One day is not enough to experience all of Queenstown but it will give you the sweetest little taster ever and leave you wanting more.
Here is a 1 day itinerary guide with some top recommendations for spending one day in Queenstown which is perfect for the only slightly adventurous type.
Morning
After arriving in Queenstown and settling into your accommodation, take the gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak for AMAZING views of the Remarkables towering over the township and the glittery turquoise water of Lake Wakatipu. You may even see some cute mountain goats balancing on the steep hillside below.
Enjoy a glass of champagne at the Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar before zooming along the luge tracks back down. You have full control of the luge so it can be as hardcore as you want!
Take a stroll around Queenstown’s quaint cobblestoned streets and alleys that are only made more gorgeous by the veil of snowcapped mountain tops that you can see even from street level.
Walk along the lakefront and marvel at the multitude and magnitude of the mountains surrounding Queenstown. The town has a chilled and content vibe that combined with the alpine air that is crisp even in November, gives you the feeling that you’re living life to the fullest just by being there.
Lunch
For a late morning pick-me-up, head straight to Vudu Café & Larder on Rees St where you can sit outside and soak up the views before finishing up with one of Vudu’s fresh Turkish Delights. You might as well have lunch here too because the food is top-notch.
Afternoon
If you’re an avid reader and booklover, you must stop by Bound Bookshop on Church St near Nomads, the backpackers hostel. Bound truly has a great selection of books that have obviously been very carefully curated. If you want to indulge your artistic side, why not grab some art supplies here and have a go at sketching or painting The Remarkables!
Consider taking the short 20-minute drive up to Coronet Peak because the drive in itself is an absolute pleasure. The views from Coronet Peak are deadset breathtaking. There was a little November frosting when we were there and it was magical.
Alternatively, you can drive to Arrowtown for lunch and spend your afternoon exploring this charming gold mining town. Nestled amongst the mountains, Arrowtown is cute and peaceful and makes a good location for some pleasant afternoon wanders. Have a seat outside next to the village green at The Stables Restaurant and enjoy some lunch in the open with the mountains literally looking down on you.
Dinner
For dinner in Queenstown, with only one day here, you can’t go past having an iconic Fergburger, located on Shotover St! These burgers are honestly as delicious as everyone makes them out to be. And they are MASSIVE so if you’re on a budget and can handle sharing, this makes for an economically friendly meal.
Night
If you’re in the mood for a nightcap, head over to the cosy Atlas Beer Café along Steamer Wharf for some local boutique brews. Take a seat along the narrow bench by the window, sit back with your brew and watch as the sun sets over the mountains and the blue sky gives way to night and twinkling stars.
You’ll be sad to leave Queenstown but a day here is better than nothing! You’ll just need to put Queenstown back on your travel list and this time, set aside some serious time to really acquaint yourself with this town deemed ‘fit for a Queen’.
By Thuc Do
Related Pages
