The verdict

St in Queenstown. Its fresh, beautifully presented food leaves you feeling full without being heavy.

Worth stepping out for

Adrenalin-junkie experiences is what Queenstown is known for, but equally there’s heaps of ways to chill-out in the alpine town. Drift off to sleep at the hands of a beauty therapist at Hush Spa, on Rees St in the CBD. Its organic facial melted away my stresses and left my skin feeling baby soft. I typically opt for back massages, but Hush Spa made me a facial convert. Prefer active relaxation? Then a jaunt up Queenstown Hill should see you right. Leaving from the town centre it’s roughly an hour to the summit. It’s a fairly short mountain walk, but the steep incline means your heart will be racing by the top. Your efforts will be rewarded at the summit with a 360-degree view of The Remarkables, Cecil Peak and parts of Lake Wakatipu. Grab a photo at the lookout by The Basket of Dreams, a large iron sculpture. Finish up a relaxing day with a trip to Dorothy Browns boutique cinema in Arrowtown, just above Saffrons. The charming little cinema shows a collection of art house and blockbuster films. Two nights weren’t enough. I would have happily spent a week, or more, lapping in the comfortables of my room and taking in more of Queenstown.

The flight path follows the spine of the Southern Alps offering scenery most would charge big bucks to see.

Highlight

It wasn’t on my itinerary, but a front row view of the sunrise from my room’s balcony was a top highlight.

Getting there

Flying into Queenstown is without a doubt the quickest and most scenic way to arrive. The flight path follows the spine of the Southern Alpines offering scenery most would charge big bucks to see. Grab a direct flight from any of New Zealand’s main centres and you’ll be there in a flash. If you’re already in the South Island then driving to Queenstown will probably be the easiest and cheapest option. So jump in the car and go.

Essentials

Prices start from $335 per night for a superior hotel room. For an additional $32.50 guests can enjoy a cooked breakfast, or $23.50 will get a continental start to the day.

More information

The Rees is launching five new lakefront luxury penthouse residences this winter. See therees.co.nz.

The writer travelled courtesy of Destination Queenstown and The Rees.