Title: How to Spend a Weekend in Queenstown If you’re lucky enough to visit New Zealand, Queenstown will be top of your priority list. Known as the Adventure Capital of the World, the city isn’t actually that big, but it still feels like there’s endless things to do. I’ve never been to New Zealand, but it’s definitely on my travel list. Some of the things I like to do in Queenstown are:
Head to Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown Gardens offers a great way to see the famous Lake Wakatipu from land. Aside from the beautiful views, there are also fun things to do. The gardens feature both a priority walking path and a frisbee golf course. It’s a great place to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a picnic on a sunny day. Alternatively, if you visit between April and October (New Zealand’s cooler months), there are ice arenas to enjoy here as well, at least that’s what I like to do.
Discover the hype around Fergburger
Local restaurant Fergburger has earned a reputation for serving the best burgers in the world. Its reputation is backed up by long lines outside the restaurant at almost any time of the day. Fergburger offers several types of meat in different styles, including beef, chicken, lamb, and pork. There are also vegetarian options if you want to swap the meat for falafel or tofu. And with gluten-free burgers (I’m a big gluten-free fan these days), just about anyone can find something to like at this famous burger joint. In short, it’s really worth waiting in the long line.
Spend an evening at an ice bar
Popsicle bars are most commonly found in countries that already experience cold weather, and Queenstown is no exception. This is because we have winter weather for part of the year. So there are a few bars in town made of ice. A drinking glass is also included! However, it’s different from a casual bar in that you have to pay an entrance fee, but I think it’s worth it at least once. Drinks are reasonably priced, and the ice sculptures inside make for great photos (Insta options are here). Don’t worry about it being too cold. Very warm parkas and gloves are provided for customers.
Spend the night at Sky City
Queenstown is a great place to get that adrenaline rush, but you don’t have to limit yourself to commonly advertised activities like bungee jumping or skydiving. A visit to SKYCITY Queenstown will be a very enjoyable experience, especially if you are coming from a place where casino gaming is difficult to access. Although New Zealand’s traditional casinos are losing some business to domestic gambling and casino websites, SKYCITY is still doing well in its own right and we think there’s still something appealing about experiencing it first-hand. At the very least, you should enjoy dinner and drinks at the casino’s fantastic restaurant, Wild Thyme, or catch one of the occasional comedy or theater shows.
Enjoy the lake from the water
Lake Wakatipu is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The snow-capped mountains in the background are perfectly reflected in the clear blue water, making it a sight to behold. The water is so attractive that I think you can get very close to it through a boat outing. Queenstown, a city that promotes adventure, offers wild “jetboat” rides, after which you must change. But if you want to stay warm and dry, there are also more sedate scenic tours that allow you to enjoy the stunning surroundings in silence.
Complete your shopping at the local market
When I travel, I always love finding unique and authentic souvenirs for friends and family, which can feel difficult in places like Queenstown where shopping is clearly geared towards tourists. But then I discovered that there is a lovely arts and crafts market every Saturday in the park near the lake, selling wares from local artists and vendors. This market is conveniently located in a central location, but if you’re looking to venture a bit further out of town (and focus more on your experience rather than souvenirs), you might also consider The Remarkables Market, where you’ll find fresh produce and delicious takeout food. This market is also held every Saturday morning.
Hopefully, these suggestions have prepared you for the perfect weekend in Queenstown!
