MileHacker Logo
Resources & References

Resources & References

Queenstown And Wanaka, New Zealand

Digital Resources

Useful apps for the destination

  • MetService NZ:

    For accurate weather forecasts. Necessary for planning outdoor activities.

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps:

    For navigation (driving, walking, public transport routes). Download offline maps.

  • Uber:

    For ride-sharing services in Queenstown.

  • Department of Conservation (DOC) NZ:

    Official app provides information on national parks, hiking tracks, hut bookings, and safety alerts.

  • Activity Booking Apps:

    Klook, Bookme, or specific operator apps allow direct bookings and often deals.

Useful websites for additional planning

Print Resources

Recommended guidebooks and maps

Look for recent editions of general New Zealand travel guides (e.g., Fodor's Essential New Zealand). Detailed topographic maps from LINZ. A Queenstown Trail map for cycling.

Find Guides & Maps

Books about the destination

History: "The New Zealand Story". Māori Culture: "Te Reo Māori Dictionary". Fiction: Eleanor Catton or Ronald Hugh Morrieson.

Explore New Zealand Reads

Local publications

Mountain Scene: Queenstown's local weekly newspaper with event listings. Free Tourist Information Magazines at the airport, i-SITE visitor centers, and hotels.

Local News Tourist Brochures

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 111 (free from any phone, including mobile). Clearly state which service you need.
  • Non-Emergency Police: Dial 105 for non-urgent police matters (e.g., reporting a non-urgent theft).
  • Hospital and Clinic Locations: Queenstown Lakes Hospital: 20 Frankton Road, Queenstown (emergency care). Queenstown Medical Centre: 9 Isle Street, Queenstown (general practice).
  • Embassy and Consulate Information: Most foreign embassies and consulates are in Wellington or Auckland. Look up your country's contact details before traveling and save them. Register your travel with your embassy if offered.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Passport: Report to local police immediately to get a police report. Then contact your embassy or consulate to apply for an emergency travel document.
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Contact your bank immediately to cancel lost or stolen cards and arrange replacements.
  • Natural Disaster Protocols: Earthquakes: "Drop, Cover, Hold." Stay indoors until shaking stops. Tsunami: Move immediately to higher ground if near coast and earthquake felt or warning received.
  • Follow local emergency authority advice (Civil Defence alerts via radio, TV, or emergency mobile alerts).

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and films

  • "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies: Filmed extensively in the Queenstown Lakes District.
  • Documentaries on New Zealand's natural history (e.g., segments from "Our Planet" or "Our Great National Parks" feature NZ).
  • Explore films showing NZ landscapes.
  • View online travel series about the region.

Music and art to experience

  • Listen to contemporary New Zealand music artists (e.g., Lorde, Fat Freddy's Drop, Six60, BENEE).
  • Explore Māori art forms (e.g., carving, weaving) through online resources or local galleries.
  • Discover local Queenstown artists.
  • Enjoy live music venues in town.

Online communities and forums

  • Reddit communities (e.g., r/travel, r/newzealand) for traveler discussions and advice.
  • Facebook groups for New Zealand travel or specific interests (e.g., New Zealand Hiking).
  • Online forums offer real-time tips and experiences.
  • Connect with fellow travelers.

Important Safety Notice

Weather and Trail Conditions

Check Forecasts

  • Always check local weather and track conditions before venturing outdoors.
  • Alpine weather conditions change quickly.
  • Utilize MetService NZ app for current updates.
  • Mountain forecasts vary from town.

Trail Safety

  • Stay on marked trails to avoid hazards.
  • Inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
  • Pack appropriate gear and supplies.
  • Carry enough water and emergency rations.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Carry a fully charged mobile phone.
  • Know emergency numbers (111).
  • Consider a personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote areas.
  • Be aware of your physical limits.

Cultural Sites and Experiences

Māori Cultural Sites

  • Local Marae Visits: Some offer guided tours for cultural immersion.
  • Wakatipu Kapa Haka: Performances showing traditional Māori song and dance.
  • Stone Carvings at Lake Wakatipu: Observe historical Māori artistry.

Basic Te Reo Māori Phrases

  • Kia Ora: Hello/Welcome.
  • Ka kite anō: See you again.
  • Ngā mihi: Thank you.

Food & Drink Culture

Local Delicacies

  • Fergburger: Iconic Queenstown burger experience.
  • Bluff Oysters (seasonal): A famous New Zealand delicacy.
  • Hāngī: Traditional Māori feast cooked underground.

Wine Regions

  • Central Otago Pinot Noir: World-renowned wine region.
  • Gibbston Valley Wineries: Visit cellar doors near Queenstown.
  • Wine Tours: Many tour operators transport you to vineyards.

Art and Design Scene

Art Galleries

  1. Explore galleries featuring local and national artists.
  2. Find unique New Zealand art.
  3. Contemporary and traditional works on display.
  4. Many galleries offer pieces for sale.
  5. Artist workshops are sometimes available.

Craft & Jewellery

  1. Handcrafted pieces from local artisans.
  2. Greenstone (pounamu) carvings available.
  3. Unique souvenir options.
  4. Support local craftspeople.
  5. Custom designs can be commissioned.

Adventure and Innovation

Bungy Jumping Origins

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge: The world's first commercial bungy site. Nevis Bungy: New Zealand's highest bungy. Canyon Swings: Another thrilling variation. River Surfing: Unique water adventure.

Jet Boating History

Shotover Jet: Pioneering jet boat experience. Kawarau Jet: Explore the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Custom-built Boats: Designed for shallow, fast rivers. Tourism Innovation: Queenstown a hub for adventure tourism.

Innovation & Spirit

Queenstown continually innovates in adventure tourism. Its spirit of pushing boundaries creates new thrilling activities. The region attracts adventurers globally.

Important Advisory

Activities involve inherent risks. Always follow operator safety instructions and guidelines. Listen to expert advice.

Cultural Connections

Māori Language and Heritage

Basic Te Reo Māori Phrases

  • Kia Ora:

    Hello/Welcome.

  • Ka kite anō:

    See you again.

  • Ngā mihi:

    Thank you.

Cultural Sites and Experiences

  • Local Marae Visits:

    Some offer guided tours for cultural immersion.

  • Wakatipu Kapa Haka:

    Performances demonstrating traditional Māori song and dance.

  • Stone Carvings at Lake Wakatipu:

    Observe historical Māori artistry.

Art and Design Scene

Art Galleries

Explore galleries featuring local and national artists. Find unique New Zealand art.

Craft & Jewellery

Handcrafted pieces from local artisans. Greenstone (pounamu) carvings available.

Architecture Walks

Historical buildings reflect Queenstown's gold rush past. Guided walking tours.

Food & Drink Culture

Local Delicacies

  • Fergburger: Iconic Queenstown burger experience.
  • Bluff Oysters (seasonal): A famous New Zealand delicacy.
  • Hāngī: Traditional Māori feast cooked underground.
  • Kiwi Fruit: New Zealand's national fruit.

Wine Regions

  • Central Otago Pinot Noir: World-renowned wine region.
  • Gibbston Valley Wineries: Visit cellar doors near Queenstown.
  • Bannockburn Wineries: Known for premium wines.
  • Wine Tours: Many tour operators transport you to vineyards.

Adventure and Innovation

Bungy Jumping Origins

  • AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge: The world's first commercial bungy site.
  • Nevis Bungy: New Zealand's highest bungy.
  • Canyon Swings: Another thrilling variation.
  • River Surfing: Unique water adventure.

Jet Boating History

  • Shotover Jet: Pioneering jet boat experience.
  • Kawarau Jet: Explore the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.
  • Custom-built Boats: Designed for shallow, fast rivers.
  • Tourism Innovation: Queenstown a hub for adventure tourism.

Support Local Initiatives

By choosing local businesses and respecting cultural practices, you contribute directly to the vibrancy and sustainability of Queenstown's unique character.

← Previous
Practical Tips & Hacks
← Back to Queenstown
Next →
Pre-Trip Checklist

Next Up: Pre-Trip Checklist

Continue to Pre-Trip Checklist