Queenstown

Melanie
Queenstown

Local Markets

From organic produce that you can buy directly from the grower to wines straight from the cellar door, here are the top ways to get to know Queenstown's creative community and pick up a few goodies along the way.
Local Markets The various Queenstown and Arrowtown markets are a must to grab some local produce, freshly baked goods, art, beauty products and handmade gifts to take home. On Saturdays, be sure to visit the Creative Queenstown Arts & Crafts Market on the lakefront at Earnslaw Park.
Creative Queenstown Arts & Crafts Market
Beach Street
Local Markets The various Queenstown and Arrowtown markets are a must to grab some local produce, freshly baked goods, art, beauty products and handmade gifts to take home. On Saturdays, be sure to visit the Creative Queenstown Arts & Crafts Market on the lakefront at Earnslaw Park.
Local Markets The various Queenstown and Arrowtown markets are a must to grab some local produce, freshly baked goods, art, beauty products and handmade gifts to take home. The seasonal Remarkables Market in Frankton for produce, food and gifts straight from the source.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Remarkables Market
23 Hawthorne Dr
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Local Markets The various Queenstown and Arrowtown markets are a must to grab some local produce, freshly baked goods, art, beauty products and handmade gifts to take home. The seasonal Remarkables Market in Frankton for produce, food and gifts straight from the source.
Local Markets The Arrowtown Farmers’ Market is a great place to buy a bunch of fresh flowers and handmade pastries. Held on the Library Green in Arrowtown, the Arrowtown Farmer's Market runs every Sunday from Labour Weekend to Easter yearly. You may be surprised at some of the beautiful products Queenstown's creative community are producing.
Arrowtown Farmers Market
58 Buckingham St
Local Markets The Arrowtown Farmers’ Market is a great place to buy a bunch of fresh flowers and handmade pastries. Held on the Library Green in Arrowtown, the Arrowtown Farmer's Market runs every Sunday from Labour Weekend to Easter yearly. You may be surprised at some of the beautiful products Queenstown's creative community are producing.

Wineries & Food

Akarua Wines Akarua is a well loved and well known Central Otago winery that has been owned by the Skeggs Family since the original vineyard was planted in Bannockburn back in 1996. Akarua Wines and the team from Artisan share similar principles….put simply to deliver the best wine and food experience to our customers that we can. Wine is made in the vineyard and Akarua’s belief is that our land plays an integral part in producing the premium Central Otago wines that we bring to market each year. Likewise Artisan views the ingredients as the key to delivering food that is their signature. A passion for hand crafted cuisine that’s made from scratch is a philosophy that makes the Artisan kitchen tick, using some of New Zealand’s finest sustainable ingredients sourced in and around the four coasts of our South Island. The food coming from our kitchen is honest, comforting and social with a focus on quality, taste and seasonality helped from Central Otago’s local growers. Our food matched carefully with the purity of Akarua wines combine to create a memorable dining experience. Enjoy the beautiful garden setting and the historic cottage which we have lovingly restored – whether it’s for a coffee and breakfast or for a shared lunch over wine with friends, we look forward to welcoming you soon. Executive chef John Pickens Open 9-5.30pm until May Food service Mon-friday 9-11.30 (breakfast) Sat & sun 9-11am (breakfast) Lunch 12-3.30pm daily Cellar door 10-5pm daily (winter 11-5) Afternoon menu 3.30-4.30 (with Artisan platter available until close)
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Akarua Wines & kitchen by Artisan
265 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Rd
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Akarua Wines Akarua is a well loved and well known Central Otago winery that has been owned by the Skeggs Family since the original vineyard was planted in Bannockburn back in 1996. Akarua Wines and the team from Artisan share similar principles….put simply to deliver the best wine and food experience to our customers that we can. Wine is made in the vineyard and Akarua’s belief is that our land plays an integral part in producing the premium Central Otago wines that we bring to market each year. Likewise Artisan views the ingredients as the key to delivering food that is their signature. A passion for hand crafted cuisine that’s made from scratch is a philosophy that makes the Artisan kitchen tick, using some of New Zealand’s finest sustainable ingredients sourced in and around the four coasts of our South Island. The food coming from our kitchen is honest, comforting and social with a focus on quality, taste and seasonality helped from Central Otago’s local growers. Our food matched carefully with the purity of Akarua wines combine to create a memorable dining experience. Enjoy the beautiful garden setting and the historic cottage which we have lovingly restored – whether it’s for a coffee and breakfast or for a shared lunch over wine with friends, we look forward to welcoming you soon. Executive chef John Pickens Open 9-5.30pm until May Food service Mon-friday 9-11.30 (breakfast) Sat & sun 9-11am (breakfast) Lunch 12-3.30pm daily Cellar door 10-5pm daily (winter 11-5) Afternoon menu 3.30-4.30 (with Artisan platter available until close)
Amisfield Bistro Amisfield Bistro offers four distinct dining experiences, all of which showcase the finest local, in-season produce. Lunch and dinner offer a multi-course degustation menu that promise an exciting sensorial exploration of the region’s flavours. Enjoy a glass of wine, wine-tasting or a cocktail at our Cellar Door bar along with something from our new bar menu or share Amisfield at Home, with a range of delicious, family-style dishes from our takeaway or delivery menu. Menu: Lunch or dinner at Amisfield is an exploration of the season's best local produce. Multiple courses allow you to enjoy the tastes of the region and are designed to be matched with one or more of the wines produced on our organic single vineyard estate. A kitchen for all seasons: Our focus is on creating dishes that represent the work of a small group of fisherman, hunters, gatherers and farmers. We bring their products together to epitomise the tastes of Central Otago and in doing so, highlight the relationship between the raw produce and the finished product. These dishes cumulate in a dining experience that helps define NZ cuisine to the world. We believe we are charged with a sensitivity and commitment to our environment and we choose our partners in our menu for the quality they offer as well as their commitment to sustainability and ethical farming practices. Opening Hours Lunch Wednesday to Sunday From 12pm-3pm Dinner Friday and Saturday From 6pm *All boookings must be made online*
169 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Amisfield Winery station
169 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Amisfield Bistro Amisfield Bistro offers four distinct dining experiences, all of which showcase the finest local, in-season produce. Lunch and dinner offer a multi-course degustation menu that promise an exciting sensorial exploration of the region’s flavours. Enjoy a glass of wine, wine-tasting or a cocktail at our Cellar Door bar along with something from our new bar menu or share Amisfield at Home, with a range of delicious, family-style dishes from our takeaway or delivery menu. Menu: Lunch or dinner at Amisfield is an exploration of the season's best local produce. Multiple courses allow you to enjoy the tastes of the region and are designed to be matched with one or more of the wines produced on our organic single vineyard estate. A kitchen for all seasons: Our focus is on creating dishes that represent the work of a small group of fisherman, hunters, gatherers and farmers. We bring their products together to epitomise the tastes of Central Otago and in doing so, highlight the relationship between the raw produce and the finished product. These dishes cumulate in a dining experience that helps define NZ cuisine to the world. We believe we are charged with a sensitivity and commitment to our environment and we choose our partners in our menu for the quality they offer as well as their commitment to sustainability and ethical farming practices. Opening Hours Lunch Wednesday to Sunday From 12pm-3pm Dinner Friday and Saturday From 6pm *All boookings must be made online*
From CNN to The Telegraph, Lonely Planet, Nine or the Los Angeles Times articles have been written about Queenstown and its cult store Fergburger. From bloggers or television shows or film crews from around the globe we love hosting, cooking and interacting with everyone. In showcasing our beautiful town, and the fantastic regional produce we combine into our much talked about burgers we thank you all for visiting us and telling your stories.
280 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fergburger
42 Shotover St
280 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
From CNN to The Telegraph, Lonely Planet, Nine or the Los Angeles Times articles have been written about Queenstown and its cult store Fergburger. From bloggers or television shows or film crews from around the globe we love hosting, cooking and interacting with everyone. In showcasing our beautiful town, and the fantastic regional produce we combine into our much talked about burgers we thank you all for visiting us and telling your stories.

Activities

Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel on board Queenstown's vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is believed to be the only coal-fired passenger-carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Cruising on this heritage vessel is truly unique. There is simply no better way to experience Queenstown's stunning alpine scenery. The TSS Earnslaw makes several trips daily across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and groups are welcome on board our scheduled daytime and evening departures. The ship's private saloon (40 seated, 65 standing) is available for hire for smaller groups requiring a distinctive private function. Alternatively, choose an exclusive charter of the TSS Earnslaw (max. capacity 250) and we will tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements. Full catering and bar facilities are available on board. Cruise options include a breakfast, cream tea, light lunch or black-tie cocktail cruise. Please note: The TSS Earnslaw will be on annual maintenance from late May to early September 2023.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
TSS Earnslaw - RealNZ
Beach Street
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel on board Queenstown's vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is believed to be the only coal-fired passenger-carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Cruising on this heritage vessel is truly unique. There is simply no better way to experience Queenstown's stunning alpine scenery. The TSS Earnslaw makes several trips daily across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and groups are welcome on board our scheduled daytime and evening departures. The ship's private saloon (40 seated, 65 standing) is available for hire for smaller groups requiring a distinctive private function. Alternatively, choose an exclusive charter of the TSS Earnslaw (max. capacity 250) and we will tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements. Full catering and bar facilities are available on board. Cruise options include a breakfast, cream tea, light lunch or black-tie cocktail cruise. Please note: The TSS Earnslaw will be on annual maintenance from late May to early September 2023.
Take the time to enjoy the best of Milford Sound with our leisurely cruise aboard the Milford Haven or M.V. Sinbad. Exploring the length of the fiord you’ll learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Our experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience what’s been called the “eighth wonder of the world”. Extra information Great viewing from both the outdoor decks and indoor lounge Restaurant quality food & beer on tap Barista coffee and tea available (extra cost) The cruise will be aboard the Milford Haven or the M.V. Sinbad Milford Sound is in remote Fiordland, with no WIFI available, the perfect place to unplug and recharge All ages are welcome on our cruises Getting there The journey to Milford Sound via the famous Milford Road is just as remarkable as the destination itself. Milford Sound is around 5-6 hours (one-way) from Queenstown and around 3 hours from Te Anau. If you are self-driving from Queenstown, try to stay overnight in Te Anau as the trip to Milford and back from Queenstown can get very tiring. Also, leave plenty of time to stop at the many scenic trails and lookouts along the way. What to bring Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent and camera. Personal medication including for asthma and allergies. *Please visit real nz website for bookings*
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Milford Sound
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Take the time to enjoy the best of Milford Sound with our leisurely cruise aboard the Milford Haven or M.V. Sinbad. Exploring the length of the fiord you’ll learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Our experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience what’s been called the “eighth wonder of the world”. Extra information Great viewing from both the outdoor decks and indoor lounge Restaurant quality food & beer on tap Barista coffee and tea available (extra cost) The cruise will be aboard the Milford Haven or the M.V. Sinbad Milford Sound is in remote Fiordland, with no WIFI available, the perfect place to unplug and recharge All ages are welcome on our cruises Getting there The journey to Milford Sound via the famous Milford Road is just as remarkable as the destination itself. Milford Sound is around 5-6 hours (one-way) from Queenstown and around 3 hours from Te Anau. If you are self-driving from Queenstown, try to stay overnight in Te Anau as the trip to Milford and back from Queenstown can get very tiring. Also, leave plenty of time to stop at the many scenic trails and lookouts along the way. What to bring Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent and camera. Personal medication including for asthma and allergies. *Please visit real nz website for bookings*
Enjoy an iconic Queenstown experience and take the Queenstown Gondola up 450 metres up to Bob's Peak. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the aptly named The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. Try your hand at the Queenstown Luge and zoom down the course of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. If you’re feeling hungry, grab something to eat at the Market Kitchen Café or at Stratosfare Restaurant. Visit the Jelly Belly Store and take home some sweets and check out the art gallery – yes, art pieces made out of Jelly Beans!
192 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Skyline Queenstown
53 Brecon St
192 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Enjoy an iconic Queenstown experience and take the Queenstown Gondola up 450 metres up to Bob's Peak. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the aptly named The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. Try your hand at the Queenstown Luge and zoom down the course of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. If you’re feeling hungry, grab something to eat at the Market Kitchen Café or at Stratosfare Restaurant. Visit the Jelly Belly Store and take home some sweets and check out the art gallery – yes, art pieces made out of Jelly Beans!
Queenstown isn't all about heart-pumping adrenalin - wind down and indulge at Onsen Hot Pools, a boutique retreat and day spa that offers ultimate relaxation. Looking over the Shotover River, the spa has 14 world-renowned cedar-lined hot pools that are open during both the afternoons and evenings. Whether you book an hour-long soak in the Original Onsen, or treat yourself to the Ultimate Relaxation Experience, you’ll surely feel fully rested at the end of your visit. CONTACT Open 9am to 11pm every day!
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Onsen Hot Pools
162 Arthurs Point Rd
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Queenstown isn't all about heart-pumping adrenalin - wind down and indulge at Onsen Hot Pools, a boutique retreat and day spa that offers ultimate relaxation. Looking over the Shotover River, the spa has 14 world-renowned cedar-lined hot pools that are open during both the afternoons and evenings. Whether you book an hour-long soak in the Original Onsen, or treat yourself to the Ultimate Relaxation Experience, you’ll surely feel fully rested at the end of your visit. CONTACT Open 9am to 11pm every day!

Walks & Trails

For lovers of walking and hiking, Queenstown is paradise. This stunning region offers a multitude of options for those who love exploring by foot. Please always check local weather and Department of Conservation Website.
In the heart of town, and a favourite with locals, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk offers spectacular views and insights in to the past, present and future of Queenstown and the area around Lake Wakatipu. The Queenstown area has some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery and natural features. There are several short walks and hikes in and around Queenstown that give you the opportunity to explore and enjoy this amazing part of the country. The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a 500-metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness). As you make your way along the track, you will walk by the popular 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture as well as six information plates that explain different epochs of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. When you have completed the time walk and reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding land and some of Queenstown's main landmarks. If you would like to stop for a snack before descending, you might enjoy a little picnic on the shore of the small mountain lake. More information Getting there The starting point for the Queenstown Hill Time Walk is at a small car park off Belfast Terrace, not far from the city centre. Need to know The track is managed by the Queenstown Lakes District Council and parts of the track traverse private land. TIME: 3 hours 4.2km HIGHLIGHTS: 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture Spectacular scenery GRADE: INTERMEDIATE
155 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Queenstown Hill Walking Track
58 Belfast Terrace
155 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
In the heart of town, and a favourite with locals, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk offers spectacular views and insights in to the past, present and future of Queenstown and the area around Lake Wakatipu. The Queenstown area has some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery and natural features. There are several short walks and hikes in and around Queenstown that give you the opportunity to explore and enjoy this amazing part of the country. The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a 500-metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness). As you make your way along the track, you will walk by the popular 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture as well as six information plates that explain different epochs of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. When you have completed the time walk and reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding land and some of Queenstown's main landmarks. If you would like to stop for a snack before descending, you might enjoy a little picnic on the shore of the small mountain lake. More information Getting there The starting point for the Queenstown Hill Time Walk is at a small car park off Belfast Terrace, not far from the city centre. Need to know The track is managed by the Queenstown Lakes District Council and parts of the track traverse private land. TIME: 3 hours 4.2km HIGHLIGHTS: 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture Spectacular scenery GRADE: INTERMEDIATE
Ben Lomond track is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the walk. For the first segment, the track begins at the Douglas fir stands via the Skyline Access Road and takes you through the alpine tussocks and shrubs. Experience magnificent lake and mountain views as you climb up the saddle. The track gets more challenging from here and the walk requires an advanced level of fitness as the last push towards the top of Ben Lomond is very steep as it approaches the summit at 1748m. At the top, you'll be rewarded with exceptional views and on clear days, you can spot Mount Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and Aspiring/Tititea. Please visit Department of Conservation website for more information on safety, what to pack and when to go. TIME: 6-8 hours 40 Km HIGHLIGHTS: Breath-taking panoramic views View of Mount Earnslaw and Aspiring Lake views GRADE: EASY You should have a good level of fitness. Please visit Department of Conservation website for more information on safety, what to pack and when to go.
Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond track is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the walk. For the first segment, the track begins at the Douglas fir stands via the Skyline Access Road and takes you through the alpine tussocks and shrubs. Experience magnificent lake and mountain views as you climb up the saddle. The track gets more challenging from here and the walk requires an advanced level of fitness as the last push towards the top of Ben Lomond is very steep as it approaches the summit at 1748m. At the top, you'll be rewarded with exceptional views and on clear days, you can spot Mount Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and Aspiring/Tititea. Please visit Department of Conservation website for more information on safety, what to pack and when to go. TIME: 6-8 hours 40 Km HIGHLIGHTS: Breath-taking panoramic views View of Mount Earnslaw and Aspiring Lake views GRADE: EASY You should have a good level of fitness. Please visit Department of Conservation website for more information on safety, what to pack and when to go.
Ride along one of the Queenstown Trail’s 130km of cycle trails, which take you past the spectacular scenery to Arrowtown, the iconic Kawarau bridge bungy jump and several cafes and wineries. Queenstown is also a well-loved destination for avid mountain bikers – with three lift-assisted mountain bike parks and range of scenic mountain bike trails around the area suited to all skill levels. Overview: Linking Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston, this trail network is the ultimate way to reach many of the region’s iconic attractions while soaking up its world-famous scenery. Rides range from easy lakeside jaunts to cross-country treks to winery tours, offering adventures to suit cyclists of almost every ability and area of interest. Riding the trail: Visitors are spoilt for choice on this trail network, which dishes up sublime scenery while linking many of the attractions the Queenstown region is famous for. Multiple access and bike hire points, open landscapes and clear signage make for easy navigation, while wide, smooth terrain means riders can keep their eyes front and camera at the ready. The trail website suggests rides of various lengths and levels of difficulty. At the leisurely end of the scale is the Lake Wakatipu Ride starting in Queenstown’s colourful municipal gardens and hugging the lakeshore through to Frankton and beyond, back-dropped by the Remarkables and passing cafes along the way. Gold rush-era Arrowtown is the starting point for the intermediate Arrow River Bridges Ride that takes in photogenic bridges, country lanes and an old gold miners’ road to historic Kawarau Bridge, site of the world’s original bungy jump operation and a chance to strike the big bounce off the bucket list. Kawarau Bridge signals the start of the Gibbston River Ride, an easy meander through the ‘Valley of the Vines’ and a brilliant way to explore the wineries lining this iconic Central Otago landscape. There are plenty of return rides and loops, but flexible shuttle pick-ups also enable one-way rides throughout the network, offering the ultimate in cycle tour freedom. Be prepared: Terrain mostly ranges across grades 2–3 (easy to intermediate), with each section described in detail on the trail website. Riders of most ages and abilities will find a ride to enjoy, particularly if they work the hills and forecast wind direction in their favour. While the trails are wide and smooth, a mountain bike is recommended for safety and comfort. Although the trail is well signposted and meets many roads and settlements, riders should carry a map, water and food, basic tool kit and cellphone. There are toilets dotted at convenient points. The Queenstown Trails can be ridden at any time of year, each season blessed with a distinct colour palette (autumn is a stunner). Generally hot and dry in summer, and icy in winter, the mountain environment means that conditions can change quickly. Regardless of season, it is vital to check the forecast and take appropriate clothing.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Queenstown Trail
160 Gorge Rd
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ride along one of the Queenstown Trail’s 130km of cycle trails, which take you past the spectacular scenery to Arrowtown, the iconic Kawarau bridge bungy jump and several cafes and wineries. Queenstown is also a well-loved destination for avid mountain bikers – with three lift-assisted mountain bike parks and range of scenic mountain bike trails around the area suited to all skill levels. Overview: Linking Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston, this trail network is the ultimate way to reach many of the region’s iconic attractions while soaking up its world-famous scenery. Rides range from easy lakeside jaunts to cross-country treks to winery tours, offering adventures to suit cyclists of almost every ability and area of interest. Riding the trail: Visitors are spoilt for choice on this trail network, which dishes up sublime scenery while linking many of the attractions the Queenstown region is famous for. Multiple access and bike hire points, open landscapes and clear signage make for easy navigation, while wide, smooth terrain means riders can keep their eyes front and camera at the ready. The trail website suggests rides of various lengths and levels of difficulty. At the leisurely end of the scale is the Lake Wakatipu Ride starting in Queenstown’s colourful municipal gardens and hugging the lakeshore through to Frankton and beyond, back-dropped by the Remarkables and passing cafes along the way. Gold rush-era Arrowtown is the starting point for the intermediate Arrow River Bridges Ride that takes in photogenic bridges, country lanes and an old gold miners’ road to historic Kawarau Bridge, site of the world’s original bungy jump operation and a chance to strike the big bounce off the bucket list. Kawarau Bridge signals the start of the Gibbston River Ride, an easy meander through the ‘Valley of the Vines’ and a brilliant way to explore the wineries lining this iconic Central Otago landscape. There are plenty of return rides and loops, but flexible shuttle pick-ups also enable one-way rides throughout the network, offering the ultimate in cycle tour freedom. Be prepared: Terrain mostly ranges across grades 2–3 (easy to intermediate), with each section described in detail on the trail website. Riders of most ages and abilities will find a ride to enjoy, particularly if they work the hills and forecast wind direction in their favour. While the trails are wide and smooth, a mountain bike is recommended for safety and comfort. Although the trail is well signposted and meets many roads and settlements, riders should carry a map, water and food, basic tool kit and cellphone. There are toilets dotted at convenient points. The Queenstown Trails can be ridden at any time of year, each season blessed with a distinct colour palette (autumn is a stunner). Generally hot and dry in summer, and icy in winter, the mountain environment means that conditions can change quickly. Regardless of season, it is vital to check the forecast and take appropriate clothing.
Starting at the edge of the road between Queenstown and Glenorchy, the three-hour loop walk to Sam Summers' Hut provides a fascinating glimpse of life as a gold prospector. This area was mined off and on between the 1860s and the 1930s. Relics include a large sluiced canyon and a "tail race" tunnel. In the early days of the gold rush, water was used as a tool to blast gravel off the cliffs. The gold-bearing gravel was then washed through a tail race tunnel. The tunnel you'll see on this walk is spectacular - 24 metres long, a metre wide and 10 metres high. Sam Summers' Hut is also interesting. It was built around 1930. Sam mined in the area on and off for 30 years. Chinese ceramic relics have been found behind the hut, which is located on the site of a Chinese gold miners' camp. Today the hut provides basic accommodation for hikers and is maintained by the Department of Conservation. After the hut, the track crosses 12 Mile Creek and climbs up to a ridge overlooking Lake Dispute. From here you can either follow the track back to the car park, or you can follow the fence line on down to Lake Dispute and out onto Glenorchy Road. Getting there: The track starts from a car park 12 km from Queenstown on the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road. Need to know: Mountain biking is not permitted on this track and the link to Lake Dispute. Time: 2-4 hours HIGHLIGHTS: Historic gold prospector's hut Rivers and waterfall Gully views PROXIMITY Car - 25 mins from Queenstown on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. GRADE: EASY
Mt Crichton Loop Track
Starting at the edge of the road between Queenstown and Glenorchy, the three-hour loop walk to Sam Summers' Hut provides a fascinating glimpse of life as a gold prospector. This area was mined off and on between the 1860s and the 1930s. Relics include a large sluiced canyon and a "tail race" tunnel. In the early days of the gold rush, water was used as a tool to blast gravel off the cliffs. The gold-bearing gravel was then washed through a tail race tunnel. The tunnel you'll see on this walk is spectacular - 24 metres long, a metre wide and 10 metres high. Sam Summers' Hut is also interesting. It was built around 1930. Sam mined in the area on and off for 30 years. Chinese ceramic relics have been found behind the hut, which is located on the site of a Chinese gold miners' camp. Today the hut provides basic accommodation for hikers and is maintained by the Department of Conservation. After the hut, the track crosses 12 Mile Creek and climbs up to a ridge overlooking Lake Dispute. From here you can either follow the track back to the car park, or you can follow the fence line on down to Lake Dispute and out onto Glenorchy Road. Getting there: The track starts from a car park 12 km from Queenstown on the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road. Need to know: Mountain biking is not permitted on this track and the link to Lake Dispute. Time: 2-4 hours HIGHLIGHTS: Historic gold prospector's hut Rivers and waterfall Gully views PROXIMITY Car - 25 mins from Queenstown on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. GRADE: EASY
Take in the superb views of the mountains that line Lake Wakatipu as you walk over rolling open grassland and scattered scrub. The track, which has tight corners and steep pitches, ends at Jack's Point. Getting there: The track, located about 18 minutes from Queenstown, can be started in two places; Jardine Park at the end of Poplar Drive or at the Jack's Point Clubhouse. Need to know: The track also connects with Kelvin Peninsula Track, a popular mountain biking track. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. Time: 4 Hours 5.6 Kms HIGHLIGHTS: Mountain views Landmarks like Lake Wakatipu Nearby mountain biking track PROXIMITY: Car - 18 mins from Queenstown GRADE: EASY
Jack's Point Track
Take in the superb views of the mountains that line Lake Wakatipu as you walk over rolling open grassland and scattered scrub. The track, which has tight corners and steep pitches, ends at Jack's Point. Getting there: The track, located about 18 minutes from Queenstown, can be started in two places; Jardine Park at the end of Poplar Drive or at the Jack's Point Clubhouse. Need to know: The track also connects with Kelvin Peninsula Track, a popular mountain biking track. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. Time: 4 Hours 5.6 Kms HIGHLIGHTS: Mountain views Landmarks like Lake Wakatipu Nearby mountain biking track PROXIMITY: Car - 18 mins from Queenstown GRADE: EASY

Sightseeing

Set against a background of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, and only a 45-minute drive from Queenstown, you can find the beautiful Glenorchy. An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Glenorchy has plenty of things to do, from walking tracks, horse riding, fishing, to finding those perfect photography spots. It is also home to filming locations from The Lord of the Rings, including Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains and Ithilien. This rustic town is a true outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Set against a background of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, Glenorchy’s surrounds are nothing short of awe-inspiring. 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. Horse trekking in the area is also highly recommended. Glenorchy’s spectacular landscapes have become a prime location for film scouts, 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. Some say it was christened for its natural charms, others for the paradise ducks that live in the area. Nobody can say for sure how it got its name, but the one thing people agree on is its breathtaking beauty. "This is the Middle‑earth™ I had always pictured," Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) said of Paradise. Home to about 500 people, Glenorchy is a welcoming and vibrant place famous for its southern kiwi hospitality. There’s an assortment of accommodation, cafes, restaurants and bars. It’s a good idea to buy hiking supplies in nearby Queenstown. Walking and hiking: A few of the most scenic walking tracks in the world are right on Glenorchy’s doorstep. One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Routeburn Track, is nearby and features soaring mountain peaks and jewel-like lakes as part of a 3-4 day hike. There’s also the 4-5 day Rees and Dart Track and the Greenstone/Caples Track. Accommodation is in the form of basic huts, which need to be booked in advance. The Department of Conservation Visitor Centre can help with information, booking and transport. The area also offers a large choice of day walks with everything from 20-minute strolls to full day hikes available. Movie-making magic: Hollywood has fallen in love with the landscapes surrounding Glenorchy. Locations for Isengard, Lothlorien and Amon Hen for The Lord of the Rings trilogy were all filmed nearby, and are easily accessed on foot and by jet boat. Parts of the area also had a starring role in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe as well as Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia and countless adverts. HIGHLIGHTS: Middle‑earth sites Jet boating and kayaking Walking and hiking trails PROXIMITY: Car - 45 min from Queenstown
170 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Glenorchy
170 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Set against a background of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, and only a 45-minute drive from Queenstown, you can find the beautiful Glenorchy. An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Glenorchy has plenty of things to do, from walking tracks, horse riding, fishing, to finding those perfect photography spots. It is also home to filming locations from The Lord of the Rings, including Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains and Ithilien. This rustic town is a true outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Set against a background of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, Glenorchy’s surrounds are nothing short of awe-inspiring. 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. Horse trekking in the area is also highly recommended. Glenorchy’s spectacular landscapes have become a prime location for film scouts, 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. Some say it was christened for its natural charms, others for the paradise ducks that live in the area. Nobody can say for sure how it got its name, but the one thing people agree on is its breathtaking beauty. "This is the Middle‑earth™ I had always pictured," Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) said of Paradise. Home to about 500 people, Glenorchy is a welcoming and vibrant place famous for its southern kiwi hospitality. There’s an assortment of accommodation, cafes, restaurants and bars. It’s a good idea to buy hiking supplies in nearby Queenstown. Walking and hiking: A few of the most scenic walking tracks in the world are right on Glenorchy’s doorstep. One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Routeburn Track, is nearby and features soaring mountain peaks and jewel-like lakes as part of a 3-4 day hike. There’s also the 4-5 day Rees and Dart Track and the Greenstone/Caples Track. Accommodation is in the form of basic huts, which need to be booked in advance. The Department of Conservation Visitor Centre can help with information, booking and transport. The area also offers a large choice of day walks with everything from 20-minute strolls to full day hikes available. Movie-making magic: Hollywood has fallen in love with the landscapes surrounding Glenorchy. Locations for Isengard, Lothlorien and Amon Hen for The Lord of the Rings trilogy were all filmed nearby, and are easily accessed on foot and by jet boat. Parts of the area also had a starring role in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe as well as Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia and countless adverts. HIGHLIGHTS: Middle‑earth sites Jet boating and kayaking Walking and hiking trails PROXIMITY: Car - 45 min from Queenstown
Situated on the banks of Arrow River is historic Arrowtown, established during the gold rush of the 1860s and is still a vibrant town centre today. Only a 20 minutes’ drive east of Queenstown, this picturesque destination is home to the Lakes District Museum and Gallery – showcasing the area’s history and relics. Hire a Gold Pan and try your luck at gold mining down at the river! One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River and is just 20 minutes from Queenstown. 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 Lakes District Museum in Buckingham Street has been described as one of New Zealand's best small museums. A variety of entertaining exhibits presents an authentic picture of early Maori life in the Southern Lakes district, the harsh pioneering days and the exciting gold rush era of the mid to late 1800s. The gold days are long over (although you can still pan for gold in the river with some success), so Arrowtown's focus is on hosting visitors. Play a round at the challenging local golf course or take a 4WD journey to Macetown, a ghost town accessible only by wagon track, or simply while away some time wandering the streets, café hopping, or catch a film! In April and May Arrowtown ignites with colour as deciduous trees prepare for winter. The Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival is held in the last week of April to celebrate the town's seasonal beauty and glittering history. Arrowtown has a range of cafes, restaurants and bars and several boutiques selling homeware, souvenirs, wool and designer clothing. Functional facts: Approx. population 2200, information centre, fuel. queenstown QUEENSTOWN HIGHLIGHTS: Gold rush history Golf courses Autumn colours PROXIMITY: Car - 20 min from Central Queenstown
281 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arrowtown
281 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Situated on the banks of Arrow River is historic Arrowtown, established during the gold rush of the 1860s and is still a vibrant town centre today. Only a 20 minutes’ drive east of Queenstown, this picturesque destination is home to the Lakes District Museum and Gallery – showcasing the area’s history and relics. Hire a Gold Pan and try your luck at gold mining down at the river! One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River and is just 20 minutes from Queenstown. 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 Lakes District Museum in Buckingham Street has been described as one of New Zealand's best small museums. A variety of entertaining exhibits presents an authentic picture of early Maori life in the Southern Lakes district, the harsh pioneering days and the exciting gold rush era of the mid to late 1800s. The gold days are long over (although you can still pan for gold in the river with some success), so Arrowtown's focus is on hosting visitors. Play a round at the challenging local golf course or take a 4WD journey to Macetown, a ghost town accessible only by wagon track, or simply while away some time wandering the streets, café hopping, or catch a film! In April and May Arrowtown ignites with colour as deciduous trees prepare for winter. The Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival is held in the last week of April to celebrate the town's seasonal beauty and glittering history. Arrowtown has a range of cafes, restaurants and bars and several boutiques selling homeware, souvenirs, wool and designer clothing. Functional facts: Approx. population 2200, information centre, fuel. queenstown QUEENSTOWN HIGHLIGHTS: Gold rush history Golf courses Autumn colours PROXIMITY: Car - 20 min from Central Queenstown

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Dear guest please make sure you have booking reservations in advance for activities and dinning with the arrival of international tourist Queenstown is busy as ever.