Queenstown’s natural beauty is obvious the moment you arrive. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the grandeur of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is New Zealand’s jewel in the crown and it’s not to be missed on any itinerary. Rugged mountains and crystal clear lakes make Queenstown the perfect four seasons alpine retreat.
Queenstown revitalises your spirit with its mind blowing beauty. While you are here you can relax and enjoy our fine restaurants, vineyards, golf courses and sublime wilderness. Or come and test your limits in the “Adventure Capital of the World” Queenstown has it all, bungy jumps, jet boats, skiing in winter, top cycle trails or throw yourself out of a plane. The choice is yours.
Here at Holiday Homes Queenstown we have on offer the perfect accommodation for your stay. Our luxurious, spacious, well managed homes ensure you will not be disappointed on arrival.
If you find yourselves with a spare day in Queenstown we have several suggestions;
// MILFORD SOUND //
This is a long day. It doesn’t look it on the map but it is a 4.5hr – 5hr drive each way. It is a lot of driving but well worth it. I suggest you leave for Milford at 6am and book your excursion out in the sound for lunchtime or early afternoon.
A long day, but a more relaxing option for the driver is to book Real Journeys coaches. They leave from Queenstown early each morning and their packages include the cruise as well.
We also recommend Real Journeys for Milford Sound cruises. You can also fly to Milford for the day, more expensive but this is a
fantastic experience that you will never forget. Real Journeys flights are a great option here too.
// GLENORCHY //
The scenery on the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is spectacular and was recently hailed as one of the great drives in the world. Make sure you have a perfect day to capture the grandeur of this wonderful day trip. Its approx 40 mins to Glenorchy.
For coffee, The Glenorchy Café has a great outdoor seating area at the back. Or you can continue on to Kinloch Lodge which is a further 20mins. It’s out of the way, very casual, however the location is very tranquil, and the drive is one of the best. As an option you can take a picnic and eat on the lakefront.
If you have a 4 wheel drive we suggest driving further into Paradise Valley, a stunning drive that ends at Chinamans Bluff where the Dart Walking Track starts. There are a few small rivers to ford, nothing too bad, we have seen tourists in rental cars go through them (not recommended). This area is where some scenes from “The Lord of the Rings” movies were filmed. This drive is about 60mins return from Glenorchy.
If you enjoy fishing, there is a great spot at Diamond Creek near Glenorchy for Trout. You will need a licence, so best to check at the local fishing shops for guidance.
// WANAKA – CROMWELL – BANNOCKBURN WINERIES LOOP //
Wanaka is on the edge of the very picturesque Lake Wanaka. Wanaka is smaller than Queenstown but very popular with New Zealanders as a holiday spot. It’s a 40 minute drive from Queenstown to Wanaka.
Take State Highway 6 out of Queenstown, turn off onto the CrownRange Road towards Wanaka. Stop at The Cardrona Pub which is an iconic Kiwi Pub for morning tea.
Continue on to Wanaka for a look around, if you have children maybe visit Puzzling World. Aviation fans will enjoy the Warbirds museum. Visit Rippon Winery Wanaka which has been named as one of the most beautiful wineries in the world, you will see why when you see the view over the lake.
Take the route out of Wanaka via Highway 6 past Luggate to Cromwell. (30 min drive) and continue on to Bannockburn to visit some of Queenstown’s most stunning wineries. Keep in mind that most wineries close about 4.30pm.
Mt Difficulty, a spectacular location. Carrick is another popular winery in Bannockburn.
MT DIFFICULTY WINERY
Travel back through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown, this is about a 30 min drive.
// MOKE LAKE //
Just 20 minutes out of Queenstown this is a great short drive. On the road to Glenorchy take the turn off on your right to Moke Lake, it takes you through a couple of high country stations Closeburn Station and Ben Lomond stations to the camping ground at the lake.
You will often come across Merino Rams (sheep) at the lake, they are harmless.
This is a beautiful spot to take a picnic and if you have a fishing license a great place to catch a trout or two. On a calm day the lake is renowned for its mirror image of the mountains.
There’s a beautiful, relatively easy 1 ½ walk around the lake.
// ARROWTOWN //
This historic mining town is a MUST DO for all visitors to Queenstown, wonderful cafes and shops make this fun for the shoppers in your group. Check out Blue Moon Rummage for an eclectic mixture of home ware.
Visit the Historic Arrowtown Chinese settlement. Do the Millenium walk around the beautiful Arrow River or Hire a bike and bike the easy Queenstown Trail.
// GIBBSTON //
Visit Gibbston Valley Winery. Don’t miss their platter and Pinot Gris.
Gibbston Valley Winery boasts a beautiful restaurant with outdoor seating, a cheesery and has bicycles to hire.
Visit the home of Bungy – Jumping at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy
