Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Best Value Places to Visit
Southern Lakes & Central Otago Recognised by Trusted Travel Guide
Lonely Planet has listed the Southern Lakes and Central Otago, including Queenstown and Wānaka, in the ‘best value’ category in its newly released Best in Travel 2024, which covers 50 must-visit destinations around the world. It was the only region in New Zealand to feature in the new guide, which will be available in print as well as online.
The Lonely Planet editors highlighted the many biking trails as a key feature of the region:
“In an area best known for its golf courses, winter sports and wineries, activities such as biking, hiking and exploring the outdoors are free and accessible to all, around the popular Southern Lakes resorts of Queenstown and Wānaka, as well as in Central Otago,” said the guide.
“When it comes to biking, new trails are being opened and more are being constructed, and in a few years, cyclists will be able to ride from Queenstown to Dunedin on the east coast”.
Whilst the region may be best known for luxury wineries, world-class golf courses, and premium snow sports but Lonely Planet said what was truly “extraordinary” was the landscape - something people can freely enjoy.
“A commitment to environmental stewardship and the appreciation of natural wonders through cycling and hiking offer a more sustainable and accessible way for visitors to engage with this extraordinary landscape,” said Lonely Planet’s Senior Director of Trade Sales and Marketing, Chris Zeiher.
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Sarah O’Donnell, Destination Queenstown’s Marketing and Communications Director, said that “the award recognises that biking is one of the best low cost, low impact ways to explore the region and experience the incredible scenery and attractions.”
O’Donnell said biking is a “huge focus” for tourism in the regions, “as well as great mountain biking across Queenstown, Wānaka and Central Otago there is also a full range of trails from easy grade 1 trails to technical grade 5 single track, and across the region there’s access to 6 of New Zealand’s Nga Haerenga Great Rides”.
According to Lonely Planet, the top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations and best-value locations were selected depending on "topicality, unique experiences, wow factor and its ongoing commitment to sustainability, community, and diversity”.
Lonely Planet recognised the free and easy access to walking and cycling trails across the Southern Lakes and Central Otago region.
The cycle trail network continues to grow, with new trails such as the Clutha Gold Trail extension to Lake Waihola.
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