Locals Life In Queenstown - First Observations

We've been living in Queenstown for 8 weeks now and despite having visited here 7 times in the last 8 years, we're still in awe of everything that surrounds us. I'm not sure we have earned the right to be called locals yet, but we're working on it! In the short amount of time that we have lived here, there are four things that stick out in my mind as being unique to Queenstown.

1. Everywhere is beautiful

Seriously, EVERYWHERE. If you've been following our Facebook and Instagram feed, you would have seen some of the gorgeous pics that we've taken in and around Queenstown. It's pretty much impossible to take a bad photo here, everywhere looks like a postcard. We are surrounded by beautiful lakes, rivers and mountains. Even the buildings and streets are pretty.

THE VIEW FROM QUEENSTOWN HILL

2. Queenstown is a giant playground

We've always known that Queenstown is a very activity driven place but having spent a bit of time here, we realise that it has truly earnt its name as the adventure capital of the world. It's not just good marketing, it's the real deal.

If you're into the outdoors, being active or are even slightly adventurous - this is the place for you. Pretty much every activity you can think of doing, can be done here. It doesn't have to be adrenaline pumping either, there's something for everyone and there's fun to be had all year round.

We racked our brains trying to think of what you couldn't do here and the only thing we came up with was surfing. There's no surf in Queenstown but that doesn't stop the locals. We've already met plenty of surfers who will take a drive out east to catch some waves. 

FUNYAKS

KAWARAU RIVER ALONG THE WINE TRAIL FROM ARROWTOWN TO GIBBSTON

PARAGLIDING OVER QUEENSTOWN

3. Adventure culture

You may have heard us mention that we believe 'adventure is everywhere'. It's something we try to live by and really it's about finding the adventure in your life, wherever you are and about trying new things.

Queenstown is the epitome of adventure culture and we're loving it! It probably comes down to a combination of Queenstown being so transient, being activity driven and having an abundance of things to do. That attracts a certain type of person. I used to think the Gold Coast in Australia had the highest concentration of fit people I'd ever seen, but I gotta say, the people of Queenstown have now taken that title. No one would blink an eye around here if you told them that you were going for a 2 hour hike after work.

Queenstown also has world class facilities for things like mountain biking and skiing which attracts extreme pro athletes. The Red Bull crew are regulars here. We may need to step up our game!

TEAPOT BREAK AT CARDRONA

MOUNTAINBIKING

4. The honesty of people is mind blowing

In this crazy world that we live in, it is refreshing to live in a town where people are still honest and have respect for each other's property. The local paper is filled with lost and found notices and it warms my heart every time I read through them. It's a nice reminder that there are still good people out there.

Another great example is when we went to view a property a while back. As we approached the house with the agent, the front door was wide open. No, there wasn't anyone home. No, they hadn't been robbed. They'd just left it wide open and gone to work for the day!

A SNIPPET FROM THE LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN - LOST AND FOUND SECTION

Really looking forward to experiencing all four seasons here. And as I write this, there is a little dusting of snow up on Remarks. Yew! 

Have you been to Queenstown? Do you have any more to add to my list? Let me know in the comments below!

Jen

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