Where is Queenstown?

Queenstown From Gondola

Queenstown is in southern New Zealand and the largest town in Central Otago. It is known as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ and a travel destination where people fly, fall and ride at very fast speeds. Jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, mountain biking are just a few of the popular activities in Queenstown. Being surrounded by mountains has also made Queenstown the ultimate ski destination. Its four main skifields are Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone.

For the weaker-stomached, Queenstown’s stunning scenery can still be viewed safely from the skyline gondola, by taking a trip on the Edwardian steamer TSS Earnslaw around Lake Wakatipu or going out to one of its excellent lakeside restaurants or bars. The costly local pinot noir is reputed to be the worlds’ most southern produced wine.

Queenstown is an excellent base to explore the nearby historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown or scenic Wanaka, just an hours drive over the Crown Ranges. Many locations used in filming Lord of the Rings were also set in and around the Queenstown area.

If you are considering an adventure or ski trip to Queenstown, you might like to consider ‘Avalanche Ski Training’ - Your Guide to Carving Down the Mountain with the Power of an Avalanche.

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Queenstown

One Great Reason to Visit Queenstown

One great reason to visit Queenstown Queenstown is to soak at Onsen, a luxury spa with automated panoramic windows which, when opened, immerse you into amazing alpine scenery from the comfort of your heated pool.

This is Queenstown

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So here’s my list of the top 7 things to see!

This list is derived from what I perceive to be the top 7 sites to see in my home city, Melbourne. They are in no particular order and of course there are numerous other sites and attractions I could have mentioned but I have decided to focus on the general city vicinity and stick with the magic 7!

1. Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station

Probably the most well-known, recognised and photographed landmark in Melbourne and found on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets. This site has seen a railway station since 1854 but the current station was constructed during 1910, making it the oldest railway station in Australia and now the busiest in the southern hemisphere. The station also serves as a great meeting spot with people suggesting “meet me under the clocks”, referring to the clocks above the station entrance.

2. Federation Square

Federation Square (or known locally as Fed Square) is located on the adjacent corner to Flinders Street Station and was only completed during 2002 after much controversy regarding its modern design. It is the cultural hub of Melbourne and another socialising destination.

3. Southbank and the Eureka Tower

Eureka Tower

Across the Yarra River from both Flinders Street Station and Fed Square via Princes Bridge, you’ll come across The Southbank Promenade. Always a hive of activity with numerous shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants and the Crown Casino drawing both locals and international visitors. The Eureka Tower also in this vicinity, is a 300 meter tall skyscraper and tallest in Melbourne. Construction commenced August 2002 and the exterior completed on 1 June 2006. A great view of Melbourne is enjoyed from the the Observation Deck.

4. Botanical Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance

The site of the Botanical Gardens was selected during 1845. It is recognised as one of the world’s finest botanic gardens. There are over 10,000 species and 50,000 individual plants in the 38 hectare gardens, including trees and plants of great cultural value. It is one of my favourite city locations, where you can wander the paths, sit by the lake or lie in the sun and enjoy the serenity…yes, in a city! Nearby and by St Kilda Road is the Shrine of Remembrance, a memorial to those that fought in WW1 and other wars.

5. Parliament House

Built with gold rush wealth during the mid 1800s, this imposing building on Spring Street is the centre of the Victorian State Government. However, from 1901 to 1928 it was occupied by the Australian Government whilst Canberra was under construction.

6. The Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum

The Royal Exhibition Building is located in the Carlton Gardens and is the only surviving Great Hall that once housed a 19th-century international exhibition and is still used for exhibitions. It is located next door to the very modern Melbourne Museum and IMAX cinema.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

7. The Melbourne Cricket Ground – MCG

The MCG is Australia’s largest sporting stadium and used for both international cricket, AFL football (with it culminating in Grand Final fever in September where the capacity reaches 100,000), concerts and other large events. The ‘Australian Gallery of Sport & Olympic Museum’ is also housed here.

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Melbourne

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Should you be planning a trip to Melbourne I highly recommend ‘Melbourne Encounter’ by Lonely Planet.

Where is Engelberg?

Engelberg Cable Car

Engelberg is a little, historic 12th century town located 1050m above sea level in the Swiss Alps. Its main feature for centuries has been the Benedictine Monastery dating back to 1120 and is still being run by the Benedictine Monks. Engelberg is also the main base to explore nearby Mount Titlis.

Engelberg is very accessible all year around which adds to its popularity especially as a winter travel destination. With the installation during 1927 of the first cableway, this encouraged the start of tourism to the area. During 1959, Engelberg was the first to install parallel cable-cars, and during 1989, a revolving cable-car was installed. The Titlis-Rotair, allows the visitor a five minute ride, in which the gondolas turn 360 degrees and provide an opportunity to admire the panorama of the Engelberg Valley and the Mt Titlis Glacier.

Travelling amongst the Swiss Alps you are going to want to be taking photographs. You might like to take a look at Tony Page, professional photographer and writer and what he has on offer.

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One Great Reason to Visit Engelberg

One great reason to visit Engelberg is for the quaint train ride, passing some spectacular scenery to get there.

Flying High Above Engelberg

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Where is Positano?

Positano

Positano is situated on the Amalfi Coast between Sorrento and Amalfi and has a population of around 4,000. This post has been authored by Angela Pearse. Angela is an Auckland-based travel writer who loves Italy.

Positano is renowned for its picturesque houses set impossibly high up into the cliff face, spiraling roads, superb cuisine, antique shops and art galleries. When Coco Chanel pronounced tans fashionable in the 1930’s, large numbers of trend setters flocked to the town in search of sun and romance. Today Positano still attracts the rich and famous due to the large number of luxury accommodations; it has four 5 star hotels, and fourteen 4 star hotels.

Though the most popular pastime is sunbathing, many hiking trails exist in the hills behind Positano. The most notable is the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’ (Path of the Gods) which starts in the small hamlet of Nocelle 1,500 feet above the coastline and descends by way of 1,700 steps to the township below.

The Wonders of the Amalfi Coast

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One Great Reason to Visit Positano

One great reason to visit are for the friendly locals who give tourists of all budgets a warm welcome.

Positano

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