The ultimate guide to visiting Queenstown
When you tell someone you’re visiting Queenstown and are after some insider tips, the most common things you’re likely to hear are “ooo, make sure you try the adventure activities” and “ahhh, you HAVE to get a burger at Ferburger” and “make sure to visit the heavenly Onsen Hot Pools”.
There are all fabulous tips, but there is SO much more to this cosmopolitan city and its majestic beauty than what it’s stereotypically ‘famous’ for.
New Zealand’s mecca of all things trendy, tasty and indulgent, Queenstown offers delectable dining, lavish accommodation and exquisite pampering options. There is always a sense of excitement here – so join us as we walk you through our favourite spots to visit when in Queenstown!
New Zealand’s mecca of all things trendy, tasty and indulgent, Queenstown offers delectable dining, lavish accommodation and exquisite pampering options. There is always a sense of excitement here – so join us as we walk you through our favourite spots to visit when in Queenstown!
STAY
QT Queenstown, 30 Brunswick Street
Seize the stay at this boutique hotel, which bills itself as ‘plush playtime luxe’. This arty hotel sits along Wakatipu’s shoreline and all rooms capitalise on the lake and mountain views. Expect modern service and style, a heated pool and an upmarket buffet concept restaurant. A 10-minute walk from the bars, lunch spots and adventure tourism operators.
EAT
There are so many dining options in Queenstown!
For brunch, you can’t go past The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Cycle or walk along the Frankton Track or arrive by boat at the Frankton Marina. Their seasonal menu features the very best, locally sourced produce.
The Chorizo scrambled eggs on crispy potatoes with rocket, tomato salsa & feta is out-of-this-world!
For the lunch, explore the renowned wine scene and book lunch at the renowned Akarua Winery. Handcrafted cuisine, sourced from in and around the four coasts of our South Island. Or take a drive to the Cardrona Pub - Rumoured to be the most photographed building in New Zealand, the historic facade hides an award-winning restaurant, legendary beer garden and charming hotel rooms with an atmosphere second-to-none.
For dinner, head to Aosta in Arrowtown. This Italian restaurant punches well above its weight. Delicious food in a funky atmosphere. Follow with a nightcap at the Blue Door by the fire.
MASSAGE
Harmony Spa - Make your visit to Queenstown a revitalising retreat!
When in Queenstown you can’t miss a visit to the spa to relax and re-energise. At award-winning Harmony Skin, Beauty & Spa you’re in the best hands with expertly trained massage therapists. Stepping into a spa treatment at Harmony is the perfect way to escape, relax and enjoy a time-out to care just for you.
The healing power of massage is profound and simple. Physical touch not only nurtures the body, it also calms the mind and revives the senses.
Treatments feature an incredible menu of massage including relaxation, deep tissue and hot stone along with romantic massage packages for couples or if visiting solo.
Why not make the most of it and treat yourself to a massage concession? Indulge in 3-6 massages while on holiday to really hit the reset button.
SHOP
Take your styling up a notch!
Do you often visit places and can’t find “your shops”? Well, these are three of ours! We love local businesses and street shopping, over malls. Francis Patterson in Arrowtown super cute homeware and fashion store.
Then there is Smith and Wester - a sustainable, fashion-conscious clothing boutique filled with simple, understated pieces. We also love a stomp around Seletti Concept Store to take your styling up a notch! Full of high fashion and designer items from a range of categories including fashion, accessories and gifting.
BEAUTY
Whether you’re after a quick pick-me-up, a customised experience, or a suite of advanced skin treatments, a Harmony Skin, Beauty & Spa facial stands out as a deluxe option for outstanding lasting results and care. Harmony is passionate about skin science, are informed, trustworthy and up to date on the latest technology and products.
When you choose a facial with Harmony, you’ll not only take your complexion to the next level, you can also finish up your holiday and return to work living in your best skin and feeling focused, relaxed and refreshed. The stand out facial to try? HydraFacial. As the name suggests, it is super hydrating and will leave you with a glow paralleled to nothing else.
HYDRAFACIAL
Harmony Spa - Say hello to ultimate hydration!
A HydraFacial resurfaces your skin while providing cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration. This skin treatment, like a facial, exfoliates dead skin cells and extracts impurities and blackheads. But the main point of difference is the vortex vacuum-based cyclone abrasive tip that stimulates the blood and lymphatic flow while cleansing your skin like never before.
The healthy underlying skin is then infused with nutrients, antioxidants, and active serums that are specifically tailored to your skin type. If you are visiting Queenstown for a winter Ski trip, this treatment is an absolute must-do.