Queenstown in a Day
The final stop on my whirlwind trip through New Zealand was a visit to one of the most popular destinations in the country, Queenstown. In the winter millions flock to this small mountain town for the ski slopes and in the summer they return to enjoy the mountains and picturesque lakes that makes this part of the country so much fun to explore.
There is a lot to do, see, explore and eat in Queenstown, but here are my picks so that you can spend the best day possible in this classic New Zealand town.
Queenstown Activities
Kawarau Bungy Jump
To some it’s Bungy, others call it Bungee. The tour operator AJ Hackett pioneered this crazy adrenalin activity called Bungy Jumping in the little place called Queenstown, located on the South Island of New Zealand.The madness began at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy in November 1988. Since then millions have chosen to tempt the fates and fling themselves from impossibly intimidating heights. You can even choose to bob above the water or be fully dunked.
Appellation Central Otago Wine Tours
New Zealand is one of the top wine producing countries in the world, and with good reason. The wineries produce hearty, delicious wines suitable for almost every palate. At the Central Otago Wine Tours, participants taste wines at some of the best vineyards in the Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell regions. Vineyards are selected from the following: Peregrine, Chard Farm, Carrick, Mt Difficulty, Felton Road, Akarua and Olssens vineyards. This is one of the best ways to learn more about New Zealand wine and to see for yourself what makes them so enjoyable.
If the bungy jump wasn’t enough to satiate your need to throw yourself off things, then the Ziptrek Ecotour is for you. Conveniently located in central Queenstown, the folks at Ziptrek have pioneered sustainable zip lining in the country. Their signature run is the Kea Ziptrek Tour, a three-hour high-velocity 6-line adventure that includes a stunning 20-minute guided trek along a new extension of the local ‘Tiki Trail’, an ancient native Beech forest on our aerial tree-platforms. The experience gives you views of the town and forest you just can’t find anywhere else. Their newest addition to the Ziptrek Ecotour more than doubles Ziptrek’s flying fox distance and gives those with an appetite for adrenaline the chance to take zip-lining to a hair-raising level. Zippers on the Kea Tour will fly down the hill for about a kilometer, the equivalent length of 10 rugby pitches.
Queenstown Dining
Winehouse & Kitchen
This beautifully restored 100-year-old homestead is located in the Gibbston Valley adjacent to the world famous Kawarau Bungy Centre site, just 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown. The Winehouse & Kitchen was developed by Henry van Asch and Tom Hutchison to showcase their wine labels van Asch, Rock Ferry and Freefall, and has become a popular place for locals and visitors alike.
Fergburger
A must-do in Queenstown! Ferg’s gourmet hamburgers are arguably the best in New Zealand and burger connoisseurs come from far and wide to enjoy them. There’s also a great selection of beers and premium roasted coffee. Fergburger was started in 2001 as “hole in the wall” in Cow Lane to provide decent fare for partygoers to enjoy after a late night out at pubs and clubs. “Ferg” literally filled the spot and is now so popular that it’s open 21 hours a day and has a worldwide following.
Joe’s Garage
Popular with the locals, Joe’s Garage serves amazing award winning coffee and made-to-order breakfast and lunch. Joe’s Garage serves up the food Kiwis love to eat, like Free Range Eggs and South Island Bacon, Pikelets with Jam and Cream and Mince on Toast…with an egg on top. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, listen to some tunes and the famous Joe’s Garage coffee.
Queenstown Accommodations
The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments
Lakefront luxury, The Rees Hotel is a property that uniquely blends Queenstown’s culture and heritage alongside modern infrastructure and technology. The Rees Hotel boasts many unique features such as luxurious accommodation options including hotel rooms and 1-3 bedroom apartments all with private balconies overlooking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountains range. Quiet, private and peaceful, this lakeside retreat is conveniently located just a few minutes’ drive, or a gentle lakeside stroll, from Queenstown’s town center and epitomizes southern hospitality.
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is a designer luxury niche hotel designed for the discerning traveler, seeking a casual yet sophisticated environment and only 300 meters walk to town center. This designer hotel will delight guests seeking all modern facilities and latest technology with Queenstown picture postcard views, Uniquely located between two parks with grounds flowing down to park. This boutique hotel offers a point of difference with personal hosting, however all rooms have own kitchenette providing the opportunity to enjoy a private breakfast on own courtyard or balcony or alternatively relax with each other over an international breakfast.
Whatever you decide to do, see and stay, Queenstown is a destination where almost everyone who visits has a great experience.
