Next to the central position of Queenstown in New Zealand activity tourism, there are towns close to Queenstown steeped in history and natural environment.
Arrowtown is the major centre of historic gold mining in this area, dating back all the way to the late 1800s. Glenorchy on the northern end of Lake Wakatipu is a small rural town, important in its role as gateway to many stunning tracks in the Southern Alps Region. The popular Kingston Flyer has its home in Kingston, situated on the opposit end of Lake Wakatipu.