Have we already told you what is, for us, the most beautiful city in New Zealand? Exact: Queenstown 🙂
Well, today we are going to tell you all the things to see and do in Queenstown and enjoy your visit to the fullest (both in the city and its surroundings).
- ENJOY THE BEST VIEWS -
To get the best views of the city you have to climb the Gondola. There are two ways: the cheap one, which consists of walking up to the top of the mountain (1 hour of road between pines and rocks) or the vague option (climbing with the Skyline, the funicular) to reach the viewpoint in a few minutes and die of love having Queenstown at your feet. You can buy tickets online, here.
- GIVE YOU A CHAPUZÓN IN THE WAKATIPU -
This is for the bravest because the water is frozen. But how boring life would be without the odd folly, right? Also, when are you going to have the opportunity to bathe again in crystal clear waters surrounded by mountains?
- VISIT THE QUEENSTOWN'S GARDEN -
Walking around the city gardens is worth it. We also had the good fortune to do it with the good company of Flor and Martín. You will find very rare trees, colorful flowers and nice ducks.
- WALK THROUGH THE LAKE SHORE -
Apart from relaxing it is amazing, you'll see ...
- CALLEJEAR BY THE CENTER -
To know a place you have to wander, we always say it. Only then can you discover small jewels, such as the place where you can try fudge for free or the little park (called by some the little Machu Pichu, well only by Gonzalo :-p) where you can relax before continuing to explore the area.
- SEE SOMEONE OTHER CALLEJERO SHOW -
Near the "beach" there are always musicians, magicians and different artists who improvise their shows for the little ones (and for the child inside each adult). By the way, if a magician asks you to think of a number ... other than 84! Right Jairo?
- TRY SOME LOCAL RESTAURANT -
Ok, it won't be the best in the world but hey, something good has! The bad thing is usually the price, although not everything is lost: in Pig & Whistle for example you can eat a plate of bangers & mash (3 sausages and mashed potatoes) for $ 9. It's not bad at all!
- TRY AN ETHNIC RESTAURANT -
That the New Zealand cuisine is not the richest in the world is a fact, although the options to try gastronomy from countries as different as Japan, India or Mexico are not lacking. Take advantage of!
- DO A BBQ ON THE LAKE -
Oh the barbecue! One of the things we like the most on the other side of the world, yes, we are that bear. If you walk along the lake towards Glenorchy, you will find free gas BBQ where you can spend a great afternoon / evening with the friends.
- THE BEST HAMBURGER OF THE WORLD (?) -
Or so they say. Fergburguer is an entire institution in Queenstown and in New Zealand. We tested it and the result was a "bah is not so much". It's good? Yes. Is it the best in the world? For us no. Rober, Jairo, Ana, Flor and Martín tried a 'more or less normal', I tried a chicken rand with Indian spices and mango chutney and… oh it was suuuuper delicious! A spicy but delicious tad. If you are interested it is called "Bombay Chicken". (The one in the photo is Rober's monster-burguer: nothing to envy Fergburger ... I attest, and my belly too!)
- GO SHOPPING AND EXIT MORE HAPPINESS THAN EVER -
Happiness is a great little shop where you can buy second-hand clothes at very cheap prices and for a good cause: all profits are invested in the community. A whole supermarket bag of clothes / shoes / accessories / toys / loquesea costs $ 5 (about € 3.2 per change), half a bag costs $ 3. You have to be lucky ... but if you have it you can get out of there with real bargains (like my purpurous astronaut shoes). If you are interested in the latest fashion, the options are not lacking in the city.
- TRACK BY THE LAKE TO FRANKTON -
If you feel like walking (don't worry, the ride is nice and flat) you can do the track that goes from Frankton to the city center. The road goes along the shore of the lake so the views are truly fabulous and at every step the Remarkable, the most beautiful mountain range in the area, will accompany you.
- THE BEST ICE CREAM (OR ...) -
It is not very cheap to say but if two rats like us have done ... you can too: an ice cream from Patagonia deserves the payment! The flavor of the house is the Tramontana, although the dulce de leche or the raspberry sorbet are up to par. Yam! How much? Two flavors ice cream for $ 6 (it's good for 2 people).
If you need endorphins but your wallet is more empty than a bag of chips if Lety is in the 10km radius there is good news: in the Remarkables Sweet Shop you can try free fudge and in Cookie Time you can eat cookies for free. Cool! (Thanks Elia and Joan for discovering it!) And if not, we will always have the Macca's cone!
- BUNGEE JUMPING -
Queenstown is the world capital of risk sport: this is where bungee jumping started as a business, so if you always wanted to do it ... the time has come. In addition the place is idyllic: a river with greenish waters awaits you and a few cliffs will witness your madness.
Where? On the Kawarau Bridge, half an hour from Queenstown
How much? $ 195
(There is also option to jump in Queenstown, however the location of the Kawaraus Bridge is unbeatable).
- BUNGEE JUMPING -
Enjoy an exciting jet boat ride… adrenaline guaranteed! You can book the experience here.
- GLENORCHY -
This little village lost in the New Zealand mountains (it is one hour away by car from QT) has its roll. Later we will talk to you better about it, for now you will happen only with this recommendation and with this photo.
- ARROWTOWN -
Another worthwhile excursion (but only if you have time!) Is the one in the village of Arrowtown. Here during the years of the 'gold rush', Chinese miners settled and nowadays you can visit the remains of their village. You can also stroll along the main street of the town and feel yourself in the middle of 'far west': more vintage than this impossible! Soon we will tell you more about this little town.
- LAKE HAYES -
If the Wakatipu is too much, too much, too cold for you there is another option: to take a dip in Lake Hayes, near Arrowtown. Although the option is less glamorous huh ?, the waters here are not so clear (so go ahead and bathe in the Wakatipu that is very cool). It is about 10 km from QT
- MAKE A DAY EXCURSION -
The best are undoubtedly those of Milford Sound (if you do not have a car it is best to take a tour from Queenstown) and the excursion to Mount Cook.
Obviously there are a lot of things to do: navigate the lake with one of the many cruises, paragliding, cheer up with one of the Remarkable trekkings, discover the cafes and pubs of the city, get lost in the suburbs full of beautiful houses ... but if we tell you everything there are no surprises! Enjoy your stay in Queenstown 🙂
Do you know more things to see and do in Queenstown?
