Like something straight out of a beer commercial, this postcard-perfect historic pub hotel is an icon of the Queenstown region. As much a pub and restaurant as it is accommodation, the food and atmosphere in the bar are excellent. And the accommodations pretty decent for a 3-star country hotel too. So don’t just stop to take a photo of this iconic Hotel. Stay a night or two and experience its charms.
Month: June 2021
New Orleans Hotel
New Orleans Hotel is a genuine country pub hotel. Built in 1866 it got the kind of history you can only earn. Don’t worry they gave the place a bit of a spruce up in 2019 so the rooms don’t look like they are for gold miners anymore. The food and the pub are great by any measure. The hotel is a great price.
Shotover Lodge
Shotover Lodge is really cheap (for Queenstown) and not at all unpleasant. Located in Arthurs Point just over the road from Nugget Point this 3-star hotel is popular with younger folks on a tight budget. It’s a 10 minute drive to the center of Queenstown. And it’s on the way to Coronet Peak so perfect for a ski holiday.
Skippers Canyon Jet
Skippers Canyon Jet is the most extreme Jet Boat ride on offer in Queenstown. Even the bus ride into the canyon is terrifying. Like Shotover Canyon but narrower, and harder to get to to. This is a true adventure and not for the faint of heart. Or those who are scared of heights. The boat reaches speeds of 80 kph which doesn’t sound much until you see how narrow it gets.
Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort
The 4-star Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort is a large apartment style hotel on the lakeside. The location offers stunning views, of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. The hotel offers regular free shuttles into town, or it’s a 30 minute walk. It’s a slightly older 4 star so keep your expectations in check.
Snow Farm
55 kms of Trails – 3 Backcountry Huts – Snowshoeing – Cross Country Skiing – Dog Sledding
Go Orange
Go Orange operates from the Steamer wharf in Queenstown so no need to bus anywhere. It’s just straight into the boat and away. Go Orange Jet Boating Experiences come in 25 minute or 60 minute. If you can go the 60 minutes as you have more time for the fun stuff. With boats leaving every 1/2 hour you’ll find a way to fit this into your day.
Jet Boating
Jet Boating is a must do activity when visiting Queenstown. It’s absolutely thrilling, and suitable for almost anyone to enjoy. So find the right operator and book a ride for you and your family. It’s a great way to see the lakes and rivers, a fun way to transport yourself around AND/OR a terrifying thrill ride.
KJet
KJet is the original jet boat experience in Queenstown. They’ve been offer commercial Jet Boat rides since 1958. KJet operate a fleet of 8 Jet Boats so are able to offer private charters, and even Airport transfers, as well as offering regular thrill rides from their Queenstown base.
Shotover Jet
The Shotover Jet is one of the oldest and best jet boat experiences in Queenstown. They’ve been terrifying tourists since 1965. Offering exhilarating rides through the Shotover Canyon reaching speeds of over 85 kph. Shotover Jet is the only operator with access to the Shotover Canyon.
Alpine Heliski
8 Mountain Ranges – Over 400 Runs
– 1000’s of Hectares
Southern Lakes Heli Ski
17 Mountain Ranges – Over 800 Runs – Largest Terrain Area
Soho Basin
500m Vertical Fall – 730 hectares – 1 Luxury Snowcat
Harris Mountains Heli-Ski
11 Mountain Ranges – Over 200 Peaks
– 3000 square kilometres
Skiing & Snowboarding
Queenstown is the best place in the Southern Hemisphere to go skiing. For visitors from the northern hemisphere – ski season in Queenstown runs from June to October. It’s winter down here when it’s summer in the northern hemisphere. Queenstown is a proper mountain town in New Zealand’s Southern Alps full of luxury hotels. There’s… Continue reading Skiing & Snowboarding
Treble Cone
700m Vertical Drop
2 Chair Lifts
1 Platter Lift
1 Conveyor Lifts
550 Hectares
Cardrona
600m Vertical Drop
1 Gondola
4 Chair Lifts
1 Platter Lift
3 Conveyor Lifts
400 Hectares
The Remarkables
468m Vertical Drop
4 Chair Lifts
4 Conveyor Lifts
385 Hectares
Coronet Peak
462m Vertical Drop
3 Chair Lifts
4 Surface Lifts
280 Hectares
The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels
The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi is quirky, like a cross between an opium den, an old fashioned brothel, and a hotel. I mean that in the nicest possible way. You’ll either find it romantic, sexy, perhaps even a little kinky, or you’ll hate the style all together. The location is really central. It’s really only suitable for couples, looking to enjoy each other
LQ Queenstown
LQ Queenstown is another Wyndham hotel near Queenstown Airport. It only opened in December 2020 so everything is nice and new. Great views of the Remarkables and of the Kawarau River. Great for business travellers who need a cheap place to stay. But also not to bad for an extended ski trip on a budget.
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park is a pretty basic serviced apartment style hotel near Queenstown Airport. The rooms are self contained with kitchenettes in the studios and small kitchens in the one bedroom apartments. The rooms are serviced daily and some rooms have great views of the Remarkables. It’s at the bottom end of 4 star, but perfectly acceptable for most normal people.
Stoneridge Estate
Stoneridge Estate is a winery, 5 star luxury lodge and stunning wedding venue with it’s own chapel. A short 15 minute drive from Queenstown in the Lake Hayes area, it’s got stunning lake views and a very instagramable infinity pool. Most hotels take incredible photos but don’t look quite so good in reality. Stoneridge is the opposite, the lodge really looks better in person than in their promotional photos.
Millbrook Resort
Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown is a 5 Star Resort and Golf Course. It’s the home of the New Zealand open with a total of 27 holes. If golf isn’t your thing it’s still got plenty to offer with a fabulous day spa, swimming pool, 3 outdoor hot pools and great family accommodation option. With everything from a studio apartment to a 4 bedroom free standing house on offer. It’s all very luxurious.
Mahu Whenua
Mahu Whenua used to be Shania Twain’s house, but it’s now a super luxury lodge ready for you to enjoy. Located in the high country 20 minutes drive from Wanaka. The location is secluded and private with stunning scenery. This homestead/lodge is everything you could hope for and more. With a luxurious but homely feel this has to be the most welcoming down to earth lodge that’s somehow still fit for a billionaire.