Queenstown has a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s known as a hot spot for Adrenalin junkies. But it’s also a foodie’s paradise, a driver’s paradise as well as a place for shopping, relaxing and chilling.
We visited in July 2024, but as its Ski season again 2026, I thought it was a good idea to update this article to the top of the posts again.
Just to allow people to see what is in store for them in Queenstwon.
Its been 10 years since I was last there, however my daughter, Brianna has been on multiple occasions in that time. So a revisit for me was long overdue.
We spent about 9 days there recently and indulged in a myriad of activities. Below are our thoughts
Quick overall thoughts
- Queenstown has something for everyone
- Everywhere you drive in this part of New Zealand is a visual delight.
- The scenery is so majestic and stunning that it can be a touch overwhelming at times
- The surrounding areas provides some of the best drives anywhere in the world.
- Subaru Outback with Symmetrical AWD is an ideal vehicle to explore those drives
- Queenstown in a tourist town. It’s filled with travelers from all over the world in almost all service areas, and they all seem really happy and provide great service.
- It would be expensive to live here.
- Petrol was about $1 a litre more expensive here than in Sydney.
- Yet a ski holiday here is still cheaper than the likes of Thredbo or Perisher.
Apart from the Subaru Outback that was provided for us as part of my normal business. None of the places mentioned provided any discount or benefit to us. They are all our own choices.
Day One – Arrive Queenstown
The flight in from Sydney didn’t get off to a good start. We originally booked an 8.30am flight, that was changed to 7.20am. This meant that we had to be at airport at 4.20am.
This meant we decided to stay at the Rydge’s right at the international airport in Sydney. Convenient, but expensive. Also terrible customer service.
After getting up at 3.30 am we arrived, sailed smoothly through the check-in process and immigration, had a coffee to wake us up and then sat and waited while the plane was delayed an hour. Back to 8.30 am – joy.
However, the flight was easy and apart from some turbulence arriving in Queenstown it was smooth. To be honest I slept most of the way.
However, I did manage to wake up for the most majestic view over the snow topped mountains and deep blue lakes as we drew nearer to Queenstown airport.
Queenstown immigration was a breeze, and I was quickly walking about 15 ins to pick up our car. We chose a Subaru Outback Touring for the holiday, which was graciously provided by Subaru NZ and Queenstown Motor Group. Their dealership is conveniently near the airport.
There are four of us in the group and the Outback managed to swallow all our luggage. It was full though.
Queenstown Accommodation
One benefit of the late arrival meant that we were able to check in to our accommodation as soon as we arrived.
We stayed at the Oaks resort. This is located on the Queenstown – Frankton Road about 5 minutes out of town.
It is undergoing renovations on the back block of apartments when we stayed. But luckily the lake front rooms have already been done.
We had a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with large lounge/dining and kitchen area. There isn’t a lot of room in the bedrooms, but they were comfortable.
The booking came with a daily room service as well as a bed sheet change in the middle of the week.
The best part of the apartment is the view. It overlooks Lake Wakatipu. The backdrop is The Remarkables mountains with snow covered peaks.
The view is stunning and worth every cent paid for the accommodation.
Dinner – the start of our gourmet filled holiday
It’s become a bit of a tradition for our family to dine at Winnies Gourmet Pizza Bar the first night we arrive in Queenstown.
Its upstairs in the main mall. The atmosphere is appealing and the staff exceptionally friendly.
The food is amazing. We had a selection of Montonara Pizza, Spaghetti Bolognese and Caprico Pizza. A few local brews and the evening was complete.
Winnies starts the evening as a family friendly Pizza outlet, but as the evening progresses it can turn into a fun filled party place with dancing on the tables and a famous opening roof.
There was a festival atmosphere on the lake foreshore, with a band playing and food stalls lining the pathway. This made for a lot of fun as we headed to another Queenstown tradition, Fergberger Gelato.
There are two stores, one in the middle of the trio of Fergberger outlets on Shotover St, the other on the walkway overlooking the lake. That one is less busy with no queues.
After the Gelato is was off to the Pier for a few quiet ales and hot chocolates. The Pier is a pub right on the waterfront with heating. That was important as it was about 8 degrees.
Quick note about parking in Queenstown.
One thing you will need to be aware of is parking is horrendous in the main town area. It’s packed, and where you can find it, you pay for it. It’s not terribly expensive but the fine is if you don’t.
Also don’t be tempted to park in any of the many loading zones. There are CCTV cameras on almost all of them and it’s an instant $60 fine.
You can find parking but often you may need to be patient.
Day Two Queenstown in the rain.
We had planned to wander around Queenstown on the Sunday, but it was raining and cold. This didn’t deter us though.
We had breakfast at another popular café outlet, Yonder. We managed to get a table easily enough, our coffees arrived, and we ordered food. But we were then told that the wait time was about 45 minutes. That’s a bit dodgy if you ask me.
The food was good, the vibe of the café was cool and there was an open fire to help the wait.
However, it was expensive for what we got.
Queenstown has developed into a high-end shopping delight, with almost all the expected luxury brands having a storefront here. Stores include R.M. Williams, T Galleria by DFS, Louis Vuitton, Country Road, and many, many more.
There are also numerous ski clothing and equipment stores, outdoor activity and clothing stores as well as numerous ski gear hire outlets.
One thing is for sure there is a store for everyone here.
We also picked up our ski gear today as three of us are skiing Monday to Wednesday. We chose Quest Ski Hire. They are located in the centre of town. The staff are very helpful and friendly.
Also, one important factor is that the loading zone directly outside their shop is one of the few ones that doesn’t have a camera, so you can safely stop there to quickly load your gear on the car.
Dinner Day Two
Dinner that night was pre-booked at the Skyline Gondola Restaurant. This is a smorgasbord affair. It cost some $140 plus per person. This was the premium package that allowed us to book a window seat and included one drink as well.
The Gondola ride isn’t for those with a fear of heights though and it doesn’t seem to make any difference if you look out at the vista or up the hill.
The food was delicious with a wide choice, from hot soups, salads, roasts, pastas, desserts, cheese and much more.
The view unfortunately wasn’t so great. The low cloud and rain meant that the expectation and reality were distant cousins.
Once back at ground level we went again for Gelato.
Day three and four Skiing at Coronet Peak.
My skiing days are well and truly behind me. These old knees, dodgy hip and back simply preclude the activity.
However, the younger ones happily got ready for the two days skiing at Coronet Peak.
It’s about 20 minutes’ drive from town and as we jumped into the Subaru Outback, we appreciated the front and back heated seats. It was about 2 degrees with a slight wind chill and cold.
With pastries, coffees, hot chocolate and Mocha’s in hand off we set.
Fitting all the ski’s, snowboard, helmets and boots was easy in the large Outback boot.
Again, the drive to Coronet Peak takes you through some beautiful country. The climb from bottom to top from the turn off is about 8km. It’s a windy road but safe, even with snow on parts of the road.
In New Zealand all cars are required to carry snow chains.
We have done this drive another time, not in winter and encountered a mob of sheep casually walking along the road. Thankfully this time it was clear.
However early in the morning there were icy conditions and that’s where the permanent AWD of the Subaru Outback is welcomed. It grips the road in all conditions and allows complete control for the driver.
You can drive right up to the drop off zone and allow the skiers to get set up. The staff were friendly directing people and making sure no one overstayed their welcome. It’s a good system as walking too far in ski boots is no fun for anyone.
You can go from there to a lower carpark where I took the opportunity to take some in snow photos.
Coronet peak is really designed for families
Some key points are
- 462m Vertical Drop
- 280 Hectares
- 3x Chairlifts
- 1x T-Bar
- 4x Surface Lifts
- 2x Restaurants, 2x Bars, Café
- Rentals Department
- Ski & Snowboard Lessons
- Gondola + Sightseeing
- Toboggans and
- Heidi’s Hot Tub
More details about Coronet Peak can be found on their website HERE
There were three levels of skills amongst the skiers. Expert, Advanced and level 5/6 Intermediate. Apparently, Coronet Peak caters for all and for beginners as well.
One comment that was made by all skiers in the group, was that perhaps the food facilities and quality could use an upgrade.
Its difficult to cater for the masses of patrons that squeeze into the facilities and to provide quality food in a hurry, but that’s part of the ambience of skiing. If the food facilities are lacking, then it taints the whole experience.
Dinner day three and four.
We left the ski fields mid afternoon as the conditions were starting to get slippery and it left more time to enjoy evening meals.
We had heard about a fish and chip shop a little way out of town called Chur Fish and Chips. So always up for a different experience we headed out.
Turns out it’s in a residential area, in a suburb called Fernhill. In a small strip shop setting. We ordered and then went down to a park by the lake to eat.
And the food was outstanding. Fresh oil makes such a difference. The fish was tender and fresh and chips so crispy. The pineapple chunks dipped in cinnamon were something else.
Big thumbs up for Chur Fish and Chips.
Dinner on day four was along the waterfront in Queenstown. There was some type of music festival happening which provided background music. The Pier restaurant was chosen. Great ambience, excellent variety of beers and good food and outstanding view. What more could you want.
Of course, each meal was followed up with Fergberger Gelato and hot chocolate again.
Skiing day Five
This was for the enthusiastic one only. My son in law headed over to the Remarkables Ski slopes. The drive into the top of the mountain is something else. Definitely not for the nervous or those afraid of heights. Its narrow, windy and the sheer drop off all contribute to butt clenching driving.
The Remarkables slopes seem to be for the more advanced skiers and can often get icy in the early afternoons. As can the access road. Again, the Subaru Outback AWD system showed just how good it is in these conditions.
While he was skiing, we headed off for a drive through Lake Hayes and up to Cromwell.
Lake Hayes is a beautiful spot not far out of town. With many residential areas surrounding the foreshore.
Cromwell is just another small town. But it’s the drive there that is special. Along Kawarau Gorge Road, the scenery, like almost everywhere here, is spectacular.
The road crosses over the river on a few occasions and there are ample opportunities to take the obligatory photos along the way.
If you are keen – which I am definitely NOT – you can go bungy jumping as well.
Highlights include the
- Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell
- Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump
All in all, a pleasant days drive.
Dinner Day five
Dinner that night was at the Botswana Butchery steakhouse. This popular place delivers the complete package. Delicious meals, sophisticated ambience and friendly staff.
Its pricy but worth it.
After dinner we decided to have a few ales at the 1876 pub in the middle of town. We sat outside until we couldn’t take the cold anymore. But it’s a relaxing place to sit and chat about the day and plan tomorrow.
Note that it does get very busy at times as its popular.
Day Six – Arrowtown
No skiing today. Instead, we had a purely tourist day. Arrowtown is about 20k out of Queenstown and it’s an easy 20-25 minute drive.
Being an old gold mining town its full of heritage buildings and the locals make the most of them. The main street is quaint and picturesque. Its full of coffee shops, pubs, Nik Nak shops and more.
One place that definitely worth a visit for those with a sweet tooth is the Remarkables Sweet Shop. Even if you don’t buy anything its worth having a look just for the experience.
We had lunch at the New Orleans Pub right in the middle of town. Typical pub food but delicious, with local style ambience. We had some burger and chips. The chips were so crisp and fresh one serving wasnt enough. The Burgers were absolutely mouth watering.
More wandering around town, more tourist photos and then after lunch we head back to our apartment to chill.
However we did manage to fit in some cookies from Cookie Time Cookie Bar in Queenstwon when we went to get dinner. This is an icon in Queenstown and definately worth a visit, but it does get packed with queues out the door sometimes.
Dinner was an easy takeaway that night and lots of card games.
Sometimes on holidays you need to just sit and do nothing
Day Seven – Trip to Glenorchy
No holiday in Queenstown is complete unless you take the drive to Glenorchy. You need to pick a day with clear weather and sunshine for maximum benefit.
This has to rank in the top ten drives in the world. Along Lake Wakatipu all the way to Glenorchy and beyond. This is where many scenes of the Lord of the Rings were filmed.
The drive is spectacular both ways but perhaps better heading south.
As you wind your way along the waters edge, there are moments that simply take your breath away. Drive over the crest of a hill and the Lake panorama opens up in front of you. Deep blue water framed by snow-capped mountains on the opposite side of the lake.
Its about a 45-50 minute drive from Queenstown, but plan on longer as you stop for photos along the way.
Once you reach Glenorchy, it’s a quaint village, slowly opening up to tourism. It’s almost like the locals grudgingly embrace being invaded, but with a smile.
Head out beyond to the region known as Paradise.
Here the road takes you through picturesque farmland, crossing rivers with stone beaches.
Deep into the Beech forest and you start to get a sense of why it’s such a popular film location.
The Subaru again proved its worth. Plenty of room for four occupants, enough ground clearance and the ability to explore further . We also wandered down onto river side beaches for a picnic.
The forest trails with water crossings were all taken in its stride.
Dinner day seven
We headed into Queenstown again and decided to try the Flame Grill and Bar. Its upstairs in the centre of town. Upmarket pub style décor and huge meals that were delicious and reasonably priced.
Of course, followed by yet more Fergberger Gelato and hot chocolates.
Day Eight – we visit the farm
We decided another quiet day was in order. Across the lake toward the Remarkables there is a unique drive through animal park. It has an almost hidden entrance, and you have to book, but it’s worth it. There is a maximum of 80 cars each day to limit traffic.
Its called Deer Park Heights. This is a scenic drive and animal encounter taking you through a working deer farm, 550 meters above Queenstown. Not only do you get to drive close to different and some exotic animals, but there are various vantage points with stunning views right down Lake Wakatipu, the valley where the airport is and along the second part of the lake.
For the most part you can get out and wander around. Be careful though as the goats will jump up on your car. (sorry about the scratches Subaru).
Don’t forget to take some money for buying feed pellets for hand feeding/ However there is one short section of road known as the ‘Hard Antler Block’ where you must remain inside your vehicle at all times. This block is clearly signposted on-site.
When you see the animals there you will understand why.
This is a must do for families. Lots of places for picnics, lots of interaction with the animals and plenty of different animals to see.
There is also a beautiful park over that side of the lake, looking back across the lake. Its a perfect spot again for a picnic.
Dinner Day Eight
Amongst the many fine places to eat there is an Asian fusion restaurant called Madam Woo.
This outlet blends traditional dishes from Southeast Asia with their own finesse.
The food is absolutely mouth-watering, and shared dishes is the way to go. Its not a large menu but anything on there will please the palette.
Day Nine – Jet boat rides.
Finally, everything coincided, fine weather, spaces on the boats and a free day. So, we headed off on a jet boat ride up the Shotover river.
Again, like a lot of activities, this is a must do. The exhilaration and sheer joy from the ride has to be experienced.
Dinner Day Nine
For our last night on this trip, we revisited Winnies Pizza Place. First and last night has a certain appeal to it.
A quick visit to the Ice bar for a shot and then to the Pier again for nighttime drinks. And of course, more gelato.
It was the perfect way to wind up our holiday.
More General thoughts about Queenstown.
In many ways taking a trip to Queenstown for a ski holiday is different to local ski fields. Im a big fan of Thredbo and Perisher valley and have taken my kids there for 30 years on and off. But Queenstown is completely different.
- It’s a quick flight across the Tasman,
- Accommodation choices are expansive
- Where we stayed it had waterfront views over the lake.
- There was lots of downtime for playing cards and games amongst the family.
- There is a wide choice of ski fields
- There was the most amazing choice of beers with the coolest designs on the cans Ive ever seen.
- Wandering around Queenstown at night is something special.
- Its open and vibrant.
- There is so many places to choose from for food and drinks
- Lake side vendors add to the ambience
- For the non-ski days, taking local drives brings a completely different perspective to the holiday
- It actually works out cheaper than Thredbo or Perisher.
Be the first to comment