The Remarkables

The Remarkables are the dramatic jagged mountain range that frames the eastern side of Queenstown — a 22-kilometre ridge whose highest peak, Double Cone, reaches 2,324 metres and whose name was coined by European surveyor Alexander Garvie because the range is one of the few on Earth that runs exactly north-south. The range contains a major ski field (open June to October) with 7 lifts and terrain for all abilities, and summer activities include hiking to alpine tarns, climbing, and scenic drives.

In summer, the Lake Alta hike from the ski-field car park is a 2-hour return walk through alpine tussock and rock to a deep turquoise tarn surrounded by the peaks — a classic half-day from Queenstown. In winter, the 45-minute drive up the Remarkables Ski Field road provides easy access to fresh powder. The Remarkables are most famous for appearing as the 'Dimrill Dale' in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings — the range forms the mountain backdrop for many of the Middle-earth scenes.