hrough the years Queenstown has welcomed pioneers and farmers, gold seekers and adventurers, thrill seekers and holidaymakers and is waiting to welcome YOU. Queenstown is the premier four season alpine and lake resort in the Southern Hemisphere and rates internationally as one of the world’s top holiday destinations. Set in the magnificent landscapes of the Southern Alps of South Island New Zealand, Queenstown is for you whether you are planning a holiday full of action packed adventure or to completely relax in beautiful surroundings.

HISTORY
The quest for pastoral land brought the first Europeans, William Gilbert Rees and Nicholas von Tunzelmann from Dunedin to the shores of Lake Wakatipu in 1859. For a snapshot of early settlers' lives, visit John Williams's cottage in Queenstown, built in 1864, or the Lakes District Museum in nearby Arrowtown.

Queenstown was so named as it was "beautiful enough for a Queen" (Victoria), and the name for Lake Wakatipu means "hollow of the giant"

HOLIDAY DESTINATION
The development of aircraft and road access, coupled with mass media promotion has allowed visitors to easily reach this beautiful destination from anywhere in the world. The establishment of tourism ventures like the gondola, ski fields, bungy operations and jet boating trips initially gave Queenstown the "Adventure Capital" tag. Wine growing regions, villages rich in history, high country sheep farming and primordial world heritage areas sit alongside this international standard tourism resort.

RESTAURANTS
A cosmopolitan cafe and restaurant scene is designed to satisfy all palates and all budgets, and the region is renowned for its wines.

Welcome to Middle-earth. A place where ancient stories are told and spells are woven. Where the craggy peaks, mountain mists and breathtaking vistas inspire adventures only dreamed of. Take a step from your well-worn track; you will leave this mythical land with many a story of your own.

It’s easy to see why New Zealand film director Peter Jackson chose this region for so many Lord of the Rings locations. Fans will recognise the Misty Mountains, Isengard, the Ford of Bruinen, Lothlorien. These are some of the many locations in this area.

Want to visit these magical places by land or air? Contact www.trilogytrail.com

SCENIC FLIGHTS
Taking a flight from Queenstown is a spectacular way to enjoy the magnificent scenery which this area as to offer. The prime attractions accessible from Queenstown by air are Milford Sound, Mount Cook and The Glaciers. Milford Sound Is the premier day trip from Queenstown. It is New Zealand's answer to the Grand Canyon and is a 'must do' for any visitor. Carved out in the ice age the area features steep cliffs plunging directly into the sea with many waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife. Options available in Milford include cruises and nature walks. Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest peak and surrounded by stunning glaciers. The South Island has a number of glaciers and these can be seen either on a glacier flight or on a flight to Milford with Glenorchy Air.

Glenorchy Air provides half day trips to Milford with cruise on the the fiord at Milford or two hour short duration visits. All flights go via the glaciers of the Southern Alps. For more information about tours and scenic flights see www.glenorchy.net.nz.

TRANSPORT
Flying into Queenstown Airport & need transport? Contact Kiwi Shuttles 03 4422207 or 03 4422107