Queenstown

Lake Wakatipu snakes through the lush green landscape leading to The Remarkables, Queenstown’s series of jagged edged mountains. Hikers make their way to the range’s many summits for an incomparable view of the tourist town and its surrounds. There are mountain resorts here and there, offering skiing and trekking adventures. The quieter places are a distance from town. Drawing closer, the party touristy atmosphere overtakes. All this is amidst an awe-inspiring townscape, with a great lake and remarkable mountain ranges in the backdrop.

Queenstown is one of the more popular resort destinations in New Zealand. It used to be a gold mining and farming town. Its early residents counted migrant Europeans and Chinese people. As the other industries died out, it became more known as a summer vacation place. In time, with the opening of the Coronet Peak, the country’s first commercial ski field, Queenstown also became a winter getaway.

Today, the town enjoys a yearlong stream of travelers who come for the view, a summer mountain trek or two, or ski tours. Bob’s Peak is one of the best ways to see the marvel of Queenstown and the mountains and lakes that surround it. The Skyline Gondola runs from the town to the peak. The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cecil Peak, Walter Peak, and Bob’s Peak are great venues for skiing, snowboarding, luge rides, and mountaineering. Lake Wakatipu, on the other hand, offers opportunities for parasailing, flyfishing, whitewater rafting, and lake cruises. Queenstown also has a thriving wine industry. A time in town is opportune to sample some of the local wines.

Travelers to Queenstown generally need a valid passport and visa when planning to stay for more than three months. The town is relatively safe, marred only by occurrences of car break-ins every now and then. Basic safety precautions are advised. Queenstown is a great place to visit all-year round.