Queenstown (Tāhuna) You’re in for a treat!
Otherwise known as the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown is located in the south-west of New Zealand’s South Island. In the heart of the Southern Alps, surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and built around Lake Wakatipu (a glacial inlet) it New Zealand’s home of winter. There isn’t a better location to attend a conference in New Zealand.
August is the peak of the ski season so if you’re into snow sports you are in luck. Two of New Zealand’s best ski fields are located within 45 minutes of the city centre. Equally, if snow sports aren’t your things there are plenty of other activities, sensational food and wineries on offer.
Winter Temperatures:
Daytime temperatures in August typically range between 5-8°C in the daytime dropping to
-2°C over night. Queenstown winter weather is generally calm with blue skies but this can vary if there is snow or rain so it pays to keep an eye on the weather MetService – Te Ratonga Tirorangi. Be prepared for crisp frosty mornings and pack warm. Merino layers are essential – if you’re not prepared, there are some fabulous shops in Central Queenstown for all your needs.
Ready to hit the mountain?
There are four ski regions in the area, further afield from Coronet Peak and the Remarkables you will find Cardona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone. All four ski fields are world-renowned. You can hire everything you need from one of the many rental shops in town or on the mountain and there are dedicated shuttles that go directly from town (and many hotels) straight to the mountain.
Coronet Peak: https://www.coronetpeak.co.nz/
The Remarkables: https://www.theremarkables.co.nz/
Cardrona Alpine Resort: https://www.cardrona.com/winter
Treble Cone: https://www.treblecone.com/
Activities Beyond the Slope:
There are lots of options to keep you entertained beyond the mountains. Queenstown boasts seven golf courses, luxury spas and hot pools and many fabulous wineries with Central Otago producing some of the best pinot noir in the world. You can fill your days with all the fabulous sites and activities on offer.
Golf courses – you are spoilt for choice with six stunning golf course with 20 minutes of Central Queenstown and the Kingston course which is 45 minutes drive.
Arrowtown – Step back in time in the quaint streets of Arrowtown which was once a gold mining village. Just over 15 minutes drive from Queenstown it is located on the banks of the Arrow River and a must visit spot.
Glenorchy – No trip is complete without a visit to Glenorchy which is a stunning 45 minute drive from Queenstown. It is the gateway to some of New Zealand’s great walks with incredible forests, mountains and lakes which made for the perfect backdrop for films such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Narnia.
Skyline Gondola and Luge – situated an easy 5 minute walk from central Queenstown, the Gondola will take you high up above the city to see the best panoramic views on offer. If adventure is your thing, then jump in a luge and take the fast and fun way down the slope. If you’re feeling brave why not experience a bungy jump at the world’s first commercial bungy jumping spot on the Kawarau Bridge. AJ Hacket Bungy Queenstown is where it all started in 1987 – we dare you to give it a go. Something you’ll never forget.
Wineries – The best wineries near Queenstown offer wine tasting, delicious dining and fantastic cellar door experiences. With 75 wineries within a 20-minute drive of Queenstown, and over 100 more within 40 minutes, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to food, wine and picturesque settings.
cytometryconference.org.au 