One of New Zealand's most popular destinations, Queenstown looks out over the beautiful Lake Wakatipu, and is surrounded by the beauty of the majestic Southern Alps. Famous as a skiing destination for many years, Queenstown has become even more popular recently as the centre of the tourist industry capitalising on the phenomenal success of Peter Jackson's film trilogy, Lord of the Rings.
If you have even the remotest interest in the adventures of Gandalf and Frodo Baggins, then a trip to South Island's wilderness region is an absolute must, and within a short distance of Queenstown, you can visit many of the locations that served in the film, including The Misty Mountains, Isengard and Lothlorien, which are known locally as Skippers Canyon, Macetown, and Paradise, as well as many others.
Also within reach is Fjordland, where you can cruise through the breathtaking scenery of cliffs and forests that resemble those of Norway, and are considered important in the prehistory of the Maori people, who see their beauty as a spiritual analogy for their myths of creation.
The area is a must see as a part of a round the world holiday, or even as a stop off on a tour around New Zealand, and a few days exploring the quiet mountains and scenery of this most perfect part of South Island is an ideal way in which to find some peace and quiet after spending time in one of the southern hemisphere's larger cities such as Sydney or Melbourne in Australia.
You can get cheap deals on flights and accommodation in New Zealand throughout the year, and one of the best ways to get around the country is to hire a motor home and tour extensively at your own pace, an activity that is good value for money and offers a great deal of convenience.
Facts for the Traveller:
Name: New Zealand
Capital: Wellington
Area: 270,534 Sq KM
Population: 3.8 million
Language: English, Maori
Flight Time: 24 Hours from London
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
