by Rose Mary

Created on: October 26, 2008

Queenstown In New Zealand (South Island of New Zealand), is often dubbed as the Adventure Capital of the World". With its location surrounded with spectacle natural beauty, it is a favorite town with a huge range of leisure activities to enjoy coupled with great shopping as well. Some of the activities to take part are the gondola rides, bungy-jumping and jet-boat rides.

Queenstown in New Zealand is located in Central Otago and the town is spreading on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded with mountains and valleys. I'm wondering if you know there is a Maori history regarding Central Otago, if not I will tell you later as you read on. Keep on reading. Queenstown is the quintessential year-round holiday resort. Start off your visit by visiting the Queenstown i-SITE Visitor Center. The visitor center is centrally located at the corner of Shotover and Camp Street. You might want to go in and pick up maps and brochures and see what Queenstown can offer you.

The first activity to embark on is to take the Skyline Gondola. The gondola rises up to Bob's Peak (about 450m) where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. Over here, you can spend some time at the gift shop and also have some snacks at the caf or restaurant.

Next, if you want to dare yourself, you might want to jump down from the cliff! "Are you sure, I am on a holiday, mind you". Take it easy, I am referring to the bungy-jumping at Bob's Peak. The jump offers you a spectacle view of Queenstown, only if you can keep your eye open as you take the plunge.

Next on the visit is the Caddyshack city along Brecon Street. At this city, there is an elaborate mini-golf center and the Kiwi Birdlife Park. This is an ideal place to spot kiwis if you haven seen one so far during your stay in New Zealand.

On yes, regarding the Maori history concerning Central Otago. In the early days, Central Otago was the great divide and Maori had to cross in order to access the greenstone (pounamu) from the mountains of the West Coast. But why does the Maori need the greenstone? Well, they need it to make tiki, which are Polynesian amulets made in the shape of a human figure and believe to be endowed with mana or power. You can easily pick one up from the souvenir shop. So much on the Maroi history, lets move o with the Queenstown adventure.

By now, it could be lunch time, take a slow walk to Steamer Wharf, where you can do some shopping and have lunch at the 19th Restaurant. Over here at the wharf, you will see "The Lady of the Lake" as what the locals call. She must be very elegant and beautiful! You guess as right, she is non other than the TSS Earnslaw ship which was launch in 1912 that carries passengers on sightseeing tours.

At 2pm, the TSS Earnslaw will depart to Walter Peak which is the original homestead of one of New Zealand's most famous sheep and cattle stations. Over at Walter Peak, you will enjoy the homestead's garden and watch a sheep-shearing demonstration and herd of Scottish Highland cattle. When you are back from the cruise, you might want to walk around the Cavell Mall area to do some shopping.

On the far side of the Queenstown Bay is the Queenstown Gardens. Take a leisurely walk along the garden. This is a great place to relax and watch the sunset before finishing your day tour at Queenstown. For more information on Queenstown, please visit Queenstown In New Zealand at:: http://www.fibcool.com/cheap-flights

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