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Queenstown

Sights in Queenstown

  1. A

    Underwater Observatory

    Underwater Observatory has six giant windows showcasing life under the lake. Brown trout abound, and look out for freshwater eels and scaup (diving ducks), which cruise right past the windows.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Skyline Gondola

    Hop on the Skyline Gondola for fantastic views of Queenstown, the lake and the mountains. At the top are a cafe, a restaurant with regular Maori cultural shows, and souvenir shops. Walking trails include the loop track (30 minutes return), or you can try the Luge or new mountain-bike trails. The energetic can forgo the gondola and hike to the top – take the upper, left-hand gravel track from the trailhead on Lomond Cres for an hour’s uphill hike.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Kiwi Birdlife Park

    Here's your best bet to spy a kiwi. There are also 10,000 native plants and scores of birds, including the rare black stilt, kea, morepork and parakeets. Stroll around the sanctuary, watch the conservation show, and tiptoe quietly into the darkened kiwi houses.

    reviewed

  4. D

    The Skyline Gondola

    Hop on the Skyline Gondola for fantastic views of Queenstown, the lake and mountains. At the top there’s a café, restaurant with regular Maori cultural shows, and souvenir shops. Several walking tracks, of various grades, can be found around the summit and thrillseekers will enjoy the fast descent via the luge.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Williams Cottage

    Williams Cottage is Queenstown’s oldest home. An annexe of Arrowtown’s Lake District Museum and Gallery, it was built in 1864 and remains close to its original condition, including 1930s wallpaper. The cottage and its 1920s garden are now home to the very cool Vesta store showcasing local designers and artists. Much of the work is exclusive to Vesta.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Church of St Peter

    This pretty wood-beamed building has a beautiful organ and colourful stained glass. Take a look at the cedar lectern, which was carved by Ah Tong, a Chinese immigrant, in the 1870s. On Saturday mornings in summer, the church grounds host the Queenstown Farmers Market

    reviewed

  7. G

    The Maori Concert & Hangi

    The Maori Concert & Hangi involving a show and a hangi-style feast is something of a rarity on the South Island, but this Queenstown version does its best to cater to throngs of tourists. Bookings are essential.

    reviewed

  8. The Kingston Flyer

    Based in Kingston, a lakeside village 40 minutes south of Queenstown, this restored 130-year old steam train runs on a preserved 14km stretch of track linking Kingston and Fairlight. Shuttles ($20 return) are available from Queenstown if you don't have transport.

    reviewed

  9. H
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  11. I

    Gibbston Valley Wines

    Gibbston Valley is the area’s largest wine producer. Try its pinot noir and take a tour of the impressive wine cave. There are also a ‘cheesery’ and a restaurant.

    reviewed