Discover Queenstown: National Geographic’s Top 10 Must-Visit Global Travel Destinations
[Red Heart] Queenstown (Figures 2-4): Surrounded by the Southern Alps and situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the houses in this town are built facing the lake and nestled against the mountains, arranged in a picturesque manner. It was named because the colonizers believed that such beautiful scenery should belong to the British Queen, and it is also famous for its diverse outdoor activities, earning it the title of “Adventure Capital of the World.
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[Red Heart] Lake Wakatipu (Figure 5): The second-longest lake in New Zealand, with an area of 291 km², a length of 84 km, and an average depth of 300 meters. Due to its unique geographical conditions, the wind pressure changes from the surrounding mountains create a “lake seiche,” resulting in a distinctive “tidal” phenomenon where the water level rises or falls about 7.
5-20 cm every six minutes. According to Māori legend, this phenomenon is caused by the heartbeat of the giant Matau, who sleeps at the bottom of the lake. To this day, the lake still has a companion that has been with it for over a hundred years, the “Lady of the Lake,” the TSS Earnslaw steamship.
[Red Heart] TSS Earnslaw Steamship (Figure 6): Known as the “Lady of the Lake,” the TSS Earnslaw first set sail in 1912, the same year as the Titanic.
It is the only coal-fired steam passenger ship still operating in the Southern Hemisphere and is a must-visit attraction when in Queenstown. Come aboard this small relic of the 19th-century industrial revolution, listen to its roar, and enjoy the music played by the onboard pianist as you travel to the McKenzie family farm/Walter Peak Farm (Figures 7 and 8) to experience the leisurely life of a cowboy.
After the return trip, head to the nearby Boradwalk (Figure 9) for a meal, and be sure to choose a table by the lake. Listen to the sound of the waves, cozy up by the fireplace, and have a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Cheers! Life is complete!
Friends, while the wine is good, don’t overindulge!
📍 Dock Navigation: TSS Earnslaw-ReaINZ
[Grass Planting] Ticket Packages:
① Round-trip single ticket: Price 99 ZND per adult, 49 ZND per child.
② Round-trip ticket + Walter Peak Farm + Afternoon Tea: Price 145 ZND per adult, 65 ZND per child.
③ Round-trip ticket + Horseback Riding at Walter Peak + Afternoon Tea: Price 219 ZND per adult, 169 ZND per child.
④ Round-trip ticket + Walter Peak Farm + BBQ: Price 175 ZND per adult, 89 ZND per child.
[Star] Kind Reminder
It is recommended to purchase tickets for the boat tour at least one day in advance;
The round-trip single ticket takes approximately 1.5 hours, while other packages take about 3.5 hours;
The farm introductions and performances are in English;
Please follow the designated routes when visiting the farm, and children must pay attention to safety.
[Red Heart] Queenstown Gardens (Figures 10-14): Located on a peninsula by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, not far from the TSS Earnslaw dock.
When the light hits just right, it transforms the scene into a whimsical wonderland reminiscent of Alice’s adventures.
[Star] Kind Reminder
Given the cozy size of the town center, we recommend parking your car at the hotel and exploring on foot. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere.
Friends, don’t miss out on the legendary Fergburger, the enchanting candy store, and the Instagram-worthy Cookietime store, which is even more picturesque than its Auckland counterpart! [Selfie]
