Queenstown Non-Disappointing Recommendations
🏠Accommodation: Strongly recommend Stoneridge Estate, book through the official website. Although the price is higher and it’s about a 15-minute drive from the town, it’s really worth experiencing for a self-driving trip. The hotel’s scenery and service are excellent. If you get tired of Queenstown, you can take plenty of photos at the hotel. The only drawback is the early check-out time, around 10:30 am, and check-in is only available after 3:00 pm. But it seems like most hotels in Queenstown follow this rule.
Onsen Hot Pools
One of the hottest springs in Queenstown, be sure to book on the official website about a week in advance. The original ticket price includes two drinks and two snacks. You get 1 hour of private hot spring time, and they remind you 10 minutes before your time is up. The ticket prices are a bit high: $165 for two people, and up to $250 for four people. Although it’s expensive, the photos and experience are definitely worth it.
Arrowtown
About 20 kilometers from Queenstown, it’s a former gold mining town. The autumn scenery is truly beautiful. The commercial street is great for photos, and I spent the entire time looking for interesting facades. There’s also a street with yellow leaves. The photos might not be great with people, but the scenery is really nice. If you have time, sit down, have a cup of coffee, and experience the slow life of New Zealand.
Deer Park Heights
Upon arriving in Queenstown, I received some unfortunate news that the Skyline, which I was looking forward to, was closed for upgrades until July 1, 2023. So, the alternative was Deer Park Heights, overlooking the entire Queenstown. Although it’s highly recommended, the experience was just average for me, someone afraid of deer. You can only drive to Deer Park, $55 NZD per car, max 7 people.
Notice: Be sure to prepare $2 NZD coins; a $1 coin won’t work. You need coins to buy feed, so don’t attempt to use a $1 coin.
I spent about five days in the South Island, with the time allocated as follows:
- Day1: Pick up the car-Deer Park Heights-Arrowtown-Onsen Hot Pools
- Day2: Queenstown wandering-jet boat
- Day3: Wanaka Ward (the world’s loneliest tree)-Hot Tubs Omarama (hot springs)-Eat at High Country Salmon-Stay in Mt Cook
- Day4: Glacier hiking (didn’t see any)-Lake Pukaki-Alpine Salmon (the famous photo spot is also here)-Lake Tekapo-Good Shepherd Church-Stay in an Airbnb nearby (weather was bad and couldn’t see the stars)
- Day5: Drive 3.5h back to Queenstown. I was considering skydiving, but due to bad weather and my fear, I decided to save it for next time!
➡️🏠 Accommodation: No major pitfalls in the South Island. Mt Cook highly recommends The Hermitage Hotel at the foot of the mountain. Although it’s old, it’s much better than expected, a pleasant surprise. Also, the booked Airbnb was very good, suitable for four people, but it’s about a 40-minute drive from Tekapo. If the weather is good, it should be quite picturesque.
➡️Dining: One memorable experience was a random Indian restaurant on the roadside in Queenstown. It had almost no reviews, but the curry (chicken & beef) with the bread was amazing. Tekapo town also has a cafe with delicious chicken croissants. Also, be sure to try New Zealand’s pies with meat sauce; it’s truly unique and tasty.
➡️The only letdown was the glacier hike. Because our physical strength is average, we chose the recommended 2.5 km route, which supposedly allows you to see the glacier. However, maybe due to the wrong season, the glacier was quite disappointing. If it’s this season, you might as well skip this short hiking route. Next time, if I come again, I will probably do more research and choose the helicopter tour.
While others are at work, you are truly happy traveling. But self-driving is really tiring. Returning now, hoping for another pleasant journey next time!
