Meet me in Queenstown, and I’ll give you a week of smiles. From snuggling under the blankets to racing the slopes from our postcards, this will be our happy place for years to come.
Let’s start with breakfast down by the water and head to The Bathhouse Cafe. It’s the ideal spot to ease us into the Queenstown vibe. Grab an outdoor table beside the beach and soak up some sunshine while I order for us. If the breeze picks up, we can grab one of their blankets and cuddle up for warmth.
When you’re ready to explore, we will walk around the head and visit the Queenstown Gardens. Our first day can be whatever you want to make it; there’s no rush to be anywhere. Wander through the tranquil gardens and find a bench seat down by the lake.
Or, if you are a little energetic, let’s try our hand at Disc Golf. I can see the glint of curiousity in your eye! See the metal baskets over there? They are the ‘holes’ for the course, with tee-off guidelines and pars for each hole. Just because you were the reigning champion at home doesn’t mean you’re going to beat me this time! We can pick up a frisbee at the Queenstown Ice Arena and see who’s champion now!
Time to refuel, so let’s head into town and grab some lunch. If we’re lucky, the line won’t be too long outside Fergburger. Maybe it’s all the fresh air and big open space, but the New Zealand beef tastes so good! Feeling a little full from breakfast? Go for the Tempura Tofu, and I promise we’ll be back later in the week.
Around the corner at the i-Site Visitors Centre, we can pick up our MyPass card and gather our gear for the slopes. Nearby, Green Toad has all of the jackets, pants, and helmets for us to hire, and we don’t have to worry about carrying them! They’ll have it ready for us to collect on the slopes tomorrow. So much ‘forward thinking’ deserves a reward! I’m sure it’s a Queenstown tradition to treat yourself with hot chocolate and biscuits. Or at least it is our tradition now!
While we’re in town, let’s grab a few souvenirs and postcards. I love the pictures featuring Queenstown and its dramatic backdrop with The Remarkables. You can’t miss the distinctive lilac glow across the majestic peaks. And guess what? We’re heading there tomorrow. There’s something absolutely magical when you look at these postcards and whisper, “Been there.” We better make sure we have the energy for it!
Driving up The Remarkables is an experience unto itself. Best to leave it to the professionals. Let’s catch the bus and enjoy the view together. The Remarkables is definitely one of the best. Has it really been that long since we carved up the slopes? It’s easy enough to join a lesson or two for a refresher. Remember to take regular breaks for hot chocolates; if we get separated, I’ll save you a seat in the restaurant. The last bus is at 4.30 pm, and I am so very grateful for someone else to drive us back down the mountain. Rest your head on my shoulder. I love to see you so ‘happy-tired’. And then we’ll do it all again tomorrow.
Queenstown is more than its ski fields. When the season closes, we can still find the adrenalin rush closer to the water! The only thing faster than you on the slopes are the jet boats around Lake Wakatipu. I can still feel your death grip on my hand as we skim across the water and shoot through narrow rocky gorges at lightning speed! It was a wise decision to do lunch AFTER the jet boat and not before.
Still looking for fun and excitement? I’ll race you on the Skyline Luge! Don’t get distracted by the view! Winner has bragging rights and chooses the pizza for dinner tonight! Grab your helmet and meet me at the starting line. And keep an eye out for the sheep.
Now, about that pizza. We’re still buzzing from the excitement, but I know the perfect place to unwind and soak up some Queenstown atmosphere: Winnies Gourmet Pizza Bar. It’s our local favourite, with relaxing lounges, pool tables, a smooth bar, and live entertainment. And the pizzas? Fresh and local produce with a touch of the Kiwi Divine. We can score one of the leather lounges if we get there early. Or we can wait for the music to start pumping and the roof to blow open (literally!). Or, here’s an ‘out-there’ idea. Let’s do both!
One week is just right for me to show you Queenstown. Of course, this isn’t everything. But then, I want to leave a few secrets to discover just with you.
Queenstown (NZ) is a holiday destination for any age. If you’re travelling solo, you will find plenty of new friends on the slopes or in the hostels around town. This is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the entire Southern Hemisphere). Beyond the famous ski slopes, you can find jet boats, luge karts, bungee jumping, hang gliding, rock climbing, mountain bike riding, plus so much more. The night scene is epic with local artists, and the daytime is glorious for exploring. Travelling with a partner doubles the fun!
If travelling with family, kids will love the range of activities and sights available. Skiing is always a favourite, as well as the Luge and the Bird Park near the Gondola. There are plenty of playgrounds and shops to visit too. Check out this quick guide in the NZ Herald to help plan the perfect family holiday in Queenstown. New Zealand and especially Queenstown are in my top five for family-friendly and sustainable travel.
The Ski Season traditionally goes from June to September each year, and Queenstown keeps going throughout the rest of the year! If you’re willing to explore a little further afield, the nearby Milford and Doubtful Sounds are both picturesque nature havens with a range of wildlife to be spotted on various tours. Nearby Arrowtown is at its most Instagram-worthy in Autumn/Fall, and Wanaka has laketown vibes any time of year.
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