After Wanaka, we headed to the famous ski resort town of Queenstown. Since it wasn’t ski season yet, we didn’t have high expectations—but once again, New Zealand surprised us.
Nestled by a stunning lake and filled with charming pubs and restaurants, Queenstown quickly stole a piece of our hearts. Visiting in autumn made the town even more beautiful, with golden foliage adding to its already picturesque scenery. Even without skiing, there was plenty to see and do, making our two-day stay truly memorable.
How to Get to Queenstown?
Queenstown has an international airport, making it a popular entry point for visitors to New Zealand.
If you’re traveling from Wanaka, as we did, the drive takes only about an hour. Although it’s a short journey, here’s a great spot to grab a coffee along the way:
☕ Wolf Coffee Roasters – A perfect stop for a quality coffee before reaching Queenstown.
📌 Wolf Coffee Roasters
Where to Stay in Queenstown?
Queenstown offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. However, our stay at Heartland Queenstown Hotel was disappointing, making it the least enjoyable accommodation we had in New Zealand.
While I don’t have a specific recommendation, my main advice is to book a place in the city center. Staying outside the center may require a 15-20 minute uphill walk along the road to reach your accommodation, which can be inconvenient—especially after a long day of exploring.
What to Do in Queenstown?
Queenstown offers something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping activities to relaxing experiences. It’s home to some of the world’s most famous adventure sports—bungy jumping was actually invented here! Beyond the thrill-seeking, you’ll also find stunning hikes, world-class vineyards, and rejuvenating spas.
Here’s what we managed to fit into our two days in Queenstown:
1. Seven Mile Track
Of course, we had to include a hike! Although this one was relatively short and easy, it was still incredibly scenic.
- Starting point: Seven Mile Creek Car Park
- Route: Follows Lake Wakatipu to Wilson Bay
- Distance: 2.7 km one way (5.4 km round trip)
- Time needed: Around 2 hours
This is a point-to-point trail, meaning you’ll return the same way you came. But with the breathtaking lake views, retracing your steps won’t feel repetitive at all!
2. Kawarau Bridge Bungy
If you’re in Queenstown, this is an absolute must-do! The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is where it all began—the world’s first commercial bungy jump, set up by AJ Hackett Bungy.
While it’s not the highest bungy jump in the world, it’s definitely one of the most scenic, with stunning views over the Kawarau River.
For both of us, this was our first-ever bungy jump, and the excitement kicked in as soon as we arrived at the bridge. But thanks to the incredibly professional staff, we felt safe and confident right away—any nerves quickly disappeared!
- Cost: 320 NZD per person (includes photos and videos)
- Bonus: You’ll also get a free t-shirt to commemorate your jump!
If you’re looking for an iconic Queenstown experience, this is definitely it!
3. Wine Tasting in Queenstown
Queenstown is surrounded by world-class wineries, particularly in the Gibbston Valley, making it a fantastic destination for wine tasting. There are plenty of wine tours available, but after some research, we decided to skip the tour and instead spend quality time at one winery.
There are so many wineries to choose from that you could easily spend an entire day winery hopping. However, we decided on Kinross Winery, as it not only offered wine tastings but also served a delicious meal—and it turned out to be the best wine tasting experience we’ve ever had!
✔ Beautiful setting
✔ Super friendly and knowledgeable staff
✔ Amazing food and desserts
✔ Exceptional wine
One of the highlights at Kinross is that you don’t just get to try their own wines—you can also sample wines from other top vineyards in the region.
Important Details:
- Reservation: Highly recommended, especially for dinner. We chose lunch as we had evening plans. You can book here: Kinross Lunch Menu
- Cost: 136 NZD per person for a meal with dessert and two wines
- Getting There:
- By car – If you’re driving, it’s about a 30-minute drive from Queenstown.
- By Uber – Works well in Queenstown.
- By taxi – Queenstown Taxis offers transfers, but it costs around 150 NZD one-way to Kinross.
If you’re a wine lover, this is an experience you won’t want to miss! 🍷✨
4. Onsen Hot Pools – A Must-Do in Queenstown
For a relaxing evening, we headed to the famous Onsen Hot Pools, just a 10-minute drive from Queenstown’s city center.
This luxurious spa experience offers private hot pools with breathtaking panoramic views—a perfect way to unwind after an adventurous day.
Booking & Packages
Onsen Hot Pools offers various packages, including:
✔ Private hot pools with stunning views
✔ Massage and spa treatments for ultimate relaxation
Reservations are essential, as spots fill up quickly. You can book your time slot directly on their website: Onsen Hot Pools
💡Pro Tip:
Book during the daytime! While an evening soak might sound tempting, the view disappears after sunset, leaving you in complete darkness outside.
Where to Eat in Queenstown? 🍽️
Queenstown has a fantastic food scene, offering everything from fresh sushi to artisan coffee. Here are some of our favorite spots:
1. The Sushi Platter 🍣
New Zealand’s sushi is surprisingly close to Japanese quality, and this spot quickly became our go-to lunch place. Fresh, delicious, and well-priced!
📌 The Sushi Platter
2. Ramen Ramen by Tanoshi 🍜
If you’re craving steaming hot ramen, this place is a must-try. Authentic flavors and a cozy atmosphere make it a great stop for dinner.
📌 Ramen Ramen by Tanoshi
3. Mackenzie Coffee Co ☕
A perfect spot for your morning caffeine fix before heading out for the day.
📌 Mackenzie Coffee Co
4. Beach St Cafe 🥐
If you’re looking for the best croissants in town, this is the place! Pair them with a smooth cup of coffee for a great start to your day.
📌 Beach St Cafe
5. The Coffee Hatch ☕
A tiny but excellent coffee stand serving strong, flavorful brews—perfect for grabbing a quick cup before exploring.
📌 The Coffee Hatch
Leave a Reply