Kicking it in Queenstown, New Zealand: A Picture Perfect Destination

Queenstown, New Zealand

Revered for its jaw dropping scenery, snowcapped mountains, and thrilling adventures, Queenstown, New Zealand, attracts visitors from across the globe — and for good reason. It’s extremely safe, easy to navigate, and world class accommodations abound. It's also the nation’s most popular ski destination and a gateway to pristine terrain, including Cardrona, Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables — each open seasonally from June through October.  But we visited Queenstown in early summer when it is equally magnificent plus it’s (JUST) warm enough to swim in Lake Wakatipu. 

Winding Road en route to Chard Estate, South Island, New Zealand

I'd be remiss to not mention the wineries! With vineyards nestled into dramatic landscapes akin to an alpine version of Tuscany, this is a must visit for any New Zealand itinerary. Here are some of our favorites. 

• Amisfield: An organic winery with a high profile restaurant and chef, picturesque al fresco dining, and award-winning wines all sourced from fruit grown on their single vineyard estate below the sculptured Pisa mountain range. Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular tasting rooms we have visited with highly knowledgeable and fun staff. The $20 tasting fee was applied to purchase and we easily took home a couple of the Pinot Noirs plus a Chenin Blanc. Note: the restaurant was on the expensive side and the clientele looked like it.

• Mt Rosa: The adorable sheep shed-inspired tasting room boasts sweeping views, a cozy fireplace indoors, and a covered outdoor patio, making the family-owned winery a must visit in any season. The cellar door team were warm and friendly, exuding a familial energy that had us feeling like locals at first sip. The pours were generous, the tasting room intimate, and we left with a super juicy rosé that paired perfectly with our Christmas dinner back home.

• Chard Farm: The winding drive to Chard Farm reveals a terracotta tasting room adorned with a manicured English style front garden. The tasting fee is a suggested donation to an area charity and although we had too many bottles and not enough suitcase space, we were thrilled to find several bottles of Chard Estate Pinot Noirs as well as an impressive Chardonnay in Duty Free! The castle-like grounds were an impressive backdrop to the no fuss cellar door experience where the lack of bells and whistles let the really darn good wine truly speak for itself.

WHERE TO EAT:

Eichardt’s Bar & Eichardt's Grille

In addition to offering world-class cocktails, Eichardt’s Bar has an excellent tapas menu, and some of the best food in Queenstown. The setting is cozy and intimate, with plush seating and a crackling fireplace. We dined next door for dinner where we celebrated a long-awaited honeymoon with champagne, local oysters, Eichardt's legendary seafood chowder (prawns, scallops, fish, and fresh baked ciabatta), and NZ Lamb Rump.

Fergburger:

For something casual you can take away, opt for Fergburger. It has been an institution for more than 20 years, serving some of the most delicious burgers with fresh, local ingredients. The menu is extensive and includes classic beef burgers alongside chicken, vegetarian, pork, fish, and even venison options. It’s so popular, you’ll need to time your visit to avoid getting stuck in an hour-long line. 

RAKAU:

A wood fired pizza and grill by night, and coffee bar by day, this Queenstown spot became our go-to for a morning flat white. Housed in an adorable shipping container this spot bats way above its weight and boasts plenty of alfresco seats.

View from Moonlight Escape Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand

WHERE TO STAY:

Moonlight Escape Lodge is a hidden, private gem set on ten acre's of premium north facing land in a forest-like location just ten minute’s drive from Queenstown.  The Lodge, with its classic styling throughout, features five luxurious suites. All generous in size. Oh and the hot tub is a nice treat after a day of adventuring. Pro Tip: be sure to reserve your time with management!

Best Times to Visit:

Queenstown is a year-round destination. November to March tends to be the busiest for international travelers, while April to May is a great time to visit for calm weather, fewer crowds, and the famous fall Arrowtown leaves.  Springtime — September to October — is another beautiful time of year, when the air is crisp and there's still snow on the mountains. For ski lovers, July through September offer the best conditions.

How to Get There

The best way to get there is to fly into Queenstown Airport, and Air New Zealand has multiple flights from various domestic cities each day (there are also direct routes from Sydney across the ditch in Australia, on Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar). Most travelers take a flight from Auckland, which takes just under two hours. Once you reach the airport, there are taxis and car rental companies, or if you’re staying at one of the hotels listed, transfers are available. But if you’re embarking on a bigger South Island road trip, it’s easily accessible by car and has some gorgeous views, whether you’re coming from Dunedin or further afield. 

Must see close by attractions close to Queenstown:

Arrowtown

This historic gold mining town is something out of a storybook, with a strip lined with quaint boutiques, eateries, and art galleries. It’s only a 20-minute drive from central Queenstown, making for a lovely day trip. 

Arrowtown, New Zealand

Glenorchy

Glenorchy is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Walkers, photographers, and adventurers have all found themselves captivated by this amazing wilderness and a quieter way of life