We visit a different place each week to learn new words and phrases in English in our quest to be more eloquent users of this beautiful language. This week, our learning journey takes us on our most daring journey yet – to Queenstown. Known as the adventure capital of the world, this New Zealand city, which sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island and set against the dramatic Southern Alps, strikes the perfect balance between remarkable natural beauty and heart pumping attractions. Are you ready to embark on a thrill of a lifetime while getting another stamp on your language passport?

Become a height-defying daredevil

Fast currents and steep rapids set amidst deep canyons and rugged scenery – the rivers in Queenstown are an adrenaline junkie’s paradise.

Shotover River was one of the richest gold-bearing rivers in the world more than two centuries ago. Although some small-time gold seekers still pan for gold in the river and two neighbouring tributaries, it is now known as the spot for a splashing good time jet boating, and whitewater rafting.

Further down Shotover River is Kawarau River, also once mined for gold but now popular for jet boating and whitewater rafting, in addition to riverboarding and river surfing. Kawarau River is also world-famous for being the site of the first commercial bungy jump in the world and where the enormous Gates of Argonath in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was filmed.

Likewise, Skippers Canyon is an ideal spot for heritage cruises, jet boating and bungee jumping while the world’s biggest rope swing and third highest bungy platform in the world at Nevis Valley is not to be missed by the brave at heart! Are you one of them?

Get your adrenaline pumping on the slopes

There’s something magical about snow and for sure, the blanketed white slopes of The Remarkables mountain ranges and the Coronet Peak will leave you nothing short of enchanted. Both ski resorts have terrain and facilities to suit amateur and expert skiers and snowboarders alike, so there is no excuse for you not to try. Not unless, your heart can’t take all the excitement! At Coronet Peak, you’ll be able to ski on certain nights of the week as well.

Off the beaten path

If risk-taking isn’t exactly your cup of tea, then hiking should be an excellent alternative. Slower paced and a much more relaxed form of outdoor adventure, hiking affords you the chance to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature and stop to smell the flowers.

Queenstown is home to multiple hiking trails with spectacular views among which is Milford Sound. The jewel of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a spellbinding combination of mountain peaks, ink dark waters and forest-clad cliffs. The only fiord accessible by car in New Zealand, Milford Sound is also an ideal spot for kayaking, sailing, and cruises, besides walks and hikes. It is also home to the country’s only floating underwater observatory, the Milford Sound Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, where you can get a close-up view of the colourful sea life and species of black coral usually found 500 metres deep in the open ocean.

The Mount Crichton Loop Track is an easy, kid-friendly hiking trail filled with mountain beech trees, manuka trees, and a waterfall. The 6km looped walk follows the historic Twelve Mining Creek Gorge, which was one of the key mining spots in the region, out to stunning views of Lake Dispute.

Other notable hiking tracks worth traversing include the Ben Lomond Track, Lake Hayes, and Queenstown Hill.

Cinematic Sights  

The scenery of Queenstown is second to none, which is why it is often picked as the location for filming by film directors. Most popular among them is Lake Wakatipu – Queenstown’s crown jewel. Surrounded by mountains, the country’s longest lake of 80km is renowned for its scenic beauty. Maori legend has it that a giant taniwha named Matau kidnapped Manata from her lover, Matakauri, one night. Matakauri was able to save her and bring her back safely to the village. Worried that the giant would return for Manata, Matakauri went out one night and burned a large ring around the sleeping giant’s body. Matau’s body went up in flames and burned a deep trough in the ground. The trough filled with rainwater and became what is Lake Wakatipu, which directly translates to “the trough of the giant”. One way to soak in its beauty is by taking a cruise or if you’re up to it, jetboating, kayaking or paddleboarding.

Words and Phrases to Learn:

quest – search for something

eloquent – fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing

daring – adventurous or audaciously bold

dramatic – exciting and impressive

remarkable – worthy of attention, striking

embark – begin

steep – rising or falling sharply

rugged – having a broke, rocky, and uneven surface

tributary – a river or stream flowing into a larger river or lake

commercial – relates to business

enormous – very large in size, quantity or extent

ideal – most suitable, perfect

brave at heart – having or displaying courage

blanketed – cover completely with a thick layer of something

enchanted – placed under a spell, bewitched

amateur – hobbyist

off the beaten path – in a place few people go, far from any main roads and towns

alternative – available as another possibility or choice

afford – provide an opportunity

Mother Nature – Mother Earth, nature

smell the flowers – to take time out of one’s busy schedule to enjoy or appreciate the beauty of life

spectacular – beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way

spellbinding – fascinating, holding one’s attention completely as though by magic

fiord – a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland

stunning – extremely attractive or impressive

notable – remarkable, worthy of attention

traverse – travel across or through

cinematic – having qualities characteristic of films

second to none – exceptional, unmatched

crown jewel – a particularly prized asset

renowned – famous

trough – a low point between two high points

soak in – to absorb something

Your learning journey to master English with ILTI is bound to be an adventure. There will be new things to learn every lesson, new things to explore – each lesson will be more exhilarating than the other. Come speak to us and find out about the exciting learning opportunities with Cambridge English that we have to offer. Visit ilti.edu.my or call 010-395 3067 today.