Nestled in a valley on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is notorious for its range of cafés, restaurants and bars. The breathtaking lake and mountain setting and vast array of adventure and leisure activities are what make Queenstown one of the worlds most popular scenic resort towns.
The spectacular drive from Te Anau to Queenstown offers some of the most amazing views I’ve seen on this trip so far.
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www.exploretainment.comThe Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
This was my second time staying at the Novotel in Queenstown and I was yet again very impressed with both the room and the service provided by Novotel staff. I would definitely stay a 3rd, 4th and 5th time here.
As we pulled up alongside an Audi and a BMW, our Wicked Camper van looked very out of place. I can’t imagine that the Novotel Queenstown does not see too many of those driving into their turning circle.
www.exploretainment.comHowever, Mike who is head of concierge did not seem put off by our choice of vehicle and kindly helped us unload our ‘light’ load of bags onto a trolley and up to our room.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside boasts a superb location right on the shore of Queenstown’s beautiful Lake Wakatipu and is only a minute’s stroll to the centre of town. When walking into town we usually walked along the lakeside, which provides breathtaking lake and mountain views.
The four star hotel offers a choice of 273 contemporary and private guest rooms, each creatively designed for natural living. With satellite television and broadband Internet, every modern convenience is on hand for the wellbeing of their guests.
Our stylish and modern room featured two double beds, an ensuite with a bath, and a decent sized balcony overlooking the courtyard. The comfortable bed, soft duvet and harmonious colours helped create a haven of personal space and provided an amazing night’s sleep.
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For information on prices visit their website at: www.novotel.co.nz
TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship
www.exploretainment.comLaunched by New Zealand Rain in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the last surviving and the grandest steamship to have ever graced Lake Wakatipu. In two years she will be 100 years old, the same age as the Titanic. Some of the features on the boat even reminded me of the Titanic- it was like passage back in time. Luckily there are no icebergs around here to bring down the Earnslaw.
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www.exploretainment.comBelow deck, the steam engines hiss and thud as the stokers shovel coal into the glowing fireboxes. Passengers are able to explore the decks including the engine room, so you can gain an insight as to what it would be like for a stoker.
www.exploretainment.comIt was so peaceful to just relax on board and view the stunning alpine scenery while enjoying a cheese puff from the Promenade Café. There was even a pianist on board- talk about reliving the Titanic era.
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www.exploretainment.comOnce we arrived at Walter Peak High Country Farm we disembarked to experience real high country farming life.
Walter Peak Farm Excursion
www.exploretainment.comWalter Peak High Country Farm is beautifully situated on Lake Wakatipu’s south-western shores. When we first arrived we were met with a vision of a grand homestead and extensive beautiful lakeside gardens.
www.exploretainment.comOur host Lloyd, originally a bus driver for Real Journeys, took us on a walking tour of Walter Peak’s farmyard. Lloyd had a very wicked sense of humour and had the group in fits of laughter as we visited the deer, sheep, alpacas and the highlander cows. I had never seen a Scottish Highland Cattle before and they are very impressive creatures. Kids would have a ball here feeding the sheep and getting up close and personal with a real live Bambi.
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www.exploretainment.comAfter the animal feeding we strolled back through the lakeside gardens to the Colonel’s Homestead for a traditional morning tea. A lovely lady named Laura served us tea and coffee with delicious homemade treats.
www.exploretainment.comThen it was back to action, watching Meg the farm dog bring in the sheep from the surrounding hills. It was hilarious watching a group of around 10 sheep come flying down the hill with Meg close on their backside. All the while Lloyd is directing Meg in a low but stern voice.
As the first signs of rain began all gathered in the under covered area to watch Lloyd shear a sheep.
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www.exploretainment.comThe next step is spinning the wool and Laura made it look so easy as she gave a brief demonstration. I volunteered when she asked if anyone would like to have a try. It definitely is not as easy as she made it look but I got the hang of it after a while. Kind of.
www.exploretainment.comAfter a long and fun filled day it was time to board the TSS Earnslaw and head back to Queenstown.
Nomads Backpackers
Nomads Queenstown Backpackers is less than a year old and feels more like a hotel than a backpackers. I guess you could call it a ‘Flashpacker’- a flashy backpackers. However don’t be put off by its size, the staff are really, really friendly and maintain the quality and charm of a small backpackers.
Located one street over from Novotel Queenstown, the Novotel staff allowed us to borrow a trolley to cart our luggage across the street. This made life a lot easier as we didn’t have to reload the van only to unload it two seconds later.
Designed with all budget travellers in mind, the purpose built Nomad backpacers hostel has a variety of room types. From small and large dorms with or without an ensuite to private ensuite rooms with wide screen Sky TV. We were lucky enough to stay in a private ensuite room that had an oversized balcony featuring magnificent views of the lake and mountains.
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This would have to be by far one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. I was honestly gobsmacked when we arrived because it’s just so damn nice! With a great location and amazing facilities this backpackers has everything going for it to ensure you have a perfect holiday. They even have a cinema lounge with Sky TV and a sauna.
Prices start from $25. For more information visit their website at: www.nomadshostels.com
Skyline Gondola
Located high above Queenstown, you can experience Queenstown’s most spectacular view from the Skyline Gondola. From Coronet Peak to the north, The Remarkable mountain range to the east, and across the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, it’s a panoramic view that is magnificent and awe-inspiring.
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www.exploretainment.comThe 5 minute gondola ride to the top also provides some magnificent views.
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www.exploretainment.comWhilst taking in the view we watched people burn it up on the luge, racing around the bends and speeding through the tunnels. Then they would hop on the chairlift and do it all again. Some people weren’t so interested in the speed but rather the view and cruised sedately down the scenic track.
The Gondola is open daily from 9am until late.
Welcome to Queenstown Party at ‘The World Bar’
So much for Queenstown being dubbed as a party town, out of 200 invites and 44 R.S.V.Ps only two people showed up. Yes you read correctly, only two people. What a dismal response! Sam Horsnell from Kingsgate Hotel and Janelle Reid from Blue Peaks attended dressed in kiwiana theme and scored themselves a voucher for Mr Vintage t-shirts. We were very appreciative that at least they showed up to represent their companies and tourism in Queenstown.
Despite the appalling turnout The World Bar were still generous enough to half my bill at the end of the night, which was very kind of them.
During the day, The World Bar becomes a restaurant and is renowned for their steaks and an all-around reasonably priced menu. You can enjoy their meals on the outdoor deck purpose built for watching the sunset or dine in one of their comfortable booths inside.
After dusk the real fun begins (well so we thought) when the restaurant becomes a lively party and the Queenstown wildlife come out to play. DJs, competitions, and a spirited atmosphere, ensure you will have an unforgettable night at The World Bar- it could also be due to their half-priced tea pots between 9pm and 10pm every night.
3 comments:
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Pousadas em Arraial Do Cabo
nice post and informative for travel, Queenstown nice place ...Queenstown Bar
nice pots......
i love Queenstown
Queenstown Bars
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