In the world of winter wonderlands, Queenstown takes top billing. This is a snow-lover’s dream retreat, offering plenty of things to see and do for a variety of budgets. Whether you’re hopping a jet or grabbing a motorhome for hire in Queenstown to see the sights, there’s plenty in store for an avid traveller.
As travel enthusiasts ourselves, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate this beautiful region of Aotearoa. Read on for a low-down on what to do in Queenstown, where to eat, and even a few tips to make your stay a little more special.
When to Go to Queenstown
Many travellers believe that Queenstown is only worth seeing in the winter months when the snow is thickest and the ski fields are most popular. While that is a beautiful time of year for this region, the truth is that Queenstown is a year-round destination.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect if you hit up this part of the world at different times of the year:
• Summer (December to February): This is peak outdoor season, with long, warm days that let you get outside and explore what the town has to offer without needing to bundle up. This is an ideal time to try out many of the adrenaline-pumping activities Queenstown is known for, such as scenic cycling trails or a trip to Shotover Canyon.
• Autumn (March to May): In Autumn, Queenstown turns into the ideal spot for a relaxing retreat. There is stunning wine, delicious eateries, and all the beautiful scenery you could ever ask for. Take a spot at one of the many boutique day spas in town, or enjoy a day on the lake.
• Winter (June to August): Possibly the most well-visited time in Queenstown, winter lets you see this region at its most snow-covered. The mountains are majestic, the four world-class ski fields are open, and the nighttime après-ski scene is alive and well.
• Spring (September to November): See the gardens, embark on a wine tour, and generally do anything you can to get outdoors, because Queenstown is unforgettable in spring. Flowers bloom everywhere you go, and the temperature is perfect for some outdoor adventures. Great camping weather!
What to Do in Queenstown
Hop a Wine Tour
Queenstown is well-known for its stunning wines and scenery, so is it any wonder that the wine tours here are out of this world? There are 75 wineries within a 20-minute drive of Queenstown proper; some of our favourites include:
• The Barrel Room Cellar Door in Ayrburn
• The Stoneridge Estate Cellar Door
• The Rockburn Cellar Door
Hit the Luge with the Family
If you have your family in two and you’re looking for an attraction that does it all, you can’t do better than the Queenstown luge. You start by riding a cable car to the tip of the mountain, enjoying some stunning views. Then, head up to the luge so the kids (and you!) can enjoy a thrilling ride down one of New Zealand’s longest luge tracks.
There are also several places to eat on-site, a jellybean gift shop, and a great souvenir spot to pick up a memento.
Get Your Blood Pumping at Shotover Canyon
Feeling the need for speed? Then Shotover Canyon is your destination. The canyon is known all around the world as the place to go if you need to get your heart rate up. There are two thrill-seeking adventures to choose from, including:
• The Canyon Swing: Leap from a cliff for a 60-foot freefall over one of Queenstown’s icy glacier-fed rivers. The bungy cord will catch you, swinging you in a wide 200m arc before you’re safely brought back up for round two.
• The Shotover Jet: If that’s not enough, you can combine your swing with a jet boat ride across the same river you just leapt over, complete with high-speed turns and plenty of white water. Not for the faint of heart!
Where to Eat in Queenstown
So now you know what you can get up to on your trip, let’s look at where to eat in Queenstown.
Food and Wine Neighbourhood – Ayrburn
No list of places to eat in Queenstown is complete without mentioning Ayrburn. This is a neighbourhood of different food and wine destinations, all gathered together onto a single historical farm.
Different renovated farm buildings have been reimagined as delicious foodie destinations; you could easily spend the whole day there sampling unique menus! From food and wine to the region’s best ice cream at The Dairy, this is a must-try for campervan travellers.
Elegant and Delicious – The Gin Garden
The Gin Garden is run by Broken Hearts Gin, the region’s #1 maker and distributor of botanical gin. Expect a refined menu, delicious food, and a great atmosphere. Most of all, expect delicious drinks! You might want to grab a taxi to this one so you can sample a wide range of the drinks menu. But even if you don’t indulge, the food is easily good enough to warrant a family trip.
An Unforgettable Meal – Walter Peak Gourmet Dining
Finally, one of the most iconic experiences in Queenstown is a trip aboard the TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship. An incredible meal is preceded by a vintage cruise that will take you from Queenstown proper to the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant.
The menu is decided by whatever stunning local produce is available that day, so no two experiences are alike. If you have a little cash to burn and want something unforgettable to add to the album, this restaurant is for you.
See Queenstown your way with Kia Ora Campers.
No matter when you’re travelling to this iconic corner of the South Island, Kia Ora Campers has your back. We’re leading providers of high-quality motorhome hire in New Zealand, ensuring your trip is both comfortable and affordable! Our promise is to be 100% accessible at all times so you can hit the open road with ultimate peace of mind.
Browse our range of affordable, high-quality 2, 3, and 4-berth motorhomes for hire in Queenstown today.