Autumn Adventure in Queenstown
Queenstown might be famous as the country’s capital of winter fun, but as the leaves begin to turn and the region’s glorious golds and russets start to shine, you’ll find plenty of autumn adventures to fill your days. Whether it's luxury pampering at a world-class resort, a leisurely steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu, touring the region’s award-winning vineyards or indulging in a spot of sky high adventure, this beautiful lake and mountain resort has it all.
Autumn in Queenstown is harvest time and that means the region’s wineries get busy converting some 6,000 tonnes of grapes into award-winning drops. You can judge the results for yourself with local operators Queenstown Wine Trail. You’ll receive an in-depth introduction to four Queenstown wineries including a
tasting in Gibbston Valley’s vast underground wine cave.
Beautiful Lake Wakatipu is definitely another of Queenstown’s high points, and what better way to enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain views than with Queenstown Paraflights. Aboard the Paraflights boat, you’ll be fitted with a comfortable hands-free harness and lifted up more than 600ft as you experience the exhilaration of free flight from high above the lake.
There are, of course, more leisurely options for exploring Lake Wakatipu and perhaps the most famous of these is
the vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Queenstown’s much loved ‘Lady of the Lake’ has been plying the waters of Lake Wakatipu since 1912, and she’s now one of Queenstown’s most treasured icons. For a taste of High Country hospitality, you can be carried across the lake to Walter Peak Farm for a guided farmyard tour and a traditional High Country morning tea at the historic homestead.
Feel like a spot of relaxing after all that sightseeing? You can’t go past luxurious Millbrook Resort. Nestled in the hills
behind the charming goldrush village of Arrowtown, Millbrook is known for its magnificent location and first-class facilities. Unwind at the resort’s pampering spa, enjoy the spectacular mountain views on the 18-hole championship golf course then relax over a meal at one of the resort’s award-winning restaurants.
Upcoming Events
American Express Queenstown Winter Festival - 27 June-6 July 2008
Get into the spirit of winter at Queenstown’s biggest party of the year. There’s something for everyone with 10 days of wacky winter competitions, ski races, fireworks, bands, comedy, jazz nights and more. Highlights include the colourful Festival Parade down the streets of Queenstown, ski races at Coronet Peak Ski Area, Frisbee Golf, the Undy 500, the Birdman Competition, the Great Comedy Debate and the Speights Dog Derby.
Useful Information
Images courtesy of Real Journeys, Queenstown Paraflights, Millbrook Resort and Queenstown Wine Trail