Comfort Inn Gold Rush

The rooms at this non-smoking, family-run motel have air conditioning, and it is possible in some cases to book more than one that interconnect. Cribs are also available. A flat-screen television and a fan add to the comfort, as do the tools for making tea and coffee. There are also laundry facilities on site, and the front-desk staff are more than happy to lend assistance with luggage storage, booking tickets and tours, and advice on what’s to be found locally. There is a daily housekeeping service, wireless internet for a surcharge, and, also for an additional fee, breakfast – which can be delivered to your room if you wish.

Not far from the motel you can find a number of shops and cafes, a pharmacy, a post office, banks, several takeaways and some speciality gift shops. Although you are not bang in the centre of Queenstown, it is only a few minutes away by car or a pleasant walk. The town museum is where to go if you want to find out more about the days of mining, and the Gravel Oval is a grass-free sports arena which is still in regular use.

One of the most important things to see while you are in Queenstown is the West Coast Wilderness Railway. It is just under a quarter of an hour’s walk from Comfort Inn Gold Rush and takes you on a steam-hauled trip into the rainforest along 35 kilometres of restored track, including a rack-and-pinion section on the steepest section, in all a four-hour round trip you won’t forget. You can also take to the water with World Heritage Cruises and explore the spectacular Gordon River on a modern catamaran, complete with a commentary by your professional and extremely knowledgeable guides.