Queenstown is often advertised as the adrenaline capital as this was where the first bungee jump was invented. On top of which, the area offers a wide range of outdoor activities in the surrounding mountainous terrain. But in my opinion, the landscape here makes it the most beautiful town I've seen.
How to go:
There are many domestic flights to Queenstown airport. We opted to take Air NZ in an all blacks plane to my delight. Upon arriving at the airport I was already in awe by the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
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| View from the plane |
From the airport you can take Connectabus, which costs about SGD$6 and drop you right in the city centre. Otherwise, renting a car for a road trip is very common and there are many car rental companies once you step out of the airport. However, making a reservation in advance is always wise and gives you a better deal.
What to do:
1.
Shotover jet - despite its looks it is not scary at all. Take it as a jet-boat ride to admire the scenery around shotover river. You can make a booking at the tourist office in city centre and the tour includes return bus rides. Costs NZ$119/1.5hrs,
including complimentary shuttle transfers depart from ‘The Station’ Information
Centre, corner Shotover and Camp Streets, in downtown Queenstown up to
every 15 minutes.
They also provide waterproof jacket you can wear beneath your life jacket. It may get quite windy though so good to bring a beanie (caps will fly) or wind breaker.
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| love the scenery along shotover river |
2.
Skyline gondola - it is actually a cable car and not a Venetian boat that bring you up Bob's peak where you are 450m high with a panoramic view of Queenstown and The Remarkables (mountain range). I would highly recommend going up Bob's peak. There are also many activities you can do at the top. My favourite was the luge!
You can also rent a bike, try out bungee jumping or tandem paragliding from here.
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| Skyline departure right behind 'The station' information centre |
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| where you can bungee jump off |
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| more than words and pictures |
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| chairlifts for the luge ride |
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| riding the chairlifts up |
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| There are 2 tracks for the luge - go for BOTH! |
3.
Kiwi birdlife park - it is located right next to the skyline ticket booth. A nice short stop if you are keen to learn about the nation wide effort to conserve the endangered bird.
4. Bungee - the first and original bungee jump started at
Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge in Queenstown..
5.
Shotover Canyon Swing - I personally really wanted to try this but it was a slight detour and we unfortunately didn't have the time for it. Instead of tying around the legs, you sit in a harness and they release you in an arc across the valley. To-do on the next trip then :)
6. Enjoy the great outdoors - biking, hiking, fishing, rowing etc.
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| City centre |
Where to eat:
1. Fergburger - the best burger in the world, enough said. Address: 42 Shotover Street
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| Order over the counter, no-frills eatery |
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| We had one everyday |
2.
Fishbone bar and grill - 7 Beach Street. Known for excellent fresh seafood.
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| Yummy seafood platter |
3. The Cow - at Cow lane. Italian restaurant housed in an old cow shed. Pizza is good here.
4. Pig and whistle bar - surprise discovery of tasty seafood chowder, beer and nice live band until late.
Where to stay:
Aspen Lodge Backpackers
11 Gorge Road
Ph + 64 3 442 9671
We booked a double room at the backpackers which was in an independent building separated from the main house. It is wheelchair friendly and very spacious. We have a front yard in front of our "apartment" where we can park the car for free. Another plus was that the staff at Aspen lodge was extremely friendly too.
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