Carin Stacks

“Did someone say ‘Queenstown’?” a voice piped up from the back of the group. Yes, we are in Queenstown! And right before you, rising against the stunning backdrop of Lake Wakatipu, are the Carin Stacks. These unassuming piles of rocks hold a silent history, echoing the heart of this vibrant town. The Carin Stacks are more than just a landmark. They are a testament to Queenstown’s enduring spirit, a spirit that has seen it transform from a humble sheep station to the adventure capital of the world. William Gilbert Rees, the first European settler here, knew these hills well. Before the gold rush lured throngs of hopeful prospectors, he raised sheep on this land, even converting his woolshed into a hotel, the Queen’s Arms, when the town began to boom. Can you imagine this serene landscape dotted with woolly flocks, the silence broken only by the bleating of sheep and Rees’s herding dog? From those quiet beginnings, Queenstown has become renowned for its pulse-pounding activities. You can experience the thrill of the world’s first commercial bungy jump, born here in 1988 at the Kawarau Bridge. But the Carin Stacks, they stand as a quiet reminder of Queenstown’s more peaceful past. Like a wise elder, they observe the changing seasons and the town’s dynamic evolution, holding the secrets of Queenstown’s journey from pastoral serenity to adrenaline-fueled excitement. They invite you to pause for a moment, to take in the breathtaking views, and to appreciate the rich tapestry of history woven into the very fabric of this extraordinary place.