Seen as a bit of an adrenaline junkie’s paradise, someone like me could be quick to write this off as a holiday destination (they don’t call me Nervous Purvis for nothin’), but I can assure you there’s more to Queenstown than bungee jumping and paragliding (and yup, more than Cooke Time too).
Arriving as the skies were grey and the clouds ready to pour at any minute, we did what any sensible person arriving in Queenstown would do and head to Ferg Burger. A total iconic local institute, these burgers are famous for a good reason. With a menu filled with an endless delicious selection, we placed our order and headed down to Perky’s bring-your-own-food floating bar on the lake- the perfect spot when a restaurant is known for being hard to get a table at and it’s too wet to sit outside.
The next morning we headed up to the beautiful Onsen Hot Pools. Overlooking the Shotover River canyon, there are few things I’ve experienced quite as tranquil as a morning here. With hot tea and a bar of Whittaker’s chocolate, it feels like you’re miles away from anything when you’re here, and made for the most peaceful way of unwinding after a pretty packed couple of weeks. With a late brunch followed at the uber cool Yonder, this particular day was one of my favourites in New Zealand- and that was before we’d even gone on our afternoon adventure!
With an afternoon planned with a ‘local walk’ on the itinerary, Carrie and I had no idea what to expect from our tour, and couldn’t have been more blown away by the outcome. With a route around Bob’s Cove planned, we stumbled across some of the bluest waters we’d ever seen and some of the most jaw dropping landscapes too. After hiking for a little over an hour, we found ourselves on what felt like the top of a mountain, and finally sat down to take in the views with hot sugary tea, our favourite cookies from Cookie Time and the most brilliant company. It was a steep way down, but it was made all the more worthwhile just to soak in the views (even if I did feel a bit wobbly heading down afterwards)!
Our last day in Queenstown flew by in more ways than one. Although I wasn’t quite brave enough to try a bungee jump, we headed along to cheer on our pals from the trip- and watched as Daniyal and Frankie braved the enormous heights (one day I promise I’ll be brave enough) from the Kawarau Bridge. It couldn’t have been a more apt send off from our time in New Zealand, and although we still had a delicious NZ style brunch on the agenda at Bespoke Kitchen– it was the big ol’ bungee that left a lasting impression from Queenstown.
And, well- that was a wrap! The rest of the day was spent on a final domestic flight to Auckland, before a slap up meal and last minute packing before leaving the next morning. Although we were away for two weeks, it felt like the whole trip flew by and I hope you’ve loved following along here as much as I’ve loved sharing it! It’s certainly on my list to check out more of the beautiful country, but thank you to Tourism New Zealand for the most beautiful first experience, I couldn’t have felt more grateful.
Until next time!
x
13 Comments
Jasmine
April 21, 2018 at 10:19 amI can’t BELIEVE how beautiful New Zealand is, the scenery is stunning and the colour of that water!
Ana
April 21, 2018 at 12:41 pmThat village looks so cool! Now I really want to go to New Zealand, it really looks amazing xxx
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Courtney Hardy
April 21, 2018 at 2:43 pmIt looks so pretty there. The food also looks amazing!
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YZ Chan
April 21, 2018 at 4:41 pmThe scenery looks so gorgeous! The food looks good too.
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Natali
April 21, 2018 at 4:45 pmAlways having the best trip photos/ roundups/ tips! Beautiful!
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Katherine
April 21, 2018 at 5:11 pmohmygosh that hot tub!! what a dream! loved all your NZ posts…looked like such a fun trip 🙂
Lena
April 21, 2018 at 9:50 pmI really want to visit New Zealand one day too! It’s just wayyy to expensive for a student :/ also the burger look soo good I might get a deliveroo now haha
have a lovely Sunday xx Lena
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Briana
April 21, 2018 at 10:47 pmI so wish I could visit, Such beautiful sceneary and that food looks great too haha!
Briana
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Neeltje | Thoughts in Style
April 22, 2018 at 1:50 pmThis just looks and sounds like the perfect trip! X
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Julia
April 22, 2018 at 5:48 pmThe scenery is beautiful! I love lush mountains and blue, pure lakes. Nature is an amazing thing. I’m probably just as adventurous as you so I would have said no thanks to bungee jumping haha. It’s okay to take a step back sometimes – that stuff is definitely not for everyone!
Julia x
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Amandine
April 24, 2018 at 3:51 amThank you Liv for sharing with us these beautiful pictures, New Zealand looks so dreamy with all these vibrant colours <3
I'm wondering which camera do you usually use on a trip like this? I'm looking to buy a new one and I love the finish of your pictures 🙂
Thanks a lot! Lots of love from Canada <3
Jamie Carter
April 25, 2018 at 11:57 pmAbsolutely beautiful Liv! I’m a New Zealander and you portrayed our country so beautifully – some of the best photography I have ever seen. I have never been to Queenstown, I am going this winter though and I can’t wait to check out the Onsen pools! Next time, come to Wellington – we are a quirky, funky wee city with great brunch spots and amazing bays. 🙂
Jamie
Nippon
September 17, 2021 at 10:08 amVery inspiring post. Thanks for sharing.