Embrace the intertwining of nature and culture with a week spent on the shores of the stunning South Island / Te Waipounamu city of Queenstown / Tāhuna. Set against the backdrop of the New Zealand / Aotearoa’s Southern Alps, a luxurious escape isn’t hard to find, or hard to drive to, in this breath-taking town nestled between some of New Zealand’s most beautiful mountains and the sparkling blue Lake Wakatipu. Wineries, adventure activities and mountain walks are only a short drive away from the centre of Queenstown, and with two convenient Hertz car rental locations situated at the airport and in Queenstown’s downtown, it’s easy to jump in the car and begin a week of discovering all that this South Island hub of culture and beauty has to offer.
Walk Amongst Nature
It’s no secret that Queenstown is home to some of the most picturesque walking trails in all of the South Island. With the soaring Southern Alps enveloping the town, almost every vantage point in Queenstown delivers one of immense beauty. The only better way to experience the postcard-like vistas of this Kiwi town than observing it from afar is immersing yourself amongst it. Luckily, one of the most beautiful walking trails that Queenstown has to offer begins just outside the centre of town at Queenstown Gardens.
If you’re flying into town, you’ve already had a taste of this exquisite scenery from above. Being only a ten minute drive from the airport, the Queenstown Gardens Walking Trail is the perfect way to begin your week and ease into the views that encase this South Island gem.
For another day spent discovering the beauty of Queenstown’s surroundings, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a local favourite and a good option for all walking abilities. With a car park conveniently marking the beginning of the trail at Belfast Terrace, only a short drive from the middle of town, this walk through the pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui will elevate not just your vantage point, but your whole appreciation of the picturesque scenery that Queenstown is home to.
Explore Lake Wakatipu
The best views of Queenstown don’t stop there. Discover the beauty of nature from Lake Wakatipu from on the water with a lake cruise that will immerse you in the panorama of the mountains that surround the inland lake. History and sightseeing combine aboard the TSS Earnslaw, an iconic century-old coal-fired steamship that delivers both a history lesson in the details of the steamship’s former life, as well as a journey across the lake and alongside the sweeping mountain ranges.
The boat trip will take you past The Remarkables mountains and Cecil Peak, stopping across the lake at Walter Peak High Country Farm. With the option to tour the farm and walk amongst the friendly animals, Walter Peak also offers a gourmet long lunch, allowing you to take a moment to kick up your feet and digest all the beauty that surrounds.
You can also enjoy the amazing views of Lake Wakatipu from its shores, with New Zealand’s only floating bar located on the perimeters of the lake closest to town. Perky’s Floating Bar is the perfect place to end your day, cocktail in hand, enjoying the sunset as it settles over the gorgeous environments all around you.
Wine and Dine
A town as famous for its views as it is for its wine, there are a plethora of options to discover all the best wineries and restaurants that Queenstown has on offer. To finish off your week in Queenstown, make sure to reserve a day or two for wandering through the vineyards of some of New Zealand’s best wineries, as well as booking a table at one of the town’s favourite venues. At Gibbston Valley Winery, you can visit New Zealand’s largest wine cave through the winery’s immersive tour, taking you behind the scenes and through the vineyards of their award-winning Pinot Noir. Only a twenty minutes drive from Queenstown, this is the perfect day for eating and drinking—make sure to remember to consume responsibly and always have a designated driver. Luckily, wine isn’t all that Gibbston Valley has perfected. The winery’s five-star restaurantprovidesa great opportunity to break up tastings with an exquisite menu of Central Otago dishes. Grab a glass and a meal and head out to the sunny courtyard to embrace all the treasured delights of Gibbston Valley.
The centre of Queenstown is also home to some great dining experiences, with Lombardi Restaurant and Bar offering enthralling views alongside your a la carte dinner, or Nest Kitchen and Bar with their contemporary takes on classic dishes that make creative cuisine an accessible adventure for all.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and settle down with a famous glass of Pinot Noir and sip in the stunning views on display wherever you find yourself in Queenstown. With so many activities on offer, and so many vistas to suit, a week in Queenstown is the perfect getaway that combines the beauty of nature with the cosiness of a glass of good red.
