Tipped as one of the most captivating areas in the Otango, Queenstown is a scenic paradise encircled by the Southern Alps and flanked by the meandering Lake Wakatipu. Immortalized in film by Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, the breathtaking landscapes doubled as the magical environs of Middle Earth offer a plethora of leisure options for travellers of all ages and origin. From world renowned nature trails and wine tours to adventure sporting activities this tranquil corner of New Zealand truly packs in a punch in terms of touristic value with the sheer diversity of its attractions.
Nature lovers will relish the wide range of activities available in this panoramic destination littered with natural wonders. Hikers and avid walkers can explore Queensland’s famed Hollyford Track and take a three day guided tour of cascading rivers, towering mountains, lakes, coastal areas and native rainforests of the locale. The world famous Routeburn Track is also a hiker’s paradise which treks through 32km of New Zealand’s south west World Heritage Area Fiordland National Park while Mount Aspiring is another option. Wine enthusiasts can tour the prestigious wineries along the Queenstown Wine Trail which takes guests across the Otango wine region with wine tasting, sightseeing and vineyard exploration thrown in to the mix. The Gateway to Paradise also known as Glenorchy and the quaint mining hamlet of Arrowtown located along Arrow River are other pastoral villages that are well worth exploration when discovering Queenstown.
Those with a flair for panoramic views can take in the sights above Bob’s Peak and take a thrilling Luge Ride while adrenaline junkies can white water raft across Queenstown’s Landsborough, Shotover and the willow infested Kawarau Rivers. Jet boat excursions along the Shotover River’s curious canyons are also available in addition to exciting boat rides across Lake Wakatipu. Sky diving and bungee jumping opportunities are also available at Kawarau Bridge Bungy which is the home base of the first ever 43-metre Bungy Jump. Paragliding, waterskiing, wakeboarding and biscuiting excursions are also some of the other highlights in Queenstown’s popular activity list which also includes taking helicopter rides across Fiordland, Mt Cook, Milford Sound and locations featured in the Lord of the Rings films.
The award-winning Millennium Hotel Queenstown is one luxury hotel Queenstown that rates among its finest accommodation providers. A stone’s throw away from Queenstown’s retail and entertainment hubs and just 6km away from the airport, this is one hotel Queenstown ranking among its most conveniently located rests.
