Queenstown Guide

Queenstown - Out and About

Queenstown, is located at over 1,000 metres above sea level, on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, in the Southern Alps and is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the whole of New Zealand. This small, compact town of 7, 500 inhabitants was initially known as “The Camp”, but its name was later changed in honour of Queen Victoria. The town was highly populated by gold prospectors during the 1860’s and in a relatively short time, became an active and vibrant mining town. Today Queensland is recognised as a first –rate holiday resort and has been dubbed the “world capital of adventure”. The area invests greatly in both summer and winter tourism and has highly developed structures to meet the tourist demand. Queensland has numerous pubs and clubs which guarantee the visitor a colourful and active night-life.

Until recently Queensland was noted exclusively for its wonderful hiking possibilities and the ski pistes at the local Coronet Park. However from the 1970’s Queensland has developed a true vocation for adventure and extreme sports.

Today it is possible to participate in a wide variety of activities including, tandem parachuting, canyoning, paragliding, bungee jumping, sledging, body boarding, not to mention the numerous water sports such as rafting and canoeing, which take place on the lake and the rivers Dart, Shotover and Karau.

Bungee jumping is probably the favourite pastime for sports enthusiasts and there are numerous possibilities to take part. One of the preferred destinations is the 43metre- high Kawaru Suspension Bridge, situated 23km from the Queensland, but probably the most spectacular destination is the Skippers Suspension Bridge. This bridge, which crosses the narrow gorge of the Shotover River, is 71 metres high and offers a truly unique experience. The highest jump however, is from the Pipeline Bridge, a single arched bridge, that spans Skippers Canyon and stands at a height of 101 metres.

The various rivers in the area, in particular the Kawarau and the Shotover, offer numerous possibilities to practise rafting. There are various grades of difficulty and to run certain stretches of the river, the minimum age is 12 or 13. The Queenstown Travel and Visitor Centre and the DOC, in Shotover Street, provide information and a booking service for the area’s activities.

The centre of Queenstown, just a little larger than 1km2, is very easy to visit on foot. In order to travel further a field, it is possible to use the highly efficient local public transport service. The Shopper Bus provides a service from 6:30am to 11pm and calls at the main hotels, the airport, Sunshine Fernhill, Frankton, Remarkables Park Shopping Centre and Downtown Queensland.

Queenstown - Not to be missed

Bob’s Peak stands on the hill, overlooking the Queensland and provides the visitor with spectacular views over the town. The less energetic traveller can travel to the summit by means of the Skyline Gondola cable-car.

The Kiwi and Birdlife Park is situated next to the cable-car station. This wonderful park houses amongst its pine trees, a refuge for kiwi’s and other birds on the road to extinction. The park is open every day from 9am to 5pm.

Underwater World is a submerged observatory, located at the quayside at the end of the Mall, where visitors can glimpse the underwater life of the lake.

The Queenstown Motor Museum, houses a collection of vintage cars and motorbikes. The museum is open every day from 9:30 am to 5.30 pm.

Queenstown - Walks and tours

The pretty village of Glenorchy, at the end of Lake Wakatipu, is an excellent departure point for various excursions , with trails and paths, which wind their way along the rivers Rees and Dart. The village, also the site of a small museum and golf course, is the departure point for those wishing to tackle the mountainous region, that stretches in a northerly direction, away from the lake. Interesting excursions along mountain trails include, Routeburn, Greenstone and the Caples. It is worth noting that the Routeburn trail is so popular, that it is not advisable to set off, without first booking accommodation at the mountain huts along the trail.. During the busy month of January, it is recommended to book at least one month in advance.

Queenstown - The traveller's notebook

Currency : New Zealand dollar

Electric supply: 230V, 50 Hz. Australian round three- pinned plugs are used

Climate : Queensland is renown for its clean, limpid mountain air. The climate is rather changeable and visitors should bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket at any time of the year. The summer temperature from November to February varies from 19°C to 29° C, in winter from °C to 10 °C

Language : English, Maori

Opening hours : offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, while the banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm. The shops are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5:30 pm and Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm. There is also late night shopping on Thursday or Friday until 9pm.

Telephones : The national prefix is 03.

Queenstown - A pocket guide

Even though Queenstown is a small town, it has the possibility to satisfy the requests of even the most demanding of visitor. Those wishing to spend a relaxing evening can sit in one of the many quiet bars and swap stories with other travellers. The more energetic can head for the numerous nightclubs. Memorial Street is the site of a traditional Maori show, organized by the Maori Concert and Feast. There is a wide choice of menu in the numerous restaurants and it is recommended to sample the excellent local wine.

Disclaimer: the above information is provided 'as is' and Hostelsclub accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.