GUIDES

Queenstown Guide

Queenstown - Out and About

Queenstown, a resort town situated on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, in the Southern Alps with its spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Considered one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand, sits 310 metres above sea level.

This small, compact town of 16,000 inhabitants (including Arrowtown, Kingston and Glenorchy) was initially known as “The Camp”, its name was later changed in honour of Queen Victoria, as it was stated it was 'fit for Queen Victoria' by a local gold digger. 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 Queenstown is recognised as a first–rate holiday resort and has been dubbed the Adventure Capital of the World'. The area invests greatly in both summer and winter tourism and has highly developed structures to meet the tourist demand.

Until recently Queenstown was noted exclusively for its wonderful hiking possibilities and the ski pistes at the local Coronet Park. However from the 1970’s Queenstown 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, hiking and guided walks, hang gliding, not to mention the numerous possibilities adventures with the most thrilling water sports such as whitewater rafting, river surfing and canoeing, which take place on the lake and the rivers Dart, Shotover and Kawarau.

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 43 metre high Kawarau Bungy Bridge 'the world's first bungy, situated 23 km from the Queenstown, but probably the most spectacular destination is the The Ledge 'the highest jump', which will launch you ....... 400 metres, overlooking Queenstown! A truly unique experience, will be to do it in the dark.

The Queenstown Visitor Information Centre is open seven days, can provide further information and a booking service for the area's activities. Along with many other booking agents situated around the city,

The city centre is quite compact 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.

Queenstown - Not to be missed

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

Guaranteed to view the New Zealand Kiwi. Visit the Kiwi and Birdlife Park 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. Live conservation 30 minute shows daily. The park is open every day from 9am to 5pm (times may vary depending on summer/winter hours).

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 9:00 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 traveler's notebook

Language : English, Maori

Currency : New Zealand dollar (Money exchange is open seven days)

Climate : Queenstown is renowned 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 5°C to 10 °C

Opening Hours (city centre) : Offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, while the banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4 pm and a few during the weekends. Shops are open Monday to Sunday from 9am to late evening.

Telephones : The country code is +64 and the area code is 03.

example (calling from outside New Zealand) 0064 03 --------

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 travelers while the more energetic can head for the numerous nightclubs. There is a wide choice of menu in the numerous restaurants and it is recommended to sample the excellent local wine.

Memorial Street is the site of a Maori concert and chance where you can experience a traditional Maori 'hangi' meal, where the food is cooked in the ground using heated rocks.

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.

> Book hostels in Queenstown