Here is a short account of what can be seen and done in a short 3 day stay in the Queenstown area.
The main attractions of the area other than Queenstown are the townships of Glenorchy and Arrowtown, Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the Mount Aspiring National Park, three main rivers, and the Lake Wakatipu it self.
As the area is in the mountains it is very much at the mercy of the weather. Therefore it is suggested that you prioritise the activities that you want to do. If any of the activities include flying, then they are the trips that you plan your stay around. If the weather is fine and good for flying to Milford Sound etc, do that first. Everything else can be done, irrespective of the weather.
On your first day you might like to have a slow day and recover from the long drive or flight to Queenstown.
A suggestion would be a trip to Arrowtown. http://www.trelawnb-b.co.nz/Arrowtown... Arrowtown is a charming village born in the 1860's gold rush period. It makes for an interesting and relaxing ½ day trip for some easy window shopping, and a very interesting Museum (The most visited activity in the valley) gentle walks can include the Art galleries.
Have lunch in Arrowtown or at a winery at Gibston valley.
In the Afternoon drive past Lake Hayes one of New Zealand’s most photographed lakes. And aim for the 2pm Walter Peak Steam Boat trip. This goes across the Lake to the Walter Peak Sheep Station on the other side. This will show you how steep our Mountains are and give you a informal look into New Zealands sheep farming.
When you get back to Queenstown at 5pm. Take a gentle walk up the hill to the Skyline Gondola. Take the trip up to see the magnificent views, especially if the sun is setting. If you are interested, there is a very good Maori cultural show up there. Have Dinner in Queenstown.
Second Day - Glenorchy or Milford or Doubtful Sounds With a early start, head off to do either of the Fiordland Sounds. Milford Sound can be done in a little over half a day by flying. Check out the difference between the two Sounds. http://www.trelawnb-b.co.nz/Milford_D... If you include a Jetboat ride on the Dart river with your flight to Milford and back again , you would get to see the Alps from above as well as below. This will be a experience of a life time. If the weather won’t allow you to fly. Drive or bus to the Sounds either way you do it, they are best in a storm. Glenorchy is at the head of Lake Wakatipu and the entrance to the area called 'Paradise'. Here you have wonderful walks and jetboat rides in magnificent scenery. A good place for Fishing. A good day trip. A drive to Glenorchy takes 45 minutes and is well worth it, just for the scenery. Have dinner in Glenorchy, no need to rush back to Queenstown.
Third Day - Skippers Canyon A exciting excursion by four wheel drive into the remote and dramatic upper reaches of the Shotover river, and the ghost town of 'Skippers'. Bungy jumping and white-water rafting has lately made the Shotover river famous again. For those that like adventure try a multi package trip including White water rafting, Jet boating the Shotover river, a Helicopter ride, followed by a Bungy jump. This will take all day. For those not so energetic, a trip into the Skippers Canyon by a guided four wheel drive tour we be just as good. See some amazing scenery and experience a little of NZ's Gold mining history. View this page for the options open to you. http://www.trelawnb-b.co.nz/Skippers-...
In the afternoon a Jet boat ride on the Shotover or the Kawarau River, and for those with a young family. Take the drive to the Deer Park Heights. Here you get wonderful views and get to see the wild animals. You get to feed Fallow Deer, Himalayan Thar, Miniature Horses, Goats, Sheep, Liamas, Highland Cattle, and American Bison. At the same time you can be informed about the history of Deer farming in New Zealand, see the Korean Prison used in a movie, as well as several significant film locations for the Lord of The Rings. All of this can be seen from the top of the Kelvin Heights Peninsular close to the Queenstown Airport. You will get breath taking views of the Wakatipu basin.
Finish the day with a evening meal and walk at Arrowtown.
- Briefly you may be able to fit in some short walks, Golf or a Horse ride as well.
Queenstown has a choice of 6 courses including the international course of Millbrook Resort, and the world famous Kelvin Heights ( Queenstown Golf Club )
Horse riding options. are available for all abilities. The Shotover stables is close to Queenstown, Moonlight Stables is at the Arrow Junction, Dart and High country horses are at Glenorchy.
Queenstown Scenic Flights. Breath taking flights can be taken over snowy mountains, rivers, waterfalls, Glaciers and Fiords. This is often said to be the highlight of the holiday by guests.
If you are looking for a guide book and maps for planning your trip visit this page. Guide Books for the overseas traveller on New Zealands. http://www.trelawnb-b.co.nz/New-Zeala...
