New Zealand's Queenstown and Southern Lakes in Lonely Planet's Top 10

The jewel in the crown of New Zealand's South Island - Queenstown - and the Southern Lakes region are among the world's Top 10 recommended regions to visit, according to Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2012, published today.

Responding to the prestigious listing, Tourism New Zealand's Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said the recognition was very well deserved.

"The dramatic landscapes and dynamic activities Queenstown offers make it the ideal year-round destination, while the Southern Lakes also offer fantastic multi-season tourism activities and scenery," he said.

"I particularly congratulate Destination Queenstown on Lonely Planet's recognition of this wonderful region, as it's also testimony to the great work they do in promoting it," Mr Bowler said.

Queenstown's backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range and the nearby lakes area were introduced to cinema audiences around the world in Peter Jackson's award-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Ranked eighth on the list of Top 10 Regions 2012, Lonely Planet describes Queenstown and the Southern Lakes as worth visiting any time.

"There isn't a bad time to turn up in the world's top adventure playground," Lonely Planet says.

"There's non-stop outdoor activities year-round in the resort towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau, as well as the surrounding mountains, lakes and national parks."

The book continues, "Where else can you ski in the morning and golf or water-ski in the afternoon? Add excellent wineries and superb restaurants, and what more is there to say?"

Kevin Bowler agreed. "The review is spot-on, and supports what we've been saying in our campaigns. Lonely Planet's endorsement will help bring Queenstown and the Southern Lakes to the attention of the world. I'm delighted for the region."

Queenstown and the Southern Lakes are situated in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. Queenstown attracts around 1.9 million visitors each year. The area offers an enormous variety of scenery and activities such as skiing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, jet-boating, mountain climbing, rafting and cycling among others.