’d recommend this one for its whimsical surroundings. Head over to the Chinese settlement on the river’s edge, its restored shelters paint a vivid picture of bygone times. 

Glenorchy:

Now this place is truly fantastical for it is the epitome of movie enchantment. Glenorchy, a mere 45 minutes from Queenstown, offers film buffs the chance to relive some of their favourite scenes from some of the most iconic features! Yes, many scenes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Narnia movies were shot here. You can almost taste the fantasy and mystery of the surroundings. Framed by the backdrop of native beech forest and breath-taking mountain ranges, the town is situated on the norther shores of Lake Wakatipu. A backpacker’s paradise and a nature lover’s haven, one can engage in exciting recreational sports such as jet boating, kayaking and biking. 

Bespoke Kitchen:

One can’t discuss Queenstown without mentioning its cosmopolitan food and wine culture! Burrowed in the hills, less than 5 minutes from central town, is gastronomical Bespoke Kitchen. With a wonderful view of the bay and an expertly crafted menu, the restaurant is a meeting ground for both - ambience and food. Fresh local produce is treated with the most delicate flavours to create healthy and scrumptious dishes. We’d recommend you try the potato, cauliflower and kale hash along with the slow cooked middle eastern lamb. 

Interesting facts about Queenstown:

• Central Otago is home to approximately 80 wineries, a staggering 77% of which are solely dedicated to Pinot Noir.
• When the iconic film, Lord of the Rings, was being shot, almost 500 people auditioned daily in Queenstown’s casting rooms.
• Kiwi Birdlife Park harbours 19 different species of endangered birds, thus making tourism in Queenstown so fascinating.
• In the 19th century, Shotover River was one of the world’s richest gold bearing rivers. 
  
  

Location of Queenstown:

A stunning resort town in the lap of New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown sits in the region of Otago. Built around a gorgeous little inlet known as Queenstown Bay, on Lake Wakatipu, the borough offers crystal clear views of mountain ranges such as The Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak. Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill lie just above it, while the lovely settlements of  Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Kingston, Wanaka, Alexandra, and Cromwell lie adjacent to it. 

Best time to visit Queenstown:

The climate of Queenstown varies significantly with each season; however, the most unpredictable time of year is autumn. While the landscapes take on a bold and bountiful beauty, the temperatures fluctuate from -3 to 26 degrees, on an average. When it comes to the best time to visit and explore Queenstown, it much depends on what one is looking for in a vacation. In terms of sightseeing and outdoor activities, like water sports, summer is the best season to traverse as the weather is the warmest. However, if one wishes to avoid high prices and large crowds, spring is ideal, with blooming trees and a pleasant atmosphere. The aforementioned points remain true in case of wine tastings as well! For skiing and other snow sports, winter is obviously the perfect backdrop. Try and avoid autumn for extreme sports, as the elements are very erratic. 

How to Reach Queenstown:

By Air – Queenstown International Airport serves as the gateway to lower South Island, enabling scheduled flights from New Zealand’s main metropolitan aerodromes of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch as well as Australia’s primary cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Auckland Airport is well connected to major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Upon arrival, individuals can avail of a direct flight to Queenstown, via the following airlines – Air New Zealand, Jet Star, Qantas.

By Road – For those who wish to embark on a picturesque road trip, they may do so from a hired car, bus service or coach tour. However, they must fly into New Zealand first. Individuals may avail of a car rental service from Auckland airport itself or book a bus from Wanaka, Dunedin, Invercargill or Christchurch. The neighbouring regions of South Island offer gorgeous landscapes, ideal for drives.

History of Queenstown:

The earliest vestiges of human life in Queensland dates all the way back to the sacred Māori people, who founded and lay claim to the region approximately 700 years ago. Evidence of tail nets, eel catching baskets, spears and ashes indicate that it was used as a summer hunting ground. The first European visitor was a Scot named Nathanael Chalmers, in the year 1853. He was eventually followed by explorers, William Gilbert Rees and Nicholas von Tunzelmann, who were the first non-Māoris to establish base in the area. The former built a farm that was subsequently converted into a hotel (Queen’s Arms) after the first gold discovery was made. As the gold began to diminish, Chinese minors began to settle in the region. By the 1900’s, Queenstown’s population had dropped significantly. However, it continued to thrive as a farmland and resort. By 1988, it had established itself as the adventure tourism capital of the world!