Queenstown: The Adventure Capital of the World

• HelloKia ora
  [Key-ah or-ah]
• GoodbyeHaere rā
  [High-ree rah]
• YesĀe
  [Eye]
• NoKāore
  [Car-or-reh]
• Please/You're welcomeWhakawhetai
  [Fah-kah-fay-tie]
• Thank youNgā mihi
  [Nar me-hee]
• Excuse me/SorryWhakamā
  [Fah-kah-ma]
• How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?
  [Key teh pay-hea koh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Kei te pai. Ā, koe?
  [Key teh pie. Eye, koh-eh?]
• Do you speak English?Kei te korero koe i te reo Pākehā?
  [Key teh core-air-oh koh-eh ee teh reh-oh Pah-keh-ha]
• I don't understandKaore au i te mohio
  [Car-or-reh ow ee teh moh-hee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe pānui i te menewa, tēnā
  [Meh pan-oo-ee ee teh meh-neh-wah, teh-nah]
• I don't eat meatKaore au e kai kau
  [Car-or-reh ow eh kai cow]
• Cheers!Mauri ora!
  [Mow-ree or-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKa hiahia ahau ki te utu, tēnā
  [Car hee-ah-hee-ah ah-how kee teh oo-too, teh-nah]

• Help!Āwhina!
  [Eye-fee-nah]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [High-ree ah-too]
• Call the Police!Karanga i te Pirihimana!
  [Car-ah-ngah ee teh Pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
• Call a doctor!Karanga i te doctor!
  [Car-ah-ngah ee teh dock-tor]
• I'm lostI wareware ahau
  [Ee wah-reh-wah-reh ah-how]
• I'm illAroha ahau
  [Ah-roh-ha ah-how]

• I'd like to buy...Ka hiahia ahau ki te hoko...
  [Car hee-ah-hee-ah ah-how kee teh haw-kaw]
• I'm just lookingKa kite ahau
  [Car key-teh ah-how]
• How much is it?He aha te utu?
  [Heh ah-ha teh oo-too]
• That's too expensiveHe rawa te utu
  [Heh rah-wah teh oo-too]
• Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [Car tie-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kai-tee ee teh oo-too]

• What time is it?Ko te wahea?
  [Koh teh wah-heh-ah]
• It's one o'clockKo te tahi karaka
  [Koh teh tah-hee kah-rah-kah]
• Half past (10)Tekau ma rua
  [Teh-kow mah roo-ah]
• MorningAhiahi
  [Ah-hee-ah-hee]
• AfternoonAhiahi
  [Ah-hee-ah-hee]
• EveningPō
  [Poh]
• YesterdayInapo
  [Ee-nah-poh]
• TodayI tenei ra
  [Ee teh-neh-ee rah]
• TomorrowApopo
  [Ah-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [Tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [Toh-roo]
• 4Wha
  [Fah]
• 5Rima
  [Ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-no]
• 7Whitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [Wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [Ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [Teh-kow]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...
  [Key heh-ah teh]
• What's the address?Ko te wāhitau?
  [Koh teh wah-hee-tow]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu i ahau (i te mahere)?
  [Car tie-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-tow ee ah-how ee teh mah-heh-reh]
• When's the next (bus)?He aha te wā roa?
  [Heh ah-ha teh wah ro-wah]
• A ticket (to ....)He tiketi (ki...)
  [Heh tee-keh-tee kee]

Before European settlers arrived, the area around Queenstown was inhabited by the Māori people. The Ngāi Tahu tribe, in particular, had a significant presence. They were drawn to the region's abundant resources, including the pounamu (greenstone) found in the rivers, which was highly valued for tools, weapons, and ornaments. The Wakatipu Basin, where Queenstown is located, was also a seasonal hunting ground for birds and eels.

Queenstown's history as a settlement began in the 1860s with the discovery of gold in the Arrow River. The region quickly transformed into a bustling gold rush town as prospectors from around the world flocked to the area. This gold rush era left a lasting impact on Queenstown, with many historic buildings and mining relics still visible today. The legacy of this period is celebrated in the local culture and various historic sites.

Queenstown was officially founded in 1863 and named by early settler William Gilbert Rees, who established a sheep station in the area. Legend has it that the town was named 'Queenstown' because it was deemed 'fit for Queen Victoria.' Rees's original homestead, the 'Rees Hotel,' still stands today as a testament to the town's early European settlement.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Queenstown began to attract visitors for its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The advent of the steamer 'SS Earnslaw' in 1912 opened up Lake Wakatipu to tourism, allowing easier access to the area's scenic wonders. The region's reputation as an adventure destination continued to grow, and today Queenstown is known worldwide for its outdoor activities, including skiing, bungee jumping, and hiking.

In recent decades, Queenstown has seen significant growth and development, evolving into a vibrant resort town. The local economy has diversified, with tourism, viticulture, and film production becoming key industries. Queenstown has also become a favored location for filmmakers, with movies like 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy showcasing its dramatic landscapes. The town's blend of historical charm and modern amenities continues to attract visitors from around the globe.

Queenstown is accessible via Queenstown Airport (ZQN), which receives direct flights from major cities in New Zealand and Australia. If you're traveling from other international destinations, you may need to connect through Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach the town center, which is about a 10-minute drive away.

Queenstown is compact and most attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, public buses operated by Orbus are efficient and affordable, with routes covering popular areas like Arrowtown and Frankton. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available. Renting a car or bike provides flexibility, especially for exploring the scenic surroundings and nearby towns.

The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard. ATMs are plentiful in Queenstown. While many places accept contactless payments, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets.

Queenstown is generally safe, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep an eye on personal belongings. There are no neighborhoods with high crime rates specifically targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Queenstown Medical Centre and Lakes District Hospital provide healthcare services. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Dress in layers due to changing weather conditions. Outdoor and casual wear is common. Religion: Respect all religious sites, even though Queenstown is generally secular. Public Transport: Offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid eating on public transport. Greetings: A simple handshake or a friendly 'Kia Ora' (hello in Māori) is customary. Eating & Drinking: Try local delicacies like Fergburger and New Zealand wines. Don't tip, as it’s not customary in New Zealand.

Experience Queenstown like a local by visiting the Saturday Creative Markets at Earnslaw Park for unique crafts and artisanal foods. Take a stroll along the Queenstown Gardens for a tranquil escape. For a scenic drive, head out to Glenorchy along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. Engage with locals, who are typically friendly and enthusiastic about sharing their favorite spots.