Quintessential Queenstown

This post is a bunch of pictures from our adventure in Queenstown. I am compiling these posts as a scrapbook for our family and as a resource for those who want to travel to NZ with their family. And to share with our family and friends that are interested in what we are up to while we are away from home. Cheers!

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand. It is nestled in a mountain valley along Lake Wakatipu. I like to think of it as the “love child” of Aspen, CO and the Wisconsin Dells. It is an incredibly beautiful spot that has been intoxicated by adventure tourism. We were captivated by the street performers, especially the musician with the singing dog. We jumped in capitalizing on the adventure opportunities!

Adventures

ShotoverJet Boating - This thrill ride meant a lot to Jason. We went on this boat ride 20 years ago with his family. He was very much looking forward to sharing this fun jet boat ride with our kids. It is an exciting high speed ride through the canyon with 360 degree turns. Jason said at the end as we were walking away, “I hope you guys bring your kids here someday and your kids can tell the guide they are third generation enjoying the ride.” And sensitive Austin answered, “How about we come back here with you guys and our kids so we can fill a boat?” I like how you think Austin!

AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping/Zip Line - We zipped, they jumped! It is amazing how much they have built this place up in 20 years. Jason and I did a tandem jump when we were here last and there was a small shack that has now been replaced with a state of the art shop, cafe and photography studio. The number of people they pump through this thrill experience gave us confidence in their safety procedures.

Jack jumped/dove with confidence and enjoyed the refreshing dunk in the Kawarau River.

Austin wasn’t quite as sure about it but he was really happy he did it, though he really didn’t take in the views!

Sledging and Gold-mining - Jason took the older three sledging which is essentially riding the river rapids with a boogie board. It was a highlight when we were here 20 years ago for us. The return experience for Jason was as intense as he remembered. Austin said he felt like a fish! Birdie wasn’t old enough to go so she enjoyed some gold-mining. She was very careful in her sifting but she didn’t find any gold.

Hydro Attack Ride - to me this is the ultimate tourist ride. It is a submarine meet dolphin/shark boat ride all in one! The boat dives down deep under the surface and then catapults up into the air like a dolphin. The boys loved it and would like to ship one home and offer rides on Oconomowoc Lake.

Paraglide - When we arrived to Queenstown we happened to park by the green space where the paragliders landed. We were instantly intrigued watching group after group gently touch down after gliding through the air peacefully. We could only imagine the views. Birdie was determined to do it. She wanted to jump off the mountain and fly. When she learned that any age could go she was in!

Birdie loved everything about it. She talked about being a paraglider when she grows up. I would love to glide with her someday!

Sierra loved the feeling of taking off, jumping off the mountain and just gliding.

Austin felt free as a bird! He has been having a ton of fun flying his 2 meter kite boarding trainer, he really loved flying with the pilot the 45 meter paraglide kite.

I was scared, really scared! I was the last to take off, after watching my kids fearlessly take off, I had no choice. I’m glad I did it but I think I am a one and done for that adventure unless my kids are the pilots!

Out & About

The restaurant scene in Queenstown is plentiful and inviting with tables spilling outside everywhere. Being a table of six it was challenging in high season for us to find a spot at times. The town was buzzing with tourists from around the world. We rode the gondola down with a worker that said there really isn’t a locals scene in Queenstown. It is a town of transients and tourists according to her. She was from Poland and looking forward to moving on to Banff Canada. Our favorite spots in town were Toro Kitchen and Bar and The Minus 5 Degree Ice Bar. 

Toro Kitchen and Bar is an eclectic restaurant with delicious food. The window spot is the perfect spot to watch the world go by, and plan the adventures for the day.

Minus 5 Ice Bar  - Birdie and Jack spotted this unique spot the first day we walked around town. They were missing home, especially the ski season that was starting. It took them a couple days to convince us to go to the Ice Bar. But they did it! It was a fun break from the warm summer weather to step into the small room made of ice and enjoy some “mocktails” and cocktails! 

Other Highlights

Hettie’s Crystal Shop - I am a regular at crystal shops wherever we travel and this is one of my favorites. Each crystal and stone had the most informative little cards capturing the ecology and the mystical qualities of the stone. We took our time looking through the vast collection and made our selections. Now the trick is to not lose them before we get home!

Arrowtown - was a highlight, just 20 minutes from Queenstown. It is an old gold mining town with wonderful historic buildings filled with cute shops and restaurants. We enjoyed a delicious Indian dinner at Mantra, reminding us of our favorite Indian restaurant in Oconomowoc also named Mantra. We went to the farmers market Sunday morning. We found super tasty cherries, raspberries, peaches and asparagus.

Remarkables & Coronet Peak Ski Resorts - we took the curvy steep drives up to the ski resorts outside of Queenstown to enjoy the stunning views. There was little activity at each resort, just a few mountain bikers. Not nearly the activity that you would find at a ski resort in the summer in the US. We were struck by the remoteness of the ski resorts. I can’t imagine driving up the steep narrow roads to take my kids to ski practice!

Photo credit @ sierrasteiner Instagram / Vsco

The River - we found a spot along the river to skip rocks and swim. We stayed for hours enjoying a snack of cherries and salt and vinegar chips. The kids loved exploring this little spot we discovered and we didn’t have to pay a penny for this beautiful afternoon of fun. Sierra suggested that we each take a rock from the river so that we could each remember the freedom and peace we felt that afternoon. And we each did - a big highlight for me for so many reasons. 

Photo credit Jason Steiner

The adventures are awesome memories to add to the experience bank. But the thing we have realized most on this trip is that what is really important is just time together in nature and that can be experienced for free just about anywhere if you make it happen.

(We stayed at Wai View just outside of Queenstown. It was a good location with great views. It reminded us of a mountain condo you would find in the US.)