Queenstown Summers

Mountain biking

Skyline Gondola Downhill biking trails now open! Visit their website for further information and prices. Season passes can be purchased. The season will run through until the end of April 2012. Bikes and gear can be hired at the top of the Gondola. With 2 different trails based on ability, this is great day out for bike enthusiasts with rocky and steep terrain, not for the faint hearted!

Wine Tasting

The Queenstown region has an abundance of award winning wineries for you to sample the very best in South Island wine making. Gibbston Valley has a great selection for a day out, stop at the Kawarau Bungy Bridge on the way and if you dare take the plunge or simply just watch others for a great photo opportunity. The Bannockburn and Cromwell regions are a further 30 minutes drive away following the stunning Kawarau river - and definately worth with a visit with time for lunch while there. Relax it's Done can arrange to book a tour for you so you can enjoy a few drinks, or we can advise and give you directions if you choose to self drive.

Walking - If you are a keen walker, there many tracks in the Queenstown area to suit all abilities ranging from1 hour onwards - a great way to spend a few hours of your holiday to enjoy the outdoors:

Lake Hayes Walkway
Duration: 2-3 hour return. You can also bike this track. Stroll, walk, run or bike around this stunning lake surrounded by mountains. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the birds on the lake, take a picnic or have a swim in the warmer months.

Queenstown Hill walking track
Duration: 3 hours return. Starting and finishing on Belfast Terrace, this walk is a steady climb upwards through pine forest to the summit of Te – Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness). Once at the top the views are stunning.

Ben Lomond Walking track
Duration: 7 hours return – A full day hike
The first portion of the track is through either native beech forest (One Mile Creek walk) or Douglas fir stands (Skyline Access Road). There are magnificent views of the lake and mountains on the way. The next portion of the track to the saddle is on a gentler slope, but the last pitch to the top of Ben Lomond is very steep and demanding. This part of the climb offers spectacular panoramic views and on clear days Mounts Earnslaw and Aspiring can be seen from the summit (1748 metres).

7 Mile Bike Track/Wilson Bay Track
The Queenstown Mountain Bike Club has developed a network of mountain biking trails between the Seven Mile and Wilson Bay. The trails cater for novice to advanced riders and are well marked and maintained by the club. This track is a dual walking and biking track. Starts from Wilson Bay on Glenorchy Road.

Summer
1 December – 28 February
Daytime temperatures range from mid 20’s C to low 30's (80’s F)

The balmy hot summer days are perfect for adventures on the water or on the land. At 45 degrees south, the summer days are long with midsummer dawn as early as 5am and darkness falling at 10pm – making the outdoor living really good.

The Southern Lakes settles into holiday mode and many people are drawn to the fresh air, breathtaking scenery as well as Queenstown’s unlimited activities on offer. Take this time to enjoy the walking tracks of the region, overnight in one of the many DOC huts available, hire a bike and go for a bike ride along many of the purpose built tracks, cruise the lake, read a book on the shores of Lake Wakatipu or spend the afternoon sampling some of the countries best wines at the award winning wineries in the area.