Queenstown, NZ – 05 Good-to-Know Travel Tips

I was feeling fragile prior to my 2^nd attempt to tour the South Island. An impromptu trip back to home have left me feeling drained – mentally, physically and financially. Nonetheless, I wasn’t about to miss out on some key destinations and must-do activities that I had in mind. After resting for a week at Hamilton, travel beckons and off I go again.

The first destination of this South Expedition II is Queenstown.

Queenstown Airport – Do you know it is one of the smallest international airport (but also one of the busiest!) in New Zealand?

I have no idea what to expect from Queenstown, and was certainly unprepared for the beauty that she presented. Surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, the airport has got to be one of the most beautiful places that one can land in!

Lake Wakatipu (80km) – New Zealand’s longest lake & 3rd largest

The following are some travel tips that I’ve learnt along my trip:

Travel tip [01] The journey between Queenstown airport and downtown Queenstown takes approximately 20 – 25 minutes. If like me, you are technically challenged when it comes to driving you prefer to take the public transport, Connectabus is a public bus service that operates every 15 minutes. It costs NZD8 per adult & NZD 5 per child.

Streetview – An attraction that amuses me. Pay $29 to get frightened. 

Travel Tip [02] Upon arrival in downtown Queenstown, everywhere that you need to go is basically within walking distance. To get a bearing on your direction, do pop into one of the tourism info centers (there are plenty!) and check out on activities that you can partake. Remember, ask and you shall be duly rewarded! J

There’s a variety of fun and interesting shops! 🙂

Simply remarkable!

The only official Cookie Time retail shop in New Zealand! Yummy!

Travel Tip [03] There are a few restaurants that are extremely popular (for good reasons, of course!). To avoid disappointment, do make reservations early! Some of the recommended restaurants or cafes are:

• Fergburger – Famous steak burgers that can have you waiting for an hour during peak period :O
  
• Flame Bar & Grill – We didn’t managed to get a seat as it was full!
  
• Patagonia-Queenstown – Famous for their ice-creams!
  
• Finz Seafood & Grill – Recommended for their Fish dishes 🙂
  
• @Thai – Recommended Thai Food (Ps: we tried another thai shop named “My Thai Lounge”, which was good!)
  

Travel Tip [04] If you are not into adrenaline activities or have a tight budget, you’d be happy to know that there’s always much enjoyment to gain from a “simpler” lifestyle in New Zealand. Go for a relaxing stroll along the Queens Park (free!) or visit the quaint and fun retail stores along downtown Queenstown. At the pier side, catch sight of the talented buskers singing and making merry. Enjoy!

Stroll along Queens Garden

Travel Tip [05] If you are travelling by bus to Queenstown from another city (or vice versa), be sure to check if the bus can do a pick-up/drop-off at your accommodations (they usually do!). Some accommodations are about 15 minutes walk away from the central bus stop and trust me, you would not want to lug your luggage all the way! PS: I almost broke my back and arm trying to pull my luggage to the place I stayed.     

Nightview of downtown Queenstown

Next up, stay tuned for my fling with Queenstown. More stories, details and pictures on this bustling, fun town!

The above information has been complied based on various sources, including my own experience and should only be used as a reference. Check out http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/ for more information on Queenstown, New Zealand.