Insider's guides Insider's guides: QueenstownAbout Tom Walter, our Queenstown insider:It only took one trip, back in 2002, for South Island to steal Tom's heart. Now it's his family home. When he's not in the mountains, he's at work setting up an eco-tourism company and taking photographs.

The guides that help you live like a local

Want to experience a place just like the locals do? Meet our team of Insiders — real people who know their destination backwards and actually call the place home. They're here to share the do's and don'ts, the scams and the secrets, and get you beneath the surface before you even hit the road. Leave the touristy stuff at the door, and get Inside.
Where not to go You already know what mountains you want to hit and which bridges you'd like to bungee, but do you really want to waste bucks on overpriced, underwhelming tourist pubs? The last thing you want to do is squander precious holiday time dragging yourself around somewhere that sucks. Luckily for you, Tom has already done exactly that, so here's the lowdown on where NOT to go. Near the beaten track Extreme sports and après aside, Queenstown is home to some top-secret, top-rated things to do and experience, like cultural walks, sea kayaking, frisbee, golf and more. Ditch the guidebook-toting set and really get to know the place as a local. Tom has put together some tips to ensure you get inside Queenstown and get the most out of your holiday. Itineraries We know you've come to Queenstown to board, ski, or throw yourself off a bridge as your top priority. But if you've got an extra day or two pre or post adrenaline rush, there's plenty to keep you occupied. Our insider, Tom, has put together a couple of itineraries so you don't have to worry about getting caught unawares or leaving something off your list. Lists With so much to see and do in Queenstown, we thought it best to give you some easy-to-use lists that will help you break down the top spots. This town tends to attract the more adventurous traveller. Check out Tom's top tips for an alternative adrenaline rush. And foodies won't be disappointed either — Queenstown is home to some of the best dining and drinking spots on the planet. The boring bits In addition to all the fun stuff you need to know before you hit the road, there are a few boring bits to cover off as well. Do you need to get a visa before you go? What kind of electrical plugs do they use in New Zealand? What's the time zone? How about that Kiwi funny money? And when's the best time to plan your trip? Tom has the lowdown for you. Awesome links There are loads of great resources on the Web that will make your trip to Queenstown even better. Tom has put together a list of favourite links that locals use all the time. Some are useful, some are entertaining, and some are downright bizarre.
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