Let me just stand here in complete awe for a while, I am taking in the splendid view of the absolutely correctly named mountain range called The Remarkables. This area around them has it all and has to be on your bucket list. If you don’t have one yet, write it just for this place. And to think I did not want to come here in the first place, but let me start again.
Lots to See and Do
Queenstown is a small town on New Zealand’s South Island and the perfect starting point for day trips to the surrounding lakes, for exploring the Western fjordlands including Milford Sound and – not to be forgotten about – for fun in the snow. After all, Queenstown is an alpine resort with a wide range of winter sports on offer.
After a long day on the white slopes, there are shops and restaurants offering diversion and food opportunities en masse. The most popular foodwise seems to be the famous Ferg Burger. The price is decent for a town that centers around tourists spending their money, the portions guarantee to satisfy hungry wolfs and the taste will also make you think twice about running up the only McDonald’s around the corner.
Exploring Nature
Walking off those new calories or taking in the fresh air, there are two ways to take everything of Queenstown in. First, the Queenstown Gardens are good options. From the first settlements in this area, the peninsula was kept as a park and what a tranquil park it is. Walk through rows of old trees or stroll along the rugged shoreline and find yourself overlooking Lake Wakatipu with a brilliant sky overhead that perfectly drapes picturesque clouds around the mountains that line the horizon.
The second option – and I strongly recommend doing both – is suited for those fit on their feet and on a hunt for a small hike. Several paths lead up to Bob’s Peak and through magical fairy tale forest. The scenery changes a lot during that 30min hike and you will be absolutely enchanted but the actual wonder reveals itself to you at the top.
Be Stunned
Take a deep breath and gaze over the beauty that Queenstown is. The snowclad Remarkables in the back, the tree covered Kelvin Heights in the foreground and the city at your feet are most stunning during sunset and when the night has fallen. So take a seat in the glass pained sky lounge and gaze out before you hop on the steepest gondola of the Southern Hemisphere and descend upon the glistening rows of light. No need to dream when your eyes just want to be wide open.
The English version of the article appeared on traveldudes.com
Monica Sharma says
The Alps was the best travel experience of mine, it’s such an amazing destination to travel for.It always stuns travelers with its beauty and nature.Great share.
Annemarie Strehl says
Hi Monica, the Alps are a great destination, I agree. So stunning! (And I loved the food^^)