Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s top visitor destinations and if you come to the region you’ll understand why. The picturesque town is nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges.
The lake and mountain landscape make it suited to all kinds of adventure, and in November the longer spring days provide lots of daylight hours to explore. Adrenalin activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting are there to temps the adventurous, but if hardcore adventure isn't your thing, there are plenty of mellow options available.
Find out more about the Queenstown region here.
You’ll be enchanted by Historic Arrowtown, a New Zealand treasure, with its beautiful buildings and famed nature trails. It is a scenic 25 minute drive from Queenstown, and a popular winter base for international ski teams. Arrowtown is charming and quirky - a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River.
The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of small town heritage buildings that stretch into a tree lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages. It is a wonderful place to browse and relax, enjoying the dining, the shopping, and soaking up Arrowtown’s lively heritage.
Learn more about Arrowtown here.
Lake Wanaka lies at the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, a pristine environment of striking mountains and deep alpine lakes and an area of spectacular natural beauty.
On the edge of a pristine alpine lake, surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Mount Aspiring National Park, Lake Wanaka is the ideal destination for both outdoor adventures and soothing relaxation. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a multitude of activities from trekking in the National Park to mountain biking, rock climbing to kayaking.
Find out more about Wanaka here
Domestic and International flights operate daily into and out of Queenstown on Air New Zealand.
Wanaka also now offer daily return flights with Christchurch operated by Sounds Air.
Arriving in Queenstown with a bike box you will need to hire a taxi van with ample luggage space, or if in a big group one with a luggage trailer. All of the larger taxi companies will have these options and it is likely that some will already be waiting at the airport for arrivals. (Queenstown Taxis, Green cabs).
It is a stunning scenic drive through to this area from anywhere in the South Island.
Christchurch – Queenstown: 6hrs/485km
Christchurch – Wanaka: 5hrs20/430km
Dunedin – Queenstown: 3hrs30/282km
Dunedin – Wanaka: 3hrs20/276km
Alternatively you may choose to stay at the Glendhu Bay Motor Camp, especially if you are starting particularly early for the Ultra Run!