The town of Queenstown, incredibly popular with outdoor enthusiasts, is nestled on the shores of idyllic Lake Huakatipu amidst the fantastic mountain scenery of South Island. The crystal clear waters of the tranquil lake, solemn mountain ranges, spacious valleys and fabulous beech forests – the majestic awe-inspiring nature of Queenstown is familiar to many from episodes of the acclaimed Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was filmed in various parts of New Zealand, including Queenstown District. True fans of the film will certainly recognize the Dimrill Valley, Ithilien, Isengard and many other picturesque places.
The town’s history is closely tied to gold. It was after gold was discovered in the headwaters of the Shotover River in 1862 that a settlement of gold prospectors grew up near the mines. Queenstown, that is literally “Queenstown,” got its name because it was “worthy of Queen Victoria herself.”
Although the “gold rush” is long over, and today the city attracts many visitors who find here not treasures, but amazing landscapes, unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities and memorable vacations in the royal style. The rapidly developing town has gradually evolved from a gold prospectors’ settlement into a superb alpine resort and one of the highlights of travel along the southwest coast of South Island. Queenstown’s 2-square-mile downtown is home to fashionable hotels, fine restaurants, bars, stylish cafes, trendy stores and night bars. However, the entertainment industry of central Queenstown serves only as an organic and integral complement to the sports complexes and amazing atmosphere of this resort.
At any time of year, travelers to Queenstown are welcomed with a warm welcome, excellent cuisine and extensive entertainment, but each season offers something special and holds amazing secrets for true adventurers. When flowers burst through last year’s foliage, fresh grass plays emerald hues in the sun and the air is filled with spring inspiration, it’s time for a boat trip on the lake or an invigorating bungee jump. Warm, sunny summers are perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting and fishing on Lake Huakatipu. When the fresh and cool autumn air balances the riot of colors of the red and gold fall scenery, it’s especially nice to spend time at one of the 4 golf courses. But it’s only winter that gives Queenstown the special charm that has earned the town its reputation as the most popular winter resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Alabaster mountain tops, snow-covered trees and intertwining tracks on white snow fill the heart with joy and a thirst for new experiences. In the vicinity of Queenstown there are 6 world-class ski areas offering slopes for all levels of skiing and groups of all sizes.
Finally, a trip to Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks is highly recommended for all travelers staying in Queenstown. Only here you can get an exceptional experience of exploring the winding fjords, penetrate into the hidden secrets that these silent giants keep. Numerous waterfalls fall down the steep cliffs into the turquoise waters of the bay in sparkling cascades, and at altitude, moving away from the edges of the cliffs, fast rivers cross forests and glacial lakes, glaciers themselves and severe mountains crowned with snow caps. Here, where mighty peaks rise above an endless mirror-like surface, where the salty waters of the gulf and roaring mountain streams mingle, rare species of New Zealand fauna are found. The national parks attract thousands of visitors who appreciate nature and find special charm in the extraordinary beauty of the South Island. Here visitors can immerse themselves in the peace and harmony of the protected world of the fjord valley, or venture out on an adventurous hiking, biking or canoeing adventure.
