Queenstown

The Gondola ride up to Bob's Peak is the steepest cable car ride in the southern hemisphere. The climb is to 450m above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, to 220 degree views of the mountains and the town and lake below. At the top, those keen on adventure can take a Luge ride. For those wishing to warm up there is mulled wine and hot chocolate. Comfort food is available in the form of lasagne or a buffet dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, followed by stargazing. The cable operates from 9 am to 9 pm, year round. Private and corporate group packages are available.

Bob’s Peak and Skyline Gondola, Brecon Street, PO BOX 17, Queenstown, New Zealand Phone: +64-34-41-01-01

The Remarkables are a range of mountains just 45 minutes from Queenstown. There are two options for those wishing to spend time high in the mountains. The chairlift for the sightseeing option operates from 12 noon to 14:30. The chairlifts for the more active pursuits head in another direction, between 9 am and 4 pm, where visitors can ski or snowboard. For beginners there is a demarcated practice area, equipment for hire and instructors who give individual and group lessons. The children's club caters for ages 5-17. The Snow Shop sells winter clothing and the restaurant, café and bar offer refreshments.

Phone: +64-34-41-14-56

The Queenstown Gardens are near the center of the city, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. There is much to see and do in the gardens and it is popular with locals and tourists. Statues, benches, rose gardens and water features make a walk in the park a pleasant outing. For those feeling active, there are tennis courts, a bowling green, skating park, disc golf and cycling tracks. Close by there is an ice rink which caters for many sports. Two memorials are situated in the park. Scott's Antarctic endeavors and the first settlers are commemorated. Picnic facilities and a restaurant are options for the hungry and thirsty.

Attractions for Couples

The Nevis Valley runs through a broad valley between two high mountain ranges, the Remarkables and the Hector Mountains. It was first used by the Maori people as a trail. Then early settlers farmed the remote area. Everything changed in 1862 when gold was discovered and gold diggers flooded in. Today, only the family stationed at Ben Nevis lives in the area. When it is not snowbound, the valley is navigable by trail bikes and 4 wheel drive vehicles. The area is suitable for hiking, fly fishing for trout, picnicking and exploring the remains of the buildings from the gold rush era.

Alan Brady planted the first vines in the Gibbston Valley in the early 1980s. At 45 degrees south, the climate is risky for vines. Through trial and error, a commercial vineyard and later commercial vintage wines were produced. The winery is one of the top three producers in the world for Pinot Noir and the first ever non-French entrant to win the prestigious Gold Medal Trophy for Pinot Noir / Burgundy, at the London International Wine Challenge. They have also had success with Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay wines. The Valley has become a tourist destination, offering gourmet dining, summer music concerts and biking tours.

Gibbston Valley - Winery, 1820 State Highway 6, Queenstown, 9371, Phone: +64-0-34-42-69-10

New Zealand's first commercial ski field can be found at Coronet Peak, just ten minutes from Queenstown. All categories of skiers have been catered for. There are packages for day trippers, sightseers, families and first-timers. Instruction is available in skiing and snowboarding. The slightly less adventurous can make use of the snow sleds. All equipment is for hire. Skiwiland School builds confidence in young children from three months to five years. The Kea Club is aimed at 5-17 year olds. A restaurant, café and ice bars provide sustenance. Night skis are permitted on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4-9 pm.

Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown 9371, Phone: +64-34-42-46-20

Recommended Activities for Families

Arrowtown is a former gold rush village. The Heritage Main Street has shops with names like Gold Nugget, Golden Fleece and the Jade and Opal Factory. For arts and culture enthusiasts, there are art galleries and the Lakes District Museum to visit. Restaurants abound, offering French, Italian, Indian and Thai food, as well as local cuisine and wines. Outside the village, the terrain opens up and affords opportunities for trail running, hiking and mountain biking. There is so much to see and do that a stay over is warranted in one of the hotels, cottages, apartments or bed and breakfast establishments.

The 45 minute drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is feted as the most scenic in New Zealand and among the top 10 in the world. Glenorchy offers the best of lakeland and mountain terrain in rural New Zealand. The Information Center is the hub, also being the store, hotel and backpack retreat. Sightseeing and photography are the least strenuous activities. On land, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, skiing, climbing and golf. On the water, visitors can swim, fish and take a boat or kayak out. Even aerial pursuits in the form of paragliding are available.

Glenorchy Information Center, Phone: +64-0-34-09-20-49

The turnoff to the Mt Crichton Loop Track is 12 km from Queenstown, along the scenic road to Glenorchy. The walk will take between 2-4 hours, along the Twelve Mile Creek, through natural bushland, red beech and mountain beech trees. It is easy going along the contours, and is suitable for children. Dogs are permitted on a leash. Along the way, hikers will encounter the river, a waterfall, historic huts and a tunnel. Lake Dispute can be seen clearly and there are glimpses of Lake Wakatipu. Caution needs to be exercised as there are steep drop-offs and mine shafts along the way.

50 Stanley Street, Queenstown, 9300, Phone: +64-34-42-79-35

In a region where visitors are spoiled for choice, Lake Wanaka offers yet another breathtaking tourist destination. Situated close to Mt Aspiring National Park, the area is about an hour's drive from Queenstown. The town of Wanaka has shops, galleries, restaurants and cafés. All year round, hiking and skiing is possible in the mountains. Astrophotography is a draw card because of the clear night skies. In addition, activities have been organized for each season of the year. There are park runs, beer festivals, and sporting and aviation events. For those in the tourism industry, a travel fair and sustainability summit are held annually.

Lake Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand, 9305, Phone: +64-34-43-15-74