Queenstown has to be one of the most picturesque cities in the world! It is absolutely a breath of fresh air, especially if you are coming from a city like Sydney. I have to say the flight route towards Queenstown is one of the best so make sure you get a window seat if you are heading there! Here are some must go places if you are heading down there this Winter.
1. Glenorchy
This small town is on the northern end of Lake Wakatipu and definitely worth the 50 minute drive from Queenstown. We rented a car from Thrifty and got a snazzy red Toyota for about $135 NZ Dollars a day. If you are with NRMA you get 15% discount too!
Enjoying the views as a passenger <3 Endless views of mountains...and sheep.
We parked near by and soaked up the views! There was still some snow on the mountain caps even after Summer. Make sure to bring a coat!
2. Kinloch Lodge
After a 30 minute drive to Kinloch Lodge from Glenorchy, awaits a tranquil and quaint lodge that sells some delicious comfort food. In this serene setting, we enjoyed some venison (deer meat) stew on this sunny day. How beautiful was our lunch view?
http://www.kinlochlodge.co.nz/
3. Queenstown Gondola and the Luge
We had so much fun on the Luge! You can buy the tickets at the entrance of the skyline (make sure you go early atleast before 2pm) so you have time to take in the views and go for a few rounds on the Luge. For $49 NZ Dollars you can go up the Gondola and go down the hill twice on the easy track and then once you are confident, down the harder track.
http://www.skyline.co.nz/
The view from the top of the track. You almost don't want to go too fast because the view is so breathtaking!
4. Onsen Hot Pools
Located in Arthers Point about 20 minute drive from Queenstown (this is where the car comes in handy) is this beautiful Onsen Pools which takes me back to Japan. During the off peak season, we paid $42 NZ Dollars and enjoyed the thermal waters set about 38 degrees for an hour. It went by so quick! We came here after our 2 hour hike up Queenstown Hill. So worth it!
You can spend a bit extra and get some towels/snacks/aromatic candles.
http://www.onsen.co.nz/
5. Milford Sounds
For $210 NZ Dollars I would highly recommend going on a trip to Milford Sounds with BBQ Bus. For this day tour, they pick you up in the morning at 7.30 at your accommodation with an all inclusive package of a cruise, transport and food. Really takes the guess work out of it especially if you are not looking forward to the 4 hour drive one way! We had less than 10 people on the mini bus which really made it intimate! The guide was informative, friendly and accomodating. Though I just really wanted to take a nap on the way there, he did share some interesting facts about Queenstown.
http://www.milford.net.nz/
Random stop on the way to Milford Sounds. *Breathe in* *Breath out*
The view from our accommodation at Spinnaker Bay. The view is just the same from the pools. Ours was a two story building and the Manuka Honey shampoo/body wash provided, smelt divine.
To eat: Ivy and Lola's. Best for Brunch ❤️ This place is about a 20 minute walking distance from Spinnaker Bay. Why not go for a morning walk and reward yourself with some food? :P
Bb
To eat: Ferg Burger is the place for dinner. The place is hard to miss with people flowing out of its doors in the heart of the city. Expect to wait at least 30 minutes!
Queenstown is definitely worth the trip and plan to go again one day for the snows. Even though we went for only 5 days, I hope to go back again and do a road trip to Christchurch next time. Let me know your favourite places around NZ too!
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