I travelled to Queenstown for the first time in March this year, to run a conference event for around 200 people. And it was a truly fantastic and memorable few days.
What an amazing destination – I don’t ever really know where to begin, there are so many great things to talk about!
At the moment, we are in the middle of a bumper ski season, and skiing is probably what is the most talked about when people are discussing Queenstown as a destination. Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona are the most popular South Island mountain resorts, and they cater for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. People can also take up the opportunity to do Night Skiing and Heli Skiing. The ski season usually runs from mid June to early October, and is definitely the most popular time to visit Queenstown.
BUT, it’s not all about skiing and obviously there was no snow when I was there in March, even though the weather was a little fresh! Queenstown is an adventure Mecca – bungee jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, and 4WD tours through “Lord of the Rings” country are some of the activities on offer.
And for the ‘not so adventurous’, enjoy the Gondola, Luge & Skyline Restaurant, take a day trip to Milford Sound, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw and visit to the Walter Peak High Country Farm or just take a wander around the beautiful and quaint town.
A trip to New Zealand would not be complete without enjoying some of their fantastic wines, there are lots of wine tasting experiences to choose from. A trip to nearby Arrowtown is a ‘must’… a quaint town but with a couple of amazing wineries close by. Amisfield Winery & Bistro is set above the majestic Lake Hayes and has stunning views overlooking the lake, Coronet Peak and the Remarkables. The Pinot Noir is divine, and it is a fantastic place to stop for lunch, sit back and relax.
Gibbston Valley Winery is also another good spot, and located very close to Amisfield. We held a superb group dinner there in March and it was a great night. The group enjoyed canapés and drinks in their lovely courtyard , followed by wine tasting in their unique underground cave area, and then a sumptuous dinner in the ‘barn’ and a good time was had by all.
The nightlife in Queenstown is plentiful – bars and restaurants galore, and something to suit all tastes and budgets.
For the ‘foodies’ out there, one of the most spectacular restaurants I’ve ever been to is in Queenstown. The ‘Botswana Butchery’ is a hidden treasure and was highly recommended to me. The menu is delectable and unique – rabbit, pheasant, duck, beef, venison, lamb and chicken (something for everyone – except vegetarians!). Exquisite wines and fine dining at its best, and with a fantastic ambiance and setting.
‘The Cow’ is tucked away behind the main Mall area and is a traditional style bar/restaurant, small and quaint, a roaring fireplace and a ‘share’ tables due to its size. They serve great pizza, pasta and salads. And everyone needs to experience a burger at ‘Fergburger’ and have a drink in the ‘Below Zero’ Ice Bar (more than 20 tonnes of hand sculpted ice, everything is made of ice… but it features a real gas fireplace, amazing!!).
Queenstown is a magnificent destination, something for everyone and a terrific location for conferences, groups and events, as well as for your next family holiday – Summer or Winter.