Queenstown

Queenstown is every adrenalin junkie’s Mecca. Set around the stunning location of Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Alps, Queenstown caters for all desires. Although a fairly small town, the pace of life here is a great deal faster than you will find in the rest of New Zealand. After a day of sailing, rock climbing, bungy jumping, to name just a few of the activities available, you can party into the small hours in one of the many bars and clubs the town has to offer. With an annual influx of over a million visitors, you can guarantee that Queenstown will be buzzing whatever the time of year.

Attractions

Queenstown is famous for its bungy jumps and it was the location of the world's first. There are four jump sites available at increasingly terrifying heights. The original one is the Kawarau Bridge which, at 43 metres, is the one for the more faint hearted. The jump from The Ledge (47 metres) offers spectacular views across Queenstown, and the trip up to it by the Skyline Gondola is recommended even if you are not planning to jump. The Pipeline Bungy offers a 102-metre plunge over the Shotover River. However, the most daunting of the four is the Nevis Highwire Bungy. At 134 metres high this bungy offers a new dimension to the thrill of the jump by being located on a cable car suspended over the Canyon. The jumps do not have to be attempted alone however. Tandem jumps are available at the Kawarau Bridge and you can be accompanied onto the cable car at the Nevis bungy.

The Skyline Gondola rides up to Rob’s Peak and provides views of Queenstown and its surrounding scenery. The Gondola rides from 9am – midnight so sunset views can be enjoyed from the peak, or combined with dinner at the restaurant available. Jet boats rides are available on the Shotover River which provide an exhilarating way to take in the beauty of the canyon. Jet boating is a home-grown experience so there is no better place to try it. The Kawarau and Shotover Rivers are host to whitewater rafting trips throughout the year and river surfing between September and May. Helmets and padded clothing are needed for both these sports, as well as a strong stomach!

Paragliding, skydiving, hand-gliding and parasailing are all available over Lake Wakatipu, and include unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains.

The above activities are best undertaken in the warmer weather of summer. However, in winter Queenstown becomes its own ski resort with runs nearby suitable for all levels. The three internationally rated fields, Treble Cone, Cardrona and Waiorau Nordic, are all only an hour’s drive away from the town. Coronet Peak is only 15 km away from Queenstown and offers trails for all abilities, as well as night skiing in season.

Shopping

Queenstown is not famed for its shopping. Most of the shops cater for the activities available thus you will be able to buy all your skiing gear when you arrive.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Being a ‘must-stop’ on the backpacker trail, Queenstown has earnt itself the reputation of being a party town. There is an abundance of backpacker bars that offer cheap drinks and entertainment into the small hours of most mornings. Most of the restaurants in Queenstown cater for the more expensive end of the market. Italian and Pacific food are the favourites, and many of the restaurants take advantage of Queenstown’s outstanding scenery. To find out which of the bars and restaurants are the current favourites look in Today and Tonight. This is free, found in the information centres and contains listings for all bars and clubs.

Tourist Information

I-SITE Visitor Information CentreClock TowerCnr Camp and Shotover StreetsQueenstownNew ZealandTel. +64 3 442 4100Fax. +64 3 442 8907

Just Queenstown2/20 Beetham StreetQueenstownNew ZealandTel. +64 3 441 3211Fax. +64 3 441 3211 The Station Information & Booking CentreCnr Camp & Shotover StreetsQueenstownNew ZealandPhone. +64 3 442 5252Fax. +64 3 442 5384

Airport

The nearest airport is at Frankton which is 7 km northeast of Queenstown. A shuttle bus usually meets most flights to ferry people into town.