8 Things To Do In Queenstown, New Zealand
Planning our family trip for 2020 made me realise that I never got to blog about our Queenstown trip in New Zealand. That's a shame because Queenstown is absolutely beautiful and perhaps one of the most beautiful places you will ever get to visit. I believe some people visit New Zealand and stay in Queenstown only. Looking around Queenstown and around Lake Wakatipu makes you feel like you're in a postcard come to life. Every angle is picturesque. You could visit Queenstown and fulfil your thirst for adventure for the thrill-seekers, or take a much slower pace for the lovers. As for us, we were here as a family for our annual siblings-trip so this is a family-friendly itinerary. Read on to get some ideas on what to do on your Queenstown trip.
1. Onsen Hot Pools
I put this down as number one because this books out months ahead. And because we couldn't finalise our trip dates until late, we missed out on this one. It was a combination of "what??? noooooo!!! What??? NOOOOOOOOOOO ashljlkjsljdad" reactions for my sister and I when we realised we lost the opportunity. I wish the vocabulary was better but it really was just NOOOOOOOOO....!!!! Oh well, at least our hotel at Mercure Queenstown Resort had an outdoor hot tub. We enjoyed the tub on a winter morning and looked out at the view and pretended we actually got to visit the onsen hot pools...
2. Enjoy the view from above.
If you're ever going to pay for a helicopter ride to watch the views from above, I reckon New Zealand is the place to do it. We weren't willing to shell out the money though. So I instead made sure to sit by the window seat on the plane ride here. I read somewhere that this is the "best plane window seat view you will ever see" and at this rate, for me personally, it probably is (so far). And although winter is such a cold time to visit New Zealand, I feel like it is the most beautiful too.
I read somewhere that these are the "best burgers in the world". Well, as food lovers ourselves, we probably wouldn't say the best burgers in the WORLD. But it's pretty darn good. You'll spot this place in town easily because of the long line. But the line moved and the food came surprisingly quickly. The wait wasn't bad at all.
4. Go on a TSS Steamboat cruise.
Apparently, the actual steamboat was on repair when we were there. So we got to ride a substitute instead (and saw the steamboat parked). We didn't mind. The view is so beautiful, it really doesn't matter what kind of boat we're riding. Our cruise included a farm tour on the other island where they showed us how sheepdogs work and how they shave sheep and why. Also, our cruise included a lunch buffet which was SOOOO good! Absolutely worth it. Looking back now and realising that ALL of the buffets we ate in New Zealand were so good and worth the money.
5. Nomad Safari 4WD Lord of the Rings Tour
Ok, I'm not actually a real LOTR fan. The tour guide pointed out the spots where they filmed some scenes and I still found it pretty cool. The tour also brought us to Arrowtown where we learned gold panning. Interesting how easy it is to spot gold specks here if you know how to look. Nature is amazing! The 4WD trip itself was pretty cool as the tour guide drove us across the river. What an adventure. We then got to have some tea and snacks.
He also brought us up the hill so we could enjoy the snowy views and have some fun.
6. Ride the Shotover Jet
This one's a fun boat ride through the Shotover River Canyons where the boat speeds and spins, spraying us with water. Even if you're not a thrill-seeker or a little faint-at-heart, this one's an easy one to go to! Even our 6-year-old niece came along.
 |
| Sorry fam, this one's a terrible photo but it's the only one with the jet behind us. We just came from the ride in this shot and our hair's all wet! |
Nevis Bungy is the highest bungy in Queenstown so of course this one's the one my brother chose. This one's expensive and scary. My husband and I came along to watch. To be a spectator you also have to pay a fee because this involves a bus ride and a trip across the highwire platform (even to get to the spot where he jumps is already scary and not for those who are easily scared of heights among other things). To be honest, as scary as it is, my husband and I regretted not doing it. So if you've got the guts and the budget, DO IT!
8. Take a leisurely walk.
Travel can be so fast-paced sometimes. Stop a moment. Breathe in the air. Take in the views. On our last morning in Queenstown, we made sure to have nothing planned. From our hotel, we walked down the hill and enjoyed the view. Maybe you can even go and have some ice cream.
The funny thing about Queenstown is that we soon discovered that there are more tourists and backpackers and people on temporary working visas (while they worked to save money for their thrill-seeking adventures) than there are locals! It's fun to stop and chat to people.
Whatever you decide to do in Queenstown, you're sure to enjoy yourself. It's a very beautiful place to visit.
Have you been to Queenstown before? Check out my other New Zealand Itineraries HERE.
Always,
43 comments
There's so many scenic places in Queenstown, I'd love to go there some day. Maybe next time you'll do the bungee jump.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this list of things to do.
Loren | Plaid + Sugar
This looks like a fun trip!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
So much to do and see! The hot pools sound amazing. :)
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I've never been to New Zealand, but this photos are gorgeous and it sounds like there are some fun things to do there!
ReplyDeleteMake Life Marvelous
How pretty...just looking at this nature!
ReplyDeleteI would be all over the hot springs and enjoying long walks.
www.fashionradi.com
I've always wanted to visit! There's so many fun things to do!
ReplyDeletewww.rdsobsessions.com
I have recently really gotten into NZ culture, because I have a friend that's been studying it for a while. I plan on going within the next few years and doing a documentary over there - and this guide is a great way to introduce someone to the country!
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a good week! :)
Amy x Wandering Everywhere
New Zealand looks so scenic and a place where there is lots to do! I’ve now added this to my bucketlist.
ReplyDeleteHolly x
www.adailydoseofholly.com
Wow this is a BEAUTIFUL area!! Reminds me a lot of the PNW of the U.S only more sun lol. I remember when I first went to Seattle to live for a summer ( I later moved there and lived there for a decade) how blown away I was by the natural beauty. I even went to the San Juan Islands as one of roommates was from there and was astounding being a New Yorker I thought places like this were only in the movies. And was that really the view from your bed? Wow!
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
Oh, that very last photo of you is so beautiful! Please print and frame it!
ReplyDeleteIt is my goal to visit NZ one magical day and I will happily follow your to-do list once I am there xx
Naya
www.nayatilly.com
Really amazing place, I hope to visit it someday!
ReplyDeletejointyicroissanty
I love that your family does a siblings trip! I've heard wonderful things about New Zealand and would love to go some day. Cold is not my favorite, so it would probably have to be during the warmer weather. I hate to go somewhere expecting to visit an attraction and find out that I had to have gotten tickets months in advance (I also learned that if you go to the entrance of an attraction, many times there are people who bought group tickets and somebody didn't make it and they're selling the extra tickets). I think the view from your hot tub was wonderful, though, and the springs probably didn't feel a lot different :P The 4WD trip - YES! The bungee jump - NO! Oh, and the burgers look wonderful! What a wonderful time and thank you for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteRuth
VogueFauxReal
New Zealand looks amazing! Your photos are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink
I have never been to New Zealand, thanks for sharing this wonderful trip with us.
ReplyDeletexoxo
marisasclosetblog.com
Ooooh, what a beautiful photos! The water all around feels so energy giving and pure!
ReplyDeleteTruly an amazing break to feel energised and refreshed!
https://www.ecoislogical.com
/Nathalie
I would love to visit that onsen spa ❤
ReplyDeleteBlog de la Licorne * Instagram * We♥It
Oooh! I love the different places you checked out in Queenstown! The hot pools look super cool! The burgers from Fergburger looks super delish. Glad you had a ton of fun out there!
ReplyDeleteNancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Not a trip to NZ without some sheep hahahaha! I've actually never been but it's high on my list. The landscape is truly stunning and there is so much to do, more than the silly "sheep" jokes Aussies make all too often
ReplyDeleteSxx
daringcoco.com
Oh, I see you can spend there a wonderful time! Thanks for this amazing post.
ReplyDeletexx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
New Zealand looks so amazing!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing
xoxo
style frontier
Oh wow.. look like such a fantastic time.. beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteOhh hot pools are the best! I can soak up there all day.
ReplyDeletewww.fashionradi.com
I missed out on the Fergburger, I wish I knew it beforehand. Gold panning would be an adventure, too bad we didn't know about it in Arrowtown. The last pic looks fantastic, which hotel did you stay?
ReplyDeletewww.busyandfab.com
What a fun place indeed. Looks like you guys had a blast!
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
So many amazing photos! I have never been to Queenstown, but oh I would loveeeee to visit it looks like an incredible place xo
ReplyDeleteMakeup Muddle
These are all such great suggestions! I just need to figure out how and when I will be booking a trip there! Lol. You look amazing! Have a great week!
ReplyDeletePerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com
♥ | INSTAGRAM
Nice place.
ReplyDeleteLove your pics
especially the wacky ones.
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
This place looks amazing, great photos !!😍😍
ReplyDeleteThese spots look really beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteHope you stay safe dear,
xoxo
Mery Loves Fashion
A dream destination for sure! Would love to be in one of those hot pools right now <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
Seems like you had such a great time! Thanks for sharing because New Zealand is on my list :)
ReplyDeletehttps://www.mariannyc.com/the-perfect-4-day-barcelona-itineary/
Seems you had a lot of fun, I'd like to visit those places!
ReplyDeletehttps://julesonthemoon.com/
It would be interesting to visit the other side of the world. Thank you for your story and advices!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.recklessdiary.ru
What a view from your hotel! I've never been to New Zealand before but I would love to one day - of course it's not looking like we will be able to go anywhere at the moment, ha!
ReplyDeleteHope that your week is going okay with everything happening right now!
Away From Blue
Such a great post, loved all the photos!
ReplyDeletexx- Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2020/03/hello-happy-spring.html
All of these activities look like so much fun. Ahhhh there are so many places I hope to travel to once we get a handle of this virus. Hope you stay safe and healthy. :)
ReplyDelete- Avalon from www.simplyavalon.com
you own such a sweet beauty and lovely style as well!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
R
The 5 Shoes You Need for Fall
What an amazing place.
ReplyDeleteAnd that burger looks so good.
I miss going out and eating burgers.
stay safe ♥
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
I have done the whole North Island however South Island is in my bucket list Love the view from your room and all the activities a part from budging jump No way Lovely memories Thanks a lot for the guide Happy Easter xoxo Cris
ReplyDeletehttp://www.photosbycris.com.au/?p=4708
I haven't been to Queenstown before, but I'd love to visit some day. I didn't realize that there were onsen hot pools there!
ReplyDeleteMai
✰ maidoesthings.com
Oh so many great things to do!! Wow. And the areas you have been to remind me a lot of the PNW of the U.S when I lived in Seattle, though more sun there lol.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
This looks like a gorgeous place to visit!! Love all of the pictures!!
ReplyDeleteMake Life Marvelous
Your photos are all fabulous, and it looks like you and your family had such a great time! Definitely want to visit NZ sometime after travel bans are lifted. =)
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a fabulous week!
Amber
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Thank you for taking the time to comment. I read every single one. :)