Queenstown (New Zealand)

[[File:Bannerqueenstown.jpg|1280px|Halal Explorer to Queenstown}} Queenstown - Remarkables 1 - The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown

Queenstown (Māori: Tāhuna) is a world renowned resort city in the South Island of New Zealand. The town sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Southern Alps.

Queenstown (New Zealand) Halal Travel Guide

What was once a small, remote, South Island town has transitioned since the 1980s, first to a busy ski destination, and now to a year-round tourist mecca and centre for adventure tourism. It is a world-famous destination attracting around 1.9 million visitors every year, undoubtedly the tourism capital of the South Island if not New Zealand, and a must-see stop for most visitors to New Zealand.

Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's third-largest lake (291 km² or 112 sq mi) and one of Otago and New Zealand's most scenic lakes, surrounded by mountains, it's not hard to see why its stunning scenery draws people here year round. Queenstown happily caters for all visitors with a full range of attractions, activities, accommodation and eating options for any budget, from backpackers to five-star luxury. This popularity is not without its problems though - in many respects, Queenstown can be a tourist trap. However, reasonable prices and a few bargains can be found for those prepared to look for them.

Queenstown is a bustling town throughout the year, peaking over summer and during the ski season. There is a vibrant nightlife with the town's small central area packed with restaurants. If you plan on getting a good nights sleep and then you might consider staying slightly out of town. It's common to see people on the streets up to 5AM returning from disco or pub. If you're looking for a relaxing scenic holiday, Wanaka (just over an hours' drive away) is smaller and more tranquil with less of a manic teenage party atmosphere.

How is the Climate in Queenstown (New Zealand)

Queenstown has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year.

Local newspapers

The Mirror. The first of two free community newspapers to hit the streets (on Wednesday morning), The Mirror is a great source for catching up on all things that are happening in the entire Queenstown-Lakes area. In addition to the news articles and there is a weekly restaurant review and profile of a band or DJ that will be headlining at one of Queenstown's many nightspots that week.

Lakes Weekly Bulletin is an additional source of second-hand items for sale, community noticeboard, employment vacancies, film/gig guide, flatmates and rentals.

Visitor information

Queenstown i-SITE - 42 Camp St, Queenstown Central -45.03107, 168.66049 Clock Tower Building, cnr Shotover Street ☎ +64 3 442 4100 Visitor information and brochures.

Template:Panorama Remarkables view MC - Panoramic view from the ''Remarkables'' mountain range.

Kawarau Jet launches into Lake Wakatipu from the centre of town.

Luge - A fun-filled gravity ride for all ages and abilities. You control your own gravity-propelled vehicle down the track. Choose from two tracks, one scenic and gentle and the other advanced and adventurous. Children must be at least 6 years old and 110 cm (3ft 7in) tall to ride alone; those younger or shorter can ride in tandem with an adult.

Mountain biking package tours are available which include transport to specific locations. Or you can just hire a bike, grab a map and some tips and explore yourself. There is also a downhill service based on the gondola, where you can buy a day pass and use it as a lift for repeated runs, and Rabbit Ridge, a trail centre located in Gibston Valley, with over 40 kilometers of tracks and shuttles.
Mountaineering
Parapenting/paragliding - launching yourself off a hill with a parachute to ride the "thermals"
Parasailing available on Lake Wakatipu
Quad-bike tours - are available, some of which are specifically designed to take in Lord of the Rings film locations.
Riverboarding - Swimming through rapids on a bodyboard.

Mad Dog Riverboarding - 37 Shotover Street ☎ +64 3 442-7797 An action-packed and personally challenging white water activity.

NZONE Skydive 35 Shotover Street 0800 37679663 First commercial tandem skydive company in New Zealand, operating since 1990.

White water rafting - Single and multi-day options, including a chance to go 'black water rafting' through an underground tunnel.
Ziptrek Ecotours - New Zealand's #1 original zipline tour. Amazing zipline tours through the forest high up on Bobs Peak and accessed by the Skyline Gondola. A fully guided tour with cool tree house architecture interconnected by fun ziplines, stunning views and a little bit of education on the environment, Queenstown history and local flora & fauna.

Other

NZL-queenstown-fussg-zone - Street mall with outdoor cafés

Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw - $70 TSS Earnslaw TSS Earnslaw - - Lake cruises on Lake Wakatipu offer great views of the town, surrounding mountains, etc. The TSS Earnslaw is a popular historic (1911) steamship which offers daily tours. There are also private charter providers.

Cycling - Hire a bike for the day and use your legs. There is a cycle path which runs around the edge of the lake from the centre of town to the golf course opposite.

Off the Rails - Guided cycle tours on the world famous Otago Rail Trail from Sept to May. Departing from Queenstown. Includes bike hire, accommodation, breakfasts and transport.

Horseback riding - There are some great tours that pick up in Queenstown and take you into the valleys, through rivers, etc. Pamphlets can be collected at any hotel or hostel to explore the dozens of horseback tours

Fishing and flyfishing - Lake Wakatipu is known for trout. You cannot buy fish from lakes in New Zealand, you have to fish for them yourself. Flyfishing is also available locally.

Garden tours - Queenstown has a number of superb private gardens as well as the centrally located public Queenstown Gardens jutting out into Lake Wakatipu. The walking track on the lake edge offers excellent views of Queenstown and surrounding mountains.

Queenstown Garden Tours - Operate small group garden tours to 3 private residential gardens in and around Queenstown during spring & summer.
Golf - there are six golf clubs in town, with facilities (and green fees) ranging from everyday to five star.
Hiking - Queenstown Hill behind the town can be climbed in about 3/4 hours for a fantastic view (and unlike most things in Queenstown it's free). There is also a nice track around the lake.
Touring - the scenery surrounding Queenstown makes for excellent touring, with lakes, mountains and bush around vineyards and farmland. There are also a number of specific 'Lord of the Rings' themed tours which take in local film sites for the movie series.

Scenic flights

The helicopter and light aircraft flights around Queenstown and to Milford Sound and Fiordland are rated amongst the best in the world. It is easily feasible to fly from Queenstown in the morning, cruise Milford Sound over lunch, before returning to Queenstown in the afternoon, replacing what could otherwise be a long day on the road.

Glenorchy Air - Queenstown Airport ☎ +64 3 442-2207 Scenic Flights to Milford Sound, Mount Cook and the Glaciers

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HeliWorks - Queenstown Airport ☎ +64 3 441-4011 Exciting scenic flights in & around Queenstown & Milford Sound, Lord of the Rings flights with the pilots who filmed the trilogy.

Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters - 35 Lucas Place, Queenstown Airport 0800 801 616 +64 3 442-3019 - Offers a selection of daily scenic flights over the iconic landscapes of the Wakatipu and Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Park|Mount Aspiring National Parks. Alpine or snow landings are part of all their flights or you can discover the uniqueness of a glacier landing, included in all their Milford Sound experiences.

Wine tasting

The southernmost vineyards in the world are close by.

Appellation Central Wine Tours - Appellation Central's team of specialists guides will host you on a memorable day out in Central Otago soft drinks country. Small group tours depart daily from Queenstown.

Queenstown Wine Trail - Daily guided soft drinks tours to renowned Queenstown & Bannockburn Cafes

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Queenstown (New Zealand)

The town centre contains many tourist and souvenir stores but bargains can be hard to come by.

Top quality knitwear, Sheepskin and Possum Fur products, Greenstone (Jade) and bone carvings, and fine New Zealand soft drinks is available for a price.

Outdoor suppliers are plentiful, with equipment for trampers (hikers), mountain bikers, skiers and snowboarders, and many others who use Queenstown as the launching-pad for expeditions into the nearby National Parks.

There are a handful of convenience food stores in the town centre, most open until midnight and beyond. Two large supermarkets are on the outskirts of town.

Most of the stores in Queenstown are open daily until 20:00 or 21:00.

AlpineFour Plaza - Shotover Street -45.03040, 168.66137 Opening Hours: daily 7AM - 10PM - Small supermarket.
Fresh Choice - 64 Gorge Road -45.02472, 168.66157 Opening Hours: daily 7AM - 11PM - Mid-sized supermarket

Frankton

The suburb of Frankton next the airport has the main supermarkets and large chain stores.

Countdown - 30 Grant Road, Frankton GPS -45.01408, 168.74189 Opening Hours: daily 7AM - 10PM - Supermarket

New World Wakatipu - 1/12 Hawthorne Dr, Remarkables Park, -45.02582, 168.74155 Opening Hours: daily 7:30AM - 10PM - Supermarket with Harvey Norman electricals next door.

Pak n' Save - 302 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton -45.01055, 168.74944 Opening Hours: daily 7AM - 10PM - Supermarket with selected Halal food, with a Mitre 10 Mega hardware store next door.

The Warehouse - -45.01338, 168.74037 - Budget department store.

Halal Restaurants in Queenstown (New Zealand)

There are a huge variety of numerous eating establishments to be found in Queenstown, from all-hours takeaways to fine dining. Reservations for dinner are important at the best places most times of the year, and most nights of the week.

Due to the large number of restaurants, Queenstown is a culinary hub for New Zealand, and you will find regional produce such as pinot noir and Canterbury lamb on display in many of the restaurants. Fine restaurants also serve world-class seafood (local mussels, oysters and deep sea fish such as blue cod), game and red Meat (farmed venison and beef).

There are also a number of Cafes in the Gibbston Valley (20 minutes drive) with restaurants attached, most of which are open for lunch. Budget food is a little harder to come by in Queenstown. There are a few small fish and chip shops, y- Halal Kebab joints, and the usual KFC and McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant). Your best option if your looking to save a few dollars is to hit the supermarket. The other option is to wander around and check out daily specials on the sandwiches boards of restaurants.

Fergburger Takeaways - 42 Shotover St, Queenstown Central -45.0317, 168.66 - +64 3 441 1232 | Opening Hours: Daily 08:30-05:00 Fergburger Legendary, large burgers, insanely busy most of the day.

Night n' Day Church Street -45.03227, 168.66217 Opening Hours: 24 hours - Hot food and groceries, also at 48 Shotover St.

Mid-range

At (Thai) Church Street -45.03289, 168.66181 - +64 3 442-3683 - (Thai) cuisine

The Cow Restaurant - Cow Lane -45.03208, 168.66027 - +64 3 442-8588 - Pizza & spaghetti house

Fishbone Grill - 7 Beach Street -45.03136, 168.66046 - +64 3 442 6768 | Opening Hours: From 17:00 - Queenstown's seafood restauarant, serving South Island fish & shellfish.

- The Lone Star 14 Brecon Street -45.03140, 168.65843 - +64 3 442 9995 | Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday from 16:30, Friday - Saturday from 16:00 tex-mex, casual dining

Minami Jujisei - 45 Beach Street -45.03223, 168.65912 - Japanese

Skyline Queenstown Restaurant | - Taste of New Zealand buffet offers delectable fresh seafood, salads, roast meats and delicious desserts.

Winnies Gourmet Pizza bar - Upstairs, 7-9 The Mall next to the cinema ☎ +64 3 442-8635 Competitor for the best Pizzas in town, caters for everyone and family friendly (before the drinkers start to come in the evening)
Surreal Bar & Restaurant - 7 Rees Street $15 steak/fish&chips/curry deals
Botswana Butchery - 17 Marine Parade On the waters edge ☎ +64 3 442-6994 A great restaurant with ambience, sensational service. The menu is extensive and specialises in Meat. The whole leg of lamb for 2 could feed 3! The soft drinks list is very good. Prices are at the higher end but sensational for a special occasion. They have smaller superior Muslim friendly room dinning opportunities as well as a great bar room for pre-dinner drinks.

The Bathhouse Fine Restaurant, Esplanade +64 3 442-5625 (fine dining)
The Bunker, Cow Lane +64 3 441-8030 (fine dining)
Public Kitchen & Bar Steamer Wharf +64 3 442-5969 (previously Wai Waterfront Seafood Restaurant).

Nightlife in Queenstown is largely about drinking and there are over a hundred licensed premises, with most in the downtown area. It's hard to walk down one of the central streets without tripping over a bar or three. Most bars stay open till around 04:00 and it is lively most nights.

There are affordable bars popular with backpackers and young local residents, and sophisticated and expensive fruit cocktail, cocktail and imported organic juice bars. Many bars and pubs have sunny outdoor courtyards in the summer months, and roaring open fires in the winter. Major sports events are normally to be found on screen somewhere in Queenstown.

There are two small casinos for adult entertainment.

A selection of some of the most well known places follows:

Bar Up - Upstairs, Cnr Searle Lane & Eureka Arcade A boutique nightlife and the upstairs bar has a lounge feel about it, warmed by an open fire with a private deck. It has an extensive cocktail list.

Bunker Bar | Cow Lane - Hard to find boutique bar on Cow Lane, upstairs with open fires and a private deck. It has an extensive cocktail list.

The Find 53 Shotover Street - Successor to the burnt down World Bar. Another popular backpacker and their specialty is cocktail-like drinks served in teapots

Loco | Shotover St, attached to the base backpackers - Big backpacker bar popular with tour bus groups. Drink specials and theme parties nightly. Not the place for a quiet drink

Red Rocks | 48 Camp Street just off Shotover - Smaller backpacker bar with a ski lodge feel and a deck outside

Tardis | Cow Lane - Late night drum and base/dance venue

Winnies - The Mall, 7 Ballarat Street ☎ +64 3 442-8635 | Opening Hours: 12:00 till late Later in the evenings this pizza bar turns into a popular drinking spot. Dining, drinking and partying under the sun and stars with an opening roof.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Queenstown (New Zealand)

Queenstown (New Zealand) - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Queenstown (New Zealand), is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Queenstown (New Zealand). This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Queenstown (New Zealand) and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Queenstown (New Zealand). The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Queenstown (New Zealand). Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inQueenstown (New Zealand): A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Queenstown (New Zealand).

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Queenstown (New Zealand): A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Queenstown (New Zealand), allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Queenstown (New Zealand).

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Queenstown (New Zealand), ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Queenstown (New Zealand), enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Queenstown (New Zealand) and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Queenstown (New Zealand), stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Queenstown (New Zealand), a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Queenstown (New Zealand) without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Queenstown (New Zealand) is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Queenstown (New Zealand).

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Queenstown (New Zealand) is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Queenstown (New Zealand), please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Queenstown (New Zealand) Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Under $100|$100-299|Over $299}} Queenstown has a full range of accommodation choices, including backpackers, campsites, bed and breakfasts, apartments, motels and hotels. For the truly decadent there are also a number of 5 star boutique luxury lodges around the area, some of which often feature in 'best places to stay in the world' lists, and come with prices to match.

Nomads Queenstown - 5-11 Church Street -45.03253, 168.66169 - +64 3 441-3922 0508-666 237 Check-in: 2pm / Check-out: 10am dorm $28 - ensuite room $110 - Voted the Best Hostel in New Zealand at the Golden Backpack Awards 2010 and at the HOSCARS 2011. Open fire in lounge area, a sauna and ski storage available. SkyTV cinema, TV lounge, modern kitchen, wheelchair friendly, travel services, girls only dorms, high speed Wi-Fi. Free tea and Coffee, light breakfast.

YHA Queenstown Central - 48 Shotover Street -45.03212, 168.65879 - +64 3 442 7400 - beds from $39, rooms from $118 - One of two YHAs in town - other is at 88-90 Lake Esplanade.

Mid-range

Amity Lodge - 7 Melbourne Street -45.03311, 168.66788 - +64 3 442-7288 0800 55 6000 From $165 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 10:00 Clean, comfortable and affordable rooms with friendly staff.

Tanoa Aspen Hotel - 139 Fernhill Road, Fernhill -45.03896, 168.63349 - +64 3 441 0097 0800 427 688 from $131 The highest-situated hotel in town, overlooking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown - 93 Beach Street -45.03320, 168.65690 - +64 3 450-2674 - from $450 Central, lakeside location featuring lakeview rooms with full views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu

Heritage Queenstown - 91 Fernhill Road, Fernhill -45.03794, 168.64240 - +64 3 450 1500 0800 368 888 from $204 Qualmark 4 star plus hotel with suites and 3 bedroom villas available. Free shuttle to town.

Larch Hill B&B - 16 Panners Way -45.02546, 168.69350 - +64 3 442 4811 - from $165As featured in 'National Geographic Traveler', spectacular lake and mountain views from all rooms and sundecks. Warm, comfortable, quiet bed and breakfast, only a 3 minutes drive from the centre of Queenstown. Free Wi-Fi.

The Rees Hotel - 370 Frankton Road -45.028114, 168.687822 - +64 3 450-1100 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 10:00 from $245 Established nearly 150 years ago, this hotel has king-size beds, NZ wool carpet and heated floors in the bathroom.

Hidden Lodge - 28 Evergreen Pl, Sunshine Bay -45.04639, 168.62286 - +64 3 442 6636 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00 from $595 - Overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

The Spire Hotel - Spire Hotel - 3-5 Church Lane ☎ +64 3 441-0004 - The Spire Queenstown is a personal and inviting boutique hotel delivering guests a superior level of service.

Eichard's Private Hotel - 2 Marine Parade -45.0328, 168.661 - +64 3 441 0450 - Eichardt's Hotel Old Eichardt's Hotel of Queenstown A luxury boutique hotel with a history that dates back to the Otago Gold Rush in 1866.

Stay Safe

Queenstown is a relatively safe town. The most common offence committed against tourists in the Queenstown area are vehicle break-ins.

Although limited in number and the police in the Queenstown area are intolerant of disorderly behaviour and are prepared to arrest for quite minor offences. As with anywhere in New Zealand and they have no tolerance for possession of drugs.

Other emergency services in the area operate on a volunteer basis. Occasionally you may hear what sounds like a World War II air raid siren go off in Queenstown. This is not signalling that someone is trying to attack New Zealand with nuclear weapons, but signalling volunteer fire-fighters to get down to the station because there's a house fire/car accident/kitten stuck up a tree.

Rental vehicle companies have restrictions in their rental agreements to prevent their vehicles being operated on some high country roads. New Zealand's ski-field roads also take many visitors by surprise, but driving to suit the conditions will considerably reduce any risk. Queenstown Police Station 11 Camp St, Queenstown Central opposite Church Street ☎ +64 3 441-1600 - Remember, in an emergency, dial 111 and ask for police.

Queenstown Medical Centre - 9 Isle St, Queenstown Central ☎ +64 3 441 0500 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-20:00, Saturday to Sunday 09:00-20:00 Medical $100-205, Accident (ACC) $56-156 - General training with after-hours accident and medical clinic. Has on-site x-ray and plastering for fractures and attached pharmacy.

Telecommunications in Queenstown (New Zealand)

There are several internet cafes to be found in Queenstown with affordable rates. Some hotels charge plenty for internet, others offer it free. Most of the town is covered by Wi-Fi. Pick up a prepaid card at reasonable rates.

Cope

Consulates in Queenstown (New Zealand)

{{flag|Czech Republic

Czech Republic Level 2, 11-17 Church Street ☎ +64 3 409-0960 | phoneextra= | Opening Hours: West 13:00-16:00 Mrs Vladka Kennet, Honorary Consul can issue emergency travel documents.

{{flag|France

France 24 Milward Place, Kelvin Heights | phoneextra=Mobile: +64 21 211 8299 +64 3 451-0056 - Mrs Beatrice Riso, Honorary Consul.

Laundromats

News & References Queenstown (New Zealand)

Travel Next

Queenstown can be used as a base to see the surrounding country, including Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Kingston (New Zealand) | Kingston and the Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell (New Zealand) | Cromwell and Wanaka.

The drive to Glenorchy, 50 minutes to the northwest and alongside Lake Wakatipu for much of the journey, is rated as one of the top scenic drives in the world.

The Gibbston Valley soft drinks area is 20 min drive, just before the ancient Kawarau Gorge.

More distant tourist destinations such as Te Anau and Milford Sound are a day trip away, with many tour operators providing bus tours and flights.

Fox Glacier and the bigger and less crowded west coast glacier, is 4.5 hours drive north.

Queenstown (New Zealand)

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