They call Queenstown the adventure capital of the world and it attracts a lot of those types, you know, the guys that wear their caps backwards, wear Oakley sunglasses and the high-fiving types.  I’d like to say there’s more to it than Bungy jumping, jet boating rides and the like, and there is, but regardless, if you’re going to New Zealand, forget about the North Island and just spend all your time in the South.

Without doubt, it’s a stunning location, on the shores of Lake Wakitipu and looking into the Southern Alps, if you get a hotel with a view, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.  It’s come a long, long way since the days I used to go there (about 25-30 years ago). For me, it’s way too touristy but if you like the outdoors, nature and adventure sports, it could be the perfect destination.  I’d spend 2-4 nights here, then drive over to Wanaka and/or through Milford Sound, back up the West Coast and over to Christchurch for a flight out.

There’s flights into Queenstown from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Try and get a window seat because the flight in and out is beautiful, flying over the Southern Alps is something else, especially during winter when the snow is on them.  The Airport’s a bit small but there’s a few good shops and restaurants if your outbound flight happens to be delayed.  get yourself a New Zealand Cheese Roll at the cafe there.

There’s a lot to see around Queenstown – Wanaka is around an hour, Milford Sound is quite a long drive (3-4 hrs) but a beautiful one and well worth it especially if you’ve flown anywhere further than Australia to get here. Now let’s get into what to do and see in Queenstown itself, or if you have any questions you want answered send us any questions or comments you have about Queenstown via email or ask us on twitter.