In September and October 2011 New Zealand will host the world’s third-largest sporting event – the Rugby World Cup. Approximately 70,000 international visitors are expected to attend, meaning that it is essential to book well in advance for accommodation and transport during this period. The event will include a nationwide festival showcasing New Zealand’s entertainment, arts, cuisine and lifestyle, so even if your clients are not sports fanatics, it will be an exciting time to visit. 
New Zealand Trade Manual has been designed with travel industry professionals in mind. 
One of New Zealand’s premier holiday destinations, Queenstown is the ultimate outdoor adventure playground set against a stunning backdrop of lakes and mountains.
It’s the soul-touching, ‘anything is possible’ atmosphere in a region of unrivalled scenic diversity that gives Queenstown its edge. Add to this the endless action-packed itineraries, untold leisure and pampering options, and some of the world’s best wine and food and you couldn’t find a more inspiring resort town. First-timers are continually awed by Queenstown and visitors find themselves wondering how they can feel challenged and relaxed all at the same time.
Tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by jagged peaks, the magical feel of the town hits before you even touch down. The breathtaking aerial view of the region’s mountains evokes a strong desire to get out there and replace daily stresses with exhilaration. The concentration of adrenaline sport pioneers in Queenstown is uncanny and the passion rubs off on many visitors who leave having achieved something they said they could never do. Personal discovery lies in the strangest of places and Queenstown offers endless options: bungy jumping, canyon swinging, white-water rafting, tandem hangliding, parapenting, jet boating, heli-skiing or skydiving.
Queenstown has its own unique brand of relaxation too. Intimate bars, cafés and restaurants offer a sophisticated urban feel while exclusive spas in wonderful surroundings offer luxurious pampering treatments. Rivers fuelled by mighty glaciers are great places to rest the mind while catching a fish or two, and ancient beech forests and mountain trails put stresses far from the mind.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
Skyline Gondola Take a ride on the gondola for a stunning vista across Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. Skippers Canyon This rugged area was once home to hardy gold miners living in makeshift tents. Wintertime landscapes Nature puts on a sparkling show of snow-covered mountains and long shards of hoar frost hanging from the trees. Arrowtown The tree-lined main street in this picturesque town is particularly lovely during Autumn.
Adrenaline Rush
Bungy jumping (various locations) Experience this hugely popular thrill in the place where it first became a commercial operation. www.bungy.co.nz Jet boating An exciting adventure in amazing scenery on the Dart, Shotover or Kawarau Rivers. Shotover Canyon Swing (Shotover Gorge) Swing across the Shotover Canyon from a height of 109 metres. www.canyonswing.co.nz Skydiving Tandem skydiving is even more incredible in a spectacular landscape. www.nzone.biz 4WD safari A four-wheel-drive tour in Skippers Canyon takes off-road adventure to a whole new level.
Relax & Indulge
Wine tasting Visitors should sample the region’s acclaimed Pinot Noir wines in the Gibbston Valley and Lake Hayes. Day spa Recover from a day of adventure with a pampering body treatment. Flightseeing Sit back and relax as an unforgettable landscape unfolds below. Fly fishing Experience this popular and relaxing activity with a professional guide. Onsen Hot Pools (Arthur’s Point) Immerse yourself in the views and fresh mountain air. www.onsen.co.nz The ‘Art of Bath’ (Queenstown) Guests at Sofitel Queenstown can savour the services of a ‘Bathologist’ to draw your bath. www.sofitelqueenstown.co.nz Horse riding (Glenorchy) Experience panoramic views from a 37,000 acre sheep station and enjoy anything from two-hour rides to multi-day horseback adventures. www.high-country-horses.co.nz
Luxury
Millbrook Resort (Arrowtown) Year-round recreational paradise with a championship golf course. www.millbrook.co.nz Heli-picnic Indulge in a leisurely Champagne luncheon in the wilderness. www.flynz.co.nz Blanket Bay (Glenorchy) Combining sophistication with unique New Zealand character. www.blanketbay.co.nz
Culture
Kiwi Haka (Queenstown) Unique live show by a leading Kapa Haka group. www.skyline.co.nz Lakes District Museum (Arrowtown) An authentic picture of early life in the Wakatipu District. www.museumqueenstown.com The Shearing Shed (Glenorchy) Journey into the world of shearing and high country farming. www.shearingshed.co.nz
Natural New Zealand
Kiwi & Birdlife Park (Queenstown) Landscaped native bush in the centre of Queenstown. www.kiwibird.co.nz Walking and hiking Get out into the landscape and enjoy a short scenic walk or a multi-day tramp of one of the Great Walks.
On a Budget
Panning for gold Rent a gold pan for just a few dollars from the Arrowtown Museum and try your luck.
The Iconic Experience
Bungy jumping in the place where it all started – from the original site on Kawarau Bridge to the Ledge Bungy high above Queenstown or The Nevis Highwire, New Zealand’s highest bungy jump.
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
Gantley’s Historic Restaurant (Arthur’s Point) Fine dining in a heritage building. www.gantleys.co.nz
Casual Dining
Pier 19 (Queenstown) Great views complement fine food. www.pier19.co.nz
Café
Bob’s Weigh (Queenstown) Great breakfasts, lunches and home-made muffins, phone +64 3 442 8542.
Stylish Bar
Bardeaux (Queenstown) Sumptuous surroundings and an open fire make this a favourite. www.goodbars.co.nz
Cosy Pub
Monty’s (Queenstown) Traditional materials lend a historic feel to a sophisticated bar. www.monteiths.co.nz
Culinary Experience
Wine Tastes (Queenstown) Select from over 80 wines and serve yourself a taste or a glass. www.winetastes.com
Shop or Gallery
Koha (Queenstown) Exclusively New Zealand made and presented products, phone +64 3 442 8887.
Suggested Itineraries
3 days in Queenstown
On Day 1, jet boat across Lake Wakatipu, up Dart River, Kawarau River or Shotover River, and marvel at the spectacular scenery. Catch a cable car high above Queenstown, enjoy a luge ride and a sumptuous meal. On Day 2, head to the Kawarau Bungy Centre and learn the secrets of bungy jumping. Afterwards, raft down peaceful glacial rivers before hitting the exhilarating rapids of a narrow river gorge – or take a winery tour of the world’s southernmost wineries. On Day 3, take the leap with a canyon swing or skydive, or explore the region’s rich gold heritage by 4WD and visit Lord of the Rings film locations. View the spectacular scenery from the air with a flightseeing tour and steam across the lake aboard the TSS Earnslaw.
5 days in Queenstown
First three days as above. On Day 4, discover the historic goldmining settlement of Arrowtown – the preserved shops, the Lakes District Museum, and the Chinese gold miner’s village. On Day 5, explore the area surrounding Queenstown with a scenic 40-minute drive to Glenorchy. Explore by jet boat, canoe or horseback, and experience the Southern Hemisphere’s very own Via Feratta – and go rock climbing with the Rung Way.
Road Trip
Queenstown to Te Anau This route follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu and passes through sweeping valleys.
Transport
Airport
Queenstown Airport, 10 minutes from town, offers both domestic services to a range of New Zealand destinations with Qantas, Air New Zealand and Jetstar, and international flights from Australia. A shuttle service operates between airport and town.
Roads
Queenstown is six hours, 15 minutes from Christchurch; five hours from Milford; and one hour, 30 minutes from Wanaka. Coach companies provide regular services. Central Queenstown is great for exploring on foot, buses are available if necessary.
Further Information
Destination Queenstown
Phone +64 3 441 0700
www.queenstownnz.co.nz
