The land of the long white cloud and the destination for adrenanlin and adventure.
This would have to be my favourite place in New Zealand, Which I been fortunate to visit many times- To tell you the truth, I just cant get enough of the place!
With endless options for activities I’ve listed below some that cannot be missed!
1. Take a Heli to the top of the Mountain!
I know it sounds a bit expensive right? Well, there is a great deal site that you should check out which has last minute discounted tickets called bookme.co.nz which came in handy as activities in Queenstown add up. Using Bookme I got a discount over 60% and a flight to the top cost $130 (NZD) Worth. Every. Dollar!
The flight was with Heli Tours which was a scenic flight over Lake Wakatipu alongside the Remarkables with an Alpine landing at Cecil peak to view Queenstown from above.
2. Soak up and relax in the Onsen pools
Pure relaxation, I wanted to have a nap afterwards. Ensure you book as early as possible – Especially in Summer as it books up fast – (Apparently the night ones a month ahead!) You receive a private room that has a shower, a hot tub with the most breathtaking view and if you opted for them – and Indulgence pack that includes towels, Aromatherapy oil burner, Ice cream and beer or wine. If I could go here everyday I would. The pools are a short 10 minute drive from Queenstown or you can get picked up by the complimentary shuttle service that picks you up at ‘The Station” 30 minutes prior to your booking. More Info
2. Gondola up the Skyline (And Luge, And Bungy!)
Another great way to take in Queenstown stunning postcard views is to jump on the Skyline Gondalas located at the base of the mountain (A 5 minute walk from the center of town).
The Gondala costs $33 (NZD) But I recommend getting the Skyline Luge pass with 3 rides for $47 (NZD) (You can also buy luge tix up the top when you realise how fun it looks!) Alternatively you can hike up to the top which will take you about 1.5 hrs.
The Luge has 2 runs, a Red Track and a Blue Track. The Red build more difficult (Not that much) and if you go faster enough you may even get some air zooming down the hills! There is also a chair lift back up to the top so you don’t need to walk the hill! (amen!)
There is a bar, cafe and restaurant located at the top if you get hungry (But its a bit pricey and I think the food in town is much better!)
And the Bungy! Again go to; bookme.co.nz for those discounted tix – was almost a 50% saving! There is THE LEDGE – 400 meters above Queenstown you can jump with one of the best bungy views in the world. They have a ‘Jump Menu’ with various ways to throw yourself off – ( I opted to be tied around the waist and did a running jump) Probably the scariest thing I have done to date.
4. Grab a Fergerburger
Whilst walking around the town, you will not miss shotover street and when you do… you will see the line that is ‘The Fegerburgher line” It can stretch the whole way up the street during peak times (Mainly lunch) It is the most popular dining destinations in town.
Here is a tip that you will thank me for later – Call and book ahead! +64 3-441 1232 Here is the MENU
Is it worth it? YES. It has been called “The Best Burger In New Zealand” and The classic Fergburger (Prime NZ beef, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli and tomato relish) $12 (NZD) does not dissapoint. The Big Al is a BIG feat and a burger so big you probably would not want to eat for days after you slip into a food coma and think about the pending heart attack that will one day come your way if you continue to make these delicious life decisions.
Its also open till 5am! Great to remember if you have a big night on the town ( There is over 40 bars to choose from)
You can get takeaway (as there is not much sitting down room at busy times) and take a 2 min walk to the steps on the Lake to enjoy the view and feed the seagulls the chips you cant finish after the massive burger!
If you cant handle the line or don’t like burgers – You can also grab a pie next door at the Fergerbaker!
5. Grab Breaky atone of the amazing Cafes!
Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day – I don’t think I could choose a favourite;
- Grilled Halloumi and Poached eggs to perfection at Vudu Cafe a local favourite with a wide range of freshly squeezed juices
- Bacon and Eggs ‘Gorgeous George’ from Joes Garage (Complete with cosy blankets and friendly staff)
- Smoothie Bowl and Breakfast board at Bespoke Cafe – Voted NZ’s cafe of the year 2015
5. Take a day trip to Wanaka and visit the Vineyards
Only around a 1 hour drive from Queenstown. (If you do not have a hire car there is a shuttle service for $35
On the way you will come across the old famous Cadrona hotel and ‘Bradonia’ a long fence full of bras in support of Breast Cancer. Rippon is a great winery to visit and the views are second to none. If you have the chance there is a beautiful Lavender farm and also Wanaka shooting range – Have a Shot where I tested my skills at target shooting with a 22 calibre. $19 gets you 25 shots plus 3 targets and a lesson how to shoot!
5. Visit Arrowtown
The scenery is what makes Queenstown, and what better way to enjoy it with a walk around the lake – and through the botanical gardens to the point to view Queenstown across the turquoise lake.
A stunning 20 minute drive from Queenstown, the charming little Arrowtown made for a great Griswold family afternoon adventure. Sitting beneath the surrounding mountain peaks with heritage buildings preserved from the 1860s and a tree lined avenue of little miner’s cottages you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. I’m told Quakers with long capes and hats are not an uncommon site. We called into the Fork & Tap for a casual lunch, more for the pretty setting than anything else, but I have it on good authority that Saffron is the place to go for a fine dining experience in Arrowtown.
5. Go Hiking
With so many Mountains and so many views 0
5. Go Hiking
Queenstown is renowned for its trails. Surrounded by mountains and spectacular views.
The closest being Queenstown Hill. This hill is about a 500 metre climb through pine forest and a beautiful view once at the top of the town, lake and remarkables mountain ranges. If you come across any wild pine seedling be sure to pull it out if you can but ensure you identify it correctly and it’s not a native plant. This is a good walk to do on your
You can take the zipline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for stunning views of Queenstown, but I opted for the path less travelled to the top of Queenstown Hill. It’s a one hour uphill walk (at a solid pace) but worth every puff for the view you are rewarded with at the top, of both Queenstown and The Remarks (which you don’t see from Bob’s Peak) and the likelihood of having it all to yourself. Go on, take the scenic route…
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