Queenstown, New Zealand

Rugged mountains, majestic lakes, crystal clear air, and just so much to do.

Aspen and Queenstown officially entered into a sister city relationship in 1992. Both towns share similarities: they have tourism based economies, mining & farming historical backgrounds and are surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Since signing that official treaty, Jill Sheeley has been the committee head in Aspen and Barry Robertson has been the committee head in Queenstown. The cities’ relationship has become more established year after year through the High School exchange programs and ski exchanges. Queenstown sent a delegation to Aspen in September, 1995 when Aspen hosted their first Sister Cities Festival with all five sister cities coming together for a week of exchanging ideas, problem-solving, activities, culture and sightseeing. Most of the representatives were in Aspen because they had won contests in their sister cities in art, photography and quilting. The winning works remain as a permanent display in the Sister Cities Room in Aspen City Hall. Beside organizing at least two student exchanges each year, Queenstown sent a team of racers for many years to the 24-Hours of Aspen ski race along with a large group of supporters. They, in turn, organized a similar race in Queenstown based on this wonderful idea and format. Luckily, our students have had the opportunity to volunteer for that race when in Queenstown. Aspen students went to Queenstown in the summer of 2004. They are looking forward to hosting a group of Queenstown students in January.

Irresistible Attraction The area has captured hearts and imaginations since the first Maori came in search of pounamu (greenstone) and the giant Moa bird. More recently, gold miners, adventurers, filmmakers, wine enthusiasts, Hollywood stars and US Presidents have been drawn to this magical region and its intense alpine energy. Simply an Adventure Queenstown is renowned for adventure. But there’s much, much more. Queenstown is a sophisticated holiday resort set in the magnificent landscapes of the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Adventure for fun, accessible adventure, adventure for relaxation. From bungy jumping to wine trails, jet boating to tramping, dining out to skiing, the tricky part is extending your stay to try and fit everything in. Downtown Born as an 1860’s goldmining camp, 140 years later Queenstown has a compact and sophisticated downtown area tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Dwarfed by the surrounding mountains, there are amazing views from everywhere. There’s also a permanent buzz in the downtown area where you’ll find a lively café/bar scene and excellent shopping. For more about Queenstown, see www.queenstown-nz.co.nz

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ASPEN'S
SISTER CITIES