Title: How To Spend A Weekend In Queenstown
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting New Zealand, Queenstown must be high on your list of priorities. Known as the adventure capital of the world, the city is not actually that large but still has what feels like an infinite number of things to do. I have never been in New Zealand, but definitely on my list to travel. Here are a few things I would like to do in Queenstown:
Head To Queenstown Gardens
The Queenstown Gardens offer a great way to see the famous Lake Wakatipu from the land. And in addition to beautiful views, there are also fun things to do; the garden has both a walking track and a frisbee golf course, for starters. It is also a wonderful place to take a hot cup of coffee or have a picnic on one of the warmer sunny days. Alternatively, if you visit any time between April and October (the cooler season in New Zealand), there is an ice arena for you to enjoy here as well, at least it is what I would like to do.
Discover The Hype Around Fergburger
Local establishment Fergburger has gained a reputation for serving some of the best burgers in the world - a reputation backed up by the sheer length of the line outside the restaurant at pretty much any time throughout the day. Fergburger serves several types of meat in many different styles, including beef, chicken, lamb, and pork, among others (and there are also vegetarian options if you’d like to switch the meat for falafel or tofu). And with gluten-free burgers (and I'm a gluten-free fan lately) available as well, pretty much anyone can find something to love at this renowned burger joint. In short, it's actually worth waiting out the long line.
Spend An Evening At An Ice Bar
Ice bars are most typically found in countries that already have cold weather, and Queenstown is no exception, given its wintery conditions for portions of the year. Accordingly, there are a few bars in town that are made entirely of ice - drink glasses included! They aren’t like casual bars, however, in that you have to pay a fee just to enter, but in my opinion, it's definitely worth it, at least once. Drinks are reasonably priced, and the ice statues inside make for some excellent photos (insta option is here). And don't worry about getting too cold - extra-warm parkas and gloves are provided for patrons.
Have A Night Out At SKYCITY
Queenstown is a great place to get your adrenaline fix, but that doesn’t have to be limited to commonly advertised activities like bungee jumping and skydiving. Particularly if you’re coming from a place where casino games are hard to come by, a visit to SKYCITY Queenstown can be a blast. Although traditional casinos in New Zealand are losing some business to the country's gambling and casino websites, SKYCITY still does well for itself, and I think there's still something charming about the in-person experience. At the very least, you should grab dinner and drinks at the casino’s fantastic restaurant, Wild Thyme, or take in one of the occasional comedy or theater shows that pass through.
Enjoy The Lake From The Water
Lake Wakatipu is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The snowcapped mountains in the background reflect so perfectly off of the clear blue water that I would like to see with my eyes. The water looks so inviting, and I believe you can get quite close by way of a boat outing. Being a city that encourages adventure, Queenstown offers some wild "jet boat" rides after which you'll definitely need a change of clothes. If you want to stay warm and dry though, there are also some calmer scenic tours on which you can enjoy the gorgeous surroundings in serenity.
Get Your Shopping Done At A Local Market
I always like to find unique, authentic souvenirs for my friends and family when traveling, which can feel difficult in a place like Queenstown, where the shopping is clearly aimed at tourists. However, I found out that every Saturday in the park near the lake, there is an adorable art and crafts market featuring goods from local artists and vendors. This market is conveniently located at a central location, but if you’re willing to head a little way out of town (and you're focused more on your own experience than souvenirs), there is also the Remarkables Market to consider, where you'll find fresh produce as well as delicious takeout meals. This market also opens up every Saturday morning.
Hopefully, with these suggestions, you're equipped to travel for your perfect weekend in Queenstown!
Head To Queenstown Gardens
The Queenstown Gardens offer a great way to see the famous Lake Wakatipu from the land. And in addition to beautiful views, there are also fun things to do; the garden has both a walking track and a frisbee golf course, for starters. It is also a wonderful place to take a hot cup of coffee or have a picnic on one of the warmer sunny days. Alternatively, if you visit any time between April and October (the cooler season in New Zealand), there is an ice arena for you to enjoy here as well, at least it is what I would like to do.
Discover The Hype Around Fergburger
Local establishment Fergburger has gained a reputation for serving some of the best burgers in the world - a reputation backed up by the sheer length of the line outside the restaurant at pretty much any time throughout the day. Fergburger serves several types of meat in many different styles, including beef, chicken, lamb, and pork, among others (and there are also vegetarian options if you’d like to switch the meat for falafel or tofu). And with gluten-free burgers (and I'm a gluten-free fan lately) available as well, pretty much anyone can find something to love at this renowned burger joint. In short, it's actually worth waiting out the long line.
Spend An Evening At An Ice Bar
Ice bars are most typically found in countries that already have cold weather, and Queenstown is no exception, given its wintery conditions for portions of the year. Accordingly, there are a few bars in town that are made entirely of ice - drink glasses included! They aren’t like casual bars, however, in that you have to pay a fee just to enter, but in my opinion, it's definitely worth it, at least once. Drinks are reasonably priced, and the ice statues inside make for some excellent photos (insta option is here). And don't worry about getting too cold - extra-warm parkas and gloves are provided for patrons.
Have A Night Out At SKYCITY
Queenstown is a great place to get your adrenaline fix, but that doesn’t have to be limited to commonly advertised activities like bungee jumping and skydiving. Particularly if you’re coming from a place where casino games are hard to come by, a visit to SKYCITY Queenstown can be a blast. Although traditional casinos in New Zealand are losing some business to the country's gambling and casino websites, SKYCITY still does well for itself, and I think there's still something charming about the in-person experience. At the very least, you should grab dinner and drinks at the casino’s fantastic restaurant, Wild Thyme, or take in one of the occasional comedy or theater shows that pass through.
Enjoy The Lake From The Water
Lake Wakatipu is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The snowcapped mountains in the background reflect so perfectly off of the clear blue water that I would like to see with my eyes. The water looks so inviting, and I believe you can get quite close by way of a boat outing. Being a city that encourages adventure, Queenstown offers some wild "jet boat" rides after which you'll definitely need a change of clothes. If you want to stay warm and dry though, there are also some calmer scenic tours on which you can enjoy the gorgeous surroundings in serenity.
Get Your Shopping Done At A Local Market
I always like to find unique, authentic souvenirs for my friends and family when traveling, which can feel difficult in a place like Queenstown, where the shopping is clearly aimed at tourists. However, I found out that every Saturday in the park near the lake, there is an adorable art and crafts market featuring goods from local artists and vendors. This market is conveniently located at a central location, but if you’re willing to head a little way out of town (and you're focused more on your own experience than souvenirs), there is also the Remarkables Market to consider, where you'll find fresh produce as well as delicious takeout meals. This market also opens up every Saturday morning.
Hopefully, with these suggestions, you're equipped to travel for your perfect weekend in Queenstown!
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