queenstown

Queenstown is the action centre of South Island and New Zealand. If you want adrenaline this is the place to come. If you want something a bit more sedate then again Queenstown can cater for you.

A view of Cecil Peak with the SS Earnslaw

The activities are in some cases world famous. The one that every body knows is bungy jumping. Queenstown was the first place to have a bungy jump which is run by A.J. Hackett. There is bungy jumping just outside Queenstown on the main road leading to Wanaka. The bungy jumping is done from abridge which you can walk onto and stand next to those who are risking life and limb 60 metres below. Other activities in Queenstown include Paragliding from the Skyline Cage on top of Ben Lomand, Jetboating down the Shotover river, Aerobatics , and in winter skiing either on the Remarkables or Cardrona ski fields.

A view of the Queenstown bowls club
with Cecil Peak as a back drop

The more sedate activities are wide and varied. You can take a cruise on the SS Earnslaw to the Mount Nicholas sheep station or in the evening around the lake and down the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu, gondola riding upto the Skyline cafe to get a majestic view of Lake Wakatipu and watch the Paragliders. There is the bowls club in the botanical gardens and of course there is the botanical gardens themselves that has a splendid rose Garden. Set in the rose Garden is a commemorative stone dedicated to Captain
Scott.

Queenstown itself has a selection of shops to get your winter wear and also any provisions as well as that all important New Zealand souvenirs.

Lake Wakatipu seen from the Wakatipu Lodge bar

There are numerous places to eat and you will be very spoilt for choice if you wish to eat out. There are a number of bars, restaurants, cafes and tea shops.
There is a wide selection of places to stay in Queenstown. Ranging from five star hotels to camp sites. The main Motorcamp site gets very packed and not for those who prefer it quiet. There is also the Wakatipu lodge which is highly recommended as it has a bar. There is also a back packers lodge, the limit would be what you can afford.

If you want to go further afield there are a number of things that you can do in the
area. Drive upto the top of the
Remarkables, visit Arrowtown and see what New Zealand looked like during the gold rush years. There are a number of pleasant drives that you can take around the lake but dont expect the road to be smooth.
Also you can go out to the Cardrona range.

SS Earnslaw with Cecil Peak in the background

SS Earnslaw cruising up the
Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu

All together the choice in Queenstown is almost limitless , you just need the budget and the time . If you really need to unwind you can always feed the swarms of ducks . For the Artist in Queenstown there is so much that should inspire you and there is so much material you will not be able to put your sketch book down . If you are painting out doors you can also expect an audience who will take an active interest in what you are doing.