Queenstown

Queenstown is a tourist mecca of New Zealand's South Island.
Located in the heart of Central Otago, 4 hours inland from Dunedin, or 5 hours south of Christchurch. From the west coast travel inland over the ranges through Wanaka.
Remarkable is a word easily associated with this town. The Remarkable mountains are rugged, sharp and breath taking, all in one sentence. The place is unique at all times of the year from snow, and ski fields, to springtime glory. The snow melts and the summer bakes away. Finally the quietest time, Autumn, has the magic of the colours that line the lake side.

Tips

The people that make up the town is a varied mix from the local to the adventure seeking backpacker. Unfortunately it seems that all there are tourists. Queenstown has a more than lively nightlife because of this, but the trick is to go out on a Sunday or a Monday, because that's when the locals get time off, and the atmosphere is a lot more calming, but still just as crazy, as they work extra hard and party even harder.

The Region has a lot of places to explore. Try hiring a mountain bike and ask them where to go. If you want to avoid the price of the gondola there is a track that leads to the observatory. The ride down is free.

The attractions here is an adrenalin seeking junkies heaven, You can bungy, jet boat, canyon swing, skydive, helicopter ride, paraglide, paraglide bungy, luge ride, white water raft, 4wd drives and Lord of the Rings tours... lots and lots more. If you meet a local they usual can give you "mates rates" cheap or free attractions, and discounted food, etc... Just ask, and pretend you are a local. It will work.

Other places like Arrowtown offer cheaper accommodation and is 40 minutes by bus from Queenstown.
You can drive to the Remarkable ski field and hike up to the ranges passing an Alpine lake and see a landscape fit for a God. This is best done in summer

Attractions

In Summer time it is perfect weather for picnics and exploring on foot or bike. Daylight hours are long, and the weather is very good.
Winterfest kicks off the festivities with local concerts and bars putting on great entertainment. The ski fields become open and the town is full of boarders and skiers. Accommodation becomes tight, so be aware, especially over the winter holiday period.
Spring time is a great time to visit, as snow is still on the hills, but most of the people have left.

CouchSurfers

There are 15 members in Queenstown
4 in Cromwell, 40kms east
and 6 in Wanaka, 50 kms north

Coffee or a drink

Anyone want to meet for a drink?

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