Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
QUEENSTOWN
POP 12,500
Surrounded by the soaring indigo heights of the Remarkables and framed by the meander-
ing coves of Lake Wakatipu, it's little wonder that Queenstown is a show-off. No-one's
ever visited and said, 'I'm bored'. Looking like a small town, but displaying the energy of a
small city, Queenstown wears its 'Global Adventure Capital' badge proudly, and most vis-
itors take the time to do crazy things they've never done before.
A new Queenstown is also emerging, with a cosmopolitan restaurant and arts scene, ex-
cellent vineyards and five international-standard golf courses. Go ahead and jump off a
bridge or out of a plane, but take time to slow down and experience Queenstown without
the adrenaline. At the very least, find a lakeside bench at dusk and immerse yourself in one
of NZ's most beautiful views.
Queenstown is well used to visitors with international accents, so expect great tourist fa-
cilities but also big crowds, especially in summer and winter. Autumn (March to May) and
spring (October to November) are slightly quieter, but Queenstown is a true year-round
destination.
The town's restaurants and bars are regularly packed with a mainly young crowd that
really know how to holiday. If you're a more private soul, drop in to see what all the fuss is
about, but then get out and about by exploring the sublime wilderness further up the lake at
Glenorchy.
