9 reasons to visit Queenstown

An authentic taste of New Zealand is just ‘across the ditch’ in every season

with four definite seasons and events year-round, Queenstown is a mustvisit for Australians wanting a short break in a town that has it all. 1. UP, UP AND AWAY

One of the best ways to see Queenstown is by helicopter. Whether you are getting hitched on the peaks in a memorable wedding ceremony, taking heli-ski turns to brag about or having a heli-tour of local wineries, an amazing heliexperience awaits in any season.

helicopter.co.nz

2. THE BUTLER DOES IT Get your own luxury travel curator with a stay at glamorous new The Rees Lakeside Residences and live like a king or queen. Be pampered and love it, then perhaps come back for more! The Rees Hotel, Queenstown offers a choice of hotel rooms and apartments, all with superb views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountains, award-winning service and an authentic taste of southern New Zealand hospitality.

therees.co.nz

3. STAY THE COURSE Queenstown is a golfer’s heaven with proximity to seven major courses within an hour’s drive. Enjoy the choice of lush greens on a resort course or challenging fairways and distracting mountain backdrops, with the cosmopolitan choice of the ‘19th hole’ in the town to celebrate your score. 4. WINTER THE EASY WAY

Ski and board as close as 15 minutes away at one of four resorts. The snowfields of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble

Cone offer something for every level of snow bunny, family or thrillseeker. Après ski can’t be beaten in the town where there are more bars per capita than in New York! Take the hard work out of a ski holiday with the family: have The Rees’ ski concierge set you up with equipment, passes and transfers – all before you arrive. 5. SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Last-minute deals for the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn can save you bucketloads to go towards activities on your bucket list. Think less people, cheaper flights, accommodation and great deals on activities. 6. ACTIVE OR RELAXED?

Queenstown is the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, some say the southern hemisphere. But extreme activities such as bungee jumping, heli-skiing and jet boating are balanced by relaxing pursuits, such as great hiking and biking, spa treatments and onsens, wining and dining, shopping or a cruise on the century-old coalfired steamship TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu. Or simply enjoy breathtaking lake and mountain views from the comfort of your hotel. 7. FOODIES’ PARADISE

From burgers to baristas, wineries to wagyu, and French influence to New Zealand’s finest local produce, Queenstown’s awardwinning restaurants, chefs and local eateries can match it with the best from around the world. Locally sourced produce including beef, lamb and salmon are served with culinary flair by executive chef Ben Batterbury at the sophisticated True South Dining Room.

therees.co.nz/wine-food/ true-south-dining-room

8. WINE WORTHY Queenstown and Central Otago produce arguably the best pinot noir in the world. Taste it straight from the cellar door at famous local wineries such as Amisfield, Mt Difficulty, Gibbston Valley Winery and Felton Road. Compare local wines with French bordeaux at The Rees’ Bordeau Wine Lounge or go the whole barrel and treat yourself to a heli-tour of the best local wineries hosted by wine expert and general manager of The Rees, Mark Rose.

therees.co.nz/activities1/wine-tours

9. FAMILIES THAT PLAY TOGETHER A trip to Queenstown is affordable and fun for families. Try an uphill gondola ride and a (thrilling) luge sled ride, take a farm or Lord of the Rings tour, enjoy a jet boat or bike ride, ski or board in winter and laugh together when it’s all over! FIND OUT MORE

queenstownnz.co.nz