Just off the town of Queenstown in the Southern Island of New Zealand lies Lake Wakatipu. The ripples of which are blue, calm and cooling. Behind these docile currents stands the Remarkables Mountain Range, dripping in greenery with the powder white clouds caressing its tips to give the summit a snowy appearance. The mountains rise as is to protect Lake Wakatipu which winds its way in the southwest corner of Otago Region.

A casual stroll down to the market on a Saturday morning when the air is still chilly and the dew drops twinkle at the tips of the leaves is enough to make ones heart skip a beat. Closer to the banks of the lake, with the breathtaking sight of the peaks that rise behind it really sweep people off their feet. The famous market that opens for a half day of trade on Saturday derives its name from its proximity to the hilly terrain and the name itself draws people regularly.

The Red Barn located beyond the Remarkables Park Town Centre becomes a bevy of activity with over forty different stalls offering seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, and homemade goodies such as handmade cheese, sausages, chocolate brownies, French bread, various kinds of mouth watering pastries, sauces and superb fruit cordials among many other enticing favourites for the young and the not so young.

Knick knacks for your home, jewellery, hand crafted cards, Christmas décor, dolls, wooden toys and cushions are also sold much to the delight of travelers who love an opportunity net a few locally made authentic products.

The ambience of the market is unique as it offers a perfect blend of Europe entwined with the mountain atmosphere. This makes it a novel and relaxing venue for family picnics, meeting of friends and a quick getaway from the daily monotony.

You can be assured of good accommodation in this area as many a family hotel Queenstown has ready facilities and services for visiting large or small families. Among which is Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront which believes in making your stay with them a memorable one. With the inimitable beauty of the Remarkables visible through the window slits, Queenstown hotel accommodation is indeed worth experiencing.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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