Entertainment for everyone

Press, 19 July 1983, Page 30

Entertainment for everyone

Queenstown is recognised around the world as a ski resort of international standing and each winter skiers flock from Australia, Europe and the United States to enjoy both the snow slopes and the social life that make Queenstown unique. To a non-skier, the prospect of a holiday in such a place might appear daunting, but part of Queenstown’s great attraction is that it offers entertainment options for everyone. As much fun and excitement are to be found in the town and surrounding countryside as on the ski slopes of Coronet Peak.

The jet boats are one of Queenstown’s most famous assets, whisking passengers across the lake, up rivers and through rocky gorges at hair-raising speed. There are five or six trips to choose from, ranging in pace from a gentle cruise to

The Sheepdog Derby is one of the most unusual events held on Coronet Peak during Queenstown’s Winter Festival. Even though the shepherds and dogs are used to working in steep and snowy conditions the race down the mountain is a real test of a dog’s obedience and a master’s fortitude.

a full-throttle dash. One trip combines jet boating with a helicopter ride; the helicopter has proved a popular means for admiring the area’s dramatic scenery. Scenic flights are available in fixed-wing aircraft, too, with the most impressive being the flight to Milford Sound.

Still up in the air, Queenstown is the home of the famous Skyline Gondola. Little bubble-shaped cable cars climb the 500 m to the summit of Bob’s Peak, overlooking Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown; the chalet at the top provides refreshments and some excellent photography vantage points. For people with an interest in animals or agriculture the two sheep and cattle stations on the lake shore, and the Cattledrome display, are well worth a visit. Walter Peak Station has a rare Highland Cattle stud; Cecil Peak Station has

a pet Merino ram; both provide delicious farmhouse teas and a leisurely launch cruise across the lake. There are a variety of static displays in and around Queenstown ranging from a comprehensive collection of classic and vintage cars in the Motor Museum to relics of the gold rush years in Goldfields Town. Harrisons Animal Gallery is a unique attraction comprising of big game trophies collected during a lifetime of hunting all over the world. Live New Zealand game animals can be seen in their natural habitat at Deer Park Heights; and the Sound and Light Museum brings history to life with audio-visual displays. Advice, recommendations and directions to all of Queenstown’s sightseeing attractions are available from the Government .Tourist Bureau.