Queenstown - Adventure Capital of the World

Like many other towns in this part of the South Island, it was originally a gold-mining centre. Gold was discovered on the Skippers CanyonShotover River in 1862, and it became the second richest gold-bearing river in the world. Makeshift towns of tents, stores, bars and grog shops sprang up almost overnight, establishing not only Queenstown, but also Arrowtown, 21 kilometres to the north east beside the Arrow River, and many other small encampments. Arrowtown retains its old world charm today. Its main street is lined with tall mature trees planted by the early settlers, which carpet the streets in scarlet during autumn. Many of the original stone and wooden buildings still stand.


There is evidence that at one time the peninsula at Queenstown was the site of a Maori settlement, but when the first Europeans came to the district this headland was deserted and covered with scrub. In 1856 John Chubbin and a party in search of sheep country reached the foot of Lake Wakatipu at Kingston Bay. Donald Hay, with Donald Cameron, reached Kingston Bay in July 1859. Hay explored the lake, including the Queenstown area. In 1860 W. G. Rees and N. von Tunzelmann arrived at Queenstown Bay from Central Otago via the Crown Range and Kawarau Gorge. Rees took up land on the eastern shore and von Tunzelmann acquired a large area on the western side.
 On 15 November 1862 Thomas Arthur and Harry Redfern, shearers at Rees' station, found gold on the banks of the Shotover River. This discovery caused a rush to the Shotover area and Rees' station became the first source of provisions for the influx of miners and his whaleboat the principal means of transport to and from Kingston. A mining settlement quickly grew at Queenstown and, by the beginning of 1863, several streets had been laid out and permanent buildings established. The population increased to several thousands, but steadily diminished as the gold-mining industry in the district declined. By 1900 Queenstown had only 190 permanent residents.

Today Queenstown is recognized as New Zealand's premier visitor destination - most people that come to Skyline Gondola above Queenstown.New Zealand include Queenstown in their itinerary. Queenstown's reputation as the Adventure Capital of the Southern Hemisphere is well earned. Due to its' ideal location, Queenstown serves as a gateway to Fiordland & Mt Aspiring National Parks and destinations such as Te Anau, Wanaka, Milford and Doubtful Sounds.