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If you asked me what to do in Queenstown in 48 hours, spending my weekend 140 metres above a gushing river, strolling through one of New Zealand’s largest wine caves, and undertaking an 18km e-bike ride, the only way you’d get me to say ‘yes’ is if you were my bestie.
But that’s exactly what our early Galentine’s weekend in Queenstown had in store.
My bestie Jaime and I ditched the boyfs and headed to NZ’s tourism capital to get a quick escape right here in Aotearoa - ‘cause let’s be real, who has the time, money or annual leave to be heading overseas rn?
I’m an adrenaline junkie and Jaime was craving a bit of R&R, so with plenty to choose from, we went with a mix of activities to satisfy us both.
We’re talking jet-boating through the Shotover and Kawarau rivers, journeying through the history of Lake Wakatipu on the Time Tripper, sipping our way through a wine tour, and ending it all at a bougie hotel.
So, if you’re ready to treat yourself (and your bestie) to a Galentine’s getaway, here’s how to squeeze in as much as possible in the adventure capital of New Zealand.
We arrived early, grabbed our rental car (booked with our flights through Booking.com), and headed straight to the famous Shotover Canyon Swing – yes, the one made iconic by the guy who screamed “let me tell you something!” (and they have merch, too).
After being introduced to our guides - the people in charge of our lives for the day - Mike and Arnold, we realised pretty quickly that the nerves sunk in QUICK.
“Let’s go 10 minutes up the road and jump off a cliff - easy as that,” Mike said, making it sound way too simple.
The short ride felt like it could’ve been about an hour with how dead silent everyone sat as we navigated the windy road to the swing.
Of course, being such polite gals, we obvs let everyone else take to the swing first - barely hiding the fact our hearts were pounding out of our chests.
When it was our turn to dangle over 100 metres above the river, we had to decide how we wanted Mike and Arnold to drop us into terror. Options included Spartan-style (being kicked off by an instructor’s foot), hanging upside down, or falling backward off a deck chair, but we chose for the rope to be cut with a knife - for whatever god-forsaken reason we came up with at the time.
They made us WAIT - I slowly watched Arnold cut each and every individual thread and when the final one could no longer hold our weight, it SNAPPED, and we plummeted into the craziest adrenaline rush ever.
Once the free fall turned into a smooth swing, surrounded by stunning Queenstown scenery, I almost didn’t want it to end.
But alas, we were pulled back up, greeted with applause from the other swingers, proud to see us face our fears.
The best part? Keeping the tattered rope as a memento of our bravery and tears shed in the lead-up.
After that adrenaline-fueled adventure, we were in desperate need of a well-earned break. So we were off to check in to the St Moritz - a stunning spot that wasn’t just all about being bougie, but as we soon discovered, sustainability too.
“In an effort to prevent thousands of pairs of disposable hotel slippers being sent to landfill each year”, they offered us reusable cotton bedsocks as a more sustainable (and cosy) alternative.
Something we were looking forward to having seen the reviews on Booking.com was the super spacious room with two king single beds - yes, we both star fished while we had the chance - a TV and a decent-sized bathroom with a lovely shower, which I can confirm was just the right pressure (call me the Goldilocks of hotels, if you will).
Oh, and there were plenty of mirrors - four to be exact - which came in super handy at saving the friendship since we didn’t have to fight over who was getting ready first each day.
We had booked a Garden View room which wasn't quite as 'gram-worthy as we'd hoped, with a big wall blocking a lot of the sunlight - luckily, it was still a good place to have a cuppa and there were heaps of other breathtaking spots for a selfie.
To see what the lake view offered, we headed to the restaurant, Lombardi, where we tucked into a mega steak I struggled to finish and seafood pasta that Jaime devoured. We watched the sunset as we dug into our shared crème brûlée and chocolate brownie - the boyfs wished they were this cute.
Because we were so busy packing in activities, the buffet breakfast (included in our Booking.com reservation) was an ideal and delicious time saver. Think fresh fruit salads, salmon and capers, plus made-to-order pancakes - a personal fave.
Up bright and early to catch an animated show that takes you on a journey through the fascinating history of Lake Wakatipu - literally right under the lake itself.
I won’t spoil too much, but let’s just say we uncovered some of the most interesting details about how Queenstown transformed into the bustling tourism hub it is today.
It felt like a school field trip activity and one you’d often skip out on, but genuinely was an easy watch and gives you a deeper appreciation for Q-town.
We learned about the dinosaurs that once roamed the land, how the lake was carved out by a giant glacier and to top it all off, we got to watch the marine life swim by the giant glass window during feeding time.
After learning about the history of the lake, it was time for us to zoom across it. KJet conveniently took off just above the Time Triper on the wharf.
Our driver had top-tier banter, making the whole ride even more fun. We sat right up front - a big mistake if you don’t want the wind smacking you in the face!
At one point, I nearly lost my headband and sunnies, but I was too busy holding on for dear life to notice!
Flying through both the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers was wild, and the contrast between the two was crazy.
The Kawarau was a beautiful aqua colour and super wide, which made for some epic 360 turns. The Shotover was much narrower and split in loads of different directions - you never knew what path the driver was going to take.
The speed, the spins, and the spray definitely woke us up for our arvo activities.
Not even an hour later we were picked up by our driver from Appellation Wine Tours in the centre of town, but quickly realised - thanks to a couple staying at the same hotel as us - that there’s an option to be picked up from your accommodation.
Our driver was an absolute legend, especially considering it was his first day on the job!
We spent three and a half blissful hours touring three premium vineyards in the southernmost wine region in the world.
Our first stop was Nockie’s Pallatte, followed by Gibston Valley, and then Waitiri Creek. Each vineyard was unique, but the standout moment was exploring one of only two wine caves in NZ - and the largest one at that.
As we enjoyed the wine and cheese platters across the three locations, we learned that our group of 10 had come together from all over the world - two couples from Colorado, a couple from Ireland, and a pair from Perth.
The vibe was fantastic, and we all connected over some great wine, later coming together for cocktails in town. All in all, the wine tour was perfect for making new friends and sampling some of the finest bevvies NZ’s Gibston region has to offer.
You might even want to book a longer tour, ‘cause this one did feel like it went by with a snap of the fingers.
This was the one activity both of us were dreading - and when I say that, I mean we actually told our guide, Shay from Ride to Sky, “we’d never willingly go for a bike ride”, but when in Queenstown…
Spoiler alert: It ended up being the one we loved the most - yes, even over the wine! A shocker for two gals in their 20s, I know.
After cruising - bumpily and shakily - down the test hill, our confidence grew, and we were mentally preparing to tackle the 17.9km ahead.
It was a steep challenge, and I felt like a baby deer trying to walk for the first time, but - by some miracle - we made it to the end.
We biked through 18km of stunning Queenstown landscapes - downhill, uphill, and through forestry - just the three of us.
Along the way, we passed through a private sheep farm and headed toward the historical Shotover Bridge, which was the original entrance and exit road to Queenstown built in 1871 until it was washed away by floods in 1878 and rebuilt as a walkway.
We also explored hidden trails along the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, all while soaking in some stunning views. Familiar ones from the previous day’s JetBoat trip. We were almost feeling like locals by now. They promise “one tour, 100 emotions!” and let me tell you, we definitely felt them all.
We were pleasantly surprised that the eBikes did most of the hard work, allowing us to pace ourselves and enjoy the scenery. But, heads up - there are a few steep sections that’ll have you questioning your fitness, even with the assistance.
It was all worth it for the sense of accomplishment, and the L&P and muesli bar with Shay at the end of the ride - honestly, I wanted to keep going… Jaime, not so much.
And just like that, after a weekend packed with both relaxation and adrenaline, you can bet we slept like babies on the trip back home.
Sophie and Jaime travelled to Queenstown as guests of Booking.com and Destination Queenstown.
If you're planning what to do for 10 days in New Zealand, leaving your rental wheels behind and allowing the team from Appellation Wine Tours to drive you direct to Central Otago's premium vineyards is a must. A highlight of the half-day "Valley of the Wines" tour is a visit to the impressively carved wine cave at the venerable Gibbston Valley Winery where you can sample and buy some of the stellar region's finest drops, including its pioneering pinot noirs. The visit is one of a selection of itineraries on offer if you're looking for ideas on what to do 10 Days in New Zealand. See appellationwinetours.nz
New Zealand’s luxury lodges, invariably owned by wealthy and visionary American benefactors, enjoy an international reputation for their superb locations, sumptuous comforts and fine food and wine. The embodiment of this characteristically Kiwi-style of accommodation is the contemporary Matakauri Lodge, discreetly perched beside a serene stretch of majestic Lake Wakatipu, minutes outside of QueenstownIt's the perfect place to stay if you're wondering what to do 10 days in New Zealand. The tariffs may be as steep as the adjacent mountainsides but the experience is well worth the splurge. See robertsonlodges.com
Where is New Zealand's best restaurant? Auckland? Wellington? Christchurch? No, it's the longstanding and long well-regarded winery restaurant, Amisfield, set at a crossroads on Queenstown's outskirts. In part thanks to it being named Cuisine magazine's 2022 restaurant of the year, there's often a waitlist as long as the wine list for precious tables, a must-visit if planning what to do 10 days in New Zealand. Book ahead if you want to experience chef Vaughan Mabee's skilled and innovative interpretation of the tastes of Aotearoa. See amisfield.co.nz
Time for a break from the puffer and the beanie brigades? If so, all arrows point to a more subdued Arrowtown, only 20 minutes but a world away from Queenstown. A gold rush-era relic, Arrowtown's delightfully-preserved main street includes some suitably golden Kiwi eateries such as the Northern Italian-themed Aosta and its casual offshoot, Little Aosta. Nearby, The Dishery, a most agreeable bistro-style newcomer, open for breakfast and lunch, is helmed by Amisfield chefs and wait staff. Adding a detour to Arrowtown is a great idea when deciding what to do 10 days in New Zealand. See thedishery.co.nz; littleaosta.co.nz; arrowtown.com
Once a 19th-century New Zealand Shipping Office, the rustic Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro is on the shores of the aforementioned lake and, framed by those pleasantly omnipresent snow-capped peaks, a little away from busy central Queenstown. Breakfast, brunch or lunch al fresco and heartily on the deck in summer or snuggled up inside near a raging fire in winter. You won't go wrong with the typically robust Kiwi coffee here either. See boatshedqueenstown.co.nz
The chic Kamana Lakehouse bills itself as the highest altitude hotel-cum-resort in Queenstown, and while it's not exactly set right atop a mountain, its lofty position affords knockout views of the aptly-named The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. The glass-encased, panorama-packing Nest restaurant is perhaps Queenstown's most imposing dining room. There are also some fancy, semi-outdoor and private hot-tubs, replete with views, available for rental houseguests. Adding what to do 10 days in New Zealand often includes staying at remarkable hotels like Kamana. See kamana.co.nz
Hit the wondrously winding road to Glenorchy for a glorious 45-minute alpine drive from Queenstown. Nestled on the northern shores of the lake, Glenorchy itself is more village than town with the point of the trip being the sight of the dramatic surrounding Middle Earth scenery which acted as locations for The Lord of the Rings and Narnia flicks. It's also action stations central for everything from jet boating to cycling and walking to kayaking. See queenstownnz.co.nz
Thermal hot-springs-blessed Kiwis adore a good soak, as they call a therapeutic steamy dip, so it's no wonder that the well-run Japanese-style Onsen, nestled in the mountains at Arthurs Point, is so popular. Reserve your private, cedar-lined bath well before your head across that other well-filled tub known as the Tasman. You can order wine and snacks as you immerse yourself in both the warm waters and the surrounding mountains and valley outlook, adding relaxation to your list of what to do 10 days in New Zealand. See onsen.co.nz
In the middle of a frigid Queenstown winter, or for that matter any season, there are few cosy and more congenial places to eat and drink than Tanoshi, an izakaya (a lively Japanese bar serving small, typically inexpensive, dishes and drinks). Tucked away in the always mooing Cow Lane in the lively Queenstown CBD, perch yourself up at the counter for the best view of the action and some craic with the amiable crew. See tanoshi.co.nz
Rather than flying in directly, tackle the so-called "Powder Highway" to Queenstown from Christchurch. This almost 500-kilometre inland scenic road trip traces its route along the mighty Southern Alps with the drive at its most dramatic in winter. Including a scenic drive as one of the activities is popular when planning what to do 10 days in New Zealand. See christchurchnz.com
Anthony Dennis visited as a guest of Tourism New Zealand, QueenstownNZ and Air New Zealand. See newzealand.com; queenstownnz.co.nz; airnewzealand.com.au
QUEENSTOWN IS BEST known as New Zealand’s adventure travel capital, with its ski fields on the imposing Remarkables and surrounding mountains, jet-boat rides and, of course, bungee jumping. But this South Island town has also become an epicentre for sustainable tourism ventures. These ventures address the growing demand for more environmentally responsible holidays. Embrace the thrilling organic wine trail here by doing the rounds of certified-organic wineries. These wineries make magnificent pinot noirs and white varietals. Take a tour of rugged Queenstown backcountry in a Tesla Model X powered by renewable energy. Then, return to town for a night of locally sourced fine dining. Finally, retire to a five-star hotel that’s enthusiastically embraced sustainable practices.
Encouraging the drive to more responsible tourism is a national government with an appetite to address the challenges of climate change. This government has committed the country to becoming a world leader in climate action. Then there’s the partnership between Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, the Department of Conservation and the Maori tourism body, among others, to develop the Tiaki Promise. This initiative encourages both overseas and Kiwi travellers to experience the country in a considerate way. It aims to protect New Zealand’s environment for future generations and respects local cultures. Visitors are asked to commit to the Tiaki Promise at the beginning of their journey to New Zealand. For full details, go to tiakinewzealand.com, perhaps before embarking on the organic wine trail.
The Central Otago wine region is home to dozens of world-class wineries, including more than its fair share of organic producers. In fact, around 25 per cent of the vineyard land area in the region is certified organic or biodynamic. This is well above the national average. Appellation Wine Tours can create a customized itinerary. This itinerary will allow visits to the cellar doors of some of the leading sustainable wineries along the organic wine trail of Central Otago. This may include Quartz Reef, a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking led by Austrian-born Rudi Bauer. Bauer converted the first vineyard in the region to organic production, starting the process in 1989. This process took three years to complete. You can sample Quartz Reef’s award-winning biodynamic sparkling wines, pinot gris, and pinot noir at its tasting room in the town of Cromwell.
Then there’s Peregrine, on the main road out of Queenstown in the Gibbston Valley. It was certified organic across its range of whites and pinot noir in 2017. Peregrine director Fraser McLachlan says being organic “is a no-brainer for us”. “As a kid I sprayed herbicide [in the vineyard] but I didn’t understand it. Now that we’ve converted to organic, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s just as commercially viable as non-organics once you get through the conversion process. The process is better for the environment and it’s better for our staff, knowing they're part of the organic wine trail. They know that they’re not having to inhale or touch poisonous products. Additionally, they know the soil is being looked after as well.”
For Carrick, a small Bannockburn winery, the need to care for the soil prompted a move to organic and biodynamic practices. All its wines have been certified organic since 2011. “The soils here are really poor: they’re old glacial loess, really sandy, high in minerals but low in organic matter,” says Carrick winemaker Rosie Menzies. “So to encourage organic matter in the soil, organics is really important, as is biodynamics.” Alongside pinot noirs, chardonnays, and Rieslings, Carrick also produces a surprisingly drinkable natural wine, the Billet Doux pinot noir. Sample them at the winery’s restaurant, which serves hearty fare such as slow-cooked lamb for lunch daily. This embodies the essence of the organic wine trail, using produce from its kitchen garden.
Office Phone
+6434426920
After-hours Mobile
Call or SMS +64276015553
Email
bookings@appellationwinetours.nz
Postal Address
PO Box 130, Queenstown, New Zealand
