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TRY: A trip to Queenstown.

The home of bungee jumping and breweries, restaurants and ravines – beautiful Queenstown is the stuff of dreams. And while it’s most famous for being ‘The Adventure Capital of the World’, this breathtaking waterfront town is so much more than just that. On the one hand, it’s a vibrant cultural hub bursting with culinary delights and heritage sites. On the other, it’s a haven of vast mountains, blue lakes and truly breathtaking natural scenery. Given it’s less than 4 hours from Melbourne by plane, we thought we’d put together a helpful little guide for those venturing over in the spring (the most beautiful time of year to visit, in our humble opinions).

Stay –

Sherwood:
554 Frankton Road, Queenstown

Ranked as one of the top ten most sustainable hotels in the world, Sherwood is beloved for its cosy rooms, community ethos and organic Two-Hatted restaurant. The entire establishment is made from refurbished materials and powered by the sun.

Hotel St Moritz:
10/18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown

Where elegant rooms open out to spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu, Hotel St Moritz provides the ultimate retreat after a day of exploration. Perfectly situated in the heart of town, it’s a gateway to all the precinct has to offer.

Eichardt’s Private Hotel:
2 Marine Parade, Queenstown

A Queenstown icon, Eichardt’s Private Hotel blends historic charm with modern sophistication. The grand Victorian building stands proud on the lakefront, housing a number of luxurious suites along with a plush bar and restaurant.

Wine –

Gibbston Valley Winery:
1820 State Highway 6, Queenstown

From tastings in a wine cave to fine dining among rolling hills – Gibbston Valley Winery has something for everyone up its sleeve. Be sure to try their famous pinot noir, paired perfectly with a plate of decadent charcuterie.

Amisfield:
10 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Frankton, Queenstown

Crowned ‘Restaurant of the Year’ by American Express and ‘Winery of the Year’ by Reidel, Amisfield is a no brainer. Enjoy organic wine tastings in the rustic cellar door before indulging in a gourmet degustation at their three-hatted restaurant.

Rippon:
246 Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, Wānaka

Where clear blue lake meets rolling vines, Rippon is hands done one of the most scenic wineries we’ve ever seen. Located in Wanaka, it’s a little bit of a drive from Queenstown, but absolutely worth it for the wine and views.

Dine –

Rata:
Te Nuku, 43 Ballarat Street, Queenstown

At the vanguard of modern dining in New Zealand, Rata is an ambient, light-filled restaurant specialising in sustainable ingredients, innovative dishes and slick interior design. Their seafood is some of the best in town.

Fergburger:
42 Shotover Street, Queenstown

A visit to Queenstown would not be complete without a visit to Fergburger. An institution serving up some of the best burgers in New Zealand (if not the world), this lively haunt almost always has a line trailing out the door – a telltale sign of something special.

Blue Kanu:
16 Church Street, Queenstown

Fusing Asian and Polynesian flavours, Blue Kanu offers an unforgettable dining experience anchored by fresh ingredients, ancient spices and the warmest of hospitality. We recommend opting for ‘Trust the Wok’, where the choosing is taken care of.

Coffee –

Vudu:
16 Rees Street, Queenstown

This award-winning cafe is home to what is arguably by the best coffee in town, as well a creative brunch menu and cabinet brimming with baked treats. As always, ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced.

Bespoke:
9 Isle Street, Queenstown

Come for the gourmet fare and artisanal coffee, stay for sweeping views of the mountaintops. A trendy little establishment just a 5 minute stroll from the town centre, Bespoke is a must-try for brunch aficionados.

Fergbaker:
40 Shotover Street, Queenstown

From the team behind Ferburger, Fergbaker is heralded as one of the best bakeries in all of Aotearoa. Grab yourself a coffee and croissant to go (or a pie if that’s more your thing) and devour it on the lush lawns of Queenstown Gardens.

Relax –

Onsen Pools:
162 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown

Filled with pure water from the surrounding mountains, the private cedar tubs at Onsen Pools provide a relaxation experience unlike any other. Admire magnificent views of the mountains and river as you sip on a complimentary cocktail.

Millbrook Spa:
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown

Like many things in Queenstown, Millbrook Spa has won a plethora of awards. Treat yourself to one of their indulgent, nature-based treatments such as the super-food pro radiance facial or mineral boost massage.

Body Sanctum:
Level 1/10 Athol Street, Queenstown

Located in the heart of town, Body Sanctum is place to pause and reset among elegantly designed treatment rooms and experienced therapists. They’ve even got ski season massages to relieve and revive sore muscles after a day on the slopes.

Walk –

Queenstown Gardens:
Park Street, Queenstown

A tranquil escape sprawling with century-old trees and vibrant blooms, Queenstown Gardens is an absolute must-visit. Encompassed by Lake Wakatipu, here, you’ll also find an ice skating rink, disc-golf course and tennis club.

Queenstown Hill Time Walk:
Belfast Terrace, Queenstown

One of the best short hikes in Queenstown, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk traverses through lush pine forest before arriving at a breathtaking 360 degree lookout point. Along the path are plaques describing different time periods in Queenstown’s history.

Ben Lomond Track:
130 Lake Esplanade, Queenstown

If you’re after something a little more challenging, the Ben Lomond Track is a 6-8 hour return hike revealing some of Queenstown’s most awe-inspiring sights. The effort is absolutely worth the reward: 360 degree views of the landscape from a 1,748m summit.

Adventure –

Milford Sound:
Southland, New Zealand

If you’ve got the time, we highly recommend making a day trip to Milford Sound. The biggest tourist attract in New Zealand for a reason (and made famous by Lord of the Rings), the majestic fjord is replete with towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and turquoise waters, flowing all the way out to the Tasman Sea.

Bungee Jumping:
Cnr of Camp and Shotover Street, Central Queenstown

Not for the faint of heart, bungee jumping is a quintessential Queenstown activity. We recommend going with Nevis Bungy, which offers the highest drop in all of New Zealand (134m) among rugged mountainous terrain.

Shotover Jet:
3 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown

Whizz around the Shotover Canyons in a speed boat travelling at up to 90km an hour. You’ll get glimpses of pristine natural sights as well as an adrenaline rush to remember – personally, this is much more our style than the bungee.