Queenstown, NZ, location, location, location!
I just recently spent three nights in
Queenstown, New Zealand and loved the lakeside town. Even though it was my
second visit to Queenstown I didn’t do any of the same things I did before as
Queenstown and the surrounding area has so much to offer.
Day 1
The first day was an easy day as I had just
arrived via Los Angeles and Auckland. The flight to Queenstown allowed us to see the
Southern Alps which viewed from above looks like a spine running down the
middle of the South Island of New Zealand. 
As we neared Queenstown I kept thinking is there
actually enough flat land to land this plane? The sun was shining and there
were mountains in every direction you looked!
And, even when we landed at the airport and got off the plane on the
tarmac everyone was busy clicking off pictures. The view of the mountains and
the low lying clouds were stunning!
We were lucky to be staying at the Rydges
Lakeland Hotel which is directly across from the lake so the views were incredible
with lake and the backdrop the Remarkable Mountains. Even though the Rydges is
not right in the centre of town is very close to walk to everything in less than
15 minutes. Most of the rooms at the Rydges face the lake and either have
terraces or balconies from which to enjoy the view. Even the bar and restaurant
have stunning views. Seeing the sun rise
over The Remarkable Mountains while having breakfast at the hotel restaurant each
morning was fantastic!
I opted to walk around the beautifully
located town of about 10,000 permanent residents, soon after we arrived at the
hotel. Queenstown is located on the
shore of Lake Wakatipu. It is a glacier formed lake but according to Maori
legend the lake was formed by the burnt sleeping body of the giant Matau after
he had abducted a chief’s daughter. A “S”
hole was left behind which soon filled with the melted snow and ice forming the
lake as it is known today.
Queenstown has many restaurants and shops and
wonderful places for coffee. That day we also lucked out as there was a craft
market taking place which featured local artisans. I ended up buying some hand poured tea light
candles and a merino wool hat for my daughter. 
It was a great way to ease into the
beginning of the trip and to orientate myself with the life of Queenstown.
Stay tuned for more on Queenstown and area.
Denise Gushue - Certified Travel Advisor
Kiwi Specialist
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