Source: www.queenstown-nz.co.nz/

Queenstown is an exhilarating, year round, alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, the town was named because "...it was fit for Queen Victoria." Queenstown is today recognised internationally as New Zealand's premier visitor destination. Queenstown has more than just breathtaking scenery and a diverse range of attractions, it's the people visitors find enchanting. In fact in 1998, Queenstown was again voted Friendliest Foreign City in a poll of 37,000 readers of Conde Nast Traveler, a top US Travel Publication. Queenstown first won the award in 1996.

In the same publication Queenstown was positioned the 14th best city in the world alongside such names as Vienna, London, Paris and Hong Kong. It was the only New Zealand destination to rank in the World's top 20.

Queenstown enjoys four distinct and captivating seasons.

Summer burns hot under blue skies before cool autumn mornings bring fire to the hills, trees change to vivid reds and gentle golds. Crisp, clear days and miles of snow covered mountains, make winter a time for snow enthusiasts, before nature bursts into colourful life in spring.

The resort boasts a range of activities second to none, all within easy reach of the compact town centre. The town centre is only one square kilometre in size and within easy walking distance of most major commercial accommodation.

Queenstown offers relaxation at its best. There is gold in them there hills, and trout in the streams, so try your hand with a gold pan or a fishing rod. Visit the Arrowtown Museum, one of the best boutique museums in the country then afterwards explore the Wakatipu Art Trail.

Join the Queenstown Wine Trail and discover award-winning wines from the World's most southern vineyards. Return to town and sample the delights on offer in the many shops, cafes and restaurants. As night falls, get ready to experience the resort's buzzing nightlife.

Queenstown's reputation as the adventure capital of the world is well earned, you can choose to join in or watch the massive selection of safe, breath-taking activities. Earth, water or air, there is something to test and thrill all adventure seekers.

Bungy Jump from the world's first commercial bungy site, swoop and soar in your own controllable "rocket", whitewater raft or surf, jet boat down canyons, tandem hanglide or parapente...it simply doesn't stop! Long walks, four wheel drive treks, or lunch on a majestic steamboat, you choose, it's your holiday.

Take a short drive back in time to the historic goldmining settlement of Arrowtown, or drive the shores of Lake Wakatipu to discover the beautiful hamlet of Glenorchy, the gateway to the Paradise Valley and the famous Routeburn walking track.

Over the hill but not very far from Queenstown you will find the peace and tranquility of the small town of Wanaka with its crystal clear lake and dramatic mountain landscape.

Further abroad, discover the mysteries of stunning Fiordland.Enjoy a cruise on a spectacular sound, have a close encounter with seals and dolphins which often frequent the area.

Accommodation in Queenstown ranges from backpackers and B&B's to apartments and international class hotels and lodges.

Whatever you decide don't be rushed. Queenstown is a destination which delivers everything it promises... and probably much more.