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World Travel Guide > Guides > Oceania > New Zealand > Queenstown

Local time Queenstown

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Things to see in Queenstown

Attractions

Skyline Gondola, Restaurant & Luge

One of Queenstown's premier attractions, the Skyline Gondola carries passengers up 450m (almost 1,500ft) above Queenstown, giving them a superb view of the whole area. At the top there is a high quality restaurant with Maori cultural shows, a luge track, a bungee jump, walking tracks towards Ben Lomond, and the opportunity to paraglide back down to the town.

Address: , Top of Brecon Street, Queenstown,
Telephone: (03) 441 0101.
Opening times:

Daily 0900-late.

Website: http://www.skyline.co.nz
Admission Fees:

Yes (for gondola and luge)

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Haka Pa Maori Village

The outstanding Haka Pa Maori Village gives visitors a chance to experience New Zealand as it may have been before Europeans arrived. Tourists are welcomed by a terrifying warrior's challenge, and then treated to a show of traditional skills and music, before being given a sumptuous feast cooked in a hangi oven. Closer to Queenstown, Kiwi Haka offers some similar experiences.

Address: , Waterfall Park, 345 Lake Hayes to Arrowtown Road, Queenstown,
Telephone: (03) 442 1534.
Opening times:

Daily 0900-1700 and 1900-2200.

Website:
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Underwater Observatory

Life from the depths of the lake is showcased via six huge windows here. Slinky long- finned eels are easily spotted as are both rainbow and brown trout. But it’s the diving ducks that steal the show.

Address: Queenstown Bay pier, , Queenstown,
Telephone: (03) 442 6142.
Opening times:

Daily 0830-dusk.

Website:
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Kiwi Birdlife Park

Although New Zealand has no native mammals, it does have some truly amazing birds, many of which are on show in this wildlife park. Star attractions include kiwi birds and tuatara, members of a unique 200-million-year-old reptile species, which has a primitive 'third eye' (a patch of light-sensitive cells) on the top of its head. You can watch kiwis being fed four times a day.

Address: , Brecon Street, Queenstown,
Telephone: (03) 442 8059.
Opening times:

Daily 0900-1700 (winter); daily 0900-1830 (summer).

Website: http://www.kiwibird.co.nz
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Queenstown i-SITE Visitor Centre

Address: , Clocktower Building, corner of Camp and Shotover Streets, Queenstown,
Telephone: (03) 442 4100.
Opening times: Website: http://www.queenstown-vacation.com

This is the official Tourist Information Centre, but there are numerous other information providers in Queenstown, including the excellent Info & Track, 37 Shotover Street (tel: (03) 442 9708; www.infotrack.co.nz).

Tourist passes

Queenstown Combos (tel: (03) 442 7318 or 0800 423 836; www.combos.co.nz) offers various combination packages including activities such as bungee jumping, jet boating, helicopter flights and white water rafting for reduced prices.

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Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

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Tanoa Aspen Hotel

This Alpine-style resort offer 87 rooms ranging from lake-facing rooms, some with private balconies, to homely, two-bedroom apartments. There's also 24 hour service, a stoage area for skis, snowboards and bikes, laundry facilities, two spas, complimentary parking, Wi-Fi and a restaurant with fantastic views.

Hotel St Moritz

Within easy walking distance of the central area, this hotel enjoys a dramatic setting with panoramic lake and mountain views. Every sumptuously decorated room boasts a 40" LCD television with i-pod docking station, while there's a stylish bar, dining room and library featuring a stunning stone fireplace.

Four Seasons Motel

All 15 rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, DVD, stereo and flat screen TVs. There's a 15m (45ft) outdoor swimming pool, spa pool, BBQ, grassed play area, guest laundry and drying room for skis. Best of all, it's a short walk into the centre of town.

Hippo Lodge

This backpackers hostel offers a mix of shared and private accommodation. It has a homely friendly, with accommodation split into three separate houses. Good option for those on a budget.

The Black Sheep

One of the better hostels in town, The Black Sheep is located just a short walk from the city centre. Secure car parking is available. There is a spa pool, two BBQ areas, a pool table and a bar on site, plus free breakfast in the morning. Wi-fi is available throughout.

The Diary

The Dairy is a classy operation - formerly a corner store, this sumptuous guest house contains 13 intimate rooms, all kitted out with designer touches and a contemporary feel. Breakfasts and afternoon teas are a treat, and there are open fireplaces for those chilly evenings. Great packages are available for skiers in winter.