The Natural Environment

 
The mountains have been thrust up in spectacular fashion and the vertical strata has ensured that erosion has resulted in near vertical  sides and the name remarkable being given to them. Ice was the main artixt in this land. A succession of ice ages saw huge glaciers carve out the spectacular Wakatipu Basin along with the equally impressive Rees, Dart, Routeburn, Greenstone and Caples valleys. There are many other glacial features around Queenstown which you can visit.

Ancient tectonic activity has resulted in many zones of weakness being created in teis mountainous region. Rivers have eroded the crushed rock forming spectacuar canyons which attract adventure tourists in jet boats, kayaks, rafts, mountain bikes or on foot. One does not have to travel far from Queenstown Country Lodge to observe natures's powerful erosive forces. Erosion by water also exposed valuable gold seams and the many creeks and rivers of the region saw thousands of goldminers from around the world rush into Central Otago. Kiwis claim the Shotover River was the richest river in the world, a fact often disputed by American visitors.

Remnants of the ancient beach forest which was once home to many native birds can be found in the valleys and along the lake’s edge and a forest walk will reward you with an appreciation of the natural history of the area. An early morning start will reward the keen naturalist with sightings of a number of native birds.