Queenstown
Breathing Space!
Queenstown is geared up for those coming to take a winter
holiday. This may include time on any of the six ski fields
in the district, skiing or snowboarding. Queenstown has
a vibrant apres ski experience, the envy of anywhere,
with fine restaurants, bars and cafes serving quality
New Zealand cuisine and fantastic local and international
wines, including the acclaimed Pinot Noir. There is something
for everybody.
Playing the edge
Adventure Capital of the World - Queenstown, NZ. A reputation
earned through the actions of a number of locally residing
thrill seekers who have developed several unbelievable,
adrenalin stirring, sanity-reducing adventures in a wildly
exciting environment - bungy jump, skydive, climb mountains,
ski, raft, kayak, fish, horse ride, cycle, walk, take
a scenic flight, sail, river surf, jet boat, hang-glide,
snowmobile, snowboard, dance, go canyoning, heliski, parapente.
Queenstown has, over the years, quietly expanded into
all sorts of attractions, including new wineries, art
galleries, arts trails and challenging golf courses. Downtown
Queenstown is a compact and picturesque shopping area
where you’ll find international labels alongside
the best in New Zealand designs. It’s an imaginative
and vibrant retail scene.
In contrast to the thrill seeking adventures on offer,
why not take some time out and pamper yourself with a
spa treatment. Immerse yourself in one of the spas in
Queenstown and enjoy relaxation at its best. All spas
are close to hand in Queenstown to massage your tired
muscles and revitalise you with a facial, pedicure or
one of many other treatments on offer.
Historic Arrowtown
Twenty-one kilometers from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a
combination of striking seasonal changes, historic buildings
and quiet charm. The new buildings on the main street
have been developed in sympathy with old and is a testament
to the town’s determination to preserve its illustrious
past.
The superb Lakes District Museum is located here, there
is a growing café culture, great restaurants and
much to do including superb walking and mountain biking
tracks, excellent fishing, horse riding and gold panning.
It’s an artistic town and artwork ranging from traditional
to contemporary is on exhibit in the many homestead studios
surrounding Arrowtown, in several galleries and in the
Museum, which changes its themed exhibitions regularly.
The boutique Dorothy Browns Cinema specialises in constantly
changing foreign and classic movies and is also home to
exciting art displays.
Lord Of the Rings
Arrowtown residents embraced the filming of Lord of the
Rings. The Ford of Bruinen was located just upstream of
the town and it was here that Arwen Evenstar, daughter
of Elrond, carried the injured and dying Frodo across
the river on horseback with the Black Riders close behind.
The gushing Arrow River and its bush-clad walkways is
an internationally preferred site for location filming
of movies and commercials. It’s also a photographer’s
dream.
Wines of Central Otago
History
At 45% south Central Otago is the world’s southernmost
winemaking region and is Renowned for pinot noir. Located
200 to 400 metres above sea level the vineyards enjoy
spectacular alpine backdrops and are the highest in the
country Central Otago has won more gold medals for this
variety than any other New Zealand region. Also growing
well are chardonnay, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc varieties.
Grapes were first grown here by a Frenchman during the
goldrush of the late 1860’s.
Wine production (in hectares) is predicted to rise 74%
over the next three years to a total of 928 hectares.
The Modern Tipple
There are vineyards across Central Otago and into the
Queenstown and Wanaka areas. Specifically, Bannockburn,
Gibbston Valley and Lowburn are home to big plantings.
There are 45 wineries in the region. Local vineyards have
680 hectares in production producing more than 2273 tonnes
of grapes. The predominant variety is pinot noir.
Visit
the Destination Queenstown website
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