Hey fellow travellers! I’m super excited to share my latest adventure to one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand – Queenstown!
Queenstown has always been one of those destinations that takes your breath away, no matter how many times you visit (this was my second time). During the recent school holidays, we spent four days exploring this incredible corner of the South Island, and it was nothing short of amazing. From jet boating through canyons to soaking in a hot pool on a frosty night, here’s our 4-day Queenstown itinerary filled with scenery, food, and adventure.
Day 1: Breakfast with a View and Adorable Kiwi Birds
We arrived in Queenstown the evening before, landing at 9:15pm. Even though it was only a short three-hour flight, daylight saving had just started the day before – meaning we were three hours ahead of Sydney instead of the usual two. From the airport, we headed straight to our hotel, Kamana Lakehouse, in a complimentary private taxi courtesy of Booking.com.
Tip: Kamana Lakehouse is a beautiful, modern hotel with gorgeous views and free parking for guests – highly recommended!
We began our morning with a relaxed breakfast at Nest Kitchen and Bar. The views from the restaurant were absolutely breathtaking – we were seated by the window overlooking The Remarkables, Walter Peak, and Lake Wakatipu. After a few photos (of course!), we strolled through Queenstown city centre, browsing boutique shops and soaking in the relaxed yet chilly alpine atmosphere.
For lunch, we stopped at The Cow, Queenstown’s oldest pizza restaurant, before heading to the airport to pick up our rental car. Our next stop was Kiwi Park, one of Queenstown’s hidden gems. We saw so many kiwi birds up close in the dark house – they were absolutely adorable! The park is a wonderful way to learn more about New Zealand’s wildlife and is perfect for both kids and adults.
Tip: Parking can be tricky here – there’s no onsite option and only limited roadside spots. Head to a nearby paid car park and pay conveniently by phone.
Day 2: Shotover Jet, Fergburger, and Kamana Soak
Day two was all about thrills – and chills! We kicked things off with the legendary Shotover Jet, racing through narrow canyons and spinning 360° across icy waters. It was exhilarating! The air was freezing cold, but luckily the sun was out to keep us a little bit warm.
Tip: Dress warmly – it gets freezing cold on the water! Be sure to book your Shotover Jet tickets in advance at the Information Centre or on their website. There is an onsite carpark available and additional parks down by the canyon too.
After all that excitement, we went back to the hotel for a rest before heading out again. We grabbed dinner from Fergburger – a Queenstown icon. We took our burgers down to the lake, where ducks wandered by and the sun was still shining brightly at 6pm. For dessert, we couldn’t resist stopping by Mrs Ferg Gelataria for some gelato. It was such a lovely evening – simple moments like these with my son are absolutely priceless.
Later that evening, I went to the Kamana Soak at the hotel and spent an hour relaxing in the hot pool on a frosty -1°C evening – the perfect way to unwind after a full day of adventure.
Tip: Make sure to book your Kamana Soak at the hotel reception. It’s normally $120, but it’s currently complimentary due to construction work.
Day 3: Skyline Gondola and Ziplining Adventure
After another relaxed breakfast, we headed into town for lunch at White and Wong’s serving ‘East meets West’ cuisine. The prawn and coriander dumplings were delicious! We took the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob’s Peak, where panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and the city were absolutely jaw-dropping.
Then came one of the trip’s highlights – the Ziptrek Ecotours 4-line zipline. Flying through the trees with the lake far below was both thrilling and unforgettable! It’s a fantastic activity for families and anyone looking to experience Queenstown’s beauty from a new perspective.
Tip: You can book your Ziptrek tickets at the Information Centre or directly through their website.
Day 4: Peaceful morning at St Omer Park
On our final day, we slowed things down with a morning stroll through St Omer Park. This lakeside spot offers some of the best views of Queenstown – perfect for capturing those last few photos before heading home. It was the ideal way to wrap up our Queenstown getaway.
Final Thoughts
Queenstown truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful destinations in New Zealand. It’s a place where you can go skiing, chase heart-pumping adventures, and still find serenity by the lake.
We loved every moment, and we’ll definitely be back again.
Until next time… sweet travels! 🩵