Blog

14th November 2024

When is the best time of year to visit Queenstown, we hear you ask?

Each season in Queenstown comes with its own unique perks and quirks, and there is truly no “best time” to visit. However, with summer in full swing we are blessed with long days of sunshine and extra hours to explore Queenstown.

With an abundance of experiences, to suit all vacation styles, it can be hard to pinpoint the ones that suit you best. We’ve categorised our top pick of experiences to make it a little simpler for you.

Summer in Queenstown is a paradise for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. At our luxury villas, we provide an exclusive retreat after a day of exploring the region’s pristine lakes, lush vineyards, and vibrant outdoor activities. Guests enjoy breathtaking views, exquisite amenities, and in-villa upgrades, providing the perfect balance of tranquillity and excitement. Below, we have detailed one of the many ways a day spent in Queenstown could look…

Waking up on your first full summer day in Queenstown, you are filled with anticipation for what the day may hold. If you can bare to peel yourself away from the luxury linens and comfy pillows, we promise you’ll be rewarded.

Grab a coffee in the kitchen, open the curtains, and head to the balcony to admire those 10/10 views. Whether it be the Remarkables’ mountain range, Lake Wakatipu or the Shotover River – you’ll be surrounded by scenes straight out of a postcard for the rest of your stay.

First point of call is breakfast! You’ll be needing a hearty feed to fuel you for the day ahead, and Queenstown has many great eateries to choose from. Located close to the Skyline Gondola is ever popular, Bespoke Cafe – well known for their avo toast and banana bread. Alternatively, in the heart of Central Queenstown, Church Street is home to the bustling venue Yonder – grab a stellar coffee and pulled pork eggs benny!

So, what’s on for the day? First up, take the iconic Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak to get a bird’s eye view over Queenstown. This vantage point showcases the town and its surrounding beauty perfectly. With boats zipping about on the lake, paragliders soaring through the sky & hollers from the nearby zipliners – you can see why this is coined the adventure capital. If you fancy yourself as Mario or Luigi, give the luge karting a go too.  

Hopping back into the gondola for a 480-metre ride back down, your next stop is just a few steps away – the Kiwi Birdlife Park. Wander round and experience native wildlife up close, with exciting encounters and educational talks. This is also a great place to taste local honeys and purchase gifts to take home for your loved ones.

Now, mixing things up a little and seeking an adrenaline hit – Kjet has got you covered. Conveniently situated on the lakefront, head down and jump aboard for a 1-hour thrill ride. Travelling the waters of Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau & Shotover rivers – the scenes are just as memorable as the fun 360 spins. This activity is suitable for little ones who fit in a life jacket, right through to adults seeking a buzz.

It’s been a busy morning and no doubt you’ve worked up an appetite! Sunfire, the newly opened sister of Flame, has outdoor seating on the wharf so you can bask in the sun and admire the views. If you fancy Asian delights, Madam Woo is the place to go and if you’ve got a hankering for burger, check out our blog here for the Best Burgers in Queenstown.  

For those of you who aren’t too pushed for time and have multiple sunny summer days to explore Queenstown, now is the perfect moment to slow down and take it all in. Enjoy a mimosa or two with a long lunch, read a book at the lakefront, or peruse the shops in search of your next special find. However, for the purposes of this blog we are keeping things rolling with a ‘go go go’ attitude.

With so much to explore on the ground, activities by air can often be left as an afterthought. However, some of the best days our team of luxury experts have had, have been those in the skies! Experiencing Queenstown and the wider region from above takes you into a world of hidden lakes, untouched snowcapped mountains and an appreciation for the sheer size and beauty of the natural landscape. Dipping your toe in to this, is a 20 minute flight over the region with an alpine landing on The Remarkables mountains.

If you are a lover of the skies, check out our blog here for a full day experience that is overflowing with memory making moments and a cruise on Milford Sound.

With time for one final stop before heading home, we recommend a visit to Fino Wine Bar on Frankton Marina. With over 40 boutique wines, this is the perfect quiet spot to reflect on the day past.

As your jam-packed summer day in Queenstown comes to an end, retreat to the comfort of your luxury villa for some rest and rejuvenation. With breathtaking views and personalised services that elevate your experience, let us provide the perfect setting for your summer escape.