Queenstown (QT) is the quintessential ski town of New Zealand, hands down. To anyone who thinks otherwise, I say phooey. With multiple resorts to be explored, excellent dinning and endless night life, it wins the title hands down. Putting together a list of the top 10 things to do in Queenstown was at once the easiest and the hardest task; so many options, too few “top” spaces! Not to fear, I’ve broken it all down for you, fearless adventurers:
1. Explore amazing ski fields
This is the definite “duh” of the list, so best to get it out early on. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are only short drives from QT and offer a range of terrain to suit all levels of skiers and riders. Follow the links to read more about what makes each resort unique.
2. Savour New Zealand Wines
New Zealand is well known for it’s vibrant whites and pinot noirs. I can attest to the outstanding selection in the immediate QT area (Central Otago). Setting up a wine tour is as easy as renting a car and driving straight to the vineyards in the area: Amisfield, Chard Farm and my favourite, Peregrine. Most offer free or very modestly priced tastings. Of course, if you don’t have a designated driver, try one of the organized tours such as Queenstown Wine Trail.
3. Gorge at Fergburger
This can simply be described as “om, nom, nom” (devouring with complete Cookie Monster relish). For big-as-you-head, packed with flavour burgers, this is the place to be. This QT mainstay offers a wide variety of hilariously named options and evens caters to vegetarians with the ever popular “Bun Laden” falafel burger. Most astonishing is the constant stream of customers. Stop by the burger window around 2 a.m., when the blue lights are blazing, the music is pumping and the partyers are hungry.
4. Down Money Shots at Bar Up
Queenstown is one little firecracker at night. Endless hoards of backpackers, tourists and locals alike make-up the colourful nightlife scene this ski town is renowned for. Drink preferences surely vary, but trust me when I say this nifty little shooter at the adorable Bar Up will light-up your life. Climb up a steep staircase and squeeze into the lush, cozy atmosphere; due to obvious space limitations, you may have to wait your turn. The creamy concoction complete with a cinnamon dollar sign will not only scream luxury but also demand it from your wallet, but I promise it’s worth it! A sure QT classic.
5. Bungy at Kawarau Bridge
Hands down, the scariest experience of my life. It took all I had to hop over to the edge and leap to what seemed like impeding doom with onlooking friends shouting and cheering. Though there is quite the selection of bungy experiences to choose from in the area, Kawarau Bridge is particularly unique due to it’s title: “The world’s first commercial bungy jump”. Set in a stunning canyon, it is the perfect way to foray into the adventure culture that is firmly engrained in Queenstown.
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6. Take the plunge with an NZone sky dive
Along the same line, sky diving features as one of the most popular activities in the self proclaimed “Adventure Capital of the World“. It’s not hard to see why when gracefully parachuting around the stunning mountain and lake vistas from a vantage like none other. Other than the views, an adrenaline rush like none-other will ensue (as well as some pretty hilarious, unintentional face stretching).
7. Cruise Lake Wakitipu
Take to the water in one of QT’s lake tours! The iconic TSS Earnslaw, a fully functioning steamship, can whisk you around the lake in true vintage style. Otherwise, hop aboard the Million Dollar Cruise on one of their regular tours or with a group of friends for a private charter.
8. Savour a flat white
My addiction to coffee is surely to blame for this making the top ten, but something about the dark brews available in QT is special. I have gone on about this particular variety of espresso drink here and here. In QT, my favourite haunts were Vudu Larder and Bob’s Weigh.
9. Saturday Arts & Crafts Market
Get some local, artsy flavour at this outdoor event. Set up right in Earnslaw park, visitors can take in the scenery while exploring the offering of local artisans.
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10. Take a detour to Arrowtown
I wouldn’t suggest leaving QT until you’ve had your fill of the whole list, but Arrowtown is at such a different pace, the contrast alone is stark, refreshing and only 20 minutes away. Eat a traditional savoury pie at the Arrowtown Bakery. Take in the history of the Gold Rush while strolling the eerily dark and quiet Chinese Miners Village. Enjoy a movie in the unique setting of Dorothy Browns Cinema while indulging in a cheese platter and local wines. Visit the Oddfellows Beauty Lodge and unwind from all the action of the Adventure Capitol; Amy (part owner) suggests partaking in S.A.S. Time, a “Trust the Chef” type concept, spa style.
Been to beautiful Queenstown? Share your fave activities and places in the comments below!
Winter is coming,
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Money Shot photograph provided by Bar Up: Cheers!