Aotearoa!

FROM MY VIEW: Queenstown, New Zealand

One of the most beautiful places on earth! Really, it is true! Surrounded by picturesque mountains, ski resorts (in winter of course) and the stunning and majestic Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers fine food, wines, plenty for the adrenalin junkie but also enough for the more civilised of us all! I was lucky enough to travel there in July, the middle of the souther hemispheres winter, and wasn't it beautiful! Queenstown is a very winter orientated town, but also attracts a crowd in summer. During the 10 days I was there, skiing was top priority. You can't get snow just like NZ in Australia. Be warned, the temps may not seem that cold (below 10 degrees celcius) but when I was there, there was nearly everyday a wind chill factor, pack thermals people! Some of the best thing to do in there area include:

- In winter, definately ski if you have the chance. The best ski areas include Coronot Peak, Cardona and The Remarkables, all within easy driving distance from town

- Take the gondola from the middle of town to the top of the mountain, where you are greeted by a luge track, cafe, lookouts and not to mention the amazing views from the top. 360 degree panorama!
- Go on the Shotover Jet (around 10 minutes outside of town). It is one amazing experience. Cruise your way between cliffs whilst doing tricks along the way on the Shotover River. The scenery is also amazing!
- In town, try the Pig and Whistle Pub, you will have the best bangers and mash ever here.
- If you like sweets, especially fudge like me, then you will love the Remarkables Sweet Shop, located in Beach Street in the centre of town.
- Also in Beach Street, is the Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience, something my parents I think enjoyed too much. You can taste a variety of wines from the surrounding region whilst enjoying as tasty cheese platter.
- Some amazing restaurants in Queenstown include: Patagonia Chocolates (maybe for desert only?), Fergburger (the best take away burger you will probably have in your life!) and also The Cow, in Cow Lane, some amazing past and pizzas!

Getting there: From Australia, +qantas airways, Jetstar, +Virgin Australia and +Air New Zealand fly direct to Queenstown's International Airport located 10 minutes out of town in the suburb of Frankton. However, like my family I decided to do, we flew to Christchurch as it was cheaper, the only downside was the six hour drive ahead of us, but along the way there is beautiful lakes, parks and towns to stop and have a look at, removing any such boredom!

Stay: There are plenty of hotels and apartments for rent throughout Queenstown, however, they are expensive in the peak seasons of Summer and Winter, so make sure you look around. My family and I stayed in an amazing 3 bedroom, waterfront and mountainview apartment on Adelaide Street from http://www.executiveaccommodation.co.nz/  called the Carrick, which I highly reccommend!