The Region
Queenstown’s stage is the magnificent landscapes and vast mountain ranges where you can feel the energy of this bustling town and make the most of the exciting experiences available to you.
Central Queenstown is a bustling hive of bars, restaurants and shops, making it a vibrant town centre to entertain every visitor. Originally a mining town and home to gold rushers, Queenstown has blossomed into the home of adventure sports and the ultimate base camp for visitors to our stunning, pristine natural playground.
This is a place where you’ll feel welcomed by warm hospitality, open minds, and innovative and cosmopolitan outlook. Day and night, 365 days a year, Queenstown offers all the fun and stimulation of a metropolitan resort—with exciting land and water adventures activities, relaxing spas and hideaways, a lively bar and restaurant scene, shopping, World Heritage scenery and much, much more.
GLENORCHY
A 35-45 minute drive around the lake to Glenorchy takes you to the wilderness of the remote head of Lake Wakatipu and the plains, valleys and river crossings of Paradise.
Take a horseback ride and explore this fantastic terrain that has inspired multiple film makers as you enjoy a real interactive taste of southern kiwi farming life.
ARROWTOWN
The entire Southern Lakes region is steeped in the mining history of the late 19th century, but nowhere is it more present today then Arrowtown.
With the town centre almost completely preserved or restored to reflect the original clapboard village established during the gold rush, it is a lovely place to stop in and step back in time.
Visit the restored main Buckingham Street or the historic Chinese mining settlement. It is a lovely afternoon out or a convenient stop only 20 minutes from Queenstown.
GIBBSTON VALLEY & BANNOCKBURN
Located at 45° south and with pinot noir accounting for 70% of the planted vines, Central Otago is the southernmost pinot noir region in the world.
The stunning beauty of the region alone makes it worth a visit and for anyone with an interest in wine there is plenty to tempt even the most selective palates. Made up of a wide variety of sub-regions, the sloping riverside plains of the Cromwell Basin account for the majority of the regions plantings.
In contrast, the steep slopes and terraces of Gibbston Valley produce some of the area’s most outstanding wines. Incorporate it as a stop on your way to Wanaka or arrange to spend the day there with a private guide.
WANAKA
A beautiful hour’s drive over the Crown Range north of Queenstown is the lakefront town of Wanaka. Situated on the doorstep of Mount Aspiring national park world heritage area, Wanaka is a gateway to the rugged countryside of Southland. As the laidback sibling of Queenstown this comparatively quiet centre is home to a fantastic range of family friendly activities including day walks along the lake front and Puzzling World with their giant walk through maze.
