The Remarkables, Queenstown

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The Remarkable range runs alongside the southern most arm of Lake Wakatipu. The mountains seem to rise directly from the lake when viewed from Queenstown. The range is dominated by Double Cone with the highest point being Single Cone.

The range gained its name (it is told) because it runs almost exactly North to South. Another, more poetic, reason is that it looks remarkable in the sunset (which is also true).

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Snowtubing is a fun way to experience snow if you don't have the time or inclinication for full on skiing or snowboarding.

At the Ozone Tubing Park you can slide down lanes in an inner tube by sitting, laying down, going backwards or spinning yourself around.

Our morning run was the best as the snow was compact and smooth. It did start to snow in the afternoon which slows the tubes down to a crawl.

Open Daily from 10am - 3pm
Adult 1 Hour Tubing Pass NZ$17

Up to 2343 metres high, the Remarkables are one in only two mountain ranges in the world that run exactly north-south. The other one are the Rocky Mountains in North America.

The wrinkly and rocky face of the zig-zaggy shaped range is unique and easily recognisable, and it appears many times in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The Remarkables are the second well-known skifield of the Queenstown region, after Coronet Peak. Whereas the Remarkables are higher than Coronet Peak, the slopes are more family-friendly and known as good beginners’ and intermediate terrain. The vertical drop is only 357 metres, compared to more than 400 metres at Coronet Peak. It also is a freestyle paradise with jibs for all levels in three terrain parks, and they have a halfpipe. The highest point of the lift is 1943 metres. The fields are serviced by 3 quad chairs, 1 beginner tow, and 1 magic carpet

The season usually is shorter than at Coronet Peak although the mountains are higher, but they need a thicker snow base to cover the tussock grass.

In winter 2008 a day lift pass cost $ 87, a seven day pass $ 595.

Internet-Link:www.nzski.com
Phone (03) 442 4615

The access road is very rough gravel and corrugated. In winter you absolutely need a four-wheel drive vehicle if you do not want to use the shuttles from Queenstown (20 km west) or the carpark at the bottom of the toll-free access road.

Even in summer you should only drive up the mountain in a normal car in good and dry weather conditions. Even then it will be a very rough ride, with you being shaken and rocked until you have digested the last bit of your previous meals.

Notice the rather strikingly-shaped inlet? I was told that it was a national park and that you need permission to enter.

Nevertheless it is a striking view of Queenstown and part of the lake that can only be taken from Skyline Gondola building.

You can choose to get a ticket for the Skyline view on its own or a package where you can also do the luge as well.

The luge is fun for kids and adults and in winter, the ground is wet so it is faster.

You can also choose to do bungy here from AJ.

This is one of the pictures taken of The Remarkables mountain range. It is also one of the most popular and scenic pictures taken about Queenstown.

As you can see, Queenstown is right near The Remarkables on the edge of Lake Wakatipu.

This picture can be taken access by the Skyline Gondola. And you don't need a very sophisticated camera to do so. I was just using a basic APS camera which worked just fine.

Queenstown is home to The Remarkables which are a beautiful set of mountain peaks towering over Lake Whakatipu to the left of the town.
The Remarkables Range was formed by faulting and folding of schist rock and was covered by glaciers during the ice age. The ranges get their name because of the stunning way they look as the sun sets behind them.

If you are into skiiing then The Remarkables is just one of the many skiifields close to Queenstown (check the link below).

My friend arranged her wedding on top of the mountain too! They were flown up by helicopter and were married perched above Queenstown amongst the stunning scenery.