Queenstown, an adrenaline junkies’ haven, gets everyone’s blood pumping. Foodie paradise with great wine, adventures for all, mind-blowing landscapes, and top-notch accommodation. Need extra convincing? These recommendations from Lightfoot Travel will have you packing immediately and heading straight to Middle Earth!
Eat
Rata: Tucked away in a quiet little corner, this contemporary modern décor restaurant has a killer cheese platter and a duck-for-two main dish that over delivers.
Rata
Botswana Butchery: Best experienced during the summer months while you bask in the sun during dinner, this restaurant has an outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Wakatipu. What’s on the menu? Excellent steak, which is what you would expect from a butchery! The fish dishes are also exquisitely grilled.
Jervois Steakhouse: JSH is so much more than a steakhouse; it is a traditional steakhouse boasting some of the best meats in Queenstown as well as world famous Red King Crab, Oysters, Prawns and more. Whilst there, pop by their meat storage fridge and marvel at your raw cuts in their cured glory.
Botswana Butchery
Drink
A trip to New Zealand would be incomplete without a wine tour. Though a new-comer on the wine scene, there are great wineries and delicious wines being produced there. Lightfoot Travel can organise a private wine tour for you. Domain Road and Peregrine Wines are a must visit for lovely wines and modern wineries.
Wine-Tasting
Play
Queenstown can easily, and truthfully, be described as a playground for all ages. From relaxing and soothing to scream-worthy and adrenaline-pumping, there’s never a dull moment in Middle Earth.
Board a helicopter and marvel at Milford Sound’s beauty as you soar above the fjords. Land atop one of the glaciers for a truly once in a lifetime experience.
Horse-Back Riding
Horse-back riding in Glenorchy, part of the Lord of the Rings movie set, is a spectacular way to admire the scenery. If you’re a true LOTR fan, let Lightfoot Travel know in advance, and you can even ride one of the horses used in the movie!
Fan of board sports? You’ll definitely enjoy river surfing! Hang on to a floating buoy as you are pulled down the river by a speedboat. Spin into whirlpools and wash down mini rapids. There’s nothing quite like it! (Only available during the summer months: November to March).
Bungee Jumping
Whilst in NZ, try out the national sport (which was created there): Bungee jumping!
If you’re heading to Queenstown during the winter season (June to August), don’t forget to head for the mountains and make the most of that powder. If you’re feeling adventurous, go heli-skiing, another national sport.
Stay
Eichardt’s Private Hotel: Built in the mid-19th century, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s Private Hotel is an elegant downtown retreat, perfect for being smack in the middle of all the excitement!
Azur Luxury Lodge
Azur Luxury Lodge: Also on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, in a calmer setting, the Azur Luxury Lodges exudes modern New Zealand style with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The views from the bathrooms are astounding! A great place for a romantic getaway with your special someone.
Top Image: Milford Sound
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All images provided by Lightfoot Travel