Live like a Queenstown local

After living in Queenstown for 20 years we can almost class Kath as a local!

What do you love about Queenstown:

The small-town feeling, Queenstown is definitely growing and changing but everything is easily accessible and it’s great being able to walk down the street in town and smile at familiar faces. You don’t always get that in a big city.

Being able to pack up a picnic and walk from our home down to the Shotover River to watch the jet boats go by.

The beautiful scenery – everywhere you look we’re spoilt with breathtaking mountains, lakes, and colours as the season’s change.

Locally, where is your favourite place for:

Brunch? Odelay or Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan

Quick lunch? Taco Medic in Searle Lane or Hawker & Roll in The Mall

Date night? La Rumbla in Arrowtown, nothing beats beautiful wine and cozy tapas

Cocktails? Lodge Bar or Sundeck, always so good!

Catching a movie? Dorothy Browns Cinema, Arrowtown

Where do you go to:

Get a great facial? Millbrook Resort Spa

Get a quick mani and pedi in central Queenstown? Forme Spa & Wellbeing

Find some great New Zealand, fashion designers? Angel Divine, Searle Lane

Pick up some market finds to take home?

Remarkables Market – Saturdays 9-2pm October – Easter weekend

Earnslaw Park – Summer Saturdays: November – April 9am-4.30pm | Winter Saturdays: May – October 9.30-3.30pm

Find beautiful childrenswear and toys? Kinsfolk, 108 Spence Road, open by appointment only

What’s your favourite season in Queenstown?

I actually love all the seasons, but Autumn is extra special! The days are still bright and warm but the nights are cool enough to get the fire roaring and have a pinot poured. The Autumn colours are so beautiful, always worth a drive to Arrowtown to walk the river track.

What are the must-do activities in Queenstown?

A cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walker Peak is lovely, the ship itself is amazing and visiting the animals at Walter Peak is a great family activity. Not to mention the delicious morning tea.

The drive to Glenorchy is stunning, there’s jet boating, fun yakking and horse riding or skydiving available if you’re feeling brave.

A wee romantic treat is Onsen Hot Pools in Arthurs Point.

Any special tips for people visiting Queenstown?

Book your accommodation as soon as you have confirmed flights. Look at Air BnBs and small boutique hotels as they offer privacy and most have more character than your average hotel or motel room.

Unless you’re a super keen skier, avoid May-July as these are the coldest months and although most activities are operating you’ll need to bundle yourself up in lots of merino!

If you hire a car, make sure you take time to get out to Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn to visit the many amazing vineyards.

Queenstown locals love:

• Coffee – I’m a coconut milk fan so Vudu Larder in Queenstown or Odelay in Frankton do the best coconut mochas
• FergBaker – forget the burgers and try a pie or the pastries. Actually try the granola, it’s pretty damn good!
• Ice-cream – Patagonia has the best range of ice cream and chocolates, you can find them at the airport, in Arrowtown or in two spots along the waterfront
• Hiking – Bobs Cove or Queenstown Hill are two favourites
• Walking – Wander through the Queenstown Gardens, in Summer and Spring especially there is so much to enjoy. Or take the water taxi across to Kelvin Heights and walk along the side of the lake
• Relaxation – Salt Float Spa have dream-pods where you can float your worries away. Need I say more!

If you want more Queenstown local advice, help in booking activities, making dinner reservations or arranging a picnic hamper for your day out in Queenstown, let’s chat:

[email protected]