Queenstown Awaits You

Queenstown. Our national Adventure Capital, and home of holiday experiences quite unlike any other, this is a destination for relaxers and thrill-seekers alike! This week we caught up with Kylie Wright, one of our resident Travel Advisors from Wright & Turner Travel Associates in Petone to find out her favourite ways to experience the wonders of our most iconic tourist hub!

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Kylie’s travel list ticks off literally every continent (including Antarctica) – she’s literally circumnavigated the globe. Of course, much of this is thanks to her four years working aboard the luxurious cruise ships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. She says, “I’m so lucky to have been able to visit so many different countries, from the wilds of Argentina to the desert kingdom of Oman. And it’s almost impossible to pick a favourite – every travel experience has been amazing for different reasons.”

Kylie’s Top place to Stay

The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments.  Offering a variety of accommodation, this amazing retreat even has 3 bedroom/ 3 bathroom Lakeside Residences, all with terraces, with fantastic views across to the Lake and Mountains. Great for a romantic getaway or larger groups. We recently holidayed here and it was such a treat to be able to relax so comfortably and have a place where we could just sloth after a full day of exploring and fun!

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The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments, Queenstown. Credit: The Rees Hotel

Consider these other options:

1. The Peppers Beacon Queenstown delivers majestic comforts. Perfectly placed to help you explore the Adventure Capital, you’ll find yourself surrounded in stylish comforts whether you’re in a lakeside room, suite or deluxe penthouse! Each room is luxuriously designed to ensure you experience true relaxation and leisure.

2. A name known worldwide, the beautiful Hilton Queenstown delivers a truly supreme level of hotel hospitality. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, you’ll find that the quiet lap of the waters on the shore compliment the privacy and intimacy you’ll experience here.  With well-decorated and plush guest rooms that are designed with your comfort in mind, and a spectacular array of on-site facilities and amenities, this will be a true keystone in any Queenstown getaway. 

3. Awe inspiring views are just the beginning at the exceptional Heritage Queenstown. Soak in the view of the towering Remarkables mountain rage as you relax and indulge in everything that’s on offer. Fall asleep in the decadence of your hotel room, and rejuvenate both body and mind. 

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Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown. Credit: Getty Images

Kylie’s Top thing to Do 

If you're into thrill seeking - the Shotover Jet is perfect for you. Fast turns, rapid speeds and breathtaking views all contribute to an exhilarating experience which is perfect for lovers of getting the adrenaline peaking! If you’re more into relaxing and taking in the magnificent views however, then a trip up the Skyline Gondola is the perfect way to take in everything that Queenstown has on show. Couple this with a luge package and race your way down the mountainside, finding competition aplenty amongst your friends and family. 

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Paragliding over Queenstown. Credit: Getty Images

Consider these other options:

1. Dive from the heights on a 12,000ft Tandem Skydive. Get your heart racing as you zoom towards the earth taking in the breathtaking sights of Queenstown from the heavens! Or Paragliding might be more your thing.

2. Take a leisurely cycle with many self-guided tours available. Cycle through woods, bike the bridges or just casually meander around the city, soaking up the culture and vibrancy that awaits. 

3. Have a blast with the whole family on a Kea 6-Zipline experience, and traverse through native beech forests as you plummet over 30 stories at speeds of up to 70kph - definitely worth experiencing!

Kylie’s Top place to Eat 

UNDOUBTEDLY has to be Fergburger. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all mouthwatering and it’s just too difficult to pick a favourite. It is extremely popular however so I would recommend setting aside a bit of time to order and wait. There’s plenty to view around here however, and you’ll be just two streets back from the harbour/waterfront which is worth walking along during those summer sunsets. They have also developed this area though, so you’ll find a bakery, pub and gelato shop all next to each other, alongside Ferburger!

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Gourmet burger. Credit: Getty Images

Consider these other options:

1. Botswana Butchery is as iconic as Queenstown itself! Located in the historic Archer’s Cottage with incredible lake views, and signature roaring log fires inside and out, this is one of Queenstown’s most premier restaurants and dining experiences. Warm ambience, year round, contributes to the comfort of spending extensive amounts of time here. Indulge in an extensive range of premium meat and seafood options with sides and sauces to compliment any of the amazing array of cuisine.

2. The Bunker Restaurant. A premium cocktail and late-night lounge, as well as an exceptional restaurant, this is one of Queenstowns’ best kept secrets dating back to 1997! Small, quiet intimacy ensures exceptional quality and service, and the dim lighting will keep your dining experience calm and personable. Sample exceptional European and Kiwi flavours crafted by the Executive Chef in this ‘rustic fine dining’ experience!

3. Tucked away right in the heart of bustling Queenstown, Rātā creates genuine dining experiences that boast well-balanced and inspired kiwi flavours. Coupled with attentive service, you’ll find your experience here to be delicious, inventive and incredibly generous ensuring you never leave feeling hungry! Indulge in flavours that are so iconically New Zealand that you’ll savour every bite!

Kylie’s Favourite Hidden Spot

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Arrowtown, New Zealand. Credit: Getty Images

This would be, without a doubt, Arrowtown -  We love to visit this quiet corner of the region where you’ll find a charming and quirky ambience! A historic gold-mining town, it still retains much of its original architecture which lends to the overall appeal of this township. The Provisions Cafe in the historic cottage in Arrowtown is one of our favourites to dine at when we’re down there. Great coffee, a seasonal menu, cabinet food and baking that makes you yearn for more!

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