About Queenstown

Set amongst the majestic Eyre Mountains and the snow-capped line of peaks that make up the dramatic line of mountain peaks known as the Remarkables, Queenstown occupies one of New Zealand's most scenic locations on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is New Zealand’s 'adventure capital', with a multitude of attractions including bungy jumping, white-water rafting, parapenting and jet boating adventures, all set in the magnificent scenic locations.

The Otago province was still in its infancy when the first gold was discovered on the Tuapeka River in 1861. Within weeks the gold fields had attracted over 6000 miners, many of whom had deserted their jobs, homes and families. There was social turmoil in Otago and the scenes were similar to those that had already been experienced during earlier gold rushes in California, New South Wales and Victoria. The fever was further fuelled by rich finds in the Dunstan (Cromwell) Gorge and although this rush had petered out by 1862, the miners were already on the move further inland to the Arrow and Shotover Rivers. It was the discovery of gold in 1862 at Arrowtown that brought the first prospectors to the Queenstown area, while several smaller strikes occurred other localities nearby including St Bathans, Hogburn and Mt lda. Queenstown became established quickly as a port for sailing vessels and paddle steamers, crossing the lake with supplies, as well as carrying out gold to the send of the lake and then via Kingston further south.

Today you can still take a trip out on the lake on a historic steamer or head off on a tour to the famous Shotover River which earned a reputation as the 'richest river in the world' during the early days of the goldrush. Get rich quick stories continued to fuel the rush of prospectors to the area, but by the early 1900s, sightseers were also arriving in increasing numbers. Today there are many reminders of those gold-crazed days, preserved by the dry Central Otago climate which has helped keep many of the mud and stone buildings, old mining equipment, mine shafts and tunnels intact. These relics tell the story of the toil and hardships faced by those who sought to make their fortunes in gold. Modern-day Queenstown is the tourist centre of the area and has become a Mecca for visitors who come to experience the spectacular scenery, to go skiing and snowboarding, hiking and participate in any one of a number of outdoor adventure activities.