Queenstown
There’s plenty to do in New Zealand’s alpine playground, even when the ski season is over, writes Kate Barracosa.
Friday
Check in to the ultra-boutique Eichardt’s Private Hotel (hotel.qantas.com.au/eichardts) located on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. There are just seven suites, each featuring an open fireplace. Sample the hotel’s signature wine – a local pinot noir – during complimentary canapé hour at 5.30pm then venture downstairs for dinner at The Grille, where sleek, brasseriestyle interiors set the scene for dramatic lake views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Cap off your evening with a cocktail made with locally distilled gin at Rodd & Gunn’s The Lodge Bar (roddandgunn.com) nearby.
Saturday
The buckwheat and coconut-milk pancakes at Yonder (yonderqt.co.nz) enjoy legendary status among locals. Why? They’re as fluffy as a cloud, drenched in blueberry sauce and maple syrup and suitable for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. Once you’re sufficiently fuelled, spend 45 minutes climbing Queenstown Hill. Lined with pines, the ascent requires a reasonable level of fitness but the view from the summit is a knockout. Keep a lookout for toadstools along the path and odd rock stacks left behind by playful hikers.
Drive 10 minutes out of Queenstown to soak in the cedar-lined indoor/outdoor Onsen Hot Pools (onsen.co.nz) overlooking the glacier-blue waters of the Shotover River. Each tub is private and has a retractable window so you can take in the scenery while steam swirls around you. Head back into town at dinnertime for steaks at Botswana Butchery restaurant (botswanabutchery.co.nz), which is housed in a former ferry building on the lakefront. Chef Vicky Wong has curated an extensive meaty menu highlighting New Zealand lamb and beef.
Sunday
Warm up with an earlymorning coffee from The Exchange (theexchangecafe.kiwi), a block from the hotel, before exploring the trail bordering Lake Wakatipu. Take a turn around Queenstown Gardens and walk at least to where the paved path ends (the track continues all the way to Frankton) before looping back for brunch at Joe’s Garage (joes.co.nz). The fare here is hearty and wholesome and even simple pikelets come loaded with bacon and banana.