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rdth May 2017 23 May - 3 29 27rdth Jan Feb 2014
FIRST ON THE STREET
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No No 434 601
LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN
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After arriving in Queenstown less than two weeks ago, this little town has already won me over. Queenstown seems to have it all: raw natural beauty like no other, a bustling CBD, and adventure sports galore. But as newbies like myself gawk at the scenery, embark on tramps, and gush over the restaurant and bar scene, it seems many locals are caught up in the negative aspects of living in an international tourist destination. Having grown up in a tourist town in California, I’m familiar with letting my view of home become obstructed by the negatives. The pristine beaches, revered redwood forests, and sparkling coastlines of Northern California have sort of faded into the background; even the Golden Gate Bridge has lost a bit of its oomph. Traffic, lack of affordable housing, tourism, cost of living, and the rising price of avocados are at the forefront of most conversations in my hometown. Sound familiar? But let me assure you, Queenstowners: you’ve got something special here. I’ve seen mountains, but the Remarkables are drastic, daunting, and almost seem alive as the visibility and cloud covershift throughout the day. I’ve seen beautiful lakes, but the deep blues of Lake Wakatipu and its waterways are absolutely stunning. On my daily walks around the lake, I’m enchanted by the autumn foliage, decorated with splashes of gold and copper. Fellow travellers’ heeding’s of endless traffic, throngs of tourists, and lack of accommodation fuelled a fear that Queenstown would be an over-hyped, overpriced, and overcrowded tourist trap. But as I rolled into town a fortnight ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find a charming, energetic yet understated ski town.
Zoe Bennetts and Greta Jones at the St. Jospeh’s School Book Fair on Sunday. (Photo: Jodi Walters)
Yes, Queenstown is touristy, but not obnoxiously so. The tourism industry here is not as ‘in-your-face’ as some friends had warned me it would be, but more a subtle undertone of the town. And although there is a constant stream of visitors coming and going, the town still has a strong local vibe. The fact that Queenstown has balanced a robust tourism industry while maintaining its character speaks volumes about this place. The cost of living and lack of affordable housing are no worse than places I’ve lived in California. I realise traffic congestion and crowds will drastically increase once the ski season sets in, but it can’t be worse than summer months in Santa Cruz, CA. In part, local’s criticism of ‘what Queenstown is becoming/has become’ is good. It means you won’t let the place succumb to tourism and development. It shows the community will hold its ground when it comes to protecting the Wakatipu. But I hope to remind you, with a fresh pair of eyes, what a gem this town is. As I begin to settle in to my new life in Queenstown, I can’t imagine my awe for this place fading in any way. But who knows, maybe you’ll next see me on the Lakes Weekly whinge page. Haley Turner Californian in Kiwiland
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JOHN RAVENS WEATHER Last week John was 98% correct
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Cloudy Periods. Morning Frosts
Mainly Fine. Light Winds
High Cloud. Few Spots of Rain
Mainly Fine. Westerlies
Cloudy. Light Winds
Cloudy. Light Winds
Rain with Light Winds