Queesntown Luxury and Adventure in 3 days

(57 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Dawn Thompson

Bremerton, WA
South Island New Zealand Travel Agent Specialist

  “Certain things in life simply have to be experienced” -Paula CoelhaRichGreetings! 

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Dawn Thompson

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Top of Bob's Peak looking over Lake Wakatipu, NZ

 


As I boarded my Air New Zealand flight I was greeted with true Kiwi hospitality. I quickly settled into my Business Premier seat and knew the next 14 hours would be very comfortable. My lie flat seat, the individual screen of entertainment with noise cancelling headphones and a menu with a range of snacks and premium wines. I should mention the memory foam mattress, 2 pillows and cozy duvet made me feel snug as I settled in my seat for a good night’s rest after a freshly prepared dinner. 


Great first day in Queenstown New Zealand. I am staying at Azur Luxury Lodge in a one-bedroom villa that has floor to ceiling windows that look straight out on to the mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu. I grabbed a quick bit eat in town at a little casual cafe called Caribe Latin Kitchen and walked around enjoying the views of the lake. I made my way back to the lodge and had a few glasses of wine and a soaked in my jetted tub with New Zealand bath salts. My villa was so cozy with its under floor heating and fireplace. I feel asleep feeling like a queen.


Up before the sun rises. Spent the morning on a Lord of the Rings tour venturing deep into Middle Earth. I saw stunning ancient beaches, glacier carved valleys, Mt Aspiring national Park and the Dart River Valley. The birds were singing, and the flora and fauna was so unique. You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to enjoy this tour but if you are, the experience is one of a kind. We even got to dress up in a Lord of the Rings costume and have a sword flight in the Lothlorien Forest.


This afternoon I walked through the Queenstown Gardens, which was incredible and one of the free activities you can do in Queenstown. I finished the evening atop Bob's Peak by Skyline Gondola having dinner and stargazing.


Another morning where I woke up before sunrise but worth it. I did a very special walk called Lakeshore's and Birds.  I was not too keen to start since it was raining and steep and I was a bit nervous. 15 minutes in, I was enjoying it so much I did not care that I stepped in a puddle and had wet feet. The birds were singing and showing off their fan tails and the water was glistening all different colors and the sun peaked its head out. It was an unforgettable 4-hour journey. So glad I kept going!


I spent my afternoon on the Shotover River doing 360 spins and speeding over shallow waters in narrow canyons. There was so much adrenaline at 90 kilometers an hour. So glad I had a go pro to record it. It was then time to slow down so I jumped on the TSS Earnslaw (1912), the last coal operated steam ship across Lake Wakitipu to Walter Peak Farm at sunset. On such a big day I needed a quick meal, so I stopped at the famous Ferburger and grabbed dinner and brought it back to my villa to enjoy with a glass of NZ red wine. 


This morning I had my last breakfast at Azur Lodge (they use real buttermilk in their pancakes), I am really going to miss this place. Mid-morning, I was picked up for a small group wine tour where I met some lovely welsh people from Wales as well as America. We stopped at a unique winery called Wild Earth where we produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but also serve earth barrel food. We also visited Scott Base and Mt Rosa. 


Tonight, I checked in to Matakauri Lodge (this is where prince William and Kate stayed). It sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and has panoramic views of the Remarkables, Cecil and Walter Peak. The lodge has glass stone and timber mixed to give a understated luxury feel. I met an Aussie couple over pre dinner drinks, and they invited me to have dinner at their table. We sat and talked about travelling all evening over a five-course dinner that consisted of fresh cuisine that was heavily influenced based on the region.  By 11pm I headed to bed. It was the last time I have stayed up in NZ so far. The company, wine and food made the late night so worth it. 


 


 


  

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