Queenstown has a little somethin’ somethin’ for pretty much everyone. Whether you’re into jumping off a bridge upside down, tearing down a hill on a child-size trolley (the luge) or sitting back, relaxing and admiring the vistas. We’re more likely to fit into the admiring the vistas bit when in Q-town, but we like to mix it up with a little bit of wine tasting, a bit of day tripping and scenic cruising too (ah staaaaahp!!).
Onsen Hot Pools
For a little R&R head to Onsen Hotpools for a hot tub with a view. Set up on a hill overlooking the Shotover River, Onsen has built the cutest sheds, set up perfectly for a soak and a champagne. As popularity has soared the price have gone up a little bit too, but it’s one of those things you’ll only do once (or twice), so splash out (excuse the pun). Sessions start from $95 for two adults and go up from there, I’d recommend shelling out a bit extra for the option with bubbles as it really takes the experience to the next level. I’m not really a hot-tub kinda girl, but I survived the hour.
www.onsen.co.nz 160 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point 9371
Shotover High Five Package
So even though, I’m not all about the adrenalin and stuff, Mike likes to mix it up and get a little crazy. He went for the high five package and hasn’t stopped talking about it since. For a mere $349 (you might need to rob a bank) you get entertained for four hours with a Jet boat down the Shotover River Canyons a scenic helicopter transfer to the summit of the Skyline Gondola, 5 Luge rides, a gondola ride back down the mountain and a transfer back to your hotel.
www.combos.co.nz/jetboat/shotover-high-five.9/
Queenstown waterfront and Gardens
Walking around gardens you say? Better than it sounds. The gardens are very cool and different at all the times of the year. November is probably my favourite with the gardens full of peonies, but as the gardens sit right on the edge of the lake, it’s pretty all the time. Start your walk from the centre of town and do a bit of a loop, finishing off about 45 mins later with a bevvy at one of these places.
Wine Tasting
Queenstown is situated in Otago, a famed wine region of NZ. Wine Tasting is possibly not the first thing which comes to mind when someone says ‘Queenstown’, but definitely something worth doing if you either a) have a rental car and a willing sober driver volunteer or b) find yourself a tour to jump on (there’s a few around). The vineyards are pretty spread out, but we stopped at the following Amisfield, Mt Difficulty, Chard Farm and Gibbston Valley, conveniently located next to a Cheese shop.
Arrowtown
Arrowtown is the cutest little historic mining town, located about 20 mins from Queenstown. There’s not a whole heap to do here if I’m honest, but I think you should go anyway, just so you can say you’ve been. Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing and gorgeous, just in a ‘I’ve been here, now we can go’ kind of way. Wander the banks of the Arrow River, explore the remains of the Chinese mining village and stop off at The Remarkable Sweet Shop for your fill of Aniseed Wheels. To be fair there is a couple of decent places to eat here – either get a pie from the bakery or get yourself into The Chop Shop, a groovy little eatery in the centre of town.
www.remarkablesweetshop.co.nz 27 Buckingham St, Arrowtown 9302, New Zealand
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is epic and well-worth the four or so hour drive from Queenstown. Having done Milford twice now, once in the depth of winter and once bordering on Summer, I can’t really say there’s a best time to visit, because both were beautiful for different reasons. The crowds visit by the bus-load from Queenstown every day, which is not my idea of fun, so I’d suggest if you’re confident drivers, to hire a car and do an overnight trip staying at the Milford Sound Lodge, details here. We pre-booked a 9am cruise last time through Southern Discoveries and this is what we’d recommend you do too. The beauty of the early cruise is that the crowds are yet to arrive and Milford is a tranquil place that you can enjoy with just one or two boats out on the Fiord. We paid $160 for a breakfast cruise which included kayaking as an added experience. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, check out Jucy Cruise, who are great if you’re looking for a standard cruise.
Wanaka
Wanaka is more of a destination if you’re touring the whole area and have more than three days to ‘do’ Queentown. It’s like Queentown but smaller and less touristy. Set on the banks of Lake Wanaka, it’s become a destination in it’s own right, for those looking for a quieter escape. The lake’s pretty, you’ll find some decent shops and some places to stop and fil your stomach.
Glenorchy
Having been to this part of the country a few times, I’d been meaning too, but never quite made it to Glenorchy previously. Again, a decent spot but only if you have the time. We had a rental car so headed around to the far end of Lake Whakitipu to the sleepy town of Glenorchy. There’s awesome views and a couple of spots for lunch. My top tip is to make sure you get yourself a photo of the red shed. It’s cute.
And of course all the eating activities.
So many options, we’ve dedicated a whole post to it. Click here for all the deets. No really, click here