One of the most interesting historic sights in the Queenstown area, Arrowtown’s historic Chinese Settlement is a fun place for a stroll, and to learn about the lives of Chinese goldminers during the Otago goldrush. It’s free, quick to walk around and is located right in the heart of Arrowtown. Arrowtown Chinese Settlement Chinese goldminers, … Read more
Queenstown is best known for its mountain views, adventure sports and nightlife, but it also has some great beaches! Whether you’re visiting in summer and want somewhere to chill out and swim, or you’re there at a colder time of year and want something pretty to look at, these beaches in Queenstown will fit the … Read more
If you’re looking for a walk in Arrowtown with a good variety of views, look no further than the Sawpit Gully Track. This hike takes you along the Arrow River and then down into Sawpit Gully, eventually winding up the hill for beautiful views above Arrowtown, Lake Hayes and the Remarkables. Keep reading for everything … Read more
Arrowtown is one of the cutest and most interesting small towns in New Zealand. It boomed during the goldrush, with the Arrow River teeming with gold (and miners searching for it). The Arrow River Trail takes you along a short section of this picturesque river and connects with other tracks heading into the hills. The … Read more
For the best views of the Shotover River you’ll want to head to the Morning Star Reserve. You can see the river from close to the car park, but I highly recommend also walking the Morning Star Track, which takes you above the river and then down to a tranquil beach area. Views from Near … Read more
After seeing the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, you’ll probably be keen to get out on the water. There are several to choose from — we did the TSS Earnslaw cruise with a buffet lunch at Walter Peak Station. This is what we saw (and what we ate). This post contains affiliate links. … Read more
If you’re after a multiday adventure in New Zealand you’ve probably already considered doing a Great Walk. The Routeburn Track is one of the best, and is the perfect place to start if you’re new to multiday treks. We hiked the Routeburn Track in three days earlier this year and it was an amazing experience … Read more
The drive between Queenstown and Te Anau is a popular one, with scores of tour buses, cars and vans desperate to get to Milford Sound and the other wonders of Fiordland National Park. What can you see on the drive between Queenstown and Te Anau? Keep reading to find out! This post contains affiliate links. … Read more
Kingston, around 45 minutes from Queenstown on the road to Te Anau, is a small town with an excellent beach. Kingston Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand and stone, with an impressive mountain backdrop thrown in for good measure. Where Is Kingston Beach? Kingston Beach is located at the eastern edge of Lake Wakatipu … Read more
Glenorchy is a small town around 45 minutes’ drive from Queenstown. It’s not on the way to anywhere in particular, but the scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu makes it a must-do when spending a few days in Queenstown. There are also some excellent short walks in and around Glenorchy, and the Routeburn … Read more