Queenstown Pics

Queenstown is set at the base of the Remarkables Mountain Range (another one of those names that I just love). It's on Lake Wakitipu which is an enormous lake carved by a glacier a few years back. It's a resort town that is often compared to Whistler or Aspen, but I didn't see much resemblence.

One of the first things that struck us driving into the area was the lack of trees, most mountains are barren. It's a rather stark landscape. Apparently, trees are not indigenous to the area, although once planted they grow quite well. The area directly around Queenstown has been planted with many trees over the generations and the difference is immediately noticeable upon arrival.

Certain vistas seem a bit otherworldly. And, in fact, the areas around Queenstown were the settings for many scenes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Like many names of places in New Zealand, Queenstown has it's root in a very literal sense. Legend has it that upon finding gold in the area, the town was deemed fit for a queen.

This is a four season town, with hot, dry summers (now), wet springs, gorgeous fall colors and cold, snowy winters. The town center borders Lake Wakatipu and there are many waterfront cafes and beautiful parks and quaint shopping streets. The town is really rather idyllic. That said, it is the adventure capital of the world and thrill seeking is limited only by your imagination. Elle has already decided that she is going to hang-glide, luge, jet boat, rock climb and bungy jump while she is here. Crazily enough, she can do just about all of those things. Minimum ages are ridiculously low.

We've never seen water as crystal clear and clean as the river and lake waters here. It's actually astonishing. The one river near our house is so bright blue/green that it actually looks fake or digitally enhanced, almost like when the Chicago River is dyed green.

Interesting too is that the city is so far south, 45 degrees south latitude, that it gets light around 5 AM and is still light now as I type this at 920PM. The sun is just now setting over the mountain range. It makes it a bit hard to convince Elle and Liam that it is time for bed.

We unpacked, stocked up on groceries and explored the town today. I think we are going to like it very much here.