TRAVEL QUEENSTOWN
GENERAL INFORMATION-Queenstown is located in the southern lakes region of the South Island. Queenstown is a cosmopolitan city, offering a limitless adventure, southern wine and cuisine, and breath-taking alpine scenery. It is called the "Adventure Capital of the World". The Queenstown town centre is small to walk around.
Surrounded by incredible mountains, and situated on the edge of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is leading visitor destination and is a great place to visit all year round. Its natural beauty changes with the seasons .The region is renowned for its four distinct seasons, spectacular scenery and world class activities and attractions. Here, you can Bungy Jump, ski or snowboard, paraglide, jet boat, white waterraft, skydive, hang glide, jet ski, and drive quadbikes etc.
Surrounded by incredible mountains, and situated on the edge of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is leading visitor destination and is a great place to visit all year round. Its natural beauty changes with the seasons .The region is renowned for its four distinct seasons, spectacular scenery and world class activities and attractions. Here, you can Bungy Jump, ski or snowboard, paraglide, jet boat, white waterraft, skydive, hang glide, jet ski, and drive quadbikes etc.
HISTORY-The area was known to Māori before Europeans arrived. Explorers William Gilbert Rees and Nicholas von Tunzelmann were the first Europeans to settle the area. Rees established a high country farm in the location of Queenstown's current town centre in 1860. A substantial Chinese population for gold mining and farming in 1860s settled here. After the decline of goldmining, Queenstown became a sleepy rural town, popular as a summer getaway. With the opening of Skifields and revived in 1947 as a tourist destination.
AIRPORT-Queenstown has an international airport which is served by Qantas, Air New Zealand, Pacific Blue and Jetstar. Queenstown airport is known for its spectacular approach, the snow-covered mountains of New Zealand's Southern Alps surround it on four sides and there is a complicated path to the runway.
POPULATION-12,500(Urban)
CO-ORDINATES-45°01′52″S 168°39′45″E
AREA- 25.55Km2(Urban)
CLIMATE-
Temp JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
AvM 22 22 19 15 12 8 8 10 13 15 17 20
AvL 10 9 7 4 2 -0.3 -1.7 0.2 2 4 6 4
CO-ORDINATES-45°01′52″S 168°39′45″E
AREA- 25.55Km2(Urban)
CLIMATE-
Temp JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
AvM 22 22 19 15 12 8 8 10 13 15 17 20
AvL 10 9 7 4 2 -0.3 -1.7 0.2 2 4 6 4
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS-
001-AJ HACKETT KAWARAU BRIDGE-This is the World Home of Bungy, birthplace of the adventurous spirit that has shaped Queenstown’s character and one of the most famous attractions in Queenstown. Nestled into the rock face above the magnificent Kawarau Gorge, the Kawarau Bungy Centre will enable you to choose your own thrill level. Situated just 20 minutes from the adventure capital of the world. Spectators are welcome to accompany the Bungy Jumper throughout the whole experience, including getting harnessed up and going out to the Bungy Pod a very cool experience. Where a long elastic cord is attached to the ankles or harness, and the person jumps off a large height. The Queenstown area houses three Bungy sites. In November 1988, Bungy pioneers AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch jumped into the World spotlight by launching the World's first commercially operated Bungy Jumping Site, off the historic Kawarau Bridge.
I-Nevis Swing-This is biggest swing in the whole world. After being lifted out above the launch deck, suspended above the canyon floor, 300metre Arc, 120m rope length, 160m above the river and you’re suddenly released and find yourself rushing towards the other side of the valley at 120kph.Swing options include: Forwards, Backwards, Tandem, Truck'n Trailer, 69, Back-to-back, Honeymoon. Located 45mins from Queenstown, drive you out to the Bungy Site in our 4x4 buses, the drive alone is spectacular. Ensure you allow a minimum of 4hrs for the round trip journey.
NZ$275.00
ii-Kawarau Bridge Bungy (43m)- Attached by your feet, you can choose to bob above the water, touch it or be fully dunked. If you want to be tied up & thrown off with a friend, as it offers Queenstown’s only Tandem Bungy Jump. World's 1st Commercial Bungy Jump, 43m Bungy Jump off the Historic Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown's.
NZ$195.00
iii-The Kawarau Zipride-The Kawarau Zipride is comprised of 3x 130m zip lines, allowing for solo or tandems, and can take up to six people at once. Our Zipride reaches speeds of up to 60kph- zipride like Superman.
From $50.00 (NZD)
https://www.bungy.co.nz/queenstown/kawarau-bungy-centre
I-Nevis Swing-This is biggest swing in the whole world. After being lifted out above the launch deck, suspended above the canyon floor, 300metre Arc, 120m rope length, 160m above the river and you’re suddenly released and find yourself rushing towards the other side of the valley at 120kph.Swing options include: Forwards, Backwards, Tandem, Truck'n Trailer, 69, Back-to-back, Honeymoon. Located 45mins from Queenstown, drive you out to the Bungy Site in our 4x4 buses, the drive alone is spectacular. Ensure you allow a minimum of 4hrs for the round trip journey.
NZ$275.00
ii-Kawarau Bridge Bungy (43m)- Attached by your feet, you can choose to bob above the water, touch it or be fully dunked. If you want to be tied up & thrown off with a friend, as it offers Queenstown’s only Tandem Bungy Jump. World's 1st Commercial Bungy Jump, 43m Bungy Jump off the Historic Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown's.
NZ$195.00
iii-The Kawarau Zipride-The Kawarau Zipride is comprised of 3x 130m zip lines, allowing for solo or tandems, and can take up to six people at once. Our Zipride reaches speeds of up to 60kph- zipride like Superman.
From $50.00 (NZD)
https://www.bungy.co.nz/queenstown/kawarau-bungy-centre
002-LAKE WAKATIPU CRUISE- Lake Wakatipu is surrounded by mountains and is one of the scenic highlights of the region and a popular location for water sports.Lake Wakatipu is the second largest lake in the Southern Lakes District, covering 290 square km. At its widest point Lake Wakatipu is five kilometres , and the total length is 84km.
Cruising Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw is a great way to see the lake.The leisurely 90 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history – the over one hundred year-old TSS Earnslaw. The cruise departs from Queenstown and ends at Walter Peak High Country Farm, where visitors can enjoy farm tours, horse treks, heritage tours and more.The TSS Earnslaw has carried many a famous visitor, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and even President Bill Clinton. Undoubtedly, this iconic tour is one not to miss.
Cruises depart regularly throughout the day. You can choose to undertake just the cruise, or combine it with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek, independent cycling, gourmet barbecue lunch or dinner.
Duration- 1hr 30 mins (return cruise only)
https://www.newzealand.com/in/plan/business/tss-earnslaw-steamship-lake-cruises-real-journeys/
Cruising Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw is a great way to see the lake.The leisurely 90 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history – the over one hundred year-old TSS Earnslaw. The cruise departs from Queenstown and ends at Walter Peak High Country Farm, where visitors can enjoy farm tours, horse treks, heritage tours and more.The TSS Earnslaw has carried many a famous visitor, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and even President Bill Clinton. Undoubtedly, this iconic tour is one not to miss.
Cruises depart regularly throughout the day. You can choose to undertake just the cruise, or combine it with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek, independent cycling, gourmet barbecue lunch or dinner.
Duration- 1hr 30 mins (return cruise only)
https://www.newzealand.com/in/plan/business/tss-earnslaw-steamship-lake-cruises-real-journeys/
003-SKYLINE GONDALA QUEENSTOWN-Situated an easy five minute walk from central Queenstown, the Gondola carries visitors high above Queenstown to the Skyline complex located on Bob’s Peak.
You’ll be carried 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular 220-degree panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.
Experience indigenous culture with the authentic and live Kiwi Haka Maori performance. Catch the chairlift to ride our unique Luge, a non-motorised cart for an 800m blast of downhill fun.
Hours-9.00am until late,
https://www.skyline.co.nz/en/queenstown/things-to-do/skyline-gondola-queenstown/
You’ll be carried 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular 220-degree panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.
Experience indigenous culture with the authentic and live Kiwi Haka Maori performance. Catch the chairlift to ride our unique Luge, a non-motorised cart for an 800m blast of downhill fun.
Hours-9.00am until late,
https://www.skyline.co.nz/en/queenstown/things-to-do/skyline-gondola-queenstown/
004-THE REMARKABLES- The Remarkables are a mountain range and ski field in Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. Located on the south eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, the range lives up to its name by rising sharply to create an impressive backdrop for the waters. The range is clearly visible from the nearby town of Queenstown.
005-GIBBSTON VALLEY WINES- Tours take you from Queenstown to the Gibbston Valley and through to Bannockburn and Cromwell, the heart of the Central Otago wine country. Tasting at 4 vineyards in Gibbston Valley, Cromwell and Bannockburn. View the historic Kawarau Bridge and the original AJ Hackett Bungy jump.
006-LAKE HAYES- Located about a 15 minute drive from Queenstown is the picture postcard Lake Hayes. Its position and accessibility to both Queenstown and Arrowtown make it a popular local spot for picnics, and on a hot summer’s day it’s a perfect place to head for a lake swim. Walnut Cottage, also at Lake Hayes, is another popular local hangout. They do brunch, lunch, coffee and cake.
007-ARROWTOWN-Arrowtown is 15 minutes’ drive from Queenstown International Airport and 25 minutes from Queenstown.One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River. The town was established in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush. The settlement grew quickly as pioneers constructed cottages, shops, hotels and churches, more than 60 of which can still be seen today. A special highlight is the Chinese settlement at the edge of the river. Built by Chinese miners from 1868, this area of restored shelters and buildings paints a picture of earlier times. The council holds very strict by-laws on appearances and preservation orders protecting over 70 historic buildings, and it is now the only historic town in New Zealand functioning as normal. The Buckingham Street, has small town heritage buildings that stretch into a tree lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages. Buckingham Street is home to the Lakes District Museum with its memorable display of life in a goldfields town. It’s also the Information Centre. The buildings in this lovely precinct, house shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants – many classy, most individual, not one from an international chain. Arrowtown is glorious in summer too, when the colours and atmosphere of the town are at their best. You can take a historic walk to the Chinese mining huts, admire the old buildings, or explore the Lakes District Museum.
008-MILFORD SOUND -Milford Sound, located at the northern most end of Fiordland National Park, is a national icon. In places as much as 400 metres deep. It is actually a fiord, rather than a sound. A river formed valley subsequently flooded by the sea is called a sound, however, Milford Sound was formed by the erosive effects of a glacier and is more correctly a fiord. Milford Sound is a fusion of spectacular natural features. Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Milford Sound is breath-taking in any weather. The fiord's cliffs rise vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 1000 metres. When it rains in Milford Sound, and it often does, those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect. Boat cruises – during the day or overnight – are an excellent way to experience the Sound. To learn more about the local marine life, visit the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove and marvel at the black coral, 11-legged sea stars and delicate anemones. Mitre Peak is a prominent peak on the south shore of Milford Sound. Rising 1692 metres, seemingly sheer above the Sound, the summit actually consists of five closely grouped individual peaks. Rising 1692 metres, seemingly sheer above the Sound.
Cruise- Sailings are 1hr 30 minutes or 1hr 45 minutes each where cruise the entire Milford Sound stopping to view up close all major waterfalls and wherever find seals, penguins or dolphins. The cruise across the lake showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history – the 100 year old TSS Earnslaw. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip and President Bill Clinton are among the famous people who have enjoyed their TSS Earnslaw experience.
Price-NZ$45.00
Coach & Cruise- Depart 8:30am • Return 4:00pm • includes 11:15am cruise & lunch on board.
NZ$99.00
https://www.intercity.co.nz/tours/intercity-milford-sound-tour
Cruise- Sailings are 1hr 30 minutes or 1hr 45 minutes each where cruise the entire Milford Sound stopping to view up close all major waterfalls and wherever find seals, penguins or dolphins. The cruise across the lake showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history – the 100 year old TSS Earnslaw. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip and President Bill Clinton are among the famous people who have enjoyed their TSS Earnslaw experience.
Price-NZ$45.00
Coach & Cruise- Depart 8:30am • Return 4:00pm • includes 11:15am cruise & lunch on board.
NZ$99.00
https://www.intercity.co.nz/tours/intercity-milford-sound-tour
9-GLENORCHY- Just 45 minutes from Queenstown(44kms), Glenorchy is nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu & is the gateway to hiking trails and Middle-earth magic. The road follows the edge of Lake Wakatipu, providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains which rise abruptly from the lake's shores. Today the town is a launching point for walks in Mount Aspiring National Park, jet boat adventures, skydiving, four wheel drive tours and horse treks. Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River offer opportunities for jet boating and kayaking, and some of New Zealand’s best hiking trails can be accessed from here. Routeburn Track; one of the top 10 classic hikes in the world. Glenorchy’s spectacular landscapes have become a prime location for film shooting, depicting many scenes from The Lord of the Rings trilogy as well as featuring in the Narnia movies. Twenty kilometres away from Glenorchy, as bucolic farmland gives way to beech forests, lies Paradise.
PRESENTED BY - VINOD GUPTA
PRESENTED BY - VINOD GUPTA