A TRAVEL GUIDE TO QUEENSTOWN
If you know me, it's pretty obvious that part of my heart belongs right here in this serene holiday town. I first visited Queenstown back in 2007 whilst travelling around the South Island with my family, and I have been back twice since. There really is nothing like sipping on hot mulled wine whilst looking over the pristine Wakatipu Lake, surrounded by white capped mountains after a day of riding on the slopes. What can I say? I'm hooked.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to go to Queenstown for snow is anywhere between June and September. Typically the best months for big dumps (that means snow) is July through to August, but sometimes the weather can surprise us. It has indeed snowed in Queenstown on Christmas Day in the past. Try to avoid the school holidays, especially if you're planning on hitting the slopes as they can get very very busy (I've waited almost an hour in line for a chairlift before). In my experience, mid to late August has proven to be the most reliable time to go. Please note though, Queenstown is super popular all year round.
WHERE TO STAY
Queenstown is infamous as an upmarket town, however don't let this scare you off if you're on a tight budget. Located in the heart of Queenstown (walking distance to everything), Nomads Backpackers isn't known as the 'flashpackers' for nothing. Considered as one of the best hostels in the world and the best in New Zealand since 2010, I could sit here all week and tell you why you should stay here. Nomads has become the social hub of Queenstown, so if you're looking to meet great people and have the time of your life, don't look any further.
However, if you're looking for a luxe escape and have some change to spare, Queenstown offers a myriad of five star lodgings from boutique hotels to deluxe holiday homes. I first learnt how to drink fine wine (yes, it is an art) at my Aunty's house on Queenstown Hill, warmed by the fireplace and heated floors, and overlooking The Remarkables.
WHAT TO DO
Never have I ever heard somebody in Queenstown complain that there is nothing to do. Queenstown is well known as the adventure capital of the world, offering a million trillion activities to spend your days. There is almost too much to do, so here are a list of my favourites:
1) Snowboarding/skiing. This is the most obvious choice of activities in New Zealand, with Queenstown itself surrounded by three mountains: Coronet Peak (20-minute drive), The Remarkables (40-minute drive) and Cardrona (2-hour drive, though worth the trip). Each are easily accessible by car or bus, though I'd recommend catch the a bus from the Town Centre if you want to avoid the notorious windy roads. It was on Coronet Peak that I first fell in-love with snowboarding at a ripe age of 16.
2) Bungy jumping/canyon swinging/sky diving. I've been known to become a bit of a dare devil from time to time and Queenstown is the perfect setting to jump off suspended bridges and out of small planes. While I gave bungy jumping a miss (thanks to a busted up knee, ahem, snowboarding), I did go sky diving with NZONE. I can tell you right now that jumping out of a plane high above hundreds of snow capped mountains is a moment I am not likely to forget. It was exhilarating and surreal, and I couldn't recommend it more (it's not that scary, I promise!).
3) Skyline Gondola. There is no better way to be blown away by the picturesqueness of Queenstown than a ride up the Skyline Gondola. Whether you want to dine at Taste of New Zealand, get competitive riding the Luge or simply take in this breath taking view, a ride up the Gondola will make you fall in-love with this beautiful town even more so.
WHERE TO EAT/DRINK
You won't have a problem searching for world class dining and bars in Queenstown, but here are a few to get you started:
- Fergburger. If you haven't had a late night Fergy, you haven't experienced Queenstown.
- Winnies Gourmet Pizza Bar. Best. pizza. ever. Full stop.
- Thai Siam Restaurant. Will satisfy all Thai food craving.
- Minus 5 Ice Bar. Seriously, how could you not experience an ice bar whilst in Queenstown? Free cocktails if you get naked (I've heard...).
- Red Rock Bar. Head upstairs if creatively potent cocktails are your way to get the night started.
