New Zealand's Queenstown and Southern Lakes are among the Top 10 recommended regions to visit, according to Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2012.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive, Kevin Bowler, was quoted as having said that 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.

Bowler added that he congratulates 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.

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

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.

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