The Māori people tell of a legend where the wife of Kupe, the first Polynesian to discover New Zealand, first spotted Aotearoa, "land of the long white cloud." Today, this continent's vast wilderness tempts the traveler's spirit to escape and rejuvenate in a paradise few can refuse. But to experience the heart of New Zealand, Queenstown takes the cake with being called the "heartbeat of the Wakatipu Basin." Nestled perfectly on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic cliffs, it's easy to lose yourself in the stunning majesty of it all. Whether you're a tourist listening for the Kookaburra birds to "laugh" or soaking in the beauty of Queenstown, New Zealand, know that you will never want to escape from paradise!