Queenstown
With mountain peaks as far as the eye can see, shimmering lakes, and crisp alpine air, Queenstown is quite simply a place of pure inspiration and the perfect mix of action and relaxation for an unforgettable New Zealand holiday.
Reasons to choose Queenstown
- 6 International standard ski fields featuring a variety of terrain are within 1.5 hour’s drive
- Awesome nightlife & après ski
- Myriad of world-class sightseeing activities to choose from on non ski days
- Stunning lake and alpine scenery
- Lonely Planet has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012
- Huge variety of top notch accommodation catering to all budgets
- Over 150 eateries & restaurants to choose from
- World class award-winning local wines to enjoy around a roaring fire and 200 vineyards within a 1.5 hour’s drive
- Annual winter events such as the Queenstown Winter Festival held late June
- Queenstown is one of only 6 locations globally have been admitted to the prestigious “Leading Mountain Resorts of the World” group
Once you arrive in New Zealand you have the local support of Ski Express staff at the Snow Centre in Queenstown. Whether you need to check your documentation or book a sightseeing activity there is someone at the Ski Express desk who can help you out! (note: office hours vary during the season).
Want to know where the best places to eat are in Queenstown?
Here are some tips …
Mention to anyone that’s been to Queenstown before that you’re about to head off on your own adventure here and you will no doubt be given the advice to visit Fergburger.
Serving legendary, fresh and quite simply – MASSIVE burgers, Fergburger is world famous and no visit to Queenstown is complete without experiencing it for yourself. This busy burger joint is right in the heart of town and has a menu that reads like Old MacDonalds Farm gone wrong – Tropical Swine, Sweet Bambi, Cockadoodle Doo and Bun Laden to name a few.
So pull out your adult size bib – you’ll need it to wrap your mouth around one of these bad boys and get in line. Fergburger is packed from opening to closing – to see a line out the door at 2am is not a strange site and waiting 30 minutes is not uncommon – but it’s worth the wait. For a hot tip to avoid the queues – get acquainted with Fergburgers phone number and phone your order ahead – food crisis and queue avoided!
Best Breakfast in town… You can’t beat the convenience of wandering down to the restaurant at the hotel you are staying at and enjoying a full buffet breakfast or the satisfaction of knocking around in your PJ’s and preparing a ‘gourmet delight’ in the kitchen at your self contained apartment! However if you want to ‘mix it up’ a bit then why not try -
- Left Bank Cafe at the Sofitel Hotel has a fantastic and decadent menu in an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in a French cafe.
- Vudu Cafe on Beach Street is the place to go for a low-key and homely breakfast Vudu Cafe is a long time local and visiting celebrity favourite known for its home baking and organic menu.
- Halo is perfect if you need a quick bite on the way up the mountain or to ease the pain of the night out on the town – a breakfast burrito from Halo is definitely a savour for the stomach.
- Brazz If you’re on a budget (and who isn’t these days!) – you can’t go wrong with a NZ$10 breakfast from Brazz to get you through the morning. Ask a local for directions here!!
Casual Cafes aplenty!!… Whether you are looking for refuge from the cold in a cosy cafe with a roaring fire in winter or just want a break from shopping – there is definitely no shortage of cafe options in Queenstown. With award winning coffee and low key atmosphere – Joe’s Garage is tucked away on Searle Lane serving up good local kiwi food. Johnny Barr’s is Queenstown’s first and only gourmet sandwich shop offering “sandwiches, salads, soups and smoothies with a side of stache”. Everything here is fresh and made to order – we recommend the Kokomo smoothie – Coconut Cream, Strawberry and Mango all blended together in one smoothie of goodness!
If you’re headed to Arrowtown (approx 20mins drive from Queenstown) for a nosy around this quaint historic town – filled with galleries, boutique shops and cafes, make sure you grab a Pie from the Arrowtown Bakery. I suggest grabbing your pie of choice – from Chicken Satay to Venison to Steak & Cheese, a Custard Square (or Vanilla slice depending on where you are from) and a bottle of L & P – a iconic New Zealand softdrink and head down to enjoy beside the Arrow River.
Why not treating yourself??… For something truly special and with views to die for – the ‘Taste of New Zealand’ Buffet Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant is something special. Located at the top of Bobs Peak it is just a short but scenic gondola ride to the restuarant! Tiered seating guarantees stunning views from every table, it is well worth it and your stomach will thank you! With a 6 course buffet style dinner and 2 sitting times, you can spend your day on the slopes and finish it dining on top of the world watching the sunset over the mountains and lake.
Alternatively the Wai Waterfront Restaurant on the lakefront is one of Queenstown’s leading fine dining restaurants. Offering a fantastic choice of traditional New Zealand Cuisine. Located at Steamer Wharf, with views over the lake towards the Queenstown Gardens and the Remarkables, Wai specialises in seafood dishes, rare and unique NZ flavours and Central Otago Wines.
The best night out in Queenstown is… Anywhere in Queenstown! With so many bars all within close proximity to each other – you could spend a week here and still not get to every bar – ‘Choice’! Searle Lane is an alleyway tucked away behind the Queenstown Mall and gateway to many of Queenstown’s bars. Winnies, upstairs in the heart of the Mall is a great place to start with one of the best pizza’s in town and the famous “opening roof”. After Winnies, head out the back to Searle Lane & Social for a drink and a game of pool in front of the fire. Down at Steamer Wharf is Pub on Wharf – a good kiwi pub with great live music and local atmosphere. If you’re still going – Cowboy in Searle Lane with its saddle-style bar stools, rockin’ country music, shuffleboard and mechanical bull.
If you have tried a Fergburger before or maybe you took our advice and visited the legendary Fergburger when you last visited Queenstown? Why not pop over to our Facebook page and tell us about it!
