Exploring Queenstown in New Zealand

Queenstown Offers Top Class Attractions to Tourists

Jan 18, 2009 Debbie Roome

From boating and fishing in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter, Queenstown has something for everyone.

Set in the midst of beautiful mountain scenery, Queenstown is one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand. Here are some of the activities available to visitors.

Water Sports on Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown is wrapped around the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu, so it follows that there is plenty of activity on the water. Yachting, steam cruises, fishing trips and boat hire are some of the options available. The water is cold but crystal clear and on a hot day, people can be seen swimming in the shallows. In the evening, the water picks up the golds and reds of magnificent sunsets and tourists can be found sitting on the beach feeding ducks and seagulls.

The Skyline Gondola

This amazing cable-car ride rises 450 metres above Queenstown and offers incredible views across the area. Entertainment at the top is plentiful and includes a death-defying bungy jump and the luge. The luge is a winding track that carries little cars that work by gravity. Adults and children alike enjoy this activity and can control their speed. The main complex is home to a top class restaurant that can accommodate 330 diners and there are also a number of tourist shops and coffee bars.

Shops in Queesntown

The main shopping area in Queenstown is lined with quality stores. Many of these are fitted out with stone and polished wood and exude ambience. Goods available include designer clothing and garments made of pure wool and a blend of merino and possum. Tourist shops abound and all kinds of souvenirs are on sale. The shops are open until late when warm lights spills from their windows, transforming the streets to gold.

Shotover Jet

This incredibly popular sport is based on the Shotover River. Jet boats roar through canyons in ankle deep water and execute 360 degree turns. The river itself is an amazing turquoise color and grey cliffs form a fitting backdrop.

Eating out in Queenstown

Restaurants and coffee shops abound in Queenstown and many are along the lake shore. The favoured style is small and intimate with wooden decks where people can dine outside. Aromas of fine Italian food mingle with spicy curries and couples are seen enjoying candlelight dinners and glasses of wine.

Accommodation in Queenstown

The area has everything from cheap backpacker’s accommodation to luxurious 5 star hotels. Many of the more expensive hotels line the lake shore and many rooms provide magnificent lake views.

Skiing

Winter transforms Queenstown into a winter wonderland with access to a number of top class ski fields. Slopes cater for all levels of experience and lessons and equipment are available for all ages. Snow often falls in the town and tourists are seen playing while the locals are trying to keep warm.

This is just a brief overview of what Queenstown has to offer. It is also a central base for many day trips that include cruises in the sounds, a visit to an underground power station and glow worm caves. No one can be bored when vacationing in this area.

The copyright of the article Exploring Queenstown in New Zealand in Aus/NZ/Oceania Travel is owned by Debbie Roome. Permission to republish Exploring Queenstown in New Zealand in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.