queenstown |
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BEST OF THE REST |
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Road trip to Glenorchy and Paradise The most scenic drive from Queenstown is the road along Lake Wakatipu toward Glenorchy. Although the drive is only 45 minutes, plan for more time to make the most of the scenic stops en route. Beyond Glenorchy is Paradise, famous for numerous Lord of the Rings filming locations and breathtaking mountain scenery. |
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images: Jono Parker / Amisfield; Gibbston Valley |
The degustation menu at Nest hits similar highlights. Dishes run the gamut from Fiordland red deer to Mount Cook alpine salmon and lamb loin. Where Nest ups the ante is with the view. Located within Kamana Lakehouse hotel, set on a hillside overlooking Lake Wakatipu, it’ s one of the most scenic place to dine in Queenstown.
Most restaurants in the town are equipped with an extensive local wine list. The Central Otago region, while accounting for less than 5 % of vines in New Zealand, is among the world’ s great pinot noir growing areas. Hot days, cold nights and sandy soils on arid slopes are what convinced Irish expat Alan Brady to plant vines in the valley back in the 1970s. Brady’ s pioneering project went on to become Gibbston Valley Winery, the largest producer in the area today.
The top destination for sampling the full spectrum of the region’ s pinot noir is Kinross, where the cellar door hosts wine from six small, independent vineyards( including Wild Irishman, Brady’ s‘ retirement’ project). Neighboring Mt. Rosa Wines is a family-owned vineyard
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where all varietals grow in the plot of land surrounding the cellar door. In summer, the lawn, strewn with beanbag chairs, is the perfect spot to enjoy a platter, a glass of rosé and a view of the sheer surrounding hills.
For more active wine enthusiasts, the Gibbston River Cycle Trail follows the Kawarau River through the valley, blending cycling, scenery and wine stops.
SHOPPING
Surrounded by sheep stations and only hours from where pounamu has traditionally been gathered, Queenstown is the ideal place to shop for authentic keepsakes like merino clothing and traditional Maori jewelry. Frank’ s Corner, a small gift store celebrating New Zealand goods, stocks socks and gloves made using wool and fur from possums considered invasive pests culled to protect native flora and fauna.
Minutes from Queenstown airport is Country Lane, a collection of farm sheds, horse paddocks, shops and restaurants set in heritage buildings. Stopping by Country
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Perky’ s floating bar Having once taken passengers for cruises on Lake Wakatipu, this boat is now permanently moored on the lakefront and serves as a bar. The top deck is the best spot in Queenstown to enjoy a drink with views.
Hike Ben Lomond Ben Lomond looms above Queenstown; its summit offering panoramic views across the town, lake and mountains beyond. But getting there is no walk in the park. Riding the Skyline gondola shaves off two hours, but from the top station it’ s still a five-hour return hike. Walkers with less time or motivation can still enjoy sweeping views from the Ben Lomond Saddle( three hours return).
Kawerau Gorge Trail The Kawerau Gorge Trail, due to open in 2026, will connect Queenstown cycle trails with those in Central Otago. The uninterrupted route through spectacular scenery is poised to become one of New Zealand’ s premier cycle trails.
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SPRING 2026 • 83 |