Queenstown
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Towards the southern end of the South Island there is a dramatic landscape of lakes, mountains, deep valleys and coastal plains – this is the region known as Otago.
It is a region of climatic extremes, a continental climate in the central areas with hot dry summers and cold winters, and a milder climate on each of the East and West coasts, although the East is predominantly drier than the West.
The West is known for it’s fiord coastline especially the famous Milford Sound, the East is much gentler and has two large coastal towns in Oamaru and Dunedin, whereas the central areas contain stunning scenery around the Lake Wanaka and Queenstown areas.
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Queenstown (population 23,000)is the modern focal point for the region especially regarding tourism and adventure tourism, indeed to many it is the adventure capital of the world ! It has an international airport, set deep in the valley with the surrounding mountain backdrop providing an exhilarating approach from the air ! 
In winter Queenstown is a haven for skiers and snowboarders having two top ski resorts close at hand in Coronet Peak, and the Remarkables. It is also the time for the Queenstown Winter Festival - a 10 day celebration of everything that is Queenstown! - winter sports, apres ski parties, entertainment and much more. Now well established, this annual event attracts some 60,000 people.
Not surprising then that Queenstown’s population doubles in the peak tourist months, and over a whole year is reckoned to get around 1.5 million visitors!
Coronet Peak is just a 25 minute drive from Queenstown, and it’s recent developments have really seen this resort become world class. There are adequate snow making machines which guarantee a full season every season.
The Remarkables are a little further from town (45 minute drive) and very alpine in character. Serious skiers will be in their element, but the resort can also accommodate the less experienced. All year round there is a real buzz about the town with excellent shopping facilities and a very lively nightlife in the town’s cafes, bars, restaurants and clubs. Accommodation is plentiful and varied to suit all tastes, but advanced booking is strongly advised.
Glenorchy at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu is a sharp contrast from the modern commercialism of Queenstown and the scenic 45 kilometre drive along the shores of the lake are a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the town.
So too is Arrowtown, a 20 kilometre drive in the opposite direction. Here you can experience some of the early gold rush scenery with cobbled street, and old wooden and stone cottages.
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