Queenstown is without doubt one of the most popular destinations on any travelers list when visiting New Zealand. Queenstown is jam packed with activities to fill your days. From jet boating, wine tours, segway tours, bungy jumping, skiing & much more.
Undoubtedly one of the best views of Queenstown is captured from the top of Bob’s Peak. To reach the peak, you can take the Skyline Gondola from the centre of Queenstown ascending 450m to the top. You will be immediately hit with stunning views of the town as well as Coronet Peak & the Remarkables. There are also a vast range of activities at the top of the Gondola including zip lining, luge riding and mountain bike tracks. The top of the Gondola also has a café and restaurant which is open all day and makes the perfect location for that romantic meal to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or any special occasion. Bob’s Peak is a must do for anyone visiting Queenstown.
Only a 20 minute drive from Queenstown you will find Arrowtown, another must do for anyone visiting the area. Arrowtown is a quaint gold mining town and a photographer's dream. The tiny village has one main street filled with rustic cottages containing cafes, restaurants & gift shops. If you are there in mid-April, be sure to visit when the Autumn Festival is on. Gifting Owl offers some great packages that make for the perfect gift. These include visiting the local wineries, golf courses and of course, the picturesque town. Don’t forget to stop in at the ‘Remarkables Sweet Shop’, Their chocolate fudge is famous!
If you continue on another 40 minute drive from Arrowtown you will come to Wanaka. I would highly recommend taking the Crown Range. The Crown Range is one of the most scenic drives you will ever take. It is also New Zealand’s highest main road. Although, be careful in winter as you will be surrounded by snow and may need chains on your vehicle. There are a few lookout points along the way that I would absolutely recommend stopping at for a picture.
The Cardrona Hotel is another iconic stop on this route. It is one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels and is one of only two remaining buildings from the Cardrona Valley gold rush era. It has a great on-site restaurant and bar which makes it the perfect pit stop on your drive. If you don’t fancy tackling the potentially snowy roads then you can access Wanaka via Cromwell, however this will add an extra half an hour onto your journey.
Once you reach Wanaka you will be met by its famous turquoise lakes & snow-capped mountains. If you are visiting the area or buying a gift for someone that is, I would highly recommend one of the tours that we have on offer. From alpine snowshoeing to 4WD discovering, there is something for every traveller visiting Wanaka. Make sure you leave enough time to visit the Famous Treble Cone and Cardrona Ski fields while you’re there!
Another major drawcard to the Otago area is Milford. Milford is home to some of the world's most beautiful fjords and sounds you will ever see. Milford Sound is accessible by day tour from Queenstown. It is home to fur seal colonies, penguins, dolphins, rainforests, waterfalls and the famous towering Mitre Peak. Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages and is still changing today. It is spectacular in any weather. Lucky, because Milford is known as the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand, as well as one of the wettest places in the world. So be sure to pack your rain jacket, because even if you’re there on a sunny day, chances are you will still get wet by one of the many spectacular waterfalls you will encounter.
Dunedin is the next major region of Otago. Dunedin is known for its Scottish and Maori heritage. Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. The iconic Otago peninsula is a must see and hosts albatross, penguins, seals and sea lions. There are some amazing tours around this area encompassing all of these sights. Dunedin is predominantly a university city and has a great local kiwi vibe that can be lost amongst the more popular tourist destinations.
Whether you choose all of the above destinations or only a few, Otago is a New Zealand region not to miss!
