Queenstown

Queenstown is a resort town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is framed by the Remarkables mountain range. As the main population center of the Queenstown-Lakes District, it serves as a hub for tourism and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors from around the world.

Historically, the area was settled during the Central Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s. The town was named in honor of Queen Victoria, and it grew as a service center for mining settlements before evolving into a year-round tourism destination in the late 20th century.

The surrounding landscape supports a wide range of activities. In winter, nearby ski fields such as The Remarkables and Coronet Peak attract skiers and snowboarders, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and water-based adventures on Lake Wakatipu. The Skyline Gondola provides elevated views of the town and surrounding mountains. The region is also known for adventure tourism, including bungy jumping, jet boating, and scenic flights. The area gained international attention as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings film series.

Economically, tourism, hospitality, and related services are dominant. Queenstown Airport connects the town to major New Zealand cities and select international destinations, and State Highway 6 links Queenstown with other South Island towns and regions. Nearby Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town often visited together with Queenstown.