One of my favourite beaches in New Zealand isn’t even located on the coast – it’s in Queenstown! Queenstown Bay, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is the perfect place to chill-out by the water. There are plenty of places to sit, trees for shade and stones for skipping, and the whole scene is very … Read more
Arrowtown, only 20 minutes or so from Queenstown, has a very different vibe from its famous neighbour. The historic streets are some of the most atmospheric in New Zealand, but it’s also good to get above town for some wide-open views. Tobins Track is short and easy (if you follow my advice at least) and … Read more
Most of the walks around Queenstown are of the uphill variety, meaning they aren’t always the most relaxing. If you’re looking for an easy place to stretch your legs, I’d recommend a stroll around Queenstown Gardens, located in the heart of town. You’ll see some awesome views as well as plenty of plants! Queenstown Gardens … Read more
Mountain areas in New Zealand generally require you to do some uphill hiking to see the best views, but luckily there is an easier option in Queenstown. Skyline Gondola, located a short walk from downtown Queenstown, takes you up a forested hill above town. From there you’ll see an amazing view over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu … Read more
Fancy driving along New Zealand’s highest main road? With great height comes great views, and the road from Queenstown to Wānaka certainly has those. The Crown Range is known for its tight curves and sweeping vistas – here’s everything you need to know about driving the Crown Range between Queenstown and Wānaka (or Wānaka and … Read more
The most iconic (and surely the best) day hike in Queenstown takes you above Lake Wakatipu to the summit of Ben Lomond, one of many mountains which tower over Queenstown. There are so many amazing views on the Ben Lomond Track, but the hike isn’t without its difficulties, especially in winter. Keep reading for more … Read more
If there’s one place in New Zealand that entices you to visit with its name alone it’s Paradise, a tiny town (OK, not really a town) close to Glenorchy, which is itself close to Queenstown. What is a trip to Paradise like? Well, there’s a scenic drive, an incredibly underrated hike and one of New … Read more
The Glenorchy Walkway, which takes you from the main lakeside area past wetlands and mountain views to Glenorchy Lagoon, is one of the best short walks in the Queenstown region. It’s almost completely flat, starts right in town and the views on offer are easily worth the 45-minute drive from Queenstown. I’m pretty sure I’ve … Read more
One of my favourite photos from the Queenstown region was taken on the Lake Hayes Loop Track. It was in winter, the hills surrounding the lake were dusted with snow and everything was perfectly reflected in the glass-like water. This small lake, 14 km from Queenstown, is popular with dog-walking locals and cyclists, but the … Read more
You don’t need to take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps to get the perfect view of this stunning chain of mountains — just make sure you fly into (or out of) Queenstown Airport and hope for clear skies and a window seat. Flying Out of Queenstown Airport We were seated on the left … Read more