Queenstown, New Zealand South Island
When to go: mid-late November is an ideal time to go. It is springtime, flowers are blooming and temperatures are mild, perfect for touring, hiking and playing tennis. Hotel prices are moderate and last minute deals are easy to find. We stayed at 4 different hotels during our stay. December and January are the busiest times due to European travelers who want to get away from winter and Chinese travelers on holiday.
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Tips: A visa is required during certain months of the year. We used traveler's insurance on this trip mainly so that we would have collision coverage (CDW) on the rental car at a better rate than thru the rental company. The other reason is that we are 1/2 way around the world and travel insurance covers emergency medical, lost luggage, etc.
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Where to stay: We recommend B&Bs or hotels that have free breakfast, a view and a comfortable sitting area to meet other travelers and relax/regroup after a day of touring. Upon arrival into Queenstown we stayed at Breakfast at Tiffany's. It was perfect for what we needed that first night after 22 hours of flights. It is convenient to the airport, offered airport transport, is located within walking distance of Sherwood's hotel which has a full restaurant.
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Getting around: When visiting Queenstown there really is no need to rent a car. The GO bus will take you around town, to Arrowhead or to Arthur's Point. It costs just $2 with the Go Card. Another option is to rent a camper van if you're into hiking and want the freedom to stop along the way for day hikes on your way to Fijordland National Park and Milford Sound. In Queenstown there is a camp ground where you can park your camper while touring. Many people also helicopter in and out of Milford Sound to avoid the 3 hour drive there and back.
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What to do: 7 days in New Zealand, South Island. Click below for Queenstown travel guide.
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Day 1
We landed in Queenstown after traveling from Atlanta on a 6pm flight via Los Angeles and Sydney. You basically lose a day on the trip out. We took our sleeping medication on LAX-SYD flight which is 14 hours long, (got 10 hrs. of sleep on board) and were ready for bed when we arrived at 7:30 pm.
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Skyline View
Waterfront shops
Day 2
After a delicious breakfast at Breakfast at Tiffany's B & B, we headed into to Queenstown city center to check into our hotel - Central Ridge Boutique. We then took a walk to get acquainted with our surroundings. The stroll took us through Queenstown Gardens along the water and into the shopping area. A must do stop is the Fergberger for lunch. We split the "lambie burger" which was delicious. Next stop was a ride to the top of the mountain on the gondola which offers great views of the harbor. There is a restaurant, bar and lounge area for a meal or a drink.
Big Bite at Fergberger, Yum
Fergburger
Queenstown Gardens
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Day 3
We grabbed a latte and egg sandwhich and sat on the Village Green to take in the morning. Our adventure today was an Adrenaline Jet Boat ride thru the canyons, just 10 minutes from town. For thrill-seekers out there, this one is for you. We booked through Shotover Jet who did a not disappoint. In the evening we took a cruise on the Earnslaw Steamer. The boat took us to an authentic New Zealand farm where we had dinner and experienced a sheep shearing and sheep herding demonstration which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Shotover Boat Trip
View From Crown Plaza Hotel
Earnslaw Steamer
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Earnslaw Steamer Tour with sheep shearing, herding demonstration, gardens and dinner
Day 4
It's off to the tennis courts for us today-our favorite sport. The courts are located right in the heart of Queenstown Park with beautiful gardens and walking trails. Later in the day we explored Arrowtown, a 20 minute drive away. The town was established in 1862 at the height of the gold rush. The area features an old Chinese settlement where miners lived, walking trails along the Arrow River and many great restaurants. Click below for Arrowtown guide.
https://www.arrowtown.com/assets/Uploads/Arrowtown-The-official-guide-2015-Low-res.pdf
Arrowtown
Chinese Settlement
Day 5
We left Queenstown at 5am in order to beat the bus tour traffic on the drive to Milford Sound. First stop is Mirror Lake for a quick 15 minute hike. The best price for for gas is in Mossburn, 1.5 hours into the drive. Next stop is Key Summit for a 3.5 hour, 4 mile moderate hike. For tonight's accommodations we booked a overnight cruise package on the Milford Sound Mariner. This are is one of the wettest places in the world , so be sure to pack your rain gear. This was by far the highlight of our trip. Click here for more information on our Milford Sound trip.
