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

Local time Queenstown

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Things to do in Queenstown

Dare to ride the rapids with only a bodyboard

Queenstown is unquestionably the adventure sports capital of an extreme sports obsessed nation. It's rivers are a playground; careen down the Karawau with some white water rafting, shoot through the Shotover river with a jet boat or try Mad Dog River Boarding (tel: +64 3 442 5262; www.riverboarding.co.nz), navigating the rapids with nothing but a body board.

Follow the Iron Way up Queenstown Hill

The best way to get to grips with rock climbing is to follow a viaferrata. Climbing Queenstown (tel: +64 27 477 9393; www.climbingqueenstown.com) will take you to the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. Literally translated as Iron Way, climbers follow a series of fixed rungs as they snake up Queenstown Hill for unrivalled views. 

Put yourself in the landscape with a hike

Put one foot in front of the other and be rewarded with some of New Zealand's most magical views. For ramblers with resolve, the Ben Lomond Summit Track is a tough hike but boasts spectacular panoramic views, whilst the easier Frankton Arm Walkway is an unforgettable Lake Wakatipu shoreline stroll.

Take to the skies with an aerial adventure

In order to see the best of Queenstown, you'll need a head for heights. Sky diving, paragliding and hang-gliding are among the aerial adventures you can enjoy, enabling you to truly appreciate the area's scenic wonders. A number of companies like NZONE (tel: +64 3 442 5867; www.nzoneskydive.co.nz) take in the Remarkables and glistening Lake Wakatipu.

Throw yourself deep into a canyon

If nature has carved out a beautiful canyon, than an adrenaline junky has dreamt up a way to explore it. Try Nevis (tel: +64 3 450 1300; www.bungy.co.nz); at 143m (440ft), it is one of the highest bungee jumps in the world. Or for those who want to fly, the Shotover Canyon Swing (tel: +64 3 442 6990; www.canyonswing.co.nz) can provide that pleasure.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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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.