The Perfect 3 days in Queenstown Itinerary

Regarded as the journey cash and positioned in 1 of the most beautiful elements of New Zealand, Queenstown definitely does have it all.  Though you could effortlessly shell out a 7 days or much more listed here, this 3 working day Queenstown itinerary hits all the highlights with a very little little bit of foodstuff, mountaineering, cruising and adventure.

About this Queenstown itinerary

Queenstown is a smaller city and in just the central space almost anything is walkable. Even so, if you remain within central Queenstown, you will miss some of the ideal spots, so this Queenstown itinerary has you venturing out to Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley on working day 3. There is a trusted and low-cost bus community to support you get there or you can use Ubers, taxis or e-book a working day tour with shuttle transportation.

This itinerary is built so you can do it at any time of year but it’s especially excellent if you are heading to Queenstown in summer season. If you’re going to in winter season, you might want to incorporate a number of times to hit the slopes at the close by Cardrona ski fields.

What to pack for Queenstown?

Queenstown is one particular of the most southern cities in the globe so you can count on chilly weather conditions even in summer time. In wintertime there is usually mild snow in the city and the normal temperature dips below 0°C. New Zealand is also recognised for its changeable climate so it’s most effective to pack a lot of layers. 

Getting the adventure funds, the society and vogue in Queenstown is pretty outdoorsy. You are going to see a lot of puffer jackets, sneakers for all the lake walks, and merino wool tops. For this itinerary, you will be carrying out primarily outside functions so be organized to wrap up warm with layers you can get off on the hikes and bike rides.

Working day 1: Skyline, Ben Lomond, Luge, Queenstown Gardens

The finest way to get a really feel for Queenstown when you arrive is to get up higher. So, get started your first working day in Queenstown with a experience up the Skyline Gondola. The Gondola normally takes you 450 meters uphill to the Skyline Centre exactly where you can see out across Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountains. From below you have options to grab some foods in the café, inventory up on treats at the Jelly Bean Manufacturing facility or just just take a seat and delight in the sights.

Ben Lomond Observe

In summer season, you have the alternative to continue to keep going up the mountainside to the peak of Ben Lomond. This trek will take close to 7 several hours and promises unbeatable views from the summit. The keep track of is not hard, but you can only attain the peak in mid-summer season as snow addresses the path most of the 12 months. Even if you cannot get the complete way up, it is well worth continuing on at least a smaller way previous the Skyline Centre to get away from the crowds and see more of the bordering area.

Paragliding or Luge

On the way down, skip the gondola and go for both paragliding or a luge. The luge is like a go-kart that you drive down the mountainside on a zigzagging keep track of at significant velocity. There’s a beginner as properly as an superior observe in circumstance you really don’t truly feel up to jumps and tunnels on your initially go. At the time you end the ride, both bounce on the gondola for another go or head back again down the hill to Queenstown centre. 

Commit the afternoon wandering the lakeshore, heading by way of Queenstown Botanic Gardens all-around in direction of Frankton, or you can go up to the Queenstown Hill Time Wander, where you’ll find exhibits on the area’s history unfold along the trail. Anticipate to shell out 2 1/2 half several hours to full the Queenstown Hill Time Stroll.

Evening meal

For meal, splash out on a meal at Botswana Butchery, one of New Zealand’s very best places to eat which showcases the superb regional produce together with lamb and venison. The meat-large dishes are most effective paired with a glass of Central Otago pinot noir, which you’ll get a opportunity to consider additional of on working day 3. See their web-site for particulars

Working day 2: Bungy Bounce, Jet Boat, Lake Cruise, Ferg Burger

It’s time to learn why Queenstown is termed the adventure funds of New Zealand and book in for either a bungy bounce, swing, or catapult. Queenstown is the home of AJ Hackett, the world’s to start with industrial bungy soar and you can still just take the leap at their authentic web page at Kawarau Bridge. They have also expanded to two other bungy soar web sites, both equally taller than the original Kawarau jump at 47m (Ledge Bounce) and 134m (Nevis Bounce).  Read a lot more at 8 Terrific Locations to Go Bunjy Leaping in New Zealand

Morning Nevis Bunjy and Swing

If you have currently experimented with bungy jumping or want to test a thing diverse, there are also the Nevis Swing and the human catapult. Your ticket involves transport to the web site and a t-shirt you can use as proof of your bravery. We did a combo ticket for the two. Visit AJ Hacket for costs and booking excursions.

Lunch Vudu Larder

Soon after an adrenaline-filled morning, appear again to Queenstown and settle your nerves in excess of a lazy lunch at Vudu Larder. With a primary site right on the lakefront, Vudu Larder is one particular of a collection of Queenstown cafes that do outstanding breakfasts and lunch with a balanced-ish focus and a lot of vegetarian and vegan helpful solutions. I advocate pancakes with lemon and coconut. If you have time, the other cafes to test are Yonder and Bespoke Kitchen. 

Afternoon – Jetboat

If your nerve retains, you can attempt a jetboat in the afternoon. Pick out concerning KJet, which starts from Lake Wakatipu and features plenty of spins and tricks as you trip up the Arrow River, or Shotover Jet which commences slightly out of town and goes speeding in between the slender canyons of the Shotover River.

For a additional sedate option, there is the steamboat cruise on the TSS Earnslaw which normally takes you out throughout Lake Wakatipu toward Glenorchy and the appears. This is a incredibly soothing way to see one of the most lovely parts of New Zealand with soaring snow-capped mountains and lush indigenous bush bordering the lake. For a intimate choice, ebook the sunset cruise with wine and cheese.

This tour is a 1.5-hour Queenstown scenic cruise having you out to Lake Wakatipu exactly where you are going to enjoy views of the Remarkables, Bob’s Cove, Cecil Peak and Mt. Earnslaw from the consolation of the Spirit of Queenstown.

Meal

Cap off your day with beverages at Perky’s Boat bar (a quirky boat bar anchored at the lakefront) or Lodge Wine Bar (a classier option to some degree weirdly found in the entrance of a men’s clothes store). For meals, you have to try a single of the New Zealand-well known burgers from Ferg’s, the queues can be extensive but it is truly worth it for mouth watering burgers bigger than your head. My favourite is the Sweet Bambi venison burger with boysenberry and brie but there are vegetarian alternatives. Best it off with a scoop of ice cream from Mrs Ferg’s Gelateria just upcoming doorway. 

Working day 3: Arrowtown, Arrow River Trail, Gibbston Valley wineries, Millbrook

By working day 3, you need to be really familiar with Queenstown’s smaller city centre so it is time to head out to Arrowtown. It is only a short bus experience on the blue Arthurs Place bus which will acquire you from Stanley Street in central Queenstown. 

I advocate finding an early begin so you can grab brunch in Arrowtown at Provisions, a café down the peaceful end of the major road that has a mouth-watering vary of baked merchandise as properly as one particular of the most effective Kiwi large breakfasts I’ve ever eaten. 

Arrowtown is at its finest in autumn when the trees lining the riverbank and the main streets are a vibrant fiery orange but at any time of 12 months, this historic mining town is comprehensive of character. You could be mistaken for contemplating the principal avenue is straight out of Disneyland as the buildings however maintain their Gold Rush-era facades. Make positive to pop into The Remarkables Sweet Shop for tastings of their selfmade fudge or to fill a bag with outdated-fashioned candies from all around the globe. 

Arrowtown is comprehensive of boutique shops if you’re wanting for a little bit of retail treatment. Normally, for foodies, there is the Gibbston Valley Cheese retail outlet and Patagonia Chocolates, both down by the riverfront. These are local artisan producers that you will only uncover about Queenstown and Arrowtown. 

When you are in Arrowtown, choose the time to wander down to the riverbanks and see the old Gold Miner’s Cottages. They are incredibly small and essential but provide an perception into the lives of the to start with European and Chinese settlers in this region. 

Arrow River Trail

From there, you can employ bikes or e-bikes and head out along the Arrow River Path into the Gibbston Valley. The river trail is worthy of performing on its individual for the surroundings, you get to velocity over suspension bridges, earlier gorges, farms, and mountains and even look at out the bungy jumpers as you move Kawarau Bridge.

Pay a visit to a Vineyard

The Gibbston Valley, accessed by bicycle or motor vehicle from Arrowtown, is in which you are going to discover most of the wineries in close proximity to Queenstown. Practically all are open up for tastings so just get a map from the bicycle employ the service of shop and stop into anywhere usually takes your fancy. Where ever you go, the most preferred wine wide range is the pinot noir but you are going to also obtain a assortment of grapes which include Gamays, pinot blancs and pink blends. My favorite Gibbston Valley wineries are Peregrine and Mount Edward. Most wineries supply meals, either platters or complete bistro meals. Nearer to Arrowtown, there is also Amisfield Winery which has an award-successful cafe on web-site. 

Afternoon

To cap off the day, head to Millbrook Resort for a round of golfing or a spa procedure. Millbrook is set on 650 acres of lovely grounds total of burbling streams, small stone bridges, and cottages. The massages are so enjoyable I almost fell asleep. Afterward you can love tea in the lounge overlooking the golfing study course. The vacation resort will happily prepare a shuttle back again to Queenstown at the close of the day.

Queenstown seriously is one of the most impressive components of the entire world with all the dramatic surroundings New Zealand is identified for and a great deal of activities to make the most of it. This 3 working day Queenstown itinerary is just the start out of what is on provide.  If you have a little bit more time, take into account heading out to Te Anau and going for walks section of the Milford Keep track of or driving up the Cardrona Ranges to the Cardrona Distillery and Cardrona Resort.

Wherever to Continue to be in Queenstown

SofiTel Queenstown – Located in Central Queenstown, this luxury hotels is shut to the Skyline Gondola and Ferberger. It is going for walks distance to lots of Queenstown sights, and is just 15 minutes from the airport. It is going for walks distance to Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown’s scenic watch.

Queenstown Novotel Lakeside – Found on the lake front in town it is a key location. There is a incredibly hot tub, cafe, parking and no cost World wide web.

And that is the best 3 days in Queenstown Itinerary. When you system your travels to New Zealand make absolutely sure to spend at minimum three days in the country’s experience cash. There are so several matters to do, you could invest months exploring it all.

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