Adventure Capital of the World!
Nestled beside Lake Wakatipu and at the foot of the Remarkable Mountains, Queenstown is a cosmopolitan town offering a wide range of activities.
Known as the adventure tourism capital of New Zealand, it offers skiing and boarding, jet boating, parachuting, white water rafting and, of course, bungy jumping. From 1 June to 31 August, Queenstown is into the winter buzz of skiers and snowboarders, all activity operators are in full swing and the log fires offer warmth and comfort whether the sun is up or down. At days end, enjoying Queenstown's famous apres ski is not to be missed.
Milford Sound is sometimes referred to as the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World, because of its stunning beauty. Discover ancient forest, glorious waterfalls and towering mountain peaks in Fiordland National Park. In Maori legend, the fiords were created not by rivers of ice, but by Tu Te Raki Whanoa, a godly figure who came wielding a magical adze and uttering incantations. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is without doubt his finest sculpture, and should not be missed.
For those interested in Lord of the Rings, there are various tours available, including a 4WD adventure which will take you to the specific sites where filming took place. Not film sets but areas of outstanding natural beauty, where it is possible to experience the magical atmosphere captured in the film. For a more commerical experience, other tours are also on offer.