Queenstown, South Africa

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Queenstown, South Africa

Region: Eastern Cape


Geographic Coordinates: -31.900000, 26.883300
Population: 105309
Language: unknown

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Important Landmarks

  1. Lake Wakatipu
  2. The Remarkables mountain range
  3. Skyline Gondola and Luge
  4. Milford Sound
  5. Shotover Jet Boat Ride
  6. Fergburger restaurant
  7. Bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge or Nevis Bungy
  8. Arrowtown historic village
  9. TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu
  10. Queenstown Gardens

Primary Industries

  1. Tourism: Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown attracts millions of tourists yearly who come to participate in activities such as bungee jumping, skiing, skydiving, jet boating and more.
  2. Hospitality: With a flourishing tourism industry comes a thriving hospitality sector with numerous hotels, restaurants and bars catering to visitors.
  3. Retail: There are many retail shops in Queenstown selling everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion brands.
  4. Agriculture: The surrounding area around Queenstown has a robust agricultural sector with sheep farming being one of the main industries.
  5. Film production: Due to its stunning scenery and landscapes, Queenstown has become a popular location for film production with movies such as Lord of the Rings being filmed here.

Noteable History

  1. The town was founded in 1853 by Sir George Cathcart, who named it after Queen Victoria.
  2. During the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), Queenstown was an important military base for British forces.
  3. Nelson Mandela visited Queenstown in 1995 as part of his national reconciliation tour following his release from prison.
  4. Olive Schreiner, a famous feminist writer and activist, spent much of her childhood in the area around Queenstown.
  5. The town is also known for its connection to rugby union – several prominent players including Siya Kolisi and Tendai Mtawarira were born or raised in the area.
  6. In 1960, police opened fire on unarmed protesters marching against apartheid laws in nearby Sharpeville – this event had a profound impact on South African politics and society.
  7. Another notable figure associated with Queenstown is Steve Biko, a prominent anti-apartheid activist who was born nearby and later attended school in the town.
  8. The region around Queenstown is also home to many historic sites related to Xhosa culture – including rock art sites dating back thousands of years.
  9. The Great Trek passed through what would become known as Queenstown during their journey northwards to escape British rule which led to tension between Boers and Xhosa people living there at that time.
  10. In 1977 Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was banished by apartheid authorities from Johannesburg where she lived with her two daughters; she moved them into Soweto but continued working as an ANC organizer until her arrest that same year when she was sent first to Brandfort then later house-arrested at various locations including one near here (Queenstown).

Museums and Things To See

  1. Skyline Gondola and Luge – take a gondola ride up Bob’s Peak for breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. You can also try the thrilling luge ride down.
  2. Milford Sound – take a scenic drive or bus tour to this stunning fjord with cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs.
  3. Arrowtown – a charming historic gold mining town just 20 minutes from Queenstown with quaint shops, restaurants, and museums.
  4. Kiwi Birdlife Park – see native birds like kiwis, kea parrots, and takahe up close at this conservation park.
  5. AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping – if you’re feeling adventurous, try bungy jumping off the Kawarau Bridge or Nevis Highwire platform.
  6. Gibbston Valley Winery – go on a wine tasting tour of this picturesque vineyard region known for its Pinot Noir wines.
  7. Walter Peak High Country Farm – take a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to visit this working farm where you can watch sheep shearing demonstrations and enjoy a traditional BBQ lunch or dinner.
  8. Queenstown Gardens – A beautiful garden located near the city center which offers various activities such as frisbee golf course or tennis court.
  9. Queenstown Hill – A popular hiking spot that offers panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu.
  10. Southern Discoveries Milford Sound Cruise – A cruise that takes you through Milford Sound while providing commentary on its history and geography along with spotting wildlife such as dolphins or seals.



Cultural Events

Queenstown Events

Queenstown Events

  1. Winter Festival

    This annual event takes place in June and celebrates the start of winter with music, fireworks, street parties and more.

  2. Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert

    A popular outdoor concert held every summer at the Gibbston Valley Winery featuring local and international musicians.

  3. LUMA Southern Light Project

    This festival showcases light installations from local and international artists around the town during winter nights.

  4. Arrowtown Autumn Festival

    Held annually in April or May to celebrate autumn with parades, live music performances and food stalls.

  5. New Zealand International Film Festival

    A popular film festival that showcases films from around the world at various venues across the city.

  6. Gay Ski Week QT

    An annual ski week for LGBTQ+ community held every year at Coronet Peak ski field featuring themed parties and events throughout the week.

  7. Queenstown JazzFest

    A three-day jazz festival showcasing local jazz musicians as well as international acts held every October.

  8. Queenstown Winter Pride Festival

    The largest pride event in New Zealand which celebrates diversity through skiing/snowboarding on Coronet Peak Ski Field along with other events like cabarets etc.


Parks and Recreation

Places to Visit

Places to Visit

  1. Queenstown Gardens – A 19th-century garden with walking trails, sports fields, and a disc golf course.
  2. Bob’s Peak – A mountain summit that you can access by gondola ride with hiking trails and panoramic views of the town.
  3. Lake Wakatipu – A large lake offering water activities such as jet boating, kayaking, fishing, and scenic cruises.
  4. Arrowtown – An historic gold mining town with walking trails and bike paths along the Arrow River.
  5. Skyline Luge – An exciting downhill go-karting experience on tracks overlooking the town.
  6. Milford Sound – A stunning fjord located within Fiordland National Park offering boat tours and hiking opportunities.

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